Trashing the country’s Covid response for political advantage

Written By: - Date published: 8:39 am, July 8th, 2020 - 126 comments
Categories: national, same old national, todd muller, uncategorized - Tags: , ,

Yesterday was a pretty spectacular day.  It was the day that the country learned conclusively that for National winning political advantage was more important than keeping the population safe from Covid.

I don’t know what other interpretation to put on it.

Two weeks ago I said this:

It appears that National has decided to oppose every thing the Government is doing.  And publicly trash efforts by claiming that the effort is a national disgrace while pretty well every country is looking at New Zealand and wishing they had achieved something similar.  And I can’t help but wonder if some within National are secretly cheering for a second community outbreak to occur.

Harsh I know.  But how else do you explain Michael Woodhouse’s decision to score political points rather than alert the government about what could have been a significant risk?  That period of a day or so where clearly senior levels of the Ministry of Health did not know about the road trip could have been disastrous.

National’s rhetoric about how badly the Government was doing and how inept its response was can now be augmented by the news that National operatives actively leaked confidential medical information.  And then National jumped up and down about the privacy breach.

Hamish Walker’s explanation does not make sense.  He has offered two explanations.

The first is that he wanted to justify his claim that Indians, Pakistanis and Koreans some infected with Covid were on their way to Queenstown.

The second is that he wanted to highlight the failure of the Government to keep the information confidential.

Neither explanation stands up.  And if the second reason was the real reason he could have gone public and said that he had been given confidential information and then handed it to the authorities.  But I guess then he would have dropped Boag in it.

Audrey Young has poured a huge dollup of scorn on the claim.  From the Herald:

The National Party has suffered a massive breach of sound judgment from top to bottom.

MP Hamish Walker’s confession to being the person who sent the names of Covid-19 patients to media outlets was bad enough — but his apology has reinforced his shocking judgment.

It is an apology for an apology. It smacks of self-righteous post-fact justification, and downright deception.

His statement suggests his motive for sending the list was akin to some kind of white-hat hacker, trying to expose weaknesses in the Government’s information systems.

“By exposing a significant privacy issue I hope the Government will improve its protocols and get its safeguards right.”

The gall of it.

His actual motive, as understood by my colleague Amelia Wade who received the list, was to defend his reputation against allegations of racism.

He had been accused of racism for saying it was disgraceful that communities in his part of the world, Queenstown and Dunedin, had not been consulted about them possibly being used for managed isolation, and singling out three countries.

“These people are possibly heading for Dunedin, Invercargill and Queenstown from India, Pakistan and Korea.”

Apparently the list he sent through doesn’t actually list country of nationality or where they had flown from and so the list proved absolutely nothing — except poor judgment.

The information concerning where infected kiwis had flown from is paradoxically available publicly.  Figures for the past two months are:

  • India – 17
  • Australia – 11
  • United States – 3
  • Singapore – 1
  • Pakistan – 0
  • North and South Korea – 0

And this morning there were further developments highlighted by Radio New Zealand.  These include:

  • Muller claims that he discovered Walker was the leaker on Monday, July 6 at lunchtime.
  • Walker lawyered up.  Muller held off saying something public for a day because he had to deal with a QC’s letter.
  • Boag confirmed she had received the information via her personal email address.  She has resigned as acting chief executive of the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust but from the language used not as a trustee of the trust.
  • Muller claims that to his knowledge no other National MP knew about the leak and this was the actions of a rogue National MP and a rogue former President of the National Party.
  • The Heron inquiry is going to continue.

The lawyering up by Walker is particularly interesting.  What was he hoping to achieve?

This episode displays how poor Walker’s judgment is.  And how much of a mess National’s caucus is in.  And how Muller has no control over his caucus.  And how elements within National are happy to trash the Country’s Covid response for political advantage.

https://twitter.com/hendysh/status/1280383193187680256

126 comments on “Trashing the country’s Covid response for political advantage ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. infused 1
    8 July 2020 at 8:44 am

    sorry, but trashing the country is releasing untested patients. Lets be real here, while it was a fucking stupid thing to do, it doesn't impact the countries response to covid.

    And having the details in an excel document is just stupid, if that is what turns out to be the case. The dude saying gone to great lengths to protect privacy is full of it.

    • observer 1.1
      8 July 2020 at 8:49 am

      67 days, no cases. Some trashing.

      • infused 1.1.1
        8 July 2020 at 11:36 am

        that's being fucking lucky.

        • Drowsy M. Kram 1.1.1.1
          8 July 2020 at 12:11 pm

          How many more days needed before it's something more than just "being fucking lucky", in your opinion?

          Face it, the dirty Nats need a real miracle, and Hooton’s not up to manufacturing one; too busy with damage control.

          Better start praying cheeky

        • peterh 1.1.1.2
          8 July 2020 at 12:43 pm

          fucking lucky, 27000 isolated . 60 positive cases 4000 staff, nurses, cooks, hotel workers ,airline bus drivers, army police, all went home every night all carried on with their jobs next day, NOT 1 transmission 68 days without community transmission all the workers k now they are doing the right things only country with more than500 cases with no border transmission fucking fool

        • Paddington 1.1.1.3
          8 July 2020 at 1:34 pm

          It's part luck, part leadership, part diligence by kiwi's, part the result of all the hard working people looking after the various systems in place (with a few exceptions – https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/07/coronavirus-one-new-case-of-covid-19-at-new-zealand-s-managed-isolation-facilities.html)…on it goes. Our health outcomes have been good, so far. The economic ones, no so much. (https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/money/2020/07/coronavirus-new-zealand-records-biggest-gdp-quarterly-fall-in-29-years-top-kiwi-economist.html).

          • Drowsy M. Kram 1.1.1.3.1
            8 July 2020 at 4:29 pm

            Maybe the NZ government, having done relatively well on Covid-19 health outcomes (with help from the team of nearly 5,000,000), should now be taking a leaf out of those countries that are doing better on the economic front.

            That said, I'll not support businesses, and political parties agitating for changes that could significantly jeopardise those health outcomes, but that's just me.

            • georgecom 1.1.1.3.1.1
              8 July 2020 at 7:37 pm

              compared with the rest of the world the Government has done a VERY good job with covid19. Sure, we have had some luck and we needed a bit. If anyone thinks the covid19 response on NZ is a shambles then piss off to Melbourne, the US, Brazil or the UK and don;t bother coming back until the covid epidemic has done its dash.

            • Paddington 1.1.1.3.1.2
              8 July 2020 at 7:51 pm

              I agree, in principle. However the line is fine. Any relaxation of virtual isolation carries risks. But the economic damage being caused is going to be horrific.

              • Tricledrown …
                8 July 2020 at 11:36 pm

                Paddington Australia is a different economy it doesn't rely on 20% of its income from tourism.

                Look at Victoria paddington.

                I read your article and most commentary by economists were positive overall.

                Hysterical scaremongering is what the National party have been indulging in ,Where has it got them.

                Any one for burnt toast with marmalade.

                • Paddington …
                  9 July 2020 at 1:34 pm

                  Australia is indeed a different country. They have much greater challenges dealing with the health consequences of Covid than NZ, including a Federal system, a much larger perimeter, larger population and higher density population centres.

              • Drowsy M. Kram …
                9 July 2020 at 12:29 am

                Maybe "a fine line" for some businesses and political parties, but not for me.

                • Paddington …
                  9 July 2020 at 1:35 pm

                  You're obviously comfortable with hundreds of thousands unemployed, and a debt to GDP ratio that will make your eyes water.

                  • Incognito …
                    9 July 2020 at 1:49 pm

                    You’re obviously a simpleton who is comfortable with simplistic thinking and who expects others to be even simpler than you are. Most of your commentary on Covid and our response to the pandemic can be summed up as a binary opposite of death rate vs. economic crash. If you are really as simplistic as your comments suggest it begs the question what line of business you’re in.

                    • Paddington …
                      9 July 2020 at 2:56 pm

                      You are obviously a simpleton who can’t distinguish between a binary approach and various points on a spectrum.

                    • Incognito []
                      9 July 2020 at 3:58 pm

                      It is fairly obvious where on the troll spectrum you sit. You argue like a simpleton, you reply like a simpleton, but you are not a simpleton because you run a successful multi-national business group. So, you come here just to annoy people? Don’t be so obtuse.

                    • Paddington …
                      9 July 2020 at 4:36 pm

                      That comment rather suggests my last comment hit the nail.

                    • Incognito []
                      9 July 2020 at 5:03 pm

                      When I hold a mirror up to you and you react to the mirror image it is evident that you are missing the point. I have no interest in joining your simplistic discussion, and I didn’t for your information and in case you got confused about that, but I do have an interest in keeping the site free from obtuse commenters who don’t add much to the conversation and distract others with their obtuse reasoning and comments AKA trolls. Your main claim to fame is here is annoying people for no other reason than that you’re annoyed at what you’re reading. This is neither robust debate nor debate in good faith. If an intelligent person doesn’t want to lift their game here they are better off leaving the site. Moderators have more than enough comments to wade through and sift without having to read your obtuse frustrations as well. I hope this helps you decide how you want to continue on TS.

                    • Paddington …
                      9 July 2020 at 5:34 pm

                      You clearly don’t have the capacity to follow even the simplest of conversations. You can try to hide that behind your moderators cap, if you choose. Meanwhile, the vast majority of conversations I engage in here are amicable and constructive. Time for you to take a good look in that mirror.

                    • Incognito []
                      9 July 2020 at 5:50 pm

                      Yeah, I did not expect anything different from you but denial and putting it back onto me. This is your MO, i.e. throwing it back at the commenter (e.g. obtuse, simpleton, take a good look in the mirror, et cetera). It’s called deflecting and is a form of denial.

                      Oh, I see, you’ve edited your comment 🙂

                      Never mind, you obviously have not taken in one word I said, which is disappointing. I’m not wearing my “moderators cap” at the mo. As you can tell, I’m commenting here but you choose to see it differently. That’s the trouble with binary thinking, it leads to wrong conclusions.

                  • Drowsy M. Kram …
                    9 July 2020 at 2:19 pm

                    Haven't mentioned 'unemployment', or 'debt to GDP ratio' – can only speculate about why you might be motivated to cast me as a comfortable villian.

                    Note that I haven't at any point suggested that your concerns about the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic would cause you to prioritise the NZ economy over the health of NZers, nor would I. wink

                    For the record, I'm not "comfortable with hundreds of thousands unemployed" – simply reasonably healthy and wish to remain so. I will continue to support NZ businesses, but I’ve tended not to support businesses that might pose a significant risk to my personal health, and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon. Is there something about my position that you find unreasonable?

                    While NZ's projected debt to GDP ratio may make your eyes water, I can assure you that mine will remain dry. How high do you think that ratio will get; might we catch up to Australia's, the U.S., or maybe even Japan's?

                    https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/countries-by-national-debt/

                    • Paddington …
                      9 July 2020 at 2:58 pm

                      You mentioned 'fine line' in response to my comment about balancing economic and health outcomes. Fairly obvious I would have thought.

                    • Drowsy M. Kram …
                      9 July 2020 at 3:05 pm

                      "obvious" – I think that's a fair word to describe which side of your fine line (“However the line is fine.” @1.1.1.3.1.2) each of us is on.

                      The question remains as to "why you might be motivated to cast me as a comfortable villian", not to mention my two questions @2:19 pm.

                    • Paddington …
                      9 July 2020 at 3:10 pm

                      You responded to my comment about the line between health and economic outcomes and you can't understand why I mention economic indicators. Think about it.

                    • Drowsy M. Kram …
                      9 July 2020 at 3:18 pm

                      "you can't understand why I mention economic indicators"

                      Now you're being obtuse. If you'd rather not answer my questions @2:19 pm then that's fine – no skin off my nose.

                      Btw the way, it’s clear from your brief comment @1:35 pm that you were flat out asserting that I was comfortable with higher levels of NZ unemployment and a higher debt to GDP ratio. I’m certainly not comfortable with the former, more relaxed about the latter.

                    • Paddington …
                      9 July 2020 at 3:34 pm

                      "Now you're being obtuse."

                      Not at all. I made a comment about the line between economic and health outcomes. You repeated an expression I used, to which I responded with an example of an economic indicator. You then wrote " Haven't mentioned 'unemployment', or 'debt to GDP ratio' – ". I'd say it's you who is being obtuse.

                    • Paddington …
                      9 July 2020 at 3:36 pm

                      "…more relaxed about the latter."

                      I'm not relaxed about either. An increase in the debt to GDP of the level being forecast, along with the collapse in GDP growth, the resultant unemployment and social consequences are indicating serious problems for NZ society down the track.

                      Meanwhile, we now have 24 hour police presence at isolation facilities.

                    • Drowsy M. Kram …
                      9 July 2020 at 4:25 pm

                      “I’m not relaxed about either” either, but of the two I’m more relaxed about the debt to GDP ratio, because NZ is starting in a relatively good position.

                      If you still believe I'm "obviously comfortable with hundreds of thousands unemployed, and a debt to GDP ratio that will make your eyes water", then you're either delusional or simple.

                      Obviously I won't be on your 'side' of that binary 'fine line' 100% of the time, but I will do what I can, within reason, to use/support local businesses. I do have some genuine and (looking around the world) realistic concerns about the consequences of prioritising economic indicators over community health. I'll even admit to an element of self-interest in those concerns, but there's plenty of self-interest to go around, IMHO.

                    • Paddington …
                      9 July 2020 at 4:38 pm

                      " because NZ is starting in a relatively good position. "

                      And will end up in a far poorer position. Along with unemployment etc also going in the wrong direction. Leaving a mountain of debt, and an economy struggling to generate jobs and growth to my children is not my idea of a happy place.

                    • Incognito []
                      9 July 2020 at 5:53 pm

                      The rest is speculation.

                      QFT

                    • Drowsy M. Kram …
                      9 July 2020 at 4:50 pm

                      While I have some sympathy for your legitimate concerns, at the moment there's honestly no country I'd rather be living in than NZ. Maybe that will change – maybe it won't.

                      Our extant human civilisation has probably passed ‘peak rosy future‘, and still "We don't know how lucky we are…"

                    • Paddington …
                      9 July 2020 at 4:55 pm

                      smiley

    • mickysavage 1.2
      8 July 2020 at 8:49 am

      You should ask those in the medical profession what they think. You think that sabotaging infected people’s privacy and thereby undermining confidence in the health response is nothing to worry about?

      • I Feel Love 1.2.1
        8 July 2020 at 9:01 am

        Not just the medical profession, all professions with access to private information, I've done payroll work, plenty of access to individuals personal info, the fact an MP thought it was ok to release this. Appalling, accept it and take responsibility, Walker/Boag/Muller et al fuckef up.

      • peter 1.2.2
        8 July 2020 at 9:32 am

        It was terrible terrible in the weekend. Because of factors you mention.

        What is terrible terrible about it today is only that their boy got his hand caught in the till.

        The sanctity of the information is irrelevant to them today.

      • Stunned Mullet 1.2.3
        8 July 2020 at 10:43 am

        If this type of deliberate breach by an employee occurred in any medical practice or hospital in NZ the culprit would be dismissed the following day end of story.

        • Lettuce 1.2.3.1
          8 July 2020 at 11:32 am

          And that medical practice or hospital would be sued for hefty damages.

          • Stunned Mullet 1.2.3.1.1
            8 July 2020 at 1:12 pm

            Ah no …..very unlikely in NZ, just censure of the relevant staff plus formal apology is the usual.

            • McFlock 1.2.3.1.1.1
              8 July 2020 at 2:05 pm

              Depending on the nature of the breach, it could also screw their HISO compliance. Basically they wouldn't be able to share patient data computer:computer with other services. An inconvenience.

              But also, if the deliberate breach was from the service's premises or computer system, that would be theft/dishonestly obtaining.

              It's mysterious appearance in Boag's personal email before she forwarded it was a fortunate communication anomaly by ARHT.

    • mac1 1.3
      8 July 2020 at 9:06 am

      Also ask what the Privacy Commissioner thought. Ask what the expert in privacy law, barrister Dalziell, thought. Ask what the reporters are saying- their ethics were applied correctly in the case.

      Now we have to find out what the fellow trustees on the Helicopter trust think, what Muller thinks, what the MoH think regarding 'trusted partners', what the Clutha-Southland National Party think, what the Clutha-Southland electorate thinks….

      What the NZ electorate thinks……..

      We have just heard that Walker is lawyering up, and that Muller is seeking Walker's sacking from National Party membership.

    • xanthe 1.4
      8 July 2020 at 10:03 am

      sorry infused but yes trashing! the successful Covid response is because of all of us having the confidence to follow the plan. setting out to dishonestly undermine that confidence really does put each of us in real danger. Covid does not follow the rules of our political game.

    • greywarshark 1.5
      8 July 2020 at 11:27 am

      Infused – I have wondered with what? Can you enlighten us or don't you understand anything.

      By the way is that a pop-up cardboard police figure with Walker or whoever one of the National's suits? Who is it and what is he standing by a police sign?

    • Rae 1.6
      8 July 2020 at 3:22 pm

      It is testament to this govt's ability, having to manage keeping the virus out of the country with one hand and having to defend themselves from ludicrous assaults from across the floor.

      I think for once and for all, they have demonstrated they are more capable of dealing with this, and now that we can simply dismiss anything the opposition says from here on in, they should have a clear path to further success.

      Kiddies, into the corner, the adults have got this.

      By the way the documents were those of Auckland Helicopter Trust, not the govts, not sure how you manage to besmirch them with this when the CEO used her privilege to do this heinous job.

    • newsense 1.7
      8 July 2020 at 11:33 pm

      Some luck sure. And a lot of hard work and open honest communication. And when something needed doing, listening to everyone, especially the scientists and making decisions. I'd prefer that to politics as normal- obstruct, hide, BS and bluster.

  2. Ad 2
    8 July 2020 at 8:57 am

    Hipkins is savvy enough to keep tapping National's bleeding wound right through to the election.

    Once Boag is in court we have just a little chance that her pastry-baked maggot empire will be cut open in court and served back to her.

    That would stink, as well as steam.

    • Just Is 2.1
      8 July 2020 at 9:25 am

      Yep, I think Hipkins has the skills to play this issue right up to election day.

      Mullers attempting to distance himself from it this morning, he would've been better doing that yesterday, instead, he tried to use it to discredit the Govt.

    • weka 2.2
      8 July 2020 at 12:16 pm

      what's the legislation that means this would end up in court? Don't privacy breaches get dealt with first by the Privacy Commissioner?

      • nzlemming 2.2.1
        8 July 2020 at 3:54 pm

        The QC-led inquiry takes precedence, but the Privacy Commissioner can, IIRC, refer matters for prosecution if the breach is deliberate, egregious and material was obtained illegally. The Police have said they are waiting for a complaint, and I imagine the PC will wait on the QC's results.

        • McFlock 2.2.1.1
          8 July 2020 at 4:01 pm

          if the breach is deliberate, egregious and material was obtained illegally.

          Oh, but it was emailed to me on my personal account so was placed completely in my possession without me doing anything, I didn't intend to obtain it and the sender had good faith given my role as acting CEO. Therefore the material was obtained legally, if inadvertantly. /sarc

          That "my personal email" is doing a lot of heavy lifting.

          • weka 2.2.1.1.1
            8 July 2020 at 4:45 pm

            Explains the delays in putting out the statements. Lawyering.

            Is it illegal to obtain but not illegal to distribute?

            • weka 2.2.1.1.1.1
              8 July 2020 at 4:46 pm

              Have to say National (and NZF) are pretty good at this borderline illegal stuff.

            • McFlock 2.2.1.1.1.2
              8 July 2020 at 5:06 pm

              Assuming Boag counts as "an agency" under the Privacy Act I suspect distribution would likely be illegal (pay a fine) but not criminal.

              Whereas in some scenarios it might be criminally illegal to obtain it (e.g. using the receptionist's password when the office is empty), or just civil illegal (privacy act fine), or even legal if everyone had reasonable grounds and the thing "slipped through the cracks". But that would still be a privacy breach by the org, so maybe a fine for the org.

  3. Grant Insley 3
    8 July 2020 at 9:04 am

    Three questions for Muller:

    1. When he found out on Monday about this potential criminal act, why did he not immediately contact Michael Heron QC to simply put him on notice that information had been received but they would like a few hours to seek legal advice?
    To sit on the information for nearly 30 hours is unacceptable.

    2. Having already known for 30 hours and had time to allow his feelings to surface, when first interviewed late Tuesday afternoon where was today's anger and rejection of Walker??
    Is it not obvious that this stance is now only being taken as a result of the extreme social media disgust and outcry?

    3. Knowing what had occurred how could he hold his head up high on Monday afternoon and all through Tuesday and continue to call the government shambolic whilst posting several images and comments of him having a fantastic day!

    …

    Copied with permission from a post by Fran Farrant.

    • swordfish 3.1
      8 July 2020 at 9:19 am

      Is it not obvious that this stance is now only being taken as a result of the extreme social media disgust and outcry?

      When even Kiwiblog regulars express visceral anger at their own Party by a ratio of about 9 to 1 … you know you're in troub.

      • Dennis Frank 3.1.1
        8 July 2020 at 9:29 am

        Oh yeah. Farrar reports:

        The National Party board is meeting today to decide the fate of the MP who leaked Covid-19 patient details and leader Todd Muller wants Hamish Walker out. Muller has written to the party’s board asking them to remove Walker from the party, RNZ reports.

        It’s good to see Muller acting strongly on this. There is huge anger within the party at what Walker did. Sadly for Walker, I don’t think he can recover from this.

        • Morrissey 3.1.1.1
          8 July 2020 at 10:43 am

          There is huge anger within the party at what Walker did.

          CORRECTION: There is huge anger within the party that Walker and the mastermind Boag were caught.

          • Halfcrown 3.1.1.1.1
            8 July 2020 at 10:53 am

            EXACTLY 1000%

          • Chris T 3.1.1.1.2
            8 July 2020 at 1:56 pm

            "Walker and the mastermind Boag were caught."

            I thought they came forward?

            • Rae 3.1.1.1.2.1
              8 July 2020 at 3:26 pm

              Only way to go when you are forced into a corner

              • nzlemming …
                8 July 2020 at 4:04 pm

                Buuuuut how were they forced into a corner? Heron had barely got started. And the only way he could have got to Walker was via the actual emails, which are protected under journalistic privilege and would actually require court action to force release. But Walker leaps forward to say "It me!" (at about the same time that Woodlouse states loudly, though no-one was asking "Wasn't me!") before anything other than a list of organisations who might have had access could have been filed. The timing doesn't make sense.

                We know that Walker didn't have an attack of conscience over the weekend – he was still claiming that release of the names was justified by a) his racist claims regarding people coming to Southland for isolation and b) his contention that there had been a security breach because the list wasn't passworded.

                This is an obvious sacrifice play – toss the ingenue to the wolves to protect someone higher in the ranks. Boag had to go as well to give credibility. However, she was Nikki Kaye's campaign manager until this morning. Why would she not pass on such a thing to Kaye? Or one of the more senior MPs like Brownlee? To give it to Walker defies logic.

                • Anne …
                  8 July 2020 at 11:18 pm

                  However, she was Nikki Kaye's campaign manager until this morning. Why would she not pass on such a thing to Kaye? Or one of the more senior MPs like Brownlee?

                  She probably did but they didn't pass it on to the media.

                  Police Minister, Nash thinks there are more Nat MPs out there who were in on the action.

            • Drowsy M. Kram 3.1.1.1.2.2
              8 July 2020 at 4:55 pm

              "mastermind Boag" laugh

              • Morrissey …
                8 July 2020 at 5:00 pm

                In the National Party, she's a mastermind. Which tells us an awful lot about the National Party. sad

            • Rapunzel 3.1.1.1.2.3
              8 July 2020 at 8:42 pm

              Came forward? What caused that? A sudden dual rush of conscious? If you believe that you'll believe pretty much anything. The game was up, that's the only reason one folded & took the other with them

      • Enough is Enough 3.1.2
        8 July 2020 at 10:16 am

        Almost every issue is argued along tribal lines. People will be outraged or defensive depending on whether they wear a red or blue shirt. It is tiresome and pathetic in many ways.

        The pleasing thing about this issue is both sides are coming in hard against Walker and Boag. You can't survive if your own mates are calling for your head.

        Walker and Boag are toast and good riddance.

        • swordfish 3.1.2.1
          8 July 2020 at 10:39 am

          Yeah … Orwell had a lot to say about the blatant hypocrisy, double standards & political expediency underlying partisanship. Especially when it becomes self-interested, authoritarian & cultish.like our contemporary Woke chums. A kind of aggressive neurosis (hiding secret shame & fear of cognitive dissonance) mixed with wholesale self-delusion.

          ;

          • Drowsy M. Kram 3.1.2.1.1
            8 July 2020 at 12:31 pm

            "People who do really good stuff have flaws." – Barack Obama; October 2019

            • swordfish 3.1.2.1.1.1
              8 July 2020 at 12:53 pm

              The road to hell is paved with good intentions (Proverb of mixed origin)

              Or, just as often, self-interest & power-hunger carefully camouflaged as
              "good intentions".

              • Drowsy M. Kram …
                8 July 2020 at 1:14 pm

                Most people would settle for feeling safe and secure. Maybe I could be persuaded (manipulated?) to march for that, if I didn’t feel safe and secure already. But I’m just not that ‘woke’.

                • swordfish …
                  8 July 2020 at 1:45 pm

                  One of my key motivations for regularly sniping at the Woke over recent weeks is the patent lack of safety & security forced on my very elderly Parents by Labour's tacit No Eviction policy. More than two & a half years of violent intimidation, bordering on a kind of domestic terrorism from their State House neighbour and, despite significant attempts at redress by concerned Police & Social Workers … nothing happening. This would be the Labour Party they've devoted most of their lives to.

                  • Drowsy M. Kram …
                    8 July 2020 at 4:16 pm

                    That sounds miserable – hope you can assist your parents to improve their situation soon. Can't remember if this has come up before, but would it be worthwhile asking the local MP for help now?

      • georgecom 3.1.3
        8 July 2020 at 7:43 pm

        In one fell swoop Hamish Walker has handed the leadership of National to Chris Luxon, should he want it. Muller is effectively gone, it's merely a matter of time now. National will be lucky to end up with polling numbers that Bridges was bringing them. Holding that % of votes will be a triumph now. Luxon can bide his time and position himself once in parliament to take the big seat when he is ready.

        [I have changed/corrected your user name three times, as it appeared as an e-mail address, which is confusing – Incognito]

  4. Just Is 4
    8 July 2020 at 9:09 am

    Muller seems to have changed tact this morning realising the damage it's caused their election campaign, yesterday he blamed the Govt for poor security and handling, he must have sobered up overnight and realised he needed to be on the right side of this.

    The damage has been done and the Govt are going to get a lot milage out of this if they manage it properly.

    https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/todd-muller-says-he-doesnt-want-mp-hamish-walker-run-again-after-covid-19-patient-details-leak

    • gsays 4.1
      8 July 2020 at 1:33 pm

      Labour, under Ardern's leadership, have resisted going for the lower hanging fruit or taking cheap political pot-shots.

      I trust this continues. Better to emphasise their own strengths and 'wins' rather than get down in the mud with the others

      • nzlemming 4.1.1
        8 July 2020 at 4:08 pm

        There are ways to get leverage from something without wading in the sewer.

  5. That_guy 5
    8 July 2020 at 9:20 am

    I think the more important issue here is the popcorn shortage I'm currently experiencing.

    • Anne 5.1
      8 July 2020 at 10:42 am

      Panic buying That_guy. There's about 85 days to go and that's a lot of popcorn consumption. I have it on good authority that the popcorn makers have agreed to operate 24/7 for the next four weeks so the shortage is only temporary.

      In the meantime try jellybeans. Not good for the teeth but better than nothing.

  6. KJT 6
    8 July 2020 at 9:20 am

    Walker/Boag. "What did we do wrong. Senior members of the party leak private details for political advantage whenever they feel like it". "Why us getting thrown to the wolves?". "It was OK for Bennett".

    • Dennis Frank 6.1
      8 July 2020 at 9:34 am

      Farrar: "allowing the leader and health spokesperson to condemn the leak, without telling them he was the leaker, was beyond the pale."

      A good keen man does Barry Crump in politics by being a secret agent though. He doesn't think "Hey, I must tell woodlouse & our interim leader, to get permission." He does macho instead. Rambo cloaked with James Bond is a good mix…

  7. Dennis Frank 7
    8 July 2020 at 9:25 am

    Does seem to be a spectacular own goal by the Nats. Still somewhat murky around the faction aspect of things – could be the faction that Muller represents see advantage in presenting as ethical/moral as well as moderate. He keeps pushing that view personally.

    Then the dirty tricks brigade who believe all's fair in love & war try to leverage their position from within. So Muller gets caught between exposing them to demonstrate his strength in leadership, or not doing so because his caucus support isn't that strong…

  8. Muttonbird 8
    8 July 2020 at 9:27 am

    Nashy's on the case. Thinks there's a few National Party MPs in on this.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12346300

    • Gabby 8.1
      8 July 2020 at 12:01 pm

      Does Colonel Comrade conduct espionage seminars for free as a party favour, or does he charge?

  9. ianmac 9
    8 July 2020 at 9:44 am

    The Privacy Commissioner said that MPs were exempt from the Privacy Act and therefore cannot be prosecuted under the Act. (This morning on NZR.)

    What! Statements made in the House are exempt but not those outside the House. Surely not?

    • ianmac 9.1
      8 July 2020 at 9:49 am

      The National Party sets a climate of Government denigration. Did Walker think he was pitching another arrow like his bosses to hurt the Government?

  10. aom 10
    8 July 2020 at 9:47 am

    The line that Boag received the information because of her position has to be a smokescreen to cover a leakers backside. The information leaked was operational so shouldn't have been released to an executive, and certainly not via a personal email.

    • Muttonbird 10.1
      8 July 2020 at 9:51 am

      Yes, this seriously needs to be investigated. I won't be though. Bizarrely, the media are taking her at her word.

    • ianmac 10.2
      8 July 2020 at 9:51 am

      Unless the Leaker is in the MOHealth and is the same one who leaked the Homeless man, and sent his/her message to Boag?

  11. Observer Tokoroa 11
    8 July 2020 at 9:50 am

    vile uncertainty

    The present National Party has determined and published loudly – via its Shamble Arrow – that it will undermine constantly and daily, the highly gifted Present Government.

    As a result, we have no certainty as to whether Todd Muller himself, openly savaged and released Personal and Patient information to his numbers of colleagues.

    Todd Muller, was determined to undermine everybody and anybody – not a member of National.

    He certainly covered up quite a rotten lumps of filth for days..

  12. Observer Tokoroa 12
    8 July 2020 at 9:54 am

    vile uncertainty

    The present National Party has determined and published loudly – via its Shamble Arrow – that it will undermine constantly and daily, the highly gifted Present Government.

    As a result, we have no certainty as to whether Todd Muller himself, openly savaged and released Personal and Patient information to his numbers of colleagues.

    Todd Muller, was determined to undermine everybody and anybody – not a member of National.

    He certainly covered up quite a rotten lump of filth for days..

    • Just Is 12.1
      8 July 2020 at 1:38 pm

      He certainly covered up quite a rotten lump of filth for days..

      Must have have been getting advice and considering how much damage control was needed.

      Had he had any level of honesty and integrity, he would have reported this on Monday.

  13. Morrissey 13
    8 July 2020 at 10:20 am

    To quote the late great Monsieur Talleyrand: "C'est pire qu'un crime, c'est une faute."

    • Observer Tokoroa 13.1
      8 July 2020 at 11:26 am

      Morrissey – your Mr thingy Muller

      "Was worse than a Crime – he is a Blunder !"

      It reminded me of my evil Frau Boag – a bigger blunder is not to be found.

  14. Whispering Kate 14
    8 July 2020 at 10:43 am

    So Morticia has slunk out of her crypt once again. Lordy me that woman has no shame. Our Nicky must be wondering at the irony of all of this. The stupid young MP who picked up the info and ran with it is no different to the MP who taped his staff and lost his Blinglish seat. Doesn't the National Party have any decent people from its pool to gift these seats to.

    What a disgusting state of affairs. Morticia needs the screws tightened to keep her permanently where she deserves to be.

    • Morrissey 14.1
      8 July 2020 at 11:00 am

      Doesn't the National Party have any decent people from its pool to gift these seats to.

      Bring back Richard Worth.

      • tc 14.1.1
        8 July 2020 at 1:27 pm

        Mike sabin or Aaaron Gilmore available ? Wouldn't matter who as true blue nats vote for anyone representing the brand.

    • Anne 14.2
      8 July 2020 at 11:56 am

      I go back to the 1970s in NZ politics although my involvement has seesawed between being very active to not active at all over the years.

      This style of political skulduggery was introduced to NZ by one, Robert David Muldoon. He was known to play very dirty when it suited him. The Colin Moyle Affair was a case in point. He was also known to use the SIS to his personal advantage. Then along came Rogernomics and Ruthenasia and the style of 'dog eat dog politics' was cemented in for the next 30 plus years.

      What we might be seeing now is the last gasping breath of Dirty Politics and under Ardern's guiding hand we will see a return to a principled and honest style of political management. If that is her legacy then bring it on and now!

  15. Tiger Mountain 15
    8 July 2020 at 10:50 am

    NZ National seem to be trying to contain this and circle Ms Boag and Mr (whites only in Southland) Walker. My prediction is that National’s famous Dirty Tricks dept. is deep in this, and links to other National MPs and staff involved will eventually emerge.

    I sincerely hope this time around more New Zealanders wake up to National’s patented two track strategy. Since “the Hollowmen” the evidence has been there, such leaks and incidents are NZ National SOP not some sort of aberration. Mr Hooton is now close to the Beehive folks, wake up time!

    and…I don’t believe the “decent media” narrative in this Covid leak–the journos and owners want to keep their national aligned snouts in the Ministry, and avoid personal blowback. Publishing the list of 18 would have definitely crossed the line for many.

    • tc 15.1
      8 July 2020 at 10:57 am

      What that decent media that's been supplying the Boags and Hootens with soapboxes for year upon year…..surely not.

  16. ScottGN 16
    8 July 2020 at 11:00 am

    Hopefully the National Party’s looming thrashing at the election will, to paraphrase the General, bomb them back to the dark ages.

  17. ianmac 17
    8 July 2020 at 11:32 am

    The Nats Board is meeting today around midday. They must cauterise sack Walker now. To not do so would undermine Muller.

    How they deal with Boag will be more interesting. After all she is the past President and spokesman in all direction but now her credibility….

  18. Observer Tokoroa 18
    8 July 2020 at 11:34 am

    Shoosh pleeez

    Hoskins Hootins and Herald

    Have gone to Hell, each in their own Basket of Bowel slime

  19. EE 19
    8 July 2020 at 11:51 am

    Michelle Boag is often referred to as “the former President of the National Party”.
    But her roles in the National Party at the time of the leak were senior postions in both
    the Auckland Central electorate team and was on the 2020 campaign committee for that electorate.
    Did Nikki Kaye also receive the Covid Patients details?

    • weka 19.1
      8 July 2020 at 12:17 pm

      Good point about the descriptors.

      do you know if any journos are asking who else the info was sent to?

  20. Observer Tokoroa 20
    8 July 2020 at 11:56 am

    Morticia

    Do you think we should get Frau Boag a blade from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

    The Gracious Bank probably won't like things that Frau Boag has stuffed down her attire- as gifts for Giggly Muller.

  21. weka 21
    8 July 2020 at 12:25 pm

    I hope she loses greatly from this latest shit, but this too,
    https://twitter.com/LewSOS/status/1280637035225595904

  22. Melanie Scott 22
    8 July 2020 at 12:47 pm

    What I wonder is, where does this leave the rescue helicopter outfit. It relies on charitable donations from the public. It could be sued for allowing a breach such as this. Boag has history over questionable dealings with the trust, eg getting them to fly (a fully manned crew was required) to Waiheke to pick up her passport which she had left behind.

    • Brigid 22.1
      8 July 2020 at 6:36 pm

      Perhaps the people whose names are on the list would care to sue the trust. And boag. They'll know who they are.

      I know if my privacy was breached and my name used for political gain I'd want blood

  23. Just Is 23
    8 July 2020 at 1:57 pm

    The National Party cheerleaders Tova Obrien and Jesica Much- McCay will be struggling to find a positive spin on this, their much loved "Gotcha" style Journalism has just got them

  24. Ed 24
    8 July 2020 at 4:43 pm

    While the National Party thinks our government’s COVID policies are a shambles.

    The WHO has praised New Zealand’s response.

    What does that tell you about the National Party?

    “The people & government of #NewZealand, led by @jacindaardern, have shown #COVID19 can be overcome through commitment, action & vigilance. Testing, contract tracing & clear communication to the public are hallmarks of the country’s successful response.'

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/122074593/coronavirus-world-health-organisation-praises-nzs-covid19-response

  25. Tricledrown 25
    8 July 2020 at 11:16 pm

    Did Michael Woodhouse get his imaginary homeless hotel guest off Michelle Boags list.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • At a glance – The difference between weather and climate
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 hours ago

  • More criminal miners
    What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 hours ago

  • Photos from the road
    Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    7 hours ago

  • RMA reforms aim to ease stock-grazing rules and reduce farmers’ costs – but Taxpayers’ Union w...
    Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough.  Greenpeace says ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    8 hours ago

  • Luxon Strikes Out.
    I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    11 hours ago

  • In many ways the media that the experts wanted, turned out to be the media they have got
    Chris Trotter writes –  Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    11 hours ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal Summons; or the more things stay the same
    Graeme Edgeler writes –  This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    12 hours ago

  • Both Parliamentary watchdogs hammer Fast-track bill
    Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General, John Ryan, has joined the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    13 hours ago

  • India makes a big bet on electric buses
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah Spengeman People wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
    Skeptical Science
    15 hours ago

  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 6:36am on Tuesday, April 23
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 6:36am on Tuesday, April 22:Scoop & Deep Dive: How Sir Peter Jackson got to have his billion-dollar exit cake and eat Hollywood too NZ Herald-$$$ Matt NippertFast Track Approval Bill: Watchdogs seek substantial curbs on ministers' powers ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    17 hours ago

  • What is really holding up infrastructure
    The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    18 hours ago

  • “Pure Unadulterated Charge”
    Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    18 hours ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks for Monday, April 22
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: writes via his substack that’s he’s sceptical about the IPSOS poll last week suggesting a slide into authoritarianism here, writing: Kiwis seem to want their cake and eat it too Tal Aster writes for about How Israel turned homeowners into YIMBYs. writes via his ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • The media were given a little list and hastened to pick out Fast Track prospects – but the Treaty ...
     Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • Just trying to stay upright
    It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • “Unprecedented”
    Today, former Port of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson went on trial on health and safety charges for the death of one of his workers. The Herald calls the trial "unprecedented". Firstly, it's only "unprecedented" because WorkSafe struck a corrupt and unlawful deal to drop charges against Peter Whittall over Pike ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Time for “Fast-Track Watch”
    Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Gordon Campbell on fast track powers, media woes and the Tiktok ban
    Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    1 day ago

  • The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    Bryce Edwards writes-  The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    1 day ago

  • Maori push for parallel government structures
    Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • An announcement about an announcement
    Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • All the Green Tech in China.
    Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Western Express Success
    In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    2 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 7:16am on Monday, April 22
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 7:16am on Monday, April 22:Labour says Kiwis at greater risk from loan sharks as Govt plans to remove borrowing regulations NZ Herald Jenee TibshraenyHow did the cost of moving two schools blow out to more than $400m?A ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to April 29 and beyond
    TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #16
    A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago

  • Thank you
    This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Determining the Engine Type in Your Car
    Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Become a Race Car Driver: A Comprehensive Guide
    Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Many Cars Are There in the World in 2023? An Exploration of Global Automotive Statistics
    Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take for Car Inspection?
    Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Who Makes Mazda Cars?
    Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Often to Replace Your Car Battery A Comprehensive Guide
    Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Can You Register a Car Without a License?
    In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the Rule If you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Mazda: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Reliability, Value, and Performance
    Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What Are Struts on a Car?
    Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What Does Car Registration Look Like: A Comprehensive Guide
    Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
    Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take to Build a Computer?
    Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Put Your Computer to Sleep
    Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
    Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
    In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Are Computers Made?
    A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
    Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
    Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
    Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
    Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
    Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
    Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
    In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
    A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    “You talking about me?”  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-23T11:07:03+00:00