Uffindel’s new allegation

Written By: - Date published: 8:08 am, August 10th, 2022 - 231 comments
Categories: Christopher Luxon, national, same old national - Tags:

Allegations of inappropriate behaviour being made public always run a risk.

Sometimes they reflect a one off episode of bad behaviour.  There is nothing better to deal with this than a serious attempt at atonement unaffected by calculations of personal interest.

Other times they are evidence of deeply shitty behaviour and publication of the news makes others who have also been subject to shitty behaviour to come forward.

This may be the case with Sam Uffindell whose allegation of bullying of a 13 year old Kings College has been followed up with an allegation that he acted inappropriately to a Student flatmate.  From Craig McCulloch at  Radio New Zealand:

National MP Sam Uffindell has been stood down from the party’s caucus while an investigation is carried out into further allegations of bullying raised by RNZ.

A woman who flatted with the Tauranga MP at university in 2003 has told RNZ’s Morning Report Uffindell was an aggressive bully who once pounded on her bedroom door, screaming obscenities, until she fled through her window.

In a statement issued late Tuesday night, Uffindell denied claims he engaged in “intimidatory or bullying” behaviour, but said there was a falling-out between flatmates.

The allegations are serious:

Uffindell’s former flatmate, who RNZ has agreed not to name, lived with the man and three other Otago University students for several months in Dunedin in 2003.

She told RNZ Uffindell engaged in a pattern of bullying during their second year at university, describing him as “verbally aggressive”.

Uffindell would trash the house after “excessive” use of alcohol and drugs, she said.

“This was intimidation. This was bullying. I didn’t feel safe,” she said.

The woman said she eventually moved out of the flat after having to lock herself in her bedroom to avoid a drunken outburst one night.

“He was smashing on my door and yelling obscenities and basically telling me to get out – ‘hit the road, fatty’.

“I ended up climbing out of my bedroom window and ran to a friend’s house to stay the night. I feared for my safety. I was scared.”

The woman said it was not an isolated incident: “it was just the straw that broke the camel’s back.” Her father travelled to Dunedin the next day to help her move out, she said.

Speaking to RNZ, the woman’s father corroborated his part in the story and said his daughter had been “seriously upset”.

“The flat itself was completely trashed. There wasn’t a stick of furniture left. There was no crockery left. There were no handles left on anything. It had all been broken.”

He said he gave Uffindell and two of the other flatmates “a serious piece of [his] mind” at the time.

“It was clear… [Uffindell] had real issues, real problems… he was out of control.”

The woman said she was traumatised by the event and did her best to avoid Uffindell from then on: “my stomach would absolutely flip and drop if I saw him.”

Looking back, the woman said she should have spoken to someone or taken some sort of action, but she was too scared. Uffindell never apologised for his actions, she said.

She said people may try to excuse Uffindell’s actions because of his age, but the pattern of behaviour revealed his character.

If this complaint is confirmed you have to question how careful National’s candidate vetting was.  And you have to wonder what personal issues the other candidates had that caused the Selection Panel to prefer Uffindell.

I anticipate that Labour will continue to keep out of this.

And it may pay for the Electoral Commission to start planning for a new Tauranga By Election.  If this allegation has merit then Uffindell is in big trouble.

231 comments on “Uffindel’s new allegation ”

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  1. Ad 1
    10 August 2022 at 8:22 am

    Whoever is doing this hit job is doing it textbook; fresh shitbomb every 48 hours.

    They've already eradicated all media memory of the Party conference.

    • Tony Veitch (not etc.) 1.1
      10 August 2022 at 8:36 am

      Ha! Yes Ad, it comes across as an orchestrated litany of leaks!

      And, as Micky says, Upffenoff was the BEST of the Natz candidates, so how low is the bar for candidate selection?

      • Tiger Mountain 1.1.1
        10 August 2022 at 8:50 am

        “Do the Limbo” dance low? Macho bravado, bullying, alpha traits and particularly being an ex plod or young corporate “thruster” e.g. Todd Barclay, are actually sought after qualities in natzo candidates, not that they publicise that.

        The psychology is interesting, a few years back there was a contender for the National Party Northland Electorate Seat–Mark Tan–he seemed a somewhat modern farmer type, beaten by ex copper Mike Sabin of course. Mr Tan later washed up as Principal of Kaitaia Christian School Abundant Life.

        And who should turn up throwing bricks at cops near the end of the Wellington “Convoy” occupation (photo of this run by Northland Age newspaper) but one Mr Tan. Tan was on sabbatical leave from his Prinicipal role at Abundant Life Christian school in Kaitaia because he was anti COVID vaccination! Following Northland MP Matt King used party channels to circulate his climate change denial views and refused to meet well qualified Regional Council members to debate the science.

        Mistakes get made by most parties re selection–but it seems a “feature not a bug” for the NZ National Party.

        • Chris 1.1.1.1
          10 August 2022 at 9:38 am

          I liked how in the video it showed some cops throwing the bricks back at protestors, until it stopped probably after realising it wouldn't be a good look. Our cop force is highly likely to be littered with this kind of trash, too, I'd say.

      • Jenny how to get there 1.1.2
        10 August 2022 at 8:52 am

        "….you have to wonder what personal issues the other candidates had that caused the Selection Panel to prefer Uffindell." Mickysavage

        Indeed.

        If Uffindell was the best of the bunch, you really do have to wonder what sort of people are in the pool for positions in the National Party.

        Who are they, are they all really worse than Uffindell?

    • Mike the Lefty 1.2
      10 August 2022 at 11:49 am

      Thinks: which party stands to gain most from National looking increasingly like a clowns outfit?

      Answer: ACT.

      • mpledger 1.2.1
        10 August 2022 at 12:29 pm

        Yea, if stuff is being leaked about Kings College then it's more likely to be coming from the Right then the Left.

    • Sanctuary 1.3
      10 August 2022 at 12:49 pm

      Uffidel's big problem isn't the string of allegations. They were a long time ago. But his evasiveness and deception on the issue goes to political integrity, personal sincerity and self-awareness.

      If he'd just stood on his front doorstep supported by his adorable kids and sad looking wife and said

      "Yes, I was an awful young man who did many things that I find deeply troubling today. I wish I could go back and do things differently and apologise more fulsomely but I can't. All I can say is since I've turned my life around, given up the demon drink, found Jesus I am a different man, and with the help of my wonderful wife and my children I plan a life of redemptive public service"

      Then people would have simply divided along partisan lines and he'd have survived relatively unscathed.

      Kinda like this:

    • ann wilson 1.4
      10 August 2022 at 5:14 pm

      But absolutely nothing came out of the conference that was complete anyway. National Party is a complete shambles at the moment and has been since Key deserted them without any follow up for the leadership.

  2. Macro 2
    10 August 2022 at 8:47 am

    Nat selection board "Rich entitled prick?"

    Candidate "Yes that's me."

    Nat selection board "Right you're in"

  3. pat 3
    10 August 2022 at 8:54 am

    National obviously has a candidate selection problem……so does the country.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/472557/lgnz-members-despondent-over-low-number-of-election-candidates

    • weka 3.1
      10 August 2022 at 9:03 am

      Fuck that’s bad. What happens if there aren’t enough people elected? They carry on with less councillors?

      • Robert Guyton 3.1.1
        10 August 2022 at 9:15 am

        I've put my nomination in. We candidates are thin on the ground this time around. People don't appear to have the appetite for conflict, which is what the coming term promises. Governance has been getting a very bad rap over the past couple of years and that antipathy to "the boss" is growing. With various anti-governance groups becoming bolder and bolder, more and more threatening toward those who chose to make decisions on behalf of the community, it's little wonder few are putting their hands up.

        • Ad 3.1.1.1
          10 August 2022 at 9:44 am

          Good on you for hanging in there.

          Sensible people are keeping their heads down until 3 Waters beds in.

          It's about 30% of what local councils do.

          Plus local government role has been weakened with the new water quality regulator, and impending changes to the RMA.

          This is the era of the great centralisation, and central government are hoovering up local government influence unto to themselves.

        • ianmac 3.1.1.2
          10 August 2022 at 11:36 am

          I will vote for Robert – if my vote from Marlborough will count.

          I our neck, the only vote will be for two who are standing for Mayor. Non of the other Wards have enough.

          Anyone have a candidate from the "Money Free Party"????

        • alwyn 3.1.1.3
          11 August 2022 at 5:49 pm

          I think you are very brave Robert. I understand that a goon squad has been down your way looking for anything that people not in the good graces of the Government have ever done in their life.

          I hope they don't discover, and attack you for, having sneaked a surreptitious cigarette out the back of the bike sheds when you were in Standard 6.

      • roy cartland 3.1.2
        10 August 2022 at 10:13 am

        Yikes! That explains a lot about why we have candidates like Uffers cropping up all the time – the actually don't have anyone else. (If the same applies to Central govt, that is.)

      • pat 3.1.3
        10 August 2022 at 10:25 am

        Thats a good question…I dont know, perhaps Robert may.

  4. Incognito 4
    10 August 2022 at 8:54 am

    At least now we know why National needs so many party donations, i.e., to pay for all those internal interviews that cannot be cheap (a QC, no less) because the National Party hierarchy cannot do their job right and the Party cannot change its bad culture. Those donations are an utter waste of money anyway because nothing changes in and with National and it is BAU, as usual. National is unfit to lead a government with ACT.

    • LibertyBelle 4.1
      10 August 2022 at 9:14 am

      I agree. The next government will be led by ACT, with National as it's coalition partner.wink

      • Incognito 4.1.1
        10 August 2022 at 10:46 am

        You are so right, when people vote for National they vote for ACT policies, not a centre-right package at all, which is why ACT propagandists are jumping for joy at this latest National debacle and at the National shambles in general. ACT knows that it can bleed vote(r)s from National; their relationship has been a politically incestuous parasitically cannibalistic one and Seymour et al know it. But I digress from the OP, so let’s continue this in OM, if you wish. I may have some time today for debate.

      • ann wilson 4.1.2
        10 August 2022 at 5:16 pm

        Are you in training to be a comedian?

  5. Barfly 5
    10 August 2022 at 9:17 am

    Oh shit oh dear! You couldn't make this stuff up. Almost feel sorry for Uffindel he has now less future than a Russian ammo dump on the frontline.

  6. observer 6
    10 August 2022 at 9:23 am

    I'm wondering what the least bad option for National is now, because all options are bad.

    Probably keeping Uffindell, giving him no portfolios but quietly replacing him in 2023 is the least bad. Like a Friday afternoon document dump, do it when he's not in the news any more.

    He can't be on leave for a year, so they can't run down the clock. A by-election (turnout 2%) runs a high risk, because any candidate has to be flawless now. Or Simon Bridges? wink

  7. roy cartland 7
    10 August 2022 at 9:24 am

    Wow.

    Guyon:

    "…you're selecting arrogant and entitled men with no sense of public duty."

    Luxon:

    "Ah, no…(stutter, stammer, stutter…)"

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/audio/player?audio_id=2018852878

    • Robert Guyton 7.1
      10 August 2022 at 10:08 am

      "Is National the party of law and order?"

      (Goes on to list the dodgy behaviours of numerous National MP's)

      Nice interview, Guyon.

  8. dv 8
    10 August 2022 at 9:29 am

    What is the shortest time that someone has been an MP?

    • dv 8.1
      10 August 2022 at 10:35 am

      Found it

      The MP with the shortest period of service is possibly Henry Jackson who served in 1879 from 2 July to 15 August; from the 1879 by-election to the 1879 general election. Jackson was sworn in on 11 July 1879 and parliament sat until 11 August.

  9. roy cartland 9
    10 August 2022 at 9:40 am

    What the "supporters" are never asked is, what if it was your son that was gang-bashed? Your daughter that was screamed out of her flat in the middle of the night?

    • Ad 9.1
      10 August 2022 at 9:46 am

      Yes the reporting from the victim at Otago Uni and from her dad on RNZ was pretty devastating.

      Guaranteed more to come.

      • aj 9.1.1
        10 August 2022 at 10:10 am

        the victim at Otago Uni and from her dad

        According to Uffindell, "never happened"

        Both the daughter and father sounded very credible.

        He's gone.

      • bwaghorn 9.1.2
        10 August 2022 at 12:17 pm

        At one point in an interview uffindel did yesterday he said there will be more, possum in the headlights territory now, !

    • aom 9.2
      10 August 2022 at 10:18 am

      Another domestic violence abuse situation as well? Fits the form! No doubt won't emerge – it's the demographics that will protect Uffindell. Money and assumed status!

      Metiria Turei when for lesser stuff.

    • Peter 9.3
      10 August 2022 at 10:54 am

      You know that if it were a gang member smashing up the flat and terrorising the woman they'd be calling for the death penalty.

      In fact if it had been a gang member it would be easier to understand the behaviour. A stranger in a strange place attacking a stranger – no ties of familiarity to put brakes on the behaviour.

      This was someone he knew, they had some sort of common bonds. Aside: Would he have pounded on a gang member's house because he was pissed off or out of his tree for some reason?

    • rrm (yes the kiwiblog one) 9.4
      10 August 2022 at 1:09 pm

      I can help you there, I've voted various combinations of National/ACT for 15 years.

      Some of us do have children of our own and are capable of putting ourselves in someone else's shoes. We are disgusted by this, and want him gone from the party by lunchtime.

      And the party person responsible for selecting this procession of awful, AWFUL suit-wearing surplus young males with no idea, needs to follow him out the door. Gilmore, JLR, and now this. We need more Keys and Luxons, more international CEOs taking a huge pay cut to enter politics because they feel some need to make the country a better place. Not awful little private school snots who won the 7th form debating trophy.

      Nobody deserves to pay penance for a lifetime over stupid shit they did in their teens. But this is our elected representative in parliament, they need to be people who show a high standard of character and integrity. The bar for character is well above nasty violent bully.

      (It is immaterial that Meka Whaitiri didn't lose her job and Mallard didn't lose his, because the bar is well above whatever the Labour Party will close ranks and defend too.)

      And in purely practical terms, until SU goes, how can Luxon or anyone else speak with credibility on violent crime, or youth crime, or issues in schools, as long as he backs SU?

      • lprent 9.4.1
        10 August 2022 at 2:23 pm

        Mallard didn't lose his

        Jez – you do have a remarkably selective memory. I however remember the other side of that as well.

        Nor did Tau Henare who’d deliberately provoked the confrontation. I believe that there were blows exchanged as a result of Tau making some crude comments about Mallard's new partner, and his marriage breakup.

        Something that National and ex-National MPs appeared to applaud based on their behaviour and statements at the time.

        Mallard at least went through demotion, police complaint, court case. In other words he acted like contrite Labour MP.

        National MP Tau Henare acted like a typical National MP – ie as a self-entitled dickhead. Despite provoking the assault, being a complete arsehole and walking over the bounds of reasonable behaviour, he was never apparently repentant. Got congratulations from the likes of Don Brash, and was promoted by John Key to being the chair of select committees after the election.

        But hey – you're completely naturally one-sided – like a good National/Act toadie.

      • Sacha 9.4.2
        10 August 2022 at 3:28 pm

        And the party person responsible for selecting this procession of awful, AWFUL suit-wearing surplus young males with no idea, needs to follow him out the door.

        Goodfellow needs to be shown the door immediately, yes. Though his replacement was part of this selection process, apparently. Right-leaning voters deserve better.

      • Incognito 9.4.3
        10 August 2022 at 7:51 pm

        Oh dear, this the best you can come up with?

        About those ‘huge pay cuts’, how can they afford it and pay the rent? Do they get government support? It must be tough, financially, for those poor corporate high-flyers to make ends meet, at the end of the day.

        Of course, you completely ignore the main issue here that is the National Party selection process, which again failed abysmally.

        Labour’s selection process appears to be more scrupulous and robust.

        https://thestandard.org.nz/nationals-intelligence-unit-kicks-into-gear/

        Newshub can reveal that under its new leadership the National Party has set up an “intelligence unit” to dig up information on its political opponents during the 2020 election campaign.

        Their efforts are better redirected to a ‘sewage gang’ or ‘catharsis commission’ to give the National Party a much-needed enema to clean out its internals. It’s hard to believe that there are also not a few political turds in ACT waiting to be flushed out & down. All will come out in the wash except shit stains.

        • Anne 9.4.3.1
          10 August 2022 at 8:02 pm

          Newshub can reveal that under its new leadership the National Party has set up an “intelligence unit” to dig up information on its political opponents during the 2020 election campaign.

          National have had an intelligence unit whose task was to dig up supposed dirt on their opponents for decades. It used to be kept in John Key's top drawer.

          Oh yes. There are a few turds in ACT waiting to be flushed out. For starters, they were the first party to do the donation dividing thing in the 1990s so they could keep the identities of their big donors a secret.

          • rrm (yes the kiwiblog one) 9.4.3.1.1
            11 August 2022 at 1:00 pm

            Anne – I wonder if that is anything like the people who tried to smear Chris Bishop as some kind of sexual creeper a few years ago? They all turned our to be labour party people.

        • rrm (yes the kiwiblog one) 9.4.3.2
          11 August 2022 at 8:14 am

          Of course, you completely ignore the main issue here that is the National Party selection process, which again failed abysmally.

          Oh dear…

          If you hadn't been seething about my "huge pay cut comment", maybe you might have noticed my 3rd paragraph..? 😉

          • Incognito 9.4.3.2.1
            11 August 2022 at 8:34 am

            Oh dear, if your premise hadn't been so disingenuous (aka silly) your other paragraphs could have had more credibility. Luxon owns 7 or so houses and what was Key’s net wealth when he officially entered NZ politics? Don’t make it sound like their ‘pay cuts’ are a noble and humble financial sacrifice to serve the NZ people, FFS.

            • rrm (yes the kiwiblog one) 9.4.3.2.1.1
              11 August 2022 at 12:57 pm

              OMG did you just refute the premise of my comment?

              XD

              • Incognito …
                11 August 2022 at 1:34 pm

                Now you have done the right thing and shot your own premise to pieces, care to address the National Party selection shambles and how they failed so miserably in the pre-selection/selection of an Electoral MP candidate in a true blue and high-profile electorate? In addition, care to comment on how the infamous National Party PR apparatus failed miserably to deal with the H-bomb and ensuing fallout? National and by association ACT are unfit to govern as they can’t even get their own shit together. Another CEO figure head is not going to fix anything and change anything; they’re better off making money for shareholders, which is about the only thing they do well, sadly.

                • rrm (yes the kiwiblog one) …
                  11 August 2022 at 1:50 pm

                  Now you have done the right thing and shot your own premise to pieces, care to address the National Party selection shambles and how they failed so miserably in the pre-selection/selection of an Electoral MP candidate in a true blue and high-profile electorate?

                  🙄

                  Like I said:

                  Some incompetent fool is responsible for this shambles, and probably JLR and the very important politician Gilmore also. They need to go too.

                  In addition, care to comment on how the infamous National Party PR apparatus failed miserably to deal with the H-bomb and ensuing fallout?

                  No. I refute the premise of that question. But for argument’s sake – what’s “the h-bomb” in this context? I don’t really speak beltway

                  National and by association ACT are unfit to govern as they can’t even get their own shit together.

                  OK böomer. The most recent polling seems reasonably "together".

                  • Incognito …
                    11 August 2022 at 2:18 pm

                    So, nothing meaningful from you, quelle surprise. Party fitness for government is not the same as a poll result, but it sounds awfully good, doesn’t it? H-bomb = wrongful selection of MP for Tauranga.

                    • rrm (yes the kiwiblog one) …
                      11 August 2022 at 3:06 pm

                      Party fitness for government is not the same as a poll result, but it sounds awfully good, doesn’t it?

                      LMAO turn it up. The light rail rail Mt Roskill by 2021 and 100,000 kiwibuild houses in ten years are over —> there somewhere. But we are digressing.

                      I'm actually with you on this one. This Pratt Uffindell should never have been selected, he needs to go, and whoever or whatever decided to select him needs overhaul or replacement also. No argument at all from me about that.

                      This selection is the latest in a line of bad selections that just hands ammo directly to people like yourself…. people who want to make NZ politics all about class struggle and dumb, lazy stereotypes about anybody who went to a private school, anybody from business, or really anyone from any background that isn't exactly the same as mine and isn't couched in intersectional victim identity.

                      National is right to steer away from putting "governance professionals" (= out of touch troughers) in parliament. But they need to make sure they are bringing in true leaders of industry and society, not just empty vessel whizz kids.

      • Chris 9.4.4
        11 August 2022 at 11:58 am

        I'm more interested in seeing what's discovered about what and when Luxon knew of Uffindel's past. It just seems incredulous that so many people close to Luxon knew but Luxon didn't. Sure, now and then leaders can be deliberately kept in the dark to protect them, but it's stranger so many knew except Luxon. If it comes out that he knew it could be Luxon who goes.

        It was a shame Collins went because she represents pretty much the bottom of national's barrel. I'm hoping, although not holding my breath, that more comes out about what Luxon knew and he's forced out. This way there's chance of getting someone more in keeping with Collins' calibre.

  10. woodart 10
    10 August 2022 at 9:50 am

    possibly another way of looking at this ,is what attracts" arrogant and entitled men with no sense of public duty" to the party of personal responsibilty?is it a case of like attracting like? as turds circle together?

    • Anne 10.1
      10 August 2022 at 10:27 am

      What herds them together is the belief they are superior to the rest of us. It is based on the premise they are rich (or fairly rich) or they come from rich back-grounds. Add to that the presence of the old-boy networks, then their chances of success are infinitely better than those of us who are less financially endowed and don't know the 'right' people.

      In short: its all about the money!

    • AB 10.2
      10 August 2022 at 10:34 am

      the party of personal responsibility

      Listen to them when hey talk about personal responsibility. Notice that they are almost never talking about themselves (how they might do better, etc.). They are almost always accusing other people of failing to show it – and arguing that because of that failure, those other people deserve no help. It's pretty clear that they aren't interested in personal responsibility per se – they are looking for ways to disavow any obligation to other people.

  11. Incognito 11
    10 August 2022 at 10:49 am

    I look forward to another good bye-election in Tauranga.

    • ianmac 11.1
      10 August 2022 at 11:42 am

      At least one person reckons that if a by-election must be held, the National Party should pay the cost of over $1million.

      • alwyn 11.1.1
        11 August 2022 at 6:07 pm

        A million bucks?

        Is that what Paul Eagle is going to have to cough up if he succeeds in doing a runner and we get stuck with him as the Wellington Mayor?

    • Robert Guyton 11.2
      10 August 2022 at 11:59 am

      That's good, Incognito: "goodbye election".

      Actually, very good 🙂

  12. Whispering Kate 12
    10 August 2022 at 10:57 am

    Have mercy on the missus.

  13. Reality 13
    10 August 2022 at 10:57 am

    Personal responsibility is for other people, not them. Time they shut up preaching about that until they do the same themselves.

    And as for screeching about the cost of living payment going to some who are not entitled to it – what about the wage subsidy going to companies which have made a good profit and not paid it back? Waiting to hear Luxon/Willis/Bishop tell those companies to show some personal responsibility and pay the money back.

    • Mat Simpson 13.1
      10 August 2022 at 11:44 am

      " And as for screeching about the cost of living payment going to some who are not entitled to it – what about the wage subsidy going to companies which have made a good profit and not paid it back? Waiting to hear Luxon/Willis/Bishop tell those companies to show some personal responsibility and pay the money back "

      Excellent point Reality.

    • Tony Veitch (not etc.) 13.2
      10 August 2022 at 11:57 am

      Or even the Natz tax cuts giving most to those who don't need it!

      Ah, but of course, it's their money, isn't it?

      When you can afford private schools, private hospitals and holidays in Hawaii, then what need have you of any public services?

  14. stuff the politicians 14
    10 August 2022 at 10:58 am

    That photo .

    Humpty Dumpty and Jack and the Bean stalk.

    Welcome to the new National Party of,

    nursery rhymes and fairy tales.

  15. Mike the Lefty 15
    10 August 2022 at 11:22 am

    After reading the many stories about MPs allegedly bullying, living it up on the public purse and consuming bad substances I can assume that our politicians are simply reflecting the reality of the society they live in. Is it fair to expect them to be better than us and do we deserve them to be?

    • weka 15.1
      10 August 2022 at 11:27 am

      please fix your email address on next comment, ta.

    • roy cartland 15.2
      10 August 2022 at 11:46 am

      Good point, it's the hypocrisy that gets you. Maybe they should just lean into it, it worked for Tr^mp, Boris, Bolso, Orban, etc.

    • bwaghorn 15.3
      10 August 2022 at 12:23 pm

      Thing is he didn't declare most of the shit he got upto. I'm OK with flawed people but if they are going into power I want to know for sure they're reformed,

      (waghorns handler has done some dumb shit ,I can tell you)

    • Robert Guyton 15.4
      10 August 2022 at 12:47 pm

      No. Unless they want to run for governance.

    • Sacha 15.5
      10 August 2022 at 3:29 pm

      Is it fair to expect them to be better than us

      Yes

  16. Hunter Thompson II 16
    10 August 2022 at 11:28 am

    When I started to read about this new Uffindel allegation (and I stress it is yet to be investigated) I thought – Oh gawd, another passenger getting aboard the MeToo bus years after the event.

    But the allegations seem to be serious and apparently another witness saw the after effects.

    If the flat really was wrecked, maybe the landlord could verify that because it sounds like a lot of damage was done, costing a bomb to repair. Why not ask them?

    And yes, the Natz method of candidate selection is a matter of concern.

    • Robert Guyton 16.1
      10 August 2022 at 12:03 pm

      "The landlord"

      He/she/they'd be a Nat voter, right?

    • Sacha 16.2
      10 August 2022 at 3:31 pm

      If the flat really was wrecked, maybe the landlord could verify that because it sounds like a lot of damage was done, costing a bomb to repair.

      Mummy and daddy will have paid for it, in exchange for more silence about their beloved.

  17. Christopher Randal 17
    10 August 2022 at 12:13 pm

    Nice to see Sam Uphimself trashing his party, you know the fiscally responsible one having to force another byelection.

  18. Reality 18
    10 August 2022 at 12:43 pm

    Christopher – Uphimself – clever!!

    For those more prepared to say move on, it was all years ago and he has changed – spare a thought for the victim who was beaten.

    I have a 14 year old grandson who has been bullied for years. Mainly verbally. I have seen the tears and frustration. It has very much affected him. He is now at a boys school, but is not at all sporty and is a kind, polite, thoughtful, quirky kid so does not quite fit in. However, now he is older he sees these boys for what they are – strutting and narrow minded, who he has no respect for. I am very proud his moral compass is heading in the right direction.

    • roy cartland 18.1
      10 August 2022 at 3:31 pm

      Tautoko. Bullying has lifelong consequences, verbal or physical.

      I met a former Black Cap once, who was telling me about the awful "sledging" he copped when he started (I'd never heard about sledging before). This was in the early 70s/80s, and here an older grown man still had misty eyes and a vulnerability in his demeanour. He seemed still in shock at the cruelty of it; when all he thought he had to do was play a spot o cricket.

      And this was a 'rich white guy' with all the wealth and support in the world.

    • Paul Campbell 18.2
      10 August 2022 at 11:51 pm

      I was that kid, I'm 64 now, still have PTSD fight-or-flight feelings about that boys' school when I think about this issue – the last couple of days have been hard, I wont sleep tonight – but it's important we talk about this.

      Our traditional NZ boys' schools that aspire to be 'English Public Schools' are just broken, they need to be shut down, tossed on the scrapheap of history – we don't need to ape institutions that create Johnsons, Camerons, Mogs and their ilk – and we should just stop electing people who have graduated from those evil institutions into our government – they are not safe people.

      If the school isn't expelling the bullies, lease take him out ASAP, no kid should have to go to a place of terror every day it wears you down horribly – find a co-ed school that will support him – took my parents 3 years, should have been 3 months.

      What Luxon and National should have done yesterday was to introduce their new innovative comprehensive anti-bullying platform, you know, the one that would shut it down in schools, in the streets, in the workplace, and of course in their own caucus …. instead they went with "boys will be boys" ….

      • Patricia Bremner 18.2.1
        11 August 2022 at 10:14 am

        Paul, thanks for sharing.

        We need to recognise the PTSD in this situation.

        Teaching "coping strategies' is only part of the solution,

        Recognising triggers and groups who gather together with the intention of "feeling big", ( as most bullies are inadequate in their own eyes and are deflecting attention away from themselves onto some one else. though some enjoy the power trip.)

        If the behaviour continues into adulthood, it is because the perpetrator has had success at some personal level.

        Many hide in plain sight, taking roles and positions which allow the practice to continue.

        The belief in a strong leader rather than a consultative democratic group well led, is often a key difference.

        My experience made me leery of one on one meetings, where bullying and critical probing often occurred unimpeded.

        We all look back on these episodes in a variety of ways, but I strongly related to the reaction of that woman, in that when she saw him she had a physical reaction.

        One past staff member was a mean practical joker with an acid tongue, and my husband was cornered by him at a function, he came to get me. My face must have been telling, as he said, "You want to leave?'.

        We did and over a glass of wine at home, I told him of the 7 years of hell staff had with the man, until he was demoted and moved. Hubby got it "He blamed you?" "Yes, it couldn't be him could it? He was in his eyes the victim."

        The man was moved to three further schools, and staff would ask me what I knew of him. I would say "Don't give him private or personal stuff".

        It was all the system who moved him round for years, (similar to the Church moving problem priests,) allowed me to do.

        It is not "one off episodes" but a pattern of behaviours and consequences for all involved which recipients find problematic.

        There is often "under the carpet" solutions and scant help for the damaged. Worse, terms like "weak, namby pamby.. complainant' get tossed round." ,

        That old chestnut "Can't take a joke" is best answered by "Put downs are not jokes". Change occurs when open discussion and democratic rules for behaviour is put in place.

        Remember this is the top down National Party, episode 6?… waiting…..angry

  19. woodart 19
    10 August 2022 at 1:22 pm

    teenage crimes against society..meh, grow out of it(hopefully).. teenage crimes against single person..multiple times ,against different people ,hmm, possible personality traits, grow out of it?..very unlikely..I think sam was talking about this in his maiden address. crikey! the phrase”national standards” has just taken on a whole new meaning! is it going to be a measure of hyprocrisy?

  20. Ffloyd 20
    10 August 2022 at 2:06 pm

    Nobody is talking about one of Nationals worst offenders, namely John Key. What he did to that young waitress, at her place of work, repeatedly pulling her hair even after she asked him to stop was reprehensible and disgusting. It was assault pure and simple. Totally enabled by his ‘boys’ as Bronagh apparently called them who did not see, cough, as they had to be looking out side in case some baddies tried to get in. Bronagh should have been ashamed of herself for not trying harder to stop him. If my husband tried that thinking it was just ‘jolly japes’ I would have given him the rounds of the kitchen. BUT cute slimy,little Johnny got away with abusing his position of power with no consequences at all. So wrong on every level. Nationals culture of bullying lives on.

    • Drowsy M. Kram 20.1
      10 August 2022 at 3:52 pm

      Yep, many of the Nat's continuing self-inflicted 'troubles' could be seen as Key legacies.

    • observer 21.1
      10 August 2022 at 4:54 pm

      Gold, as in satire? It's a bit heavy on the sarcasm …

      "Luxon has shown that he's in charge of the situation now."

      War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Words mean nothing.

      • LibertyBelle 21.1.1
        10 August 2022 at 5:02 pm

        Hey after 5 years of listening to the current PM, I understand how you could invoke the spectre of George Orwell smiley

        • Drowsy M. Kram 21.1.1.1
          10 August 2022 at 5:51 pm

          The spectre of George Orwell's '1984', surely, not 'George Orwell' himself.

          Eric Arthur Blair (aka George Orwell) – from "Tory-anarchist" to "left-wing (though hardly orthodox) Labour-supporting democratic socialist", maybe – never a politician, let alone PM.

        • Patricia Bremner 21.1.1.2
          10 August 2022 at 7:27 pm

          Is your name indicative of your world view?

          Our Prime Minister is not the problem here, though your deflection wishes it.

          Over 80 years I have found people who tout Liberty, mean for themselves and not usually for others.

          You reference to George Orwell indicates your thinking, and linking to Jacinda Ardern when we are discussing a possible pattern of bullying by a National Party member is poor deflection. 1984 it is not.

          • LibertyBelle 21.1.1.2.1
            10 August 2022 at 7:38 pm

            The words from George Orwell are very relevant to the PM. She has overseen a substantial increase in 'communications' staff and yet appears to be heading a less than transparent government.

            As to liberty, I take freedom very seriously, and I view any attempt to curtail it with suspicion.

            • Kat 21.1.1.2.1.1
              10 August 2022 at 7:53 pm

              I don't believe you……… and I doubt you would recognise a con even if it painted itself a purple shade of blue and danced naked at a National party conference singing " transparent seas and freedumb we are here again'."

              • LibertyBelle …
                10 August 2022 at 8:02 pm

                A 'con'?

                • Kat …
                  10 August 2022 at 8:06 pm

                  Yes, the notion that the PM is heading a less than transparent govt is a con……

                  • LibertyBelle …
                    10 August 2022 at 8:16 pm

                    Oh, thanks. Do you think that hiding something as significant as the He Puapua report is being less than transparent?

                    • Kat …
                      10 August 2022 at 8:30 pm

                      Comedians who are worth their salt know when the audience doesn't find them funny, doesn't laugh and generally gives them the big Boo….

                      You are on a hiding to nowhere, best to exit stage left while you can…

                    • Louis …
                      10 August 2022 at 9:32 pm

                      That didnt age well. Trotter was proved wrong. He Puapua report was basically a discussion document and is not government policy.

                    • LibertyBelle …
                      10 August 2022 at 9:44 pm

                      "That didnt age well. Trotter was proved wrong."

                      It has aged very well.

                      "He Puapua report was basically a discussion document and is not government policy."

                      The issue is transparency. The he Puapua report was not disclosed to either Labour’s coalition partner or the wider public until the government was faced with an OIA.

                    • Louis …
                      11 August 2022 at 1:27 am

                      No it hasnt LibertyBelle and what part of it's not government policy did you not understand?

                    • LibertyBelle …
                      11 August 2022 at 10:57 am

                      "No it hasnt LibertyBelle"

                      Well you'll need to provide something to justify that.

                      "and what part of it's not government policy did you not understand?"

                      Of course it's government policy. But actually that's not important. Why did they hide it?

                    • Louis …
                      11 August 2022 at 12:41 pm

                      Point out where Trotter has been proved right and the fact that it is not government policy is important and there was nothing to hide.

                    • LibertyBelle …
                      11 August 2022 at 3:09 pm

                      "Point out where Trotter has been proved right…"

                      You're the one who claimed he been proved wrong. The onus of proof is on you.

                      "…and the fact that it is not government policy is important and there was nothing to hide."

                      Yet they hid it. From 2019, through an election and until they had to release it under OIA.

                    • Louis …
                      11 August 2022 at 3:20 pm

                      Trotter's opinion was hypothetical reckonings, hence why I asked you the question. The government didnt hide the report, it's is not government policy.

                    • LibertyBelle …
                      11 August 2022 at 4:03 pm

                      "Trotter's opinion was hypothetical reckonings, hence why I asked you the question."

                      You claimed he had been proved wrong. You can't support that claim it appears.

                      'The government didnt hide the report, it's is not government policy."

                      Why didn't they make it public? Why didn't they share it with their cooalition partner? After all it's Labour themselves who claimed to be 'transparent'.

                    • Louis …
                      11 August 2022 at 4:21 pm

                      Hence why I asked you to show me where Trotter's opinion has been proved right. You cant. The government didnt hide it and why do you find it so hard to understand that it is not government policy.

                    • LibertyBelle …
                      11 August 2022 at 4:24 pm

                      "The government didnt hide it "

                      Is not hiding it keeping it locked away from your coalition partner, and not releasing it to the public? If it wasn't/isn't government policy, why not be transparent and release it?

                    • Louis …
                      11 August 2022 at 4:39 pm

                      It wasnt hidden. What is it about it not being government policy that you cant comprehend? How could it be released when it had not gone to cabinet, it had not been approved by cabinet, it had not been signed off by cabinet and there was no final declaration plan to sign off on anyway?

                    • LibertyBelle …
                      11 August 2022 at 4:47 pm

                      "How could it be released when it had not gone to cabinet, it had not been approved by cabinet, it had not been signed off by cabinet and there was no final declaration plan to sign off on anyway?"

                      Quite easily. It could have been released as a report commissioned in response to UNDRIP. The government could have presented it as part of a conversation on NZ's future. That would have also avoided the accusations being directed at the government of covering the report up.

                    • Louis …
                      11 August 2022 at 5:15 pm

                      No cover up and no, the government could not do that for all the reasons I have posted that you are deliberately ignoring. I assumed that you knew how the process worked, obviously you don't.

                    • Drowsy M. Kram …
                      11 August 2022 at 5:33 pm

                      Interesting report, well worth a read. Here's one take.

                      Separatist or radically inclusive? What NZ’s He Puapua report really says about the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples [7 July 2021]
                      As I try to show in my book ‘We Are All Here to Stay’: citizenship, sovereignty and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, there are ways state authority can be arranged to reject the colonial assumption that some people are less worthy of the right to self-determination than others.

                      And another:

                      With He Puapua and its critics, however, the Government has lost sight of this promise – as also happened after Te Tiriti was signed, leading to racial antagonism, violent conflict, and bitter and lasting anger. By focusing debates around Te Tiriti on this document, the Government has gone down a rabbit hole, with no ready exit in sight. History should teach us not to keep on making the same mistakes. [4 May 2021]
                      https://www.newsroom.co.nz/ideasroom/dame-anne-salmond-iwi-and-kiwi-beyond-the-binary [see part five]

                    • Louis …
                      11 August 2022 at 6:02 pm

                      That's based on the version released by the National party.

                    • LibertyBelle …
                      11 August 2022 at 6:44 pm

                      "No cover up and no, the government could not do that for all the reasons I have posted that you are deliberately ignoring."

                      You keep making stuff up. There is no reason the government couldn't have done what I suggested, other than their own lack of transparency. The country could then have a fuller discussion on the issues raised in He Puapua. The government has blown that chnace.

                    • LibertyBelle …
                      11 August 2022 at 6:53 pm

                      "Interesting report, well worth a read. Here's one take."

                      I didn't want this to get into a discussion about He Puapua specifically, but thanks for the references. Anne Salmond's writing on the Treaty and related issues has been excellent, and her quote you provided is very pertinent.

                      [You brought the He Puapua report into the debate, likely as another diversion and bait, and made plenty of comment on it too, sucking more oxygen away. If you act like a troll you will be treated as one. This is your warning – Incognito]

                    • Incognito []
                      11 August 2022 at 9:21 pm

                      Mod note

                    • Louis …
                      11 August 2022 at 7:37 pm

                      Rubbish and that's rich Libertybelle, you are the one that keeps making it up. You conveniently ignore what counters your narrative and you had the cheek to call Mallard a dense blowhard. Even the report authors said that the group’s role was to put down a number of ideas for discussion, that it was never meant to be government policy. Unfortunately, it's been highjacked by right wing dog whistling. When the govt have gone through it and have made its deliberations and signed it off, they will release it then. Do you know of any reports released by previous National govts that didnt go through cabinet and get signed off first?

                    • Louis …
                      11 August 2022 at 7:39 pm

                      "I didn't want this to get into a discussion about He Puapua specifically"

                      Yes you did, you were the one that brought it up Libertybelle.

                    • LibertyBelle …
                      11 August 2022 at 7:51 pm

                      "When the govt have gone through it and have made its deliberations and signed it off, they will release it then."

                      You're a funny guy.

                      United Nations Declaration: Indigenous rights consultation begins in wake of He Puapua controversy | Newshub

                    • Louis …
                      11 August 2022 at 9:59 pm

                      Supports what I have been saying to you Libertybelle.

                      "We will report back to Cabinet at critical points and expect to have a draft Declaration plan for wider public consultation next year."

          • Tony Veitch (not etc.) 21.1.1.2.2
            11 August 2022 at 6:10 am

            Wasting your time Patricia. Liberty is on the Rabbit-Hole Express and will soon be out of sight, well into La-La-Land.

          • Louis 21.1.1.2.3
            11 August 2022 at 1:32 pm

            yes Patricia Bremner

    • Stuart Munro 21.2
      10 August 2022 at 9:46 pm

      It's extraordinary the lengths to which the party of backward bully boys like Brownlee (who could never be taken seriously in adult circles and has retired to sulk), will go to try to re-colour the tepid passions of Trevor Mallard into some latter day Gilles de Rais.

      Who are they trying to kid? If Mallard were that sort he'd've been drafted as a Gnat candidate years ago.

  23. observer 23
    10 August 2022 at 4:48 pm

    And so it continues … drip … drip … drip

    In the space of 3 days, the number of Nats who knew about Uffindell and gave him a free pass has grown from nobody ("shocked we are, so shocked!") to now include the current party president, the former president, at least one senior MP, and now Luxon's office.

    McClay told Luxon's staff. Then they didn't tell Luxon (at least, that is the current version, it keeps changing).

    Remember Luxon spent time in Tauranga campaigning for his candidate in the by-election. And his staff watched him give his glowing endorsement and nobody dared to say … "Um, boss, there's something you should know".

    And New Broom Luxon, who ran an airline (according to unconfirmed rumours) did not ask. He had literally one job (how many candidates were National picking?) and he didn't want to do it.

    • Graeme 23.1
      10 August 2022 at 7:31 pm

      I have a lot of difficulty believing that the staff didn't tell Luxon.

      I wonder if those staff are still working in Luxon's office?

      Could be some interesting interviews tomorrow morning.

      • Tony Veitch (not etc.) 23.1.1
        11 August 2022 at 6:16 am

        I have a lot of difficulty believing that the staff didn't tell Luxon.

        Anyone who believes that – well, I have a bridge in Hawaii Te Puke to sell you.

    • shanreagh 23.2
      10 August 2022 at 11:40 pm

      Well the same staff did not alert him to the optics of a website that looked like Te Puke when if was really Hawaii. From that I take it he has no staff who are trusted to say, without fear …'hey boss'……having had this kind of role in a parliamentary setting, if Luxon were my boss

      I would have said about the:

      • half mast mask or no mask
      • Te Puke or Hawaii
      • need to talk about the aspiring MP for Tauranga.

      These are only the ones we know about.

      Heaven only knows how many other instances there are. Doesn't sound like a very tight ship.

    • Paul Campbell 23.3
      11 August 2022 at 12:02 am

      Uffindel told us yesterday that he'd bullied a lot of others at school, but he hadn't gone out and apologised to any of them.

      I bet I know why: he doesn't remember their names or any of the dates or details of what he'd done to them, he only remembers that one time there were (mild) consequences. The thing is lots of those kids he beat up, they still remember, seared on their psyches, I hope they keep talking about it, couldn't be happening to a nicer guy

  24. peter hammington 24
    10 August 2022 at 5:00 pm

    Best thing not one political rant from bishop today

  25. observer 25
    10 August 2022 at 5:27 pm

    This is very revealing (but of course, National could not possibly have known, eh?):

    https://twitter.com/tieaknotinit/status/1557121402700185600

  26. Weasel 26
    10 August 2022 at 5:50 pm

    I don’t know what all this carping on about personal responsibility is? Look at poor the-buck-stops-with-me Chrissie Luxon – when he said he was mixing it in Te Puke and he was in fact sunning it in Hawaii, it was clearly a staffer’s fault just as it was his minions’ stuff up when they decided on a policy of plausible deniability for keeping silent on Sam’s youthful little slips.

  29. Muttonbird 29
    11 August 2022 at 6:25 am

    Pressed further on the matter, Luxon refused to divulge which staff member learned of the information and kept it from him.

    That's because there is no staffer who "learned of the information and kept it from him".

    Luxon continues a long tradition for National Party leaders. He is lying…imo.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/129537912/sam-uffindell-bullying-allegations-what-national-leader-christopher-luxon-knew-and-when

    • Tony Veitch (not etc.) 29.1
      11 August 2022 at 7:58 am

      Maybe Key's mentoring is beginning to pay dividends – he's learning to lie as glibly as the 'Smiling Assassin.'

      And when you think of that nickname – surely the epitome of bullying?

      The Natz have a long history and culture of being bullies – which is probably why they selected Upffendoff in the first place. The fact that he beat up a younger, smaller boy may actually have been a plus!

    • Incognito 30.1
      11 August 2022 at 8:05 am

      One hand is a clenched fist, the other is keeping fingers crossed.

    • Matiri 30.2
      11 August 2022 at 6:58 pm

      I watched the recent Ryan Bridge interview – Luxon was very sweaty and uncomfortable throughout, and when things got awkward, Luxon stuffed his hand in his pockets. So maybe hands in pockets = I am really struggling with this topic/situation?

  32. tsmithfield 32
    11 August 2022 at 9:10 am

    I think all this is getting to the point now where public sympathy will start swinging behind Unffindel.

    The latest allegation being he lived in a filthy flat as a teenager, as if that is unusual behaviour for teenage males. This sort of stuff starts looking very much like a media beat-up, and a political hit job.

    The key points for me, are what should be disclosed from teenage years. Clearly, the expulsion needed to be disclosed. But, the stuff that occurred as a student? There will probably be a lot of boorish stuff many students get up to, and trying to remember every instance of boorishness is probably impractical.

    I would consider it sufficient disclosure if he had just told the selection committee that as a student he had lived a party life, tended to get drunk, smoke weed and was loud, and probably offended various people. But had no criminal conviction during that period.

    The other key point is to differentiate what is typical teenage behaviour, and whether that behaviour is still part of the candidate's character. People grow up, and change considerably. Typical teenage behaviour involves a lot of stupidity and often not a lot of forward thinking. But, most people grow up from that.

    The issue for political parties, generally, that it is going to become very hard to find candidates if the threshold people not being stupid or offensive as a teenager.

    Perhaps there needs to be a statute of limitations on this sort of stuff, so that only issues such as expulsion or criminal convictions from that period need to be disclosed.

    I actually hope, that if the independent inquiry finds that he gave adequate disclosure, and that his character is completely different today, then he should keep his position.

    The key issues for me are not so much what happened as a teenager. But whether the candidate has been honest in disclosure, as honesty is a key component of character, and whether the person has matured and has lived with good character as an adult.

    • Sacha 32.1
      11 August 2022 at 9:14 am

      If the threshold is gang beatings with weapons of people several years younger, everything will be fine. Examining later years is testing claims that he did nothing wrong since.

      The bigger problem is how the Nats keep selecting entitled arseholes like this.

      • tsmithfield 32.1.1
        11 August 2022 at 9:25 am

        I have no knowledge of the guy, and whether he still is an arsehole, though definitely appears to have been one when young.

        I think things could get very grubby if political parties start going through the teenage backgrounds of all sitting MPs.

        If Uffindel is forced to stand down for teenage behaviour, then what if other sitting MPs are found to have engaged in behaviour of a similar level of seriousness as a teenager?

        • Sacha 32.1.1.1
          11 August 2022 at 9:30 am

          If any MP has violently thrashed a defenceless person without attention from police or the justice system, and then delivered speeches about being tough on crime, I welcome their history becoming public and we will see what scrutiny and consequences result. Naturally the MP's own ethnicity and class will have nothing to do with the process..

        • Blazer 32.1.1.2
          11 August 2022 at 9:31 am

          You seem to be missing the point.A robust pre selection process should ensure they do not become…M.P's.

          • tsmithfield 32.1.1.2.1
            11 August 2022 at 9:55 am

            So, at what point is someone entitled to leave their past behind? Or is someone do people have to permanently drag the ball and chain of what they did as a teenager?

            • dv 32.1.1.2.1.1
              11 August 2022 at 10:04 am

              But he retrieved the spotlight to his behaviour by focusing on gangs bullying in his maiden speech.

            • Blazer 32.1.1.2.1.2
              11 August 2022 at 10:19 am

              That is a subjective call when standing for high office.

              Transparency is required.

            • Incognito 32.1.1.2.1.3
              11 August 2022 at 1:46 pm

              At what point do you realise that the National Party is acting like a serial abuser who will never change its ways and keep making the same mistakes over and over again. It’s déjà vu all over again.

            • Patricia Bremner 32.1.1.2.1.4
              11 August 2022 at 7:26 pm

              Yes there is redemption, but it is earned by good in the community, has he done any of that?

    • woodart 32.2
      11 August 2022 at 2:40 pm

      if uffindell had stood up in his maiden speech and said" I was an entitled bully when at school , but I have seen the error of my ways and I am here to give others the many chances I have had". you may have a leg to dance with smithfeild, BUT, he stood up and promptly when on the attack at other wayward teenagers, so you and uffers are dancing on the head of a pin. hypocrisy ,and entitlement lives on in the nats.

    • Sacha 33.1
      11 August 2022 at 9:26 am

      More sharp analysis – always takes a couple of days to come through:

      https://twitter.com/MorganGodfery/status/1557455186624659456

        • Sacha 33.1.1.1
          11 August 2022 at 9:54 am

          Thank you. Another smart article.

          Bullying is not just about physical violence. Bullying is an attitude and bullies adapt that attitude to the social situation they're in as they move through different stages of life. But they always gravitate to different forms of power and are always trying to find ways to acquire it and exercise it over others. It's about control.

          Uffindell may no longer beat kids up in their beds in the middle of the night. But he still aspires to grasp at the power to beat up others who he considers beneath him. This is a guy who now wants to wield the power of the state against people who have already been victimised.

          …

          Everyone has done something stupid in their teens. However, Uffindell’s maiden speech told me he still carries the same attitude he did when he was 16. I know a bully when I see one.

      • Tony Veitch (not etc.) 33.1.2
        11 August 2022 at 11:26 am

        If he has any honour and self-respect left, he’d resign.

        A quote from the article. Has he any 'honour' and 'self-respect?'

  34. Anne 34
    11 August 2022 at 10:27 am

    Thank-you for that Matiri. An excellent article. Good to know there are some top notch journalists around. Just a pity it is the bottom trolling kind who get most of the publicity.

    I expressed some sympathy for Uffindell the day this story broke. That sympathy is evaporating fast.

    From your link:

    Bullying someone is first of all about looking down on someone, regarding them as beneath you, as not worthy, as fair game for you to inflict your worst tendencies on. Bullying is also about a sense of entitlement, that the rules don’t apply to you or people like you, they only apply to everyone else.

    Bullying is not just about physical violence. Bullying is an attitude and bullies adapt that attitude to the social situation they're in as they move through different stages of life. But they always gravitate to different forms of power and are always trying to find ways to acquire it and exercise it over others. It's about control.

    Every person who has ever been on the receiving end of a serial bully will tell you that is an accurate assessment of the bullies in life. By no means are all of them male either.

    If this story prompts a serious debate about the problem of bullying and how to prevent it from happening then it could have a very worthwhile outcome.

  35. Reality 35
    11 August 2022 at 10:34 am

    The Uffindell bullying saga has been described in soft phrasing such as "asked to leave" rather than "expelled", "stupid" rather than "cruel and vicious". The school keeping it quiet, downplaying it to a lesser level so the police will not be involved.

    "Only 16 years old and 20 years ago". Teenagers do stupid things but beating up a young sleeping boy was not "stupid", it was very serious.

    If a group of teenagers beat an unsuspecting young boy on Courtenay Place at night, Police would be called, it would be reported in the Dominion Post, and CCTV cameras checked.

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    In 2003, the Court of Appeal delivered its decision in Ngati Apa v Attorney-General, ruling that Māori customary title over the foreshore and seabed had not been universally extinguished, and that the Māori Land Court could determine claims and confirm title if the facts supported it. This kicked off the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the Royal Commission report into abuse in care

    Earlier this week at Parliament, Labour leader Chris Hipkins was applauded for saying that the response to the final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care had to be “bigger than politics.” True, but the fine words, apologies and “we hear you” messages will soon ring ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: In news breaking this morning:The Ministry of Education is cutting $2 billion from its school building programme so the National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government has enough money to deliver tax cuts; The Government has quietly lowered its child poverty reduction targets to make them easier to achieve;Te Whatu Ora-Health NZ’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Weekly Roundup 26-July-2024

    Kia ora. These are some stories that caught our eye this week – as always, feel free to share yours in the comments. Our header image this week (via Eke Panuku) shows the planned upgrade for the Karanga Plaza Tidal Swimming Steps. The week in Greater Auckland On ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 day ago
  • God what a relief

    1. What's not to love about the way the Harris campaign is turning things around?a. Nothingb. Love all of itc. God what a reliefd. Not that it will be by any means easye. All of the above 2. Documents released by the Ministry of Health show Associate Health Minister Casey ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Trust In Me

    Trust in me in all you doHave the faith I have in youLove will see us through, if only you trust in meWhy don't you, you trust me?In a week that saw the release of the 3,000 page Abuse in Care report Christopher Luxon was being asked about Boot Camps. ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 26

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking about the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Care report released this week, and with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on a UN push to not recognise carbon offset markets and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 26, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Transport: Simeon Brown announced $802.9 million in funding for 18 new trains on the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines, which ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Radical law changes needed to build road

    The northern expressway extension from Warkworth to Whangarei is likely to require radical changes to legislation if it is going to be built within the foreseeable future. The Government’s powers to purchase land, the planning process and current restrictions on road tolling are all going to need to be changed ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #30 2024

    Open access notables Could an extremely cold central European winter such as 1963 happen again despite climate change?, Sippel et al., Weather and Climate Dynamics: Here, we first show based on multiple attribution methods that a winter of similar circulation conditions to 1963 would still lead to an extreme seasonal ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • First they came for the Māori

    Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedFirst they came for the doctors But I was confused by the numbers and costs So I didn't speak up Then they came for our police and nurses And I didn't think we could afford those costs anyway So I ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Join us for the weekly Hoon on YouTube Live

    Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on UnsplashWe’re back again after our mid-winter break. We’re still with the ‘new’ day of the week (Thursday rather than Friday) when we have our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Will the real PM Luxon please stand up?

    Notes: This is a free article. Abuse in Care themes are mentioned. Video is at the bottom.BackgroundYesterday’s report into Abuse in Care revealed that at least 1 in 3 of all who went through state and faith based care were abused - often horrifically. At least, because not all survivors ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Will debt reduction trump abuse in care redress?

    Luxon speaks in Parliament yesterday about the Abuse in Care report. Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:PM Christopher Luxon said yesterday in tabling the Abuse in Care report in Parliament he wanted to ‘do the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Olywhites and Time Bandits

    About a decade ago I worked with a bloke called Steve. He was the grizzled veteran coder, a few years older than me, who knew where the bodies were buried - code wise. Despite his best efforts to be approachable and friendly he could be kind of gruff, through to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Why were the 1930s so hot in North America?

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Jeff Masters and Bob Henson Those who’ve trawled social media during heat waves have likely encountered a tidbit frequently used to brush aside human-caused climate change: Many U.S. states and cities had their single hottest temperature on record during the 1930s, setting incredible heat marks ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • Throwback Thursday – Thinking about Expressways

    Some of the recent announcements from the government have reminded us of posts we’ve written in the past. Here’s one from early 2020. There were plenty of reactions to the government’s infrastructure announcement a few weeks ago which saw them fund a bunch of big roading projects. One of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Thursday, July 25 are:News: Why Electric Kiwi is closing to new customers - and why it matters RNZ’s Susan EdmundsScoop: Government drops ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • The Possum: Demon or Friend?

    Hi,I felt a small wet tongue snaking through one of the holes in my Crocs. It explored my big toe, darting down one side, then the other. “He’s looking for some toe cheese,” said the woman next to me, words that still haunt me to this day.Growing up in New ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • Not a story

    Yesterday I happily quoted the Prime Minister without fact-checking him and sure enough, it turns out his numbers were all to hell. It’s not four kg of Royal Commission report, it’s fourteen.My friend and one-time colleague-in-comms Hazel Phillips gently alerted me to my error almost as soon as I’d hit ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Thursday, July 25, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day were:The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry published its final report yesterday.PM Christopher Luxon and The Minister responsible for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • A tougher line on “proactive release”?

    The Official Information Act has always been a battle between requesters seeking information, and governments seeking to control it. Information is power, so Ministers and government agencies want to manage what is released and when, for their own convenience, and legality and democracy be damned. Their most recent tactic for ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • 'Let's build a motorway costing $100 million per km, before emissions costs'

    TL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:Transport and Energy Minister Simeon Brown is accelerating plans to spend at least $10 billion through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to extend State Highway One as a four-lane ‘Expressway’ from Warkworth to Whangarei ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Lester's Prescription – Positive Bleeding.

    I live my life (woo-ooh-ooh)With no control in my destinyYea-yeah, yea-yeah (woo-ooh-ooh)I can bleed when I want to bleedSo come on, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)You can bleed when you want to bleedYea-yeah, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)Everybody bleed when they want to bleedCome on and bleedGovernments face tough challenges. Selling unpopular decisions to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Casey Costello gaslights Labour in the House

    Please note:To skip directly to the- parliamentary footage in the video, scroll to 1:21 To skip to audio please click on the headphone icon on the left hand side of the screenThis video / audio section is under development. ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    3 days ago
  • Why is the Texas grid in such bad shape?

    This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler Headline from 2021 The Texas grid, run by ERCOT, has had a rough few years. In 2021, winter storm Uri blacked out much of the state for several days. About a week ago, Hurricane Beryl knocked out ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on a textbook case of spending waste by the Luxon government

    Given the crackdown on wasteful government spending, it behooves me to point to a high profile example of spending by the Luxon government that looks like a big, fat waste of time and money. I’m talking about the deployment of NZDF personnel to support the US-led coalition in the Red ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:40 am on Wednesday, July 24 are:Deep Dive: Chipping away at the housing crisis, including my comments RNZ/Newsroom’s The DetailNews: Government softens on asset sales, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • LXR Takaanini

    As I reported about the city centre, Auckland’s rail network is also going through a difficult and disruptive period which is rapidly approaching a culmination, this will result in a significant upgrade to the whole network. Hallelujah. Also like the city centre this is an upgrade predicated on the City ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    3 days ago
  • Four kilograms of pain

    Today, a 4 kilogram report will be delivered to Parliament. We know this is what the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care weighs, because our Prime Minister told us so.Some reporter had blindsided him by asking a question about something done by ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, July 24, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Beehive: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to use PPPs to fund, build and run a four-lane expressway between Auckland ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Luxon gets caught out

    NewstalkZB host Mike Hosking, who can usually be relied on to give Prime Minister Christopher Luxon an easy run, did not do so yesterday when he interviewed him about the HealthNZ deficit. Luxon is trying to use a deficit reported last year by HealthNZ as yet another example of the ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • A worrying sign

    Back in January a StatsNZ employee gave a speech at Rātana on behalf of tangata whenua in which he insulted and criticised the government. The speech clearly violated the principle of a neutral public service, and StatsNZ started an investigation. Part of that was getting an external consultant to examine ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Are we fine with 47.9% home-ownership by 2048?

    Renting for life: Shared ownership initiatives are unlikely to slow the slide in home ownership by much. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:A Deloitte report for Westpac has projected Aotearoa’s home-ownership rate will ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Let's Win This

    You're broken down and tiredOf living life on a merry go roundAnd you can't find the fighterBut I see it in you so we gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsWe gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsAnd I'll rise upI'll rise like the dayI'll rise upI'll rise unafraidI'll rise upAnd I'll ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Waimahara: The Singing Spirit of Water

    There’s been a change in Myers Park. Down the steps from St. Kevin’s Arcade, past the grassy slopes, the children’s playground, the benches and that goat statue, there has been a transformation. The underpass for Mayoral Drive has gone from a barren, grey, concrete tunnel, to a place that thrums ...
    Greater AucklandBy Connor Sharp
    4 days ago
  • A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Tuesday, July 23 are:Deep Dive: Penlink: where tolling rhetoric meets reality BusinessDesk-$$$’s Oliver LewisScoop: Te Pūkenga plans for regional polytechs leak out ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Health: Shane Reti announced the Board of Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand was being replaced with Commissioner Lester Levy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • HealthNZ and Luxon at cross purposes over budget blowout

    Health NZ warned the Government at the end of March that it was running over Budget. But the reasons it gave were very different to those offered by the Prime Minister yesterday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed the “botched merger” of the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) to create Health ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2500-3000 more healthcare staff expected to be fired, as Shane Reti blames Labour for a budget defic...

    Long ReadKey Summary: Although National increased the health budget by $1.4 billion in May, they used an old funding model to project health system costs, and never bothered to update their pre-election numbers. They were told during the Health Select Committees earlier in the year their budget amount was deficient, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Might Kamala Harris be about to get a 'stardust' moment like Jacinda Ardern?

    As a momentous, historic weekend in US politics unfolded, analysts and commentators grasped for precedents and comparisons to help explain the significance and power of the choice Joe Biden had made. The 46th president had swept the Democratic party’s primaries but just over 100 days from the election had chosen ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    5 days ago
  • Solutions Interview: Steven Hail on MMT & ecological economics

    TL;DR: I’m casting around for new ideas and ways of thinking about Aotearoa’s political economy to find a few solutions to our cascading and self-reinforcing housing, poverty and climate crises.Associate Professor runs an online masters degree in the economics of sustainability at Torrens University in Australia and is organising ...
    The KakaBy Steven Hail
    5 days ago
  • Reported back

    The Finance and Expenditure Committee has reported back on National's Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill. The bill sets up water for privatisation, and was introduced under urgency, then rammed through select committee with no time even for local councils to make a proper submission. Naturally, national's select committee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Vandrad the Viking, Christopher Coombes, and Literary Archaeology

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

    History is not on the side of the centre-left, when Democratic presidents fall behind in the polls and choose not to run for re-election. On both previous occasions in the past 75 years (Harry Truman in 1952, Lyndon Johnson in 1968) the Democrats proceeded to then lose the White House ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    5 days ago
  • Joe Biden's withdrawal puts the spotlight back on Kamala and the USA's complicated relatio...

    This is a free articleCoverageThis morning, US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race. And that is genuinely newsworthy. Thanks for your service, President Biden, and all the best to you and yours.However, the media in New Zealand, particularly the 1News nightly bulletin, has been breathlessly covering ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    5 days ago
  • Why we have to challenge our national fiscal assumptions

    A homeless person’s camp beside a blocked-off slipped damage walkway in Freeman’s Bay: we are chasing our tail on our worsening and inter-related housing, poverty and climate crises. Photo: Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Existential Crisis and Damaged Brains

    What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognise?(Gone away)But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have to findAnd as I try to make my wayTo the ordinary worldYesterday morning began as many others - what to write about today? I began ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • A speed limit is not a target, and yet…

    This is a guest post from longtime supporter Mr Plod, whose previous contributions include a proposal that Hamilton become New Zealand’s capital city, and that we should switch which side of the road we drive on. A recent Newsroom article, “Back to school for the Govt’s new speed limit policy“, ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Monday, July 22 are:Today’s Must Read: Father and son live in a tent, and have done for four years, in a million ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #29

    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago
  • I'd like to share what I did this weekend

    This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • For the children – Why mere sentiment can be a misleading force in our lives, and lead to unex...

    National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Order image, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • A friend in uncertain times

    Day one of the solo leg of my long journey home begins with my favourite sound: footfalls in an empty street. 5.00 am and it’s already light and already too warm, almost.If I can make the train that leaves Budapest later this hour I could be in Belgrade by nightfall; ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

    Hi,We’ll get to the horrific world of male diet influencers (AKA Beefy Boys) shortly, but first you will be glad to know that since I sent out the Webworm explaining why the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was not a false flag operation, I’ve heard from a load of people ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

    Do you remember Y2K, the threat that hung over humanity in the closing days of the twentieth century? Horror scenarios of planes falling from the sky, electronic payments failing and ATMs refusing to dispense cash. As for your VCR following instructions and recording your favourite show - forget about it.All ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 20

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts being questioned by The Kākā’s Bernard Hickey.TL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 20 were:1. A strategy that fails Zero Carbon Act & Paris targetsThe National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government finally unveiled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Flooding Housing Policy

    The Minister of Housing’s ambition is to reduce markedly the ratio of house prices to household incomes. If his strategy works it would transform the housing market, dramatically changing the prospects of housing as an investment.Leaving aside the Minister’s metaphor of ‘flooding the market’ I do not see how the ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

    An employee of tobacco company Philip Morris International demonstrates a heated tobacco device. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy on Friday, July 19 are:At a time when the Coalition Government is cutting spending on health, infrastructure, education, housing ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
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    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
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    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
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    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
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    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
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    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
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    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
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    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
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    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
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    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
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    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
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    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
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    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
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    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
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    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
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    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
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    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
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    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
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    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
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    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
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    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
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    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

    The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

    New developments in the heart of North Island forestry country will reinvigorate their communities and boost economic development, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones visited Kaingaroa and Kawerau in Bay of Plenty today to open a landmark community centre in the former and a new connecting road in ...
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    1 week ago
  • 'Pacific Futures'

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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