Turning on Key
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- Date published:
10:14 am, November 25th, 2011 - 33 comments
Categories: election 2011, john key, Media -
Tags: chris whitworth, teapot tape
All the public polls (yes except Horizon) tell us that National should win this election, possibly with an absolute majority. I guess we’ll find out tomorrow. But whatever the result it’s been a costly election for Key. After the teapot tape fiasco and the subsequent police raids on media, his political capital with the media (except for die-hard fans) is spent. Consider this rather frank opinion piece by Chris Whitworth at 3 News:
From smiling to silent assassin: National’s media stonewall
Media and politicians can make strange bedfellows. It’s an uneasy and at times abusive relationship that comes under strain from past hurts and differing needs. …
So when the Prime Minister meets ACT candidate John Banks for a cup of tea, why was there such a media scrum you ask? Because up until then John Key had given media nothing but double-speak about National’s deal with ACT.
In fact, many in the media feel Key and his Cabinet have completely shut up shop ahead of the election, forcing them to jump on what ever scraps they are given.
Radio New Zealand’s head of news Don Rood says Key refused to front for both of their scheduled election debates with Labour leader Phil Goff on Morning Report – despite requesting the interview at the start of the year. .. Mr Rood says even during the year some National MPs have been “hesitant” to appear on the station and have often pulled out. Labour’s campaign spokesperson Grant Robertson suggests the “cold shoulder” from National is intentional.
A quick look at the RNZ website shows a similar gap in policy information provided by National. … The problem could be excused if Radio New Zealand was alone in this, but National’s reluctance to front appears to be industry wide.
TV3’s The Nation issued a press release earlier this month informing viewers that Key refused to appear on the show. It read: “John Key refuses to talk to The Nation so we’ve gone in search of him … follow[ing] the Key campaign and find[ing] that its endless photo opportunities are carefully planned stage shows”.
And so the list keeps growing.
Key has scarcely appeared on TV3’s Campbell Live or TVNZ’s Close Up – bar the standard leaders’ debates – and refused the New Zealand Herald’s request for a one-on-one between him and Phil Goff. I contacted the press secretary for Steven Joyce – National’s election campaign manager – yesterday for explanation but as of yet have not received a reply. …
So who is to blame? Did the media harass Key into a corner until he felt his best defence was just to keep quiet, or is it arrogance from a party who think the election is already won?
I think it’s more sinister.
Key doesn’t respect the media, and wants to have his cake and to eat it too. He wants the media for all his photo-ops and baby-kissing but then stonewalls when asked – repeatedly – for serious debate.
If the polls prove correct and Key does return for a second-term in Government, he would be wise to repair the burnt bridges with New Zealand’s media, because in the words of former US president Bill Clinton:
“Never pick a fight with people who buy ink by the barrel.”
Or tapes by the tonne.
Anyone else get the impression that Key’s second term, if he gets one, won’t be the same free ride as the first?
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- State Highway 5 reopens between Napier and Taupō following Cyclone GabrielleA vital transport link for communities and local businesses has been restored following Cyclone Gabrielle with the reopening of State Highway 5 (SH5) between Napier and Taupō, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan says. SH5 reopened to all traffic between 7am and 7pm from today, with closure points at SH2 (Kaimata ...21 hours ago
- Special Lotto draw raises $11.7 million for Cyclone Gabrielle recoveryInternal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds has thanked generous New Zealanders who took part in the special Lotto draw for communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Held on Saturday night, the draw raised $11.7 million with half of all ticket sales going towards recovery efforts. “In a time of need, New Zealanders ...2 days ago
- Government delivers a $3 million funding boost for Building Financial Capability servicesThe Government has announced funding of $3 million for providers to help people, and whānau access community-based Building Financial Capability services. “Demand for Financial Capability Services is growing as people face cost of living pressures. Those pressures are increasing further in areas affected by flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle,” Minister for ...4 days ago
- Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao – new Chair and memberMinister of Education, Hon Jan Tinetti, has announced appointments to the Board of Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao. Tracey Bridges is joining the Board as the new Chair and Dr Therese Arseneau will be a new member. Current members Dr Linda Sissons CNZM and Daniel Wilson have ...4 days ago
- Scholarships honouring Ngarimu VC and the 28th (Māori) Battalion announcedFifteen ākonga Māori from across Aotearoa have been awarded the prestigious Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards for 2023, Associate Education Minister and Ngarimu Board Chair, Kelvin Davis announced today. The recipients include doctoral, masters’ and undergraduate students. Three vocational training students and five wharekura students, ...4 days ago
- Appointment of Judge of the Court of Appeal and Judge of the High CourtHigh Court Judge Jillian Maree Mallon has been appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal, and District Court Judge Andrew John Becroft QSO has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today. Justice Mallon graduated from Otago University in 1988 with an LLB (Hons), and with ...4 days ago
- NZ still well placed to meet global challengesThe economy has continued to show its resilience despite today’s GDP figures showing a modest decline in the December quarter, leaving the Government well positioned to help New Zealanders face cost of living pressures in a challenging global environment. “The economy had grown strongly in the two quarters before this ...4 days ago
- Western Ring Route CompleteAucklanders now have more ways to get around as Transport Minister Michael Wood opened the direct State Highway 1 (SH1) to State Highway 18 (SH18) underpass today, marking the completion of the 48-kilometre Western Ring Route (WRR). “The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, more ...4 days ago
- Briefings to Incoming MinistersThis section contains briefings received by incoming ministers following changes to Cabinet in January. Some information may have been withheld in accordance with the Official Information Act 1982. Where information has been withheld that is indicated within the document. ...4 days ago
- Teaming up for a stronger, more resilient FijiAotearoa New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta reaffirmed her commitment to working together with the new Government of Fiji on issues of shared importance, including on the prioritisation of climate change and sustainability, at a meeting today, in Nadi. Fiji and Aotearoa New Zealand’s close relationship is underpinned by the Duavata ...5 days ago
- Investment in blue highway a lifeline for regional economies and cyclone recoveryThe Government is delivering a coastal shipping lifeline for businesses, residents and the primary sector in the cyclone-stricken regions of Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan announced today. The Rangitata vessel has been chartered for an emergency coastal shipping route between Gisborne and Napier, with potential for ...5 days ago
- Next steps developing clean energy for NZThe Government will progress to the next stage of the NZ Battery Project, looking at the viability of pumped hydro as well as an alternative, multi-technology approach as part of the Government’s long term-plan to build a resilient, affordable, secure and decarbonised energy system in New Zealand, Energy and Resources ...5 days ago
- Statement from the Prime Minister on Stuart NashThis morning I was made aware of a media interview in which Minister Stuart Nash criticised a decision of the Court and said he had contacted the Police Commissioner to suggest the Police appeal the decision. The phone call took place in 2021 when he was not the Police Minister. ...6 days ago
- CPTPP Trade Ministers coming to AucklandThe Government’s sharp focus on trade continues with Aotearoa New Zealand set to host Trade Ministers and delegations from 10 Asia Pacific economies at a meeting of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission members in July, Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor announced today. “New Zealand ...6 days ago
- Govt approves $25 million extension for cyclone-affected businesses$25 million boost to support more businesses with clean-up in cyclone affected regions, taking total business support to more than $50 million Demand for grants has been strong, with estimates showing applications will exceed the initial $25 million business support package Grants of up to a maximum of $40,000 per ...6 days ago
- More than 160,000 new Kiwis to call NZ home80 per cent of 2021 Resident Visas applications have been processed – three months ahead of schedule Residence granted to 160,000 people 84,000 of 85,000 applications have been approved Over 160,000 people have become New Zealand residents now that 80 per cent of 2021 Resident Visa (2021RV) applications have been ...6 days ago
- New Zealand to attend regional security meeting in AustraliaThe Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch Mosques travels to Melbourne, Australia today to represent New Zealand at the fourth Sub-Regional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Security. “The Government is committed to reducing the threat of terrorism ...6 days ago
- Health and safety action plan for portsThe health and safety practices at our nation’s ports will be improved as part of a new industry-wide action plan, Workplace Relations and Safety, and Transport Minister Michael Wood has announced. “Following the tragic death of two port workers in Auckland and Lyttelton last year, I asked the Port Health ...6 days ago
- Bikes and scooters to be exempt from FBTBikes, electric bikes and scooters will be added to the types of transport exempted from fringe benefit tax under changes proposed today. Revenue Minister David Parker said the change would allow bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, electric scooters, and micro-mobility share services to be exempt from fringe benefit tax where they ...6 days ago
- Foreign Affairs Minister to reaffirm our close relationship with FijiForeign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta will hold bilateral meetings with Fiji this week. The visit will be her first to the country since the election of the new coalition Government led by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sitiveni Rabuka. The visit will be an opportunity to meet kanohi ki ...7 days ago
- New legislation to streamline Cyclone recoveryThe Government is introducing the Severe Weather Emergency Legislation Bill to ensure the recovery and rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle is streamlined and efficient with unnecessary red tape removed. The legislation is similar to legislation passed following the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes that modifies existing legislation in order to remove constraints ...7 days ago
- Cost of living package: More bread and butter support for Kiwi familiesApproximately 1.4 million people will benefit from increases to rates and thresholds for social assistance to help with the cost of living Superannuation to increase by over $100 a pay for a couple Main benefits to increase by the rate of inflation, meaning a family on a benefit with children ...1 week ago
- Freeing up more government bandwidth and money to focus on the cost of living$1 billion in savings which will be reallocated to support New Zealanders with the cost of living A range of transport programmes deferred so Waka Kotahi can focus on post Cyclone road recovery Speed limit reduction programme significantly narrowed to focus on the most dangerous one per cent of state ...1 week ago
- State of National Emergency to end for Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s BayThe remaining state of national emergency over the Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay regions will end on Tuesday 14 March, Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty announced today. Minister McAnulty gave notice of a national transition period over these regions, which will come into effect immediately following the end of the ...1 week ago
- Government delivers on Dawn Raids commitmentThe Government is today delivering on one of its commitments as part of the New Zealand Government’s Dawn Raids apology, welcoming a cohort of emerging Pacific leaders to Aotearoa New Zealand participating in the He Manawa Tītī Scholarship Programme. This cohort will participate in a bespoke leadership training programme that ...1 week ago
- New plan to increase productivity and high wage jobs across advanced manufacturing sectorIndustry Transformation Plan to transform advanced manufacturing through increased productivity and higher-skilled, higher-wage jobs into a globally-competitive low-emissions sector. Co-created and co-owned by business, unions and workers, government, Māori, Pacific peoples and wider stakeholders. A plan to accelerate the growth and transformation of New Zealand’s advanced manufacturing sector was launched ...1 week ago
- Aotearoa New Zealand supports Pacific countries to combat animal disease New Zealand will provide support for Pacific countries to prevent the spread of harmful animal diseases, Associate Minister of Agriculture Meka Whaitiri said. The Associate Minister is attending a meeting of Pacific Ministers during the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry in Nadi, Fiji. “Highly contagious diseases such as African ...2 weeks ago
- Government delivers better public transport for ChristchurchThe Public Transport Futures project will deliver approximately: 100 more buses providing a greater number of seats to a greater number of locations at a higher frequency Over 470 more bus shelters to support a more enjoyable travel experience Almost 200 real time display units providing accurate information on bus ...2 weeks ago
- Minister praises education heroes in cyclone damaged regionsAll but six schools and kura have reopened for onsite learning All students in the six closed schools or kura are being educated in other schools, online, or in alternative locations Over 4,300 education hardpacks distributed to support students Almost 38,000 community meals provided by suppliers of the Ka Ora ...2 weeks ago
- Government investments drive health and business outcomes in the Bay of PlentyA new health centre has opened with financial support from the Government and further investment has been committed to projects that will accelerate Māori economic opportunities, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan says. Community health provider QE Health will continue its long history in Rotorua with the official opening of the ...2 weeks ago
- UK NZ Working Holiday Scheme upgradedThe new three year NZ UK Working Holiday Visas (WHV) will now be delivered earlier than expected, coming into force by July this year in time to support businesses through the global labour shortages Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says. The improved WHV, successfully negotiated alongside the NZ UK Free trade ...2 weeks ago
- 2023 Offshore Renewable Energy Forum, New PlymouthIt seems like only yesterday that we launched the discussion document Enabling Investment in Offshore Renewable Energy, which is the key theme for this Forum. Everyone in this room understands the enormous potential of offshore wind in Aotearoa New Zealand – and particularly this region. Establishing a regime to pave ...2 weeks ago
- Milestone reached in crack down on gangsPolice has reached a major milestone filing over 28,000 charges related to Operation Cobalt. “I’m extremely proud of the fantastic work that our Police has been doing to crack down on gangs, and keep our communities safe. The numbers speak for themselves – with over 28,000 charges, Police are getting ...2 weeks ago
- New funding for Cyclone waste removalThe Government will provide $15 million in the short term to local councils to remove rubbish, as a longer-term approach is developed, the Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty announced today. “Several regions are facing significant costs associated with residential waste removal, which has the potential to become a public ...2 weeks ago
- Government working faster and smarter to support response and recovery$15 million of immediate reimbursement for marae, iwi, recognised rural and community groups $2 million for community food providers $0.5 million for additional translation services Increasing the caps of the Community and Provider funds The Government has announced $17.5 million to further support communities and community providers impacted by Cyclone ...2 weeks ago
- More Māori getting access to mental health and addiction servicesThe Government’s approach of using frontline service providers to address inequities for Māori with mental health and addiction needs is making good progress in many communities, a new report says. An independent evaluation into the Māori Access and Choice programme, commissioned by Te Whatu Ora has highlighted the programme’s success ...2 weeks ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 21 March
Loading...(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. ...53 mins ago - Daily crossword, Tuesday 21 March
...53 mins ago - ‘It can be done. It must be done’: IPCC delivers definitive report on climate change, and where ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frank Jotzo, Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy and Head of Energy, Institute for Climate Energy and Disaster Solutions, Australian National University IISD/ENB The world is in deep trouble on climate change, but if we really put our shoulder to ...3 hours ago - New Caledonia’s lone daily newspaper ceases publication after 52 yearsRNZ Pacific New Caledonia’s only daily newspaper, Les Nouvelles Calédoniennes, has folded after the commercial court accepted the publishing company’s request for its liquidation. The court had deferred its decision by a day after an injunction by the public prosecutor who wanted to see if there was still a possibility ...4 hours ago
- Traditional chiefs still have strong place in Fiji, says linguistBy Arieta Vakasukawaqa in Suva The installation of the Turaga Bale na Vunivalu Na Tui Kaba, Ratu Epenisa Cakobau, clearly indicates that Fiji’s traditional chiefly system still has a strong footing and chiefs still command respect among the country’s citizens. This is the view of Dr Paul Geraghty, the University ...4 hours ago
- How the USP political saga may end the era of Bainimarama and FijiFirstANALYSIS: By Shailendra Bahadur Singh in Suva The long-running row between the former Fiji government and the Suva-based regional University of the South Pacific (USP) has come back to haunt former Fiji Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who spent a night in a police cell on March 9 before appearing in ...4 hours ago
- Pro-independence party Tavini’s heals rift with ‘unity and credibility’ congressBy Antoine Samoyeau in Pape’ete About 3000 activists of French Polynesia’s pro-independence Tavini Huiraatira party met for six hours at the weekend with the executives insisting that they were “united’ after a recent upheaval over leadership. The party also presented a “renewed” slate of 73 candidates for next month’s territorial ...5 hours ago
- First Australian charged with war crime of murder in AfghanistanSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The first arrest has been made following the Brereton inquiry into allegations that Australians committed war crimes in Afghanistan. Former SAS soldier, Oliver Schulz, 41, has been remanded in custody after his arrest by ...9 hours ago
- Super Rugby Aupiki semis review: Matatū, Manawa, rugby all winners on the day
We have our 2023 finalists after a big Sunday double-header at North Shore Stadium. Alice Soper reviews. Matatū vs Blues Matatū have scored the first try in every match they have played this season. It looked like this streak was going to be broken as the Blues finally found ...9 hours ago - What is myrtle rust and why has this disease closed Lord Howe Island to visitors?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Park, Judith and David Coffey Chair in Sustainable Agriculture, Plant Breeding Institute, University of Sydney Shutterstock Some 70% of the World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island has been closed to non-essential visitors in response to a recurrence of the plant ...10 hours ago
- Scammers can slip fake texts into legitimate SMS threads. Will a government crackdown stop them?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Suranga Seneviratne, Senior Lecturer – Security, University of Sydney Shutterstock Are you tired of receiving SMS scams pretending to be from Australia Post, the tax office, MyGov and banks? You’re not alone. Each year, thousands of Australians fall victim to ...11 hours ago
- Introducing Fear and Wonder: The Conversation’s new climate podcastSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Misha Ketchell, Editor, The Conversation Thanks in no small part to the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), today few people would be foolish enough to dispute the scientific consensus on the climate crisis. But as ...11 hours ago
- Why sports stars get less support than other injured workers – and how we can fix itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Eric Windholz, Senior Lecturer and Associate, Monash Centre for Commercial Law and Regulatory Studies, Monash University Inadequate, inequitable, and in some cases possibly in breach of workers’ compensation laws. That’s how bad the current insurance arrangements are for Australia’s professional sports people, ...11 hours ago
- New Police Minister Must Check Police Equations Behind Firearm Fee Increase
The newly-minted Police Minister, Ginny Andersen, has been called on by the Council of Licensed Firearm Owners (COLFO) to investigate how the previous Minister allowed Police to propose extraordinary fee increases for licensed firearm owners without ...13 hours ago - How did millions of fish die gasping in the Darling – after three years of rain?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Kingsford, Professor, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney Bill Ormonde, Author provided Millions of dead fish float on the surface of the river. Native bony herring and introduced young carp, as well as a few mature ...13 hours ago
- Ginny Andersen named new Minister of Police
Ginny Andersen will be the new minister of police, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says. ...13 hours ago - Free Information And Advice In Your LanguageThings make more sense when people are speaking your language! This CAB Awareness Week (20-26 March), we are celebrating diversity and multiculturalism within our service. At the Citizens Advice Bureau, we are committed to making sure our service ...13 hours ago
- All spaces great and small: Week two of the Auckland Arts FestivalThe second week of the Auckland Arts Festivals showed the versatility of the city’s spaces, even when not matched entirely correctly with shows. Sam Brooks reviews (with assistance from Shanti Mathias). I often dismay at the lack of performance spaces we have in Auckland, and it takes something like the ...13 hours ago
- Getting Flipped By The BirdThe free and easy SMS two factor authentication (2FA) to log into your Twitter account ends today. That concerns Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster because it takes away one of the most common ways to verify who users are on their free accounts, which ...13 hours ago
- Junior minister Ginny Andersen takes over police role from Stuart NashNew Zealand’s new minister of police will be one of the freshest faces around the cabinet table. Ginny Andersen, the MP for Hutt South, has been named as the new minister taking over from Stuart Nash. Andersen first became an MP in 2017 and only became a minister for the ...13 hours ago
- More bailey bridges confirmed for restoring access after cycloneRoad workers have reported being subjected to abuse by passing motorists, which is unacceptable, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says. ...14 hours ago
- Cyclone Gabrielle: More damaged roads reconnectedThe government has announced further roading reconnections, several weeks on from Cyclone Gabrielle. Earlier this morning it was confirmed the link between Napier and Taupō had been reestablished. And now, transport minister Michael Wood said another six bailey bridges would be constructed. “Our immediate priority has been to reopen lifeline ...14 hours ago
- Government Should Not Be Spending Taxpayer Money To Lobby ItselfThe Taxpayers’ Union has slammed the revelation that government agencies and State Owned Enterprises are spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayers’ dollars on lobbying firms as revealed by Radio NZ this morning. Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, ...14 hours ago
- Foreign Minister Mahuta to visit China counterpartNew Zealand's Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta is leaving for Beijing tomorrow to meet with China's State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang. ...14 hours ago
- ‘A place to dance and a place to cry’: Pride (R)evolution is an authentic exhibition for queer c...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter McNeil, Distinguished Professor of Design History, UTS, University of Technology Sydney Sydney World Pride and Mardi Gras 2023 were a huge success. Sydney was activated in a way rarely seen – block and street parties, cultural festivals and dance parties for ...14 hours ago
- Mahuta heading to China – first visit by a minister since 2019For the first time since 2019, a New Zealand minister will head to China this week. Foreign minister Nanaia Mahuta will meet with her Chinese counterpart Qin Gang in Beijing. “I intend to discuss areas where we cooperate, such as on trade, people-to-people and climate and environmental issues. I will ...14 hours ago
- Chief Ombudsman Concludes Investigation Into Council Decisions Over National Erebus MemorialThe Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has completed his investigation into complaints about Auckland Council’s role in the National Erebus Memorial project. The complaints relate to the council’s approval and consents process for the memorial site in ...15 hours ago
- The post-COVID crisis hit Queensland hardest. With 100,000 households needing low-cost housing, here...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hal Pawson, Professor of Housing Research and Policy, and Associate Director, City Futures Research Centre, UNSW Sydney Pandemic-generated pressures have left our rental housing market reeling. Australia-wide, vacancy rates are at rock-bottom levels. Rents are soaring at record rates. Queensland has ...15 hours ago
- Review: Homegrown remains New Zealand’s most consistent music festivalThe first edition felt like a breath of fresh, local music-filled air. This year, with many of the same headliners as 2008 (and every year since), the formula has grown stale. It’s finally time to admit that on a cold night in Palmy 20 years ago, I felt Shihad frontman ...15 hours ago
- Review: The Homegrown festival formula needs a shake-upThe first edition felt like a breath of fresh, local music-filled air. This year, with many of the same headliners as 2008 (and every year since), the long-running Wellington festival has grown stale. It’s finally time to admit that on a cold night in Palmy 20 years ago, I felt ...15 hours ago
- Anti-trans activist’s visit now under reviewThe anti-transgender activist that provoked aggressive protests in Australia over the weekend may not be able to enter New Zealand. Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, the British anti-transgender campaigner, is scheduled to visit New Zealand next weekend for two public events. But according to a new statement from Immigration NZ, her ability to ...15 hours ago
- Local Government Minister Should Meet Taxpayers’ Union On Three WatersThe New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is pleased to hear that the Minister of Local Government, Kieran McAnulty, has invited concerned mayors to the Beehive to discuss the Three Waters reforms but believe he should meet with the country’s largest ...15 hours ago
- NSW Resolve poll has narrow lead for Labor five days before electionSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Dan Himbrechts/Paul Braven/AAP The New South Wales state election will be held on Saturday. I had a preview of both ...15 hours ago
- Breaking: Anti-trans campaigner’s NZ visit ‘under reviewWhether the anti-trans campaigner can enter the country without a visa is now up in the air. Controversy surrounds the upcoming visit by Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, the British anti-transgender campaigner on a global tour who is scheduled to visit New Zealand next weekend for two public events. During an appearance in Melbourne ...16 hours ago
- Pharmac prioritised Māori and Pacific patients for access to new diabetes drugs – did they get it...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lynne Chepulis, Associate Professor Health Sciences, University of Waikato Getty Images The controversial 2021 decision by the government drug-buying agency Pharmac to prioritise Māori and Pacific patients in its funding of two game-changing new diabetes drugs appears to have paid ...17 hours ago
- Why a teal deal has no appealThe idea of the Greens flirting with National gets an airing before almost every election. It remains as much of a nonstarter as ever, writes Henry Cooke. This article was first published in Henry Cooke’s politics newsletter, Museum Street. It’s far more reliable than clockwork. Every election cycle – often several ...17 hours ago
- Lotto draw raises $11.7m for Cyclone Gabrielle reliefWith half the value of all Lotto, Powerball and Strike tickets going to cyclone relief, the "Must-be-won" draw for $15.5 million on Saturday went to a Canterbury player. ...17 hours ago
- Wayne Brown (re)declares war on road conesAuckland’s mayor has taken aim at road closures and traffic disruption around the super city, revealing a plan to reduce road cones. Wayne Brown had previously pledged to clean up the city of road cones and set it out as an “immediate priority” for the council’s transport agency. Now, he’s ...18 hours ago
- Credit Suisse is the car crash in its own Bonfire of the Vanities
The name's Bond – unhedged Treasury bond. Jonathan Milne argues that bond traders have again become sexy, for all the wrong reasons. Analysis: Giant Swiss bank UBS has agreed to buy its rival Credit Suisse for 3 billion Swiss francs (US$3.23 billion) and to assume up to $5.4 billion in losses, in a shotgun ...18 hours ago - A dummy’s guide to having your say on the Auckland budget‘Don’t fucking come and talk to me, write a submission,’ reckons Mayor Wayne Brown. So how do you do that? Let’s be honest, most people don’t understand local politics. We know that we vote for a mayor and councillors every couple of years, and that’s about it. But local politics ...18 hours ago
- Major cyclone-damaged highway reopensThe link between Napier and Taupō has reopened this week for the first time since it was damaged in Cyclone Gabrielle. State highway five will be open to all traffic between 7am and 7pm, with overnight closure points at Kaimata Road, Glengarry Road and Matea Road. Kiri Allan, the associate ...19 hours ago
- Geoffrey Miller’s Political Roundup: NZ’s Middle East strategy, 20 years after the Iraq WarAnalysis by By Geoffrey Miller. Political Roundup: NZ’s Middle East strategy, 20 years after the Iraq War This week marks the twentieth anniversary of the Iraq War. While it strongly opposed the US-led invasion, New Zealand’s then Labour-led government led by Prime Minister Helen Clark did deploy military engineers to try to help rebuild Iraq ...19 hours ago
- Your bank is here to helpIf you find yourself stressing about the cost of living crisis and how it will impact your home loan, talking to your bank as soon as possible is important. If you are experiencing financial challenges or think you might in the future, it’s important to reach out to your bank ...20 hours ago
- The plan to end classroom streaming by 2030, explainedDespite being entrenched practice in New Zealand schools, the practice of academic streaming in schools might not be around much longer. A plan launched today sets out a pathway to achieve this. If you went to school in Aotearoa, odds are that streaming was part of your experience. The numerically-inclined ...20 hours ago
- High Number Of Dog Attacks Concerns Child Health ExpertsThe Paediatric Society of New Zealand/Te Kāhui Mātai Arotamariki o Aotearoa are very concerned about the high number of tamariki injured by dogs in Aotearoa. Auckland emergency doctor Natasha Duncan-Sutherland says, “Over 2800 dog-related injuries ...20 hours ago
- The Bulletin: Candidate selected to replace Grant Robertson in WellingtonMP Ibrahim Omer will replace Grant Robertson as Labour’s candidate in the Wellington Central electorate after beating former party president Claire Szabo in the candidate selection race. Omer arrived in New Zealand as a refugee and worked as a cleaner before enrolling at Victoria University in 2014. “As someone who has ...20 hours ago
- Alcohol Advertising On Social Media PlatformsA new report from Australia highlights the significant community exposure to alcohol advertising through social media platforms. Over a one-year period researchers observed nearly 40,000 advertisements from a subset of alcohol-related accounts on Meta platforms ...20 hours ago
- The ‘great resignation’ didn’t happen in Australia, but the ‘great burnout’ didSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leah Ruppanner, Professor of Sociology and Founding Director of The Future of Work Lab, The University of Melbourne pexels/tara winstead, CC BY-SA You’ve probably heard about the “great resignation” which saw large numbers of people resigning from their jobs in ...21 hours ago
- Ozempic helps weight loss by making you feel full. But certain foods can do the same thing – witho...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Beckett, Senior Lecturer (Food Science and Human Nutrition), School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle Shutterstock You’ve probably heard about the medication Ozempic, used to manage type 2 diabetes and as a weight loss drug. Ozempic (and ...21 hours ago
- Extinct but not gone – the thylacine continues to fascinate usSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Menna Elizabeth Jones, Associate Professor in Zoology, University of Tasmania Human life on Earth is utterly dependent on biodiversity but our activities are driving an increase in extinctions. Yet some extinct species continue to hold our fascination. New methods in genetics and ...21 hours ago
- School principals are reaching crisis point, pushed to the edge by mounting workloads, teacher short...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Kidson, Senior Lecturer in Educational Leadership, Australian Catholic University Shutterstock Australian schools have been under huge pressures in recent years. On top of concerns about academic progress and staff shortages, schools have faced significant, ongoing disruptions due to ...21 hours ago
- The Greens don’t want to be taken for granted anymoreThe Green Party has made it clear it’s frustrated after being shafted by Labour during last week’s so-called policy bonfire. The prime minister recently ditched a number of policies announced during Jacinda Ardern’s tenure, many of which were backed strongly by the Greens. In a state of the nation address ...21 hours ago
- Is this the end of interest rate rises?The US banking crisis may help force a rethink by the Reserve Bank here, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Did last week’s turmoil stop interest rate hikes in their tracks? ...21 hours ago
- Frustrated Greens take aim at 'visionless government' and possible National-ACT coalitionThe Greens have laid down a challenge to potential coalition partners: come to the table with faster and stronger climate action if you want our support. ...22 hours ago
- Jim Mather on the founding days of Whakaata MāoriThe early days of Māori Television were chaotic. After the founding CE was fired and imprisoned for fraud, Dr. Jim Mather was tapped to lead the fledging broadcaster. An account with no previous media experience, he was an unlikely choice for the role, but ended up leading the channel through ...22 hours ago
- The utter folly of cutting public transport funding in the regionsRegional public transport is where money can do the most good in the shortest time. So why is the government giving the regions’ funding to the main centres? I used to think of public transport mainly as a way to reduce our environmental impact. It was only when I started ...24 hours ago
- How much blood is too much blood during your period?The most recent piece of research on actual menstrual blood volume was conducted in 1964, which has left many people without key health information, writes researcher Claire Badenhorst. Last month, after being in the office for only half a day, I headed home early for the sole reason that I ...24 hours ago
- Ports plan missing crucial customer voice
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Nat strategy does seem to have been to avoid all serious discussion/interviews at all costs. I suppose if you say nothing you cannot be faulted, but in a democracy surely openness is essential. Democracy must have eternal vigilance but where was the MSM in championing that? A quiet note from Rood and one from TV3 reflects the lack of a champion. Too little. Too late.
If the Nat machine has treated the population with contempt, then so has the media by their silence!
+1 good point well made
I sincerely hope that the media DO stop fawning all over Key. It would be a very welcome change and might change the minds (using the word advisedly) of those who rely on the media to tell them who to like.
Here’s a little test for the MSM. Key has plane diverted. Media find out. Extra coating of teflon applied. The test of the MSM will be if they chase this story with the same relentless vigour they chased Clark speeding to the rudgy? Let’s see.
I thought the “ink by the barrel” quote was actually Mark Twain but it’s true whereever it comes from. Has the media only now reversed it’s massive right wing bias? And will it last? I must admit iv’e been automatically subtracting 10% from national’s poll ratings. The polls have bee decreasing in accuracy for some time now (witness the auckland mayoralty and Hone’s survival against all opinion).
Anyone hear Matthew Hooton on RNZ this morning? He’s got his knickers in a tortuous state again. This time over a nasty, vicious Labour pamphlet. Talk about pot, kettle black! Has he forgotten the Ex. Brethren pamphlets and his hand in all the nasty off-shoots from that affair? Amnesia is a beautiful thing sometimes.
I’m sure I heard Mike Williams giggling down the phone-line. 😉
What was wrong with those Brethren pamphlets exactly?
If you had a problem with them then does that mean that there you also think there is no problem with the Labour party (not a third party) scaremongering with their pamphlets?
Hooten is simply an extension of the nat PR machine and about as objective as Joyce when it comes to his views. The fact RNZ even ask him on shows where their bread’s buttered so they can look up to Griffin going ‘we did good boss’.
real public radio would have objective commentators (hardly any exist in NZ) se we get this right/left tennis that does SFA in terms of enlightenment….just what the masters want.
Time will tell whether the MSM decides to try the ‘fair, balanced and accurate’ approach to political reportage, or decides to revert to their traditional role in a democracy in relation to unbridled all powerful executive government. Going by this morning’s edition of the Herald, nothing much will change after Key’s second coronation on Saturday.
The local national candidates for Dunedin were happy to turn up for our election forums for Otago Access Radio. Michael Woodhouse gave a good showing, and was put his party’s policies squarely in contrast with the others present. Joanne Hayes also fronted for Dunedin South, and gave an excellent view of her politics. In fact, her interview here http://sustainablelens.org/?p=251 at 43:30 sums up her party’s views on sustainability quite nicely.We had a lovely run recording these – we were soft, non confrontational and unthreatening, and I think got a really good response from the candidates, most of whom had no chance of being elected, but were party faithful, and gave a really human face to why they supported their policies.
“Much of New Zealand will see a partial solar eclipse on Friday, with Wellington under its main track, space agency Nasa says.
Many traditions have long held solar eclipses represent a bad omen for rulers – and Friday is just a night out from the general election.”
http://tvnz.co.nz/election-2011/lunar-night-show-due-eve-4558900
Perhaps if we burn the pollsters in effigy .. then the economic pundits .. then the print media editors .. then political “researchers” .. we might arrive at a consensus where rulers survive at the whim of frequent online popularity polls or mortal combat in Eden Park.
Your choice ..
Hope the prediction for the solar eclipse comes to fruition.
The effect of an eclipse can be delayed for a month and this would indicate that there is going to be a dynamic coalition as I think it will take a month for the new government to be assembled.
Even though it can appear to be problematic having four parties in a coalition, due to there being a deep recession next year I prefer to have a government with many views. A bit like a war cabinet.
It’ll be funny if the “miracle upset” does actually happen. I can imagine this would be reported world-wide: eclipse results in electoral defeat for a “dead cert” winner.
I did not mention Mercury Retrograde 24 November 2011 – 13 December 2011. Electrical malfunction, (purchases, computers) travel delays, bad for signing any contract as it usually has to be renegotiated.
Will have to see how accurate the astrology ends up being.
On the News just now. John Key has banned the eclipse and it will now not take place until a rigorous police investigation has been completed.
Lol Mercury rules communication and a Mercury Retrograde also has miscommunication. A Mercury Retrograde can kick in a few days before or after the the actual date, this may explain why the High Court decision was what it was. As for the police investigation I predict lots of miscommunication of the actual facts.
Not fronting up is contagious under Key’s watch e.g. Marshall re police recruits and the Ombudsman re asset restructuring.
NZ’s greatest weakness as a democracy is that we have a piss-weak media.
It has proved over the past three years that it is in no shape to be a proper fourth estate. It can’t hold those in power to account, because Key simply ignores it whenever he chooses and the media have no comeback.
If he doesn’t want to front up, he doesn’t. If he doesn’t want to answer a question, he won’t.
There are no adverse consequences for him, the media just sit there and take it and he’s as popular as ever with the voters.
It’s only when his popularity falls that he will need to be accountable again. And with the media cowed, there is less chance of that happening.
Isn’t this Bronagh’s job? Or maybe Liz Hurley’s…
Chris Whitworth’s “many in the media feel Key and his Cabinet have completely shut up shop ahead of the election.” Agree with nearly all the comments above. It’s the media’s inability to ask the hard questions, to dig where they are unanswered and to provide meaningful analysis of the answers that is the cause of significant democratic deficit this electoral cycle. Umm 4th Estate, hold to account, essential element of the political process. Not really!
Political parties will do what they can to set the media agenda and indeed to take unpalatable things off the agenda if they can. In this respect National have been very successful. However writing like this on behalf of the MSM is to cry crocodile tears.
As an example a story which is profiled on the front page on Scoop is not visible on the TV3, New Zealand Herald or Stuff news or election pages is the one about the non-released information on asset sales – an OIA made by TVNZ in August and released yesterday. This issue is arguably transformational for the future of the country. Even on TVNZ’s own webpage this story is hidden well down on the elections page. In contrast all four sites have a high profile story on the diversion of the AirNZ plane to New Plymouth – in contrast a piece of trivial flim-flam and all four are still all profiling teacup stories on their news pages.
Agreed Blue. MSM performance at holding Key to account has been a pathetic love-fest. A strong watchdog is crucial in a strong democracy. Instead we have this timid PC pandering with rank ‘we are in the same business, selling illusory perceptions to the public so scratch my back and I’ll scratch your’ overtones. Time and time again when Key is asked an awkward question, he gives a non-answer, and the journo seems to say, “Oh well, I’ve done my job,” and the story dies on the spot. It’s appalling.
There are creaking signs that some of the culpable journos are starting to wake up to the realization that John Key has them well trained as a branch of his PRopaganda dept, (as in the OP). But it’s too little too late for this election. Well done guys.
The Oz MSM would’ve had Key on the mat over tranzrail shares and probably gone before the next shonkey issue like further conflicts of interests (uranuim shares, winery etc) and then the outright lies over all sorts of issues like beemers etc.
The BBC interview showed how it’s done and Beatson cleaned up English with consumate ease over the GST hike. We do have good journo’s they just have pride and values and as such don’t ply the trade where it should be as it’s not wanted or valued by the cowering sorts at mediawonks, recycling rick’s circus or granny etc.
Key and his crowd are now claiming that winston is in the election illegaly anyone know what is going on here?
Some idiots out there just dont realise the danger key is to our democracy.
Really anne? Any links?
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00717/nationals-confused-blogger-spreads-nonsense.htm
Key and his cronies put forward alot of urgent policies,one of them was the policy stopping
pirated music etc,however a EU court has ruled that internet service providers cannot be required to install a filter that would prevent illegal downloading of files.
Thats one for the people who share music etc,we shall wait for a test case here,unless key
buys off the judiciary.
Yes if you go the the Scoop nz it has it there,i seen the headline so i had to find out.
Thanks anne.http://www.scoop.co.nz/
It links to Farrar who must have hunted for ages to find apparently that a technicality has been breached.
But that will go down well. Knock off the opposition.
And it also shows that he/they expect that NZF will win seats. How sad.
Farrar’s exclusive has been destroyed as an anti-NZF ploy, by Sprout and Graeme Edgler who have pointed out that Winston is eligible under the Electoral Act and nothing to to with the Incorporated Societies Act 1908.
They must know that NZF is definitely over the threshold and therefore not a wasted vote to electors.
(Some rabid Right voter on Kiwiblog wants to now vote NZF just to watch Winston being chucked out. Ha.)
I see parallels with 2002 and Helen Clark. Like Key, Helen Clark was a polarising figure with many on the left undoubtedly warming to her while on the right we sneered at her just as the left sneer at Key. Both went into their first election as government with huge support. Labour was polling over 50% and Helen Clark’s approval ratings were high as well. There is a slight difference in that part of the first year Clark did not get the greatest media. But by 2002 had well and truly turned that around.
With Helen Clark a combination of factors conspired as they always do in elections that broke that cosy relationship. Corngate was one factor. The silly signature on the picture was another. The media increasingly grew weary of Helen Clark and Labour. The only thing that stopped that coming sooner was that Bill English was even more unpopular and National well had a terrible 2002 election. It really wasn’t till Don Brash grabbed leadership of National that the media really started getting into Labour.
If National is the government after this election I suspect he’ll get a rather easy ride initially as Labour sorts themselves with who is going to lead their party in the future etc. But there is a difference. Goff has the respect of the media in a way English never had so even if he stays as leader. The relationship between the media and John Key/National is going to be strained.
Thus, if National are so lucky John Key needs to do some type of mea culpa with the media to get that relationship back someway to what it was. I suspect that is going to be very difficult.
Well done ginge. After four years of gradually diminishing natapologia and increasing clarity of vision, you’ve finally seen that the media determines our governance. Welcome to our world: we used to call it Democracy.
John Armstrong, asked by RNZ Jim Mora what he’ll do on Election night said he’d be working at the Herald for the next days paper…then he’d go down to National Party’s headquarters for the celebrations or commiserations….
Says it all about our media, doesn’t it?
The trick is they have stayed away from the serious media but been all over stuff like Breakfast, Talkback & pop radio so the non-politically interested public frequently sees/hears Key all friendly & engaging in small talk -> ‘Oh media, quit badgering that nice mr Key’.