Two Bubbles Bridges’ Big Day Out
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- Date published:
6:05 pm, April 6th, 2020 - 67 comments
Categories: accountability, assets, democratic participation, doofus of the week, health and safety, jacinda ardern, leadership, Politics, Simon Bridges, you couldn't make this shit up -
Tags: jacinda ardern, lockdown, simon bridges
The current leader of the National Party has been snapped driving from Wellington to Tauranga in defiance of the lockdown.
Simon Bridges is the chair of the the Epidemic Response Committee, which meets each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
While other MPs are joining the meeting remotely via the internet, Bridges is turning up in person in Parliament and then cruising back to the Bay of Plenty to be with his family bubble.
But hang on!
Simon has a second bubble. This one appears to be some advisors and at least two Tory MP’s who are also on the Epidemic Response Committee, Whangārei MP Shane Reti and Taupō MP Louise Upston.
Bridges says because the PM has a bubble at Premier House in Tinakori and one in the nearby Beehive, he’s entitled to a bubble at Parliament and another at his Tauranga home.
“I don’t take these things lightly, but I am the leader of the Opposition, I’ve got constitutional duties, I’m running a committee in extreme circumstances where there is no Parliament.”
Yeah, nah. Simon’s been given the chair of a committee that is useful, but not crucial. A taxpayer funded tiki tour is not an essential journey.
Jacinda Ardern is actually running the show and her two addresses are discrete, secure, well locked down and only minutes walk apart.
What the Prime Minister does clearly is essential.
What Simon does is, well, hard to tell. But it sure ain’t essential.
As an aside, does anyone know if he gets an allowance for turning up in person? I don’t know, but we really should be told.
But wait! There’s more!!!
The day before the lockdown came into effect, Bridges hung out in a Mount Maunganui supermarket for a photo op. No social distancing at all.
The staff don’t seem thrilled about the chat, but that’s understandable. It is Simon Bridges, after all.
UPDATE: Twitter has been brutal:*
*hat tip ms!
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- Another ‘Stolen Generation’ enabled by court ruling on Waitangi Tribunal summonsTonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Budget blunder shows Nicola Willis could cut recovery fundingIt appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...2 weeks ago
- Further environmental mismanagement on the cardsThe Government’s resource management reforms will add to the heavy and ever-growing burden this Government is loading on to our environment. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: RMA changes will be a disaster for environmentThe Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour supports urgent changes to emergency management systemLabour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour calls for New Zealand to recognise PalestineThe Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Three strikes law political posturing of worst kindThe Government is bringing back a law that has little evidential backing just to look tough, Labour justice spokesperson Duncan Webb said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government cuts unbelievably target child exploitation, violent extremism, ports and airpor...Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...2 weeks ago
- Three strikes has failed before and will fail againResurrecting the archaic three-strikes legislation is an unwelcome return to a failed American-style approach to justice. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Environmental protection vital, not ‘onerous’The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...2 weeks ago
- Ferris – Three Strikes targets those ‘too brown to be white’The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...2 weeks ago
- Getting new job seekers on the pathway to work
Jobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...11 hours ago - Accelerating Social InvestmentA new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says. “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...13 hours ago
- Getting Back on TrackCheck against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with your Board and team, for hosting me. I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...14 hours ago
- NZ – European Union ties more critical than everYour Excellency Ambassador Meredith, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States, Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us. Ladies and gentlemen - In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations. ...1 day ago
- Therapeutic Products Act to be repealedThe Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...1 day ago
- Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District PlanThe Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...1 day ago
- Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violenceRape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston. “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...1 day ago
- Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs lessAssociate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...1 day ago
- Report provides insights into marine recoveryNew research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...1 day ago
- NZ to send political delegation to the PacificDeputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region. The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu. “New Zealand has deep and ...1 day ago
- Low gas production threatens energy securityThere has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co. Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...2 days ago
- Defence industry talent, commitment recognisedDefence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...2 days ago
- Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for IndustryWelcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...2 days ago
- Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data SummitIt is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government. I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...2 days ago
- Ceasefire agreement needed now: PetersNew Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...2 days ago
- Daily school attendance data now availableA new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...2 days ago
- Ambassador to United States appointedForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America. “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says. “New Zealand and the United States have a ...2 days ago
- New permit proposed for recreational gold miningThe Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...3 days ago
- NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiationsMinister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...3 days ago
- New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to signNew Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...3 days ago
- Next stop NASA for New Zealand studentsSix tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...3 days ago
- $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crimeNew Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...3 days ago
- OECD reinforces need to control spendingThe OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli. ...3 days ago
- Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for AucklandThe Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...4 days ago
- Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with GermanyForeign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...5 days ago
- Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of PlentyThe Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...6 days ago
- Speech to New Zealand China CouncilThank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...6 days ago
- Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi householdsThe Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...1 week ago
- Government recommits to equal payThe coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...1 week ago
- Transforming how our children learn to readStructured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...1 week ago
- NZ not backing down in Canada dairy disputeTrade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...1 week ago
- Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable childrenThe rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...1 week ago
- Streamlining Building Consent ChangesThe Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...1 week ago
- Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...1 week ago
- Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...1 week ago
- Accelerating airport security linesFrom today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...1 week ago
- Community hui to talk about kina barrensPeople with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...1 week ago
- Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into forceKiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...1 week ago
- Mining resurgence a welcome signThere are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...1 week ago
- Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first readingThe return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...1 week ago
- Technically accomplished, sonically subversive and fiercely independent, I’ll remember Steve Albin...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Bennett, Professor of Music, Australian National University Richard P J Lambert/flickr, CC BY The future belongs to the analogue loyalists. Fuck digital. As a tsunami of CDs, DAT tapes and samplers swept the recording industry in the ...1 hour ago - Hind’s Hall is Macklemore’s bold new pro-Palestine anthem. What might it actually achieve?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Strong, Associate professor, Music Industry, RMIT University This week American rapper Macklemore released a new track, Hind’s Hall, which has gained a lot of attention because of its explicitly political nature. The track is unapologetically pro-Palestine. It declares the artist’s ...2 hours ago
- How KidsCan provides a nutritious school lunch for $2
A charity says it is - and that it has been doing so while providing fresh meals for nearly 6000 children per day. ...3 hours ago - Shane Jones sets sights on killer kina – 'An industrial grade problem'"They kill all the kelp, they kill all the seaweed, and they turn the marine environment into a virtual desert," the Fisheries Minister says. ...3 hours ago
- Using a structured literacy approach to teach reading: What you need to knowExplainer - The government from 2025 is mandating how state schools teach children to read. But what is structured literacy and how does it compare to other teaching methods? ...4 hours ago
- ‘We do not want to be like Russia’: a first-hand account of Georgia’s fight for democracySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Danica Jenkins, Lecturer in European Studies, University of Sydney On a freezing spring night in March, Georgia’s national soccer team beat Greece in a nail-biter penalty shootout to qualify for the Euro 2024 championships. The atmosphere on the streets of the capital ...4 hours ago
- Our research shows higher carbon emissions increase costs for Australian businessesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam G. Arian, Lecturer (Accounting & Finance), Australian Catholic University Loic Manegarium/Pexels Imagine every ton of carbon dioxide a company emits is slowly inflating its costs — not just in terms of potential fines or fees but in the capital it ...5 hours ago
- Ponsonby shooting: Hone Kay-Selwyn death not suspiciousThe death of Hone Kay-Selwyn, who was involved in the Ponsonby shooting, is not being treated as suspicious, police say. ...6 hours ago
- Our cities are widening the divide between the well-off and the rest. How can we turn this damaging ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Somwrita Sarkar, Senior Lecturer in Design and Computation, University of Sydney The “latte line” is the infamous, invisible boundary that divides Sydney between the more affluent north-east and the south-west. Historically, people north of the line enjoy better access to jobs and ...6 hours ago
- Supercharged thunderstorms: have we underestimated how climate change drives extreme rain and floods...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Dowdy, Principal Research Scientist in Extreme Weather, The University of Melbourne Nomad_Soul/Shutterstock In media articles about unprecedented flooding, you’ll often come across the statement that for every 1°C of warming, the atmosphere can hold about 7% more moisture. This ...7 hours ago
- Former Fiji PM Voreqe Bainimarama jailed over block of USP probeRNZ Pacific Former Fiji Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has been sentenced to one year in prison, Fiji media are reporting. Bainimarama, alongside suspended Fiji Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho appeared in the High Court in Suva today for their sentencing hearing for a case involving their roles in blocking a police ...7 hours ago
- ACC proposes cutting more than 300 jobsThe cuts would be a 9 percent reduction in the Crown entity's total workforce. ...7 hours ago
- Government To Respond To 259 Human Rights Recommendations
Acting Chief Human Rights Commissioner Saunoamaali’i Dr Karanina Sumeo says, “Addressing violence and abuse remains New Zealand’s most significant human rights issue affecting women. ...7 hours ago - Marlborough by-election still possible when MP Jamie Arbuckle resignsThe mayor says she understands the MP's bid to avoid a costly by-election but the decision is one for councillors. ...8 hours ago
- Glaring Hole Exposed In Government’s Single Use Plastics BanJust Earth Papers has challenged the Ministry for Environment to follow its own guidance on the phase out and ban of single-use plastics. ...8 hours ago
- ACT's interpretation of Treaty of Waitangi inaccurate and misleading – claimantsSpeaking to the Waitangi Tribunal, Ngāpuhi Kaumātua Hone Sadler said ACT's interpretation is not in tune with the intent of Te Tiriti. ...8 hours ago
- Should we fight climate change by re-engineering life itself?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonathan Symons, Macquarie School of Social Sciences, Macquarie University Michael Schiffer / Unsplash Life has transformed our world over billions of years, turning a dead rock into the lush, fertile planet we know today. But human activity is currently transforming Earth ...8 hours ago
- Please let me watch the horny tennis movie at a reasonable time
One woman’s quest to watch Challengers without ruining her body clock. Every Saturday morning, I wake up with a screaming demon inside my head urging me to “Do. Something. This. Weekend.” I run through the possibilities in my head in a defensive mental crouch, reminiscent of that one time I ...8 hours ago - ACC Job Cuts Will Mean More Accidents And InjuriesThe PSA is alarmed that ACC is proposing to shed 309 jobs including 29 dedicated injury prevention jobs at a time when the number and cost of injuries is rising. ...8 hours ago
- ACC proposes cutting nearly 400 jobsThe cuts would be a 9 percent reduction in the Crown entity's total workforce. ...8 hours ago
- ‘City deals’ are coming to NZ – let’s make sure they’re not ‘city back-room deals’Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tom Baker, Associate Professor in Human Geography, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images As local and regional councils struggle with inadequate infrastructure and unsustainable costs, New Zealand will be hearing a lot more about the potential solution offered by ...8 hours ago
- Not all ultra-processed foods are bad for your health, whatever you might have heardSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gary Sacks, Professor of Public Health Policy, Deakin University Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock In recent years, there’s been increasing hype about the potential health risks associated with so-called “ultra-processed” foods. But new evidence published this week found not all “ultra-processed” foods are linked ...9 hours ago
- Explainer: Nicola Willis' pre-Budget speech – what we learntThe Finance Minister has done a conservative lift of the lid on her upcoming Budget. Here's what she laid out. ...10 hours ago
- Explainer: Nicola Willis's pre-Budget speech – what we learntThe Finance Minister has done a conservative lift of the lid on her upcoming Budget. Here's what she laid out. ...10 hours ago
- NZ's reliance on forests to absorb carbon emissions is risky – OECD reportFears that New Zealand is relying too heavily on low-cost forests to absorb its carbon dioxide emissions have been reignited by a report from the OECD. ...10 hours ago
- Cabinet mulls creation of mega spy agency as FIANZ seeks 'serious rethink'The agency, first floated after the Christchurch mosque attacks, is under "active consideration". ...11 hours ago
- Public services savings confirmed, but possibly not complete
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed the total dollar savings target from public sector cuts has been met, but the reductions have not been felt evenly across public agencies. Government departments were told to make savings set at 6.5 percent or 7.5 percent where headcount had grown by more than ...11 hours ago - Help Me Hera: Are my friend’s compliments of our other mate designed to terrorise me?She doesn’t have a single kind word for me and it’s getting under my skin. Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nz Dear Hera, I have two amazing friends that I absolutely adore. Grace (all names have been changed) and I lived together across 2023 and Olivia moved in with us this ...11 hours ago
- How mana whenua lead the way in revolutionising environmental healingCan Western science and Māori science work together to support our well-being? The Te Ohu Mō Papatūānuku (TOMP) Trials Project was a landmark case for healing the land and people with the guidance of Māori science and leadership. This is what happened when Papatūānuku (Earth) was contaminated by toxic discharge, ...11 hours ago
- Government to introduce compulsory work seminar for job-seeking beneficiariesBeneficiaries looking for a job will have to attend a work seminar within two weeks of starting to receive welfare under new requirements. ...11 hours ago
- Photos are everywhere. What makes a good one?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By T.J. Thomson, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication & Digital Media, RMIT University T.J. Thomson We upload some 3 billion images online each day. We make most of these photos on smartphones and use these devices to document everything from gym progress ...12 hours ago
- 'Darkest before the dawn': Nicola Willis rules out austerity Budget"Every dollar counts and our Budget will reflect that reality," the Finance Minister has told an audience.. ...12 hours ago
- Wellington’s new District Plan can be the path forward out of the city’s malaiseThe District Plan is a blueprint for a bigger, better Wellington, through tens of thousands of new apartments and townhouses and a new approach to urban growth. Joel MacManus lays out the vision. The process of putting together Wellington’s new District Plan has been long and excruciating. As a city, ...12 hours ago
- AI companions can relieve loneliness – but here are 4 red flags to watch for in your chatbot ‘fr...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Weijers, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy, Co-editor International Journal of Wellbeing, University of Waikato Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images It’s been seven years since the launch of Replika, an artificially intelligent chatbot designed to be a friend to human users. Despite ...13 hours ago
- Paris in spring, Bali in winter. How ‘bucket lists’ help cancer patients handle life and deathSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leah Williams Veazey, ARC DECRA Research Fellow, University of Sydney DavideAngelini/Shutterstock In the 2007 film The Bucket List Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman play two main characters who respond to their terminal cancer diagnoses by rejecting experimental treatment. Instead, they go ...13 hours ago
- Heat is coming for our crops. We have to make them readySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mohan Singh, Professor of Agri-Food Biotechnology, School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences at the University of Melbourne., The University of Melbourne Tanja Esser/Shutterstock Australia’s vital agriculture sector will be hit hard by steadily rising global temperatures. Our climate is already ...13 hours ago
- Why Trust Is A MustThe Acumen Edelman Trust barometer reported that New Zealand’s political trust score now sits below the global average, a topic explored in a recent discussion paper by Maxim Institute. ...13 hours ago
- Protest March Against Fast-track Bill Announced For AucklandGreenpeace Aotearoa executive director Russel Norman says, "The Fast-Track Bill is the most damaging piece of environmental legislation any Government has introduced in living memory. People are angry, and it’s time to march." ...14 hours ago
- Watch live: Finance Minister Nicola Willis makes pre-Budget speechFinance Ministers have used past pre-Budget speeches to reveal where savings have been found and what rules have been set. ...14 hours ago
- A busy week at school for David SeymourThe school lunches programme has been retained – and will be extended to some preschoolers. So how is it going to cost $107 million less? To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. The minister with many hats David Seymour wears a number of hats, but this week ...14 hours ago
- 'Completely stupid' – ex-Tuvalu PM on Shane Jones' oil and gas commentsEnele Sopoaga - who still serves as an MP in Tuvalu - says the climate crisis is the "main enemy". ...15 hours ago
- School lunch revamp: 'The biggest waiting list since 2018'Up to 10,000 more hungry children under five will become eligible for free lunches under the government's revised lunches in schools programme. ...15 hours ago
- Book of the Week: Ashleigh Young on an extinction event“Show us the bird,” I found myself muttering at times while reading Hard by the Cloud House by Peter Walker, a deeply thoughtful, often hilarious, at times rambling – but somehow delightfully so – search for the story of a big bird. But not just any bird: the bird. This ...15 hours ago
- A ‘sponge city’ may be your home in 2050Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jack Marley, Environment + Energy Editor, UK edition DPVUE .images/Shutterstock Your home was probably designed for a climate that no longer exists. As long as humanity continues to burn fossil fuel, padding the heat-trapping blanket of gases in Earth’s atmosphere, the ...15 hours ago
- Tikanga is the first law of AotearoaA senior lawyer has filed a complaint about tikanga becoming a required law school module. Law lecturer Carwyn Jones explains what he’s getting wrong. “…the first law of Aotearoa, a law that served the needs of tangata whenua for a thousand years before the arrival of tauiwi.” – Ani Mikaere ...16 hours ago
- ‘Your agency is taken away’: When endometriosis treatment changes without your consentIn 2019, an Auckland woman woke up from surgery to find that she had undergone a treatment she didn’t consent to. She tells Alex Casey about her experience. From her very first period at the age of 14, Laura experienced “debilitating” levels of pain that forced her to withdraw from ...16 hours ago
- Wayne Brown’s port deal seeks to end five years of dramaSeeking a mandated shift for Port of Auckland before he was mayor, Wayne Brown has tried demanding huge returns and leasing operations The post Wayne Brown’s port deal seeks to end five years of drama appeared first on Newsroom. ...16 hours ago
- DoC set to cut permanent jobs on Chatham IslandsIn the gloom following director-general Al Morrison’s job cuts in 2013, the Department of Conservation restructured its operations arm. Eleven conservancy districts were whittled into six new “conservation delivery” regions, under which the Rēkohu/Wharekauri/Chatham Islands area, comprising 40 scattered islands more than 800km east of Christchurch, was tethered to the ...16 hours ago
- Levels of litigation rising with economic hardshipOne of th e country’s top litigation lawyers says New Zealand is seeing a lift in court action between companies. Chapman Tripp partner Justin Graham, who oversees a team of around 80 litigation specialists, says the courts are now so log-jammed that it’s taking over two years to get cases ...16 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 9 MayLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,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. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 9 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...16 hours ago
- China challenges must be managed if opportunities are to be sustainedOpinion: A continuation of the previous Labour government’s ‘China-plus’ diversification strategy The post China challenges must be managed if opportunities are to be sustained appeared first on Newsroom. ...16 hours ago
- IRD chases decades-old student debt for woman who never went to universityWhen Clara Owen first received a debt notice from Inland Revenue in 2018 she wondered if it was a scam The post IRD chases decades-old student debt for woman who never went to university appeared first on Newsroom. ...16 hours ago
- Green shoots prunedComment: Concerns about the state of the economy are creeping up to the top of firms’ list of challenges. That’s evident in both surveys and the tone of our recent client discussions. Skimming the past few weeks of eco-news, it’s not hard to see why. – Retail card spending fell ...16 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Thursday 9 MayThe post Daily crossword, Thursday 9 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...16 hours ago
- How the Greens could be contendersOpinion: Could former co-leader James Shaw still make a difference to working with National? The post How the Greens could be contenders appeared first on Newsroom. ...16 hours ago
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Imagine if Simon was running the country. It would be a mess.
Every MP other than the Ministers should just donate their pay back.
Maybe keep the Epidemic Response Committee, and Bridges Chairs that.
Apart from that none of the MP's are useful for anything right now.
They should get in there and stack shelves.
Bridges can do what he likes I don't care.
I'm more interested in those who're standing in boots bloodied from giving David Clark a kicking, who wouldn't accept any of the different angles put forward as mitigation for his actions, who are now coming up with more angles than a protractor to excuse Bridges.
He's essential, you see. So essential.
Unlike, say, a doctor or nurse working in Auckland to save lives who has a family in Taupo or Taranaki who they really miss. They can stay put.
Bridges is always in a bubble.
Don’t burst his bubble.
As I said on Open Mike, I'm not really "outraged" by this and not interested in pretending to be, BUT …
I had assumed he was just going to say "my bad, lesson learned" and the story ends. Turns out that Bridges intends to continue doing it. So it is not like Clark's case at all.
(presumably some adviser will whisper in his ear and he'll cave later, but it would be good if he could work that out for himself)
I never listen to talkback normally, but while scanning what was on I happened to tune into ZB late last week after David Clark’s bike ride hit the news. I wonder if the rabid talkback callers will hysterically rant and rave about Simon Bridges’ road trip as they did then.
Do you really have to ask that question? I've just asked the guys on Kiwiblog for a response and their silence is deafening.
Heh. So, business as usual then. Labour = BAD! National = SAINTS ABOVE ALL REPROACH!
The biggest bubble around is the one between Bridges' ears.
More seriously – interesting to see how many of our really essential workers are among the lowest paid: supermarket workers, drivers, aged-care workers, cleaners, rubbish-collectors, etc. The left really needs to come up with an alternative way of describing the value that people create – rather than simply the income they can command in a labour market. Without it, we cannot explain this phenomenon happening before our eyes.
Keep calling them "Essential Workers" even after this. I should point out teachers are still working through this too, I'm getting updates and heads up to what to expect in the weeks ahead, online lessons etc.
Disgraceful behaviour. Simon's a public health risk and a danger to society.
…whether he drives backwards and forwards between Wellington and Tauranga or not.
Some friendly advice in this time of challenge.
SIMON STOP DIGGING!
https://twitter.com/nealejones/status/1247035844206030848
That's hilarious
When his National party supporters call him a "pillock" on Jacinda Ardern's Face book, and say they will be voting for Jacinda, I think his Bubble will be burst.
Bill, your silence about Bridges’ travel is deafening.
LMFAO !
Now where's that dob-in page? I feel like filing a report.
It is perfectly reasonable for Simon to go to Wellington. He will be able to do way more background research there. Even Standardnistas must have some appreciation that the Leader of Opposition needs some staff assistance to properly prepare. We can't really expect that the government can have all the resources they want, but the Opposition has zero.
Or would you prefer a one party state?
Jeez, it's just a bit of fun Wayne, slight tongue in cheek, Simon is like David Brent from the Office, "an entertainer". The man can't get a break, now he's blaming his internet connection and getting laughed at.
"way more background research" wot, like trawling through dusty files? nah, get with the internet age wayne. flimsy excuse. if he needs staff assistance and cant get it without physically standing beside them, he obviously IS stuck in the past. my niece is a senior treasury wonk and they are all working from home, doing waaay more background research than simon ever will.
I'm sure the taxpayer would be quite happy to put Simon's family up in Wellington for a few weeks while he bravely battled for our butchers.
Somehow you've made a short hop from there to a totalitarian mono-state though!
You rhetoric is beginning to rival David Farrar's…
Forget that last sentence and the comment about the opposition having no resources but to address the other stuff.
Nothing remarkable in the comments, nothing intellectual about them, just common sense. Does that commodity count though? How many times have I seen that Ardern should be in Wellington 'working?' How many times have I seen that she does nothing but photo ops and spends all her time with little kids?
It might be perfectly reasonable for Simon to go to Wellington. But expecting rational, reasonable attitudes and debate? Don't you listen to Newstalkzb and people like Mike Hosking? Fuckwittery rules and dominates.
Kiwiblog would be the yes place for a one party state, as long as it's a National one.
Bridges true intention on his trips to Wellington will be revealed.
As for a one party state who chairs the Epidemic Response Committee?
It just so happens that the government gets the Lions share of the resources.
Of course it's perfectly reasonable for Bridges to be in Wellington. Or in Tauranga. Or anywhere else he can stay in his bubble.
It's perfectly reasonable for thousands of people in essential services to be working in one place, and then to be driving for hours to see their families in other places, hundreds of km away. To see the people in another bubble, the whanau they miss and want to be with. Reasonable.
But … they don't. They would like to be exceptions. But they are asked to accept that we can't all be exceptions. They are being asked to accept that "We are all in this together". And that is really tough, for so many families.
Bridges has decided that he doesn't need to make this sacrifice. So why should anybody? Why shouldn't the empty roads he drives on be … full of exceptions?
The more I think about it the more annoyed I get. There are thousands of spilt families who have no ability to connect right now but Simon needs to be in the same room as his secretary for some strange reason.
We'll hear nothing more from him on Greens MPs travelling to climate conferences, will we? Apparently it's now crucial to be in the same room to be able to do your job.
I try to get the facts right, so I've checked the official Covid-19 site on essential workers.
I found nothing that said – or even hinted – that it might be OK to drive hundreds of km between work and home, when you can work from home OR live near your work (both options available to Bridges).
Happy to be corrected, but the rules (guidelines, whatever) seem clear. Bridges is not bending them, he's completely ignoring them.
And proudly so. He got defensive (that's his go to response) when asked today and lashed out saying he didn't have to ask for permission.
What a twat.
Same room as his secretary….Hmmm?. Or is that unfair?.
Hey Wayne, there is always zoom and the many many other internet tools. I've been using them to do remote organizing for decades.
These are pretty accessible and very cheap. My families are using them to good effect during this pandemic. My work is as well – I'm working on a project that runs over the UK, US, aussie, and her for people. Not exactly expensive even at corporate level either.
I realize that it could be the the notable technophobic tendencies of professional politicians. But I see that the Minister of Health has been able to work from home. Same with the deputy PM. So it isn't insurmountable even for the technically illiterate.
Surely the coffers of the National party could cough up money for the party network. Just get the VPN that was running in 2008 for parliament with the daft LCD RSA confirmation id – that would be good enough to access files that aren't on the parliamentary or party networks. These days we mostly use confirmation Ids via the cellphone on cisco OneConnect or GlobalProtect.
Otherwise you could ask David Farrar who his benefactors are who pay for kiwiblog. I am pretty sure that they could get a very private comms site going in hours.
Basically – that would have to be the weakest excuse that I've heard for a while. Especially when you consider the driving with all of the additional exposures or that his staff will be suffering unnecessary exposure to both Bridges and each other – because someone doesn’t know how and when to use technology.
No. But expecting more sense from the leader of the opposition to be doing a commute halfway across the country, when nurses cannot live with their families because of CV19 risk.
After going to town on someone else who didn’t do anything near this level of crassness, and ignoring this one, the right wing talking parrots should be fired.
Absolutely. In fact, Slick should stay there.
Yes dear. Even my 80 something year old national supporting aunty's seen through the Bridges bravado. Extra focus is a 2 way street in these locked in times.
A busy time for the apologists.
"Stop being mean to Simon! He's trying his best! You shameless bullies!"
Mapp still hoping Bridges will 'come good' – both 'tone deaf'.
Bridges said on Newstalk ZB "50% of the time my internet doesn't work."
Even if Simon's home internet is unreliable, his Electorate office in Tauranga has had UFB since September 2011.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EU5w7DjUcAE1GKB?format=png&name=small
Simon's making excuses and being dishonest.
He's got that big-man-on-campus strut about him. Voters do not like him.
He was doing pretty well last week too, hadn't screwed up and was calm and happy that he had something to do. Got the butchers some online sale and delivery ability which approximately 0% of them will be able to do because, butchers.
And then he has to do the dumb thing and drive 1000km/week in a nationwide lockdown not seen since country was inhabited!
" his Electorate office in Tauranga".
You mean the one that was closed down do you? There aren't any electorate offices that are currently open.
"UPDATE: As NZ is now in a period of the COVID 19 lockdown the Electorate and Community Offices are closed. Until further notice we ask that any contact with MPs and their offices be via email rather than by physical post. MP's email details can be found on the contact lists at the bottom of this page and also on their individual Parliamentary Biography pages. Thank you."
https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/have-your-say/contact-an-mp/
Surely an exception could be made for the leader of the Butchers Committee. It’s important work trying to get the local bakery opened up!
They have after all made an exception for Bridges to tiki-tour the country willy-nilly.
Of course Simon's electorate office is closed. The reality is that Simon could lock himself in his electorate office and use the internet, the office would still be closed. It makes more sense than driving to Wellington just to use the fucking internet. Simon is obviously just making lame idiotic excuses and being dishonest again. That's one of the reasons few take him seriously and why he's so unpopular, even among National voters.
No, I don’t think that’s possible. Simon needs emotional junior staff to let him in because his swipe card only works 50% of the time.
Did Bill and Rosemary fall out of the Car ?
Exactly where are these two pidgeons ? Are they steering the wheel for Simon ?
God help us !
What’s the point of your comment other than riling others? Cut it out, please.
This might not be as big a news today as many here would like it to be…
Keep up, he's basically neutered the whole bile ride thing, he's shown he's incapable of sorting out his internet even though he's trying to convince a country he can lead, he's a laughing stock.
It does rather limit any opportunities National might have had to exploit Clark’s stupidity though. They will have to rely on their proxies in the media to do that.
Here's an idea, Gosman: One person can be wrong and another person can be wrong and that means they're both wrong.
Bridges, of course, hasn't yet managed to say he's wrong.
Simon mate.. the bubble is supposed to be OUTSIDE you, not between your ears.
Ohh.. and Boris Johnson= shadenfruede.
And as someone sent me about irony, if only Trump was to be taken down by a Chinese virus named after a Mexican beer.
Tauranga to Wellington is trending on twitter, this comment stood out 🙂
Cinny Right "ridickolus"!! Funny if it was not sad.
I hope his family stay safe in spite of his silly behaviour.
Comment from Maria. "If Bridges says his connection is no good in Tauranga, he’s lying. It was great for Q & A yesterday morning."
Just so!
Actually Simon saying, "Don't you know who I am!"
Well he didn't actually say that but he did imply it.
lolololooooooool !
WE should all pitch in and buy Jacinda a air ticket to Auckland, so she could visit her other bubble she must be missing big time
Do you not think holding the government to account during a state of emergency is "essential"?
Yes Gosman but if the other Shadow Ministers can manage remotely, why can't Simon?
His connection worked fine for Sunday's Q&A.
I don't know why Bridges feels the need to travel to do his essential work however I do know that travelling 1000 km round trip is not something people usually do because it is fun
Bridges loves a limo ride.
Don't be a disingenuous tit all your life, Gossie.
The boss knows whats essential…
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/national-video/news/video.cfm?c_id=1503075&gal_cid=1503075&gallery_id=218831
Just get Bridges to take her up!
Maybe Bridges' wife prefers him to be in Wellington for long periods, in order to retain her sanity, so she encourages these 1000 km round trips? Just sayin'
A wee heads-up for whoever wrote the summary that appears below the headline on the Home page: you FLOUT the rules when you set them at defiance. (FLAUNTing them means you put them on ostentatious display, which is a nonsense.)
Indeed! Though ‘ostentatious display’ and ‘Simon Bridges’ do seem to go together well.
The real reason he wants to be in Wellington is so he can get his face on the 6oclock news more often. Three times on TvOne news tonight with his silly carping stand ups for parliamentary reporters