Vernon Small on Key’s fiscal Tardis
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- Date published:
10:22 am, May 19th, 2016 - 21 comments
Categories: budget 2016, economy, john key, spin -
Tags: cake and eat it, fiscal tardis, lies, vernon small
Oh how I wish I had penned this line! Vernon Small writes:
Key is concocting big tax cuts, lower debt and more spending in his fiscal Tardis
Boy, these new banknotes are really something aren’t they?
Only this week Prime Minister John Key managed to spend one, save it and outline a plan to give it back to taxpayers all at the same time.
Perfect – give that man a jelly baby!
But back to this week’s back flip-cum-mobius-strip on tax and the Budget. The start was tranquil enough, though slightly surprising. Finance Minister Bill English announced … Tax cuts, though not technically “off the table”, were on the back burner and no specific provision had been made for them.
…
Key stepped into his fiscal Tardis and taraah! National might still announce a tax cut next year – or campaign on one – for 2018 that would be not $1.5b but $3b.Key’s view was there were only really three options for National. 1) Cut taxes, 2) promise to cut taxes or 3) promise not to cut taxes. For the National Party the third choice was philosophically poison.
Fair enough on the political level, but to quote John Key from the 2008 election campaign, “show me the money”. …
I’m going to disagree on that last line though. It’s only “fair enough on the political level” if you accept that politics is a game of lies. It shouldn’t be. This kind of fiscal nonsense should be political death, and its up to the media to make it so. Here, if it helps, just imagine it was Labour spouting this inconsistent nonsense. Go!
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- Green initiative addresses both climate and inequalityA long standing Green Party policy has been extended yet again in this year’s Budget. This will deliver warmer homes for thousands of people, lower power bills, and cut climate pollution. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens on board with more affordable buses and trainsThe Green Party is fully on board with free bus and train travel for under 12s and half price travel for under 25s - next stop, free travel for all under 18s, students, and apprentices. ...2 weeks ago
- Budget 2023 falls short of what’s neededToday’s Budget makes good progress on climate and inequality, but falls short of what’s needed to fix both. ...2 weeks ago
- Flood and Cyclone recovery package covers the basicsEarlier this week, the Prime Minister announced a billion dollar flood and cyclone recovery package as part of Budget 2023. This is about doing the basics - repairing and rebuilding what has been damaged and making smart investments, including $100 million of protection funding to ensure future events don’t cause ...3 weeks ago
- Closer defence cooperation between New Zealand and Japan
The Defence Ministers of New Zealand and Japan have signed a statement of intent for closer defence cooperation between the two Pacific regional partners. Andrew Little and H. E. Yasukazu Hamada met to sign the ‘Statement of Intent on Defence Cooperation in Maritime Security, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and ...6 hours ago - SPEECH: To the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2023 by the Honourable Andrew Little MP, New Zealand Ministe...New Zealand’s most recent defence assessment identified climate change and geostrategic competition as the two greatest security challenges to our place in the South Pacific. To the first issue, partners engaging and re-engaging with Pacific Island Countries are finding that climate change is a security and existential threat in our ...2 days ago
- Govt supporting more rangatahi into training and employment opportunitiesThe government is continuing to support rangatahi in providing more funding into Maori Trades training and new He Poutama Rangatahi programmes across Aotearoa. “We’re backing 30 new by Māori for Māori Kaupapa employment and training programmes, which will help iwi into sustainable employment or progress within their chosen careers” says ...2 days ago
- Energy self-sufficient marae reopens with support of Government investmentMurihiku Marae was officially reopened today, setting a gold standard in sustainable building practices as well as social outcomes for the people of Waihōpai Invercargill, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan says. “The marae has been a central hub for this community since the 1980’s. With the support of $9.65 million ...2 days ago
- First major Whangārei public housing project in a generation completeThe first major public housing development in Whangārei for decades has reached completion, with 37 new homes opened in the suburb of Maunu today. The project on Tapatahi Crescent and Puriri Park Road, consists of 15 one-bedroom, 4 two-bedroom, 7 three-bedroom, 8 four-bedroom and 3 five-bedroom homes, as well as ...2 days ago
- Trade Minister to represent New Zealand trade interests abroadTrade and Export Growth Minister Damen O’Connor will depart tomorrow for London to represent New Zealand at the Commonwealth Trade Ministers’ Meeting and then to Paris to vice-chair the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting. “My travel to the United Kingdom is well-timed, with the United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (UK FTA) ...3 days ago
- Bill to boost national fuel resiliency introducedThe Fuel Industry (Improving Fuel Resilience) Amendment Bill would: boost New Zealand’s fuel supply resilience and economic security enable the minimum stockholding obligation regulations to be adapted as the energy and transport environment evolves. “Last November, I announced a six-point plan to improve the resiliency of our fuel supply from ...3 days ago
- Faster ACC payment top-ups and fairer systemThe Government is making sure those on low incomes will no longer have to wait five weeks to get the minimum weekly rate of ACC, and improving the data collected to make the system fairer, Minister for ACC Peeni Henare said today. The Accident Compensation (Access Reporting and Other Matters) ...3 days ago
- Compulsory code of conduct for school boards introducedA compulsory code of conduct will ensure school board members are crystal clear on their responsibilities and expected standard of behaviour, Minister of Education Jan Tinetti said. It’s the first time a compulsory code of conduct has been published for state and state-integrated school boards and comes into effect on ...3 days ago
- Speech to the New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen annual conference.Tena koutou katoa and thank you, Mayor Nadine Taylor, for your welcome to Marlborough. Thanks also Doug Saunders-Loder and all of you for inviting me to your annual conference. As you might know, I’m quite new to this job – and I’m particularly pleased that the first organisation I’m giving a ...3 days ago
- Govt to support councils with buyout and better protection of cyclone and flood affected propertiesThe Government will enter into a funding arrangement with councils in cyclone and flood affected regions to support them to offer a voluntary buyout for owners of Category 3 designated residential properties. It will also co-fund work needed to protect Category 2 designated properties. “From the beginning of this process ...3 days ago
- Government delivers changes to reduce pokies harmThe Government has announced changes to strengthen requirements in venues with pokie (gambling) machines will come into effect from 15 June. “Pokies are one of the most harmful forms of gambling. They can have a detrimental impact on individuals, their friends, whānau and communities,” Internal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds said. ...3 days ago
- Government delivers 1800 additional frontline PoliceThe total Police workforce is now the largest it has ever been. Police constabulary stands at 10,700 officers – an increase of 21% since 2017 Māori officers have increased 40%, Pasifika 83%, Asian 157%, Women 61% Every district has got more Police under this Government The Government has delivered on ...3 days ago
- Minister Mahuta talks Pacific ambitions at the first Korea-Pacific Leaders’ summitMinister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Nanaia Mahuta met with Korea President Yoon, as well as Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna, during her recent visit to Korea. “It was an honour to represent Aotearoa New Zealand at the first Korea – Pacific Leaders’ Summit. We discussed Pacific ambitions under the ...3 days ago
- Government drives $2 billion of business research and developmentThe Government’s Research and Development Tax Incentive has supported more than $2 billion of New Zealand business innovation – an increase of around $1 billion in less than nine months. "Research and innovation are essential in helping us meet the biggest challenges and seize opportunities facing New Zealand. It’s fantastic ...4 days ago
- Achieving lift off: National Space Policy launchedThe next ‘giant leap’ in New Zealand’s space journey has been taken today with the launch of the National Space Policy, Economic Development Minister Barbara Edmonds announced. “Our space sector is growing rapidly. Each year New Zealand is becoming a more and more attractive place for launches, manufacturing space-related technology ...4 days ago
- New science and creative technologies wharekura announcedA new Year 7-13 designated character wharekura will be built in Pāpāmoa, Associate Minister of Education Kelvin Davis has announced. The wharekura will focus on science, mathematics and creative technologies while connecting ākonga to the whakapapa of the area. The decision follows an application by the Ngā Pōtiki ā Tamapahore ...4 days ago
- Freedom Camping changes a win for the environmentProtecting the environment by establishing a stronger, more consistent system for freedom camping Supporting councils to better manage freedom camping in their region and reduce the financial and social impacts on communities Ensuring that self-contained vehicle owners have time to prepare for the new system The Self-Contained Motor Vehicle ...4 days ago
- Speeding up the family court, reducing stress on familiesA new law passed last night could see up to 25 percent of Family Court judges’ workload freed up in order to reduce delays, Minister of Justice Kiri Allan said. The Family Court (Family Court Associates) Legislation Bill will establish a new role known as the Family Court Associate. The ...5 days ago
- UK FTA delivers benefits from todayNew Zealand businesses will begin reaping the rewards of our gold-standard free trade agreement with the United Kingdom (UK FTA) from today. “The New Zealand UK FTA enters into force from today, and is one of the seven new or upgraded Free Trade Agreements negotiated by Labour to date,” Prime ...5 days ago
- Next steps to reform outdated surrogacy lawThe Government will reform outdated surrogacy laws to improve the experiences of children, surrogates, and the growing number of families formed through surrogacy, by adopting Labour MP Tāmati Coffey’s Member’s Bill as a Government Bill, Minister Kiri Allan has announced. “Surrogacy has become an established method of forming a family ...5 days ago
- Defence Minister to attend Shangri-La DialogueDefence Minister Andrew Little departs for Singapore tomorrow to attend the 20th annual Shangri-La Dialogue for Defence Ministers from the Indo-Pacific region. “Shangri-La brings together many countries to speak frankly and express views about defence issues that could affect us all,” Andrew Little said. “New Zealand is a long-standing participant ...5 days ago
- New Zealand–China science relationship affirmedResearch, Science and Innovation Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall and the Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang met in Wellington today and affirmed the two countries’ long-standing science relationship. Minister Wang was in New Zealand for the 6th New Zealand-China Joint Commission Meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation. Following ...5 days ago
- Supporting a strong future for screen sector5 percent uplift clearer and simpler to navigate Domestic productions can access more funding sources 20 percent rebate confirmed for post-production, digital and visual effects Qualifying expenditure for post-production, digital and visual effects rebate dropped to $250,000 to encourage more smaller productions The Government is making it easier for the ...5 days ago
- Minister Sepuloni to attend 61st Anniversary of Samoa’s IndependenceDeputy Prime Minister and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs (Pacific Region) Carmel Sepuloni will represent New Zealand at Samoa’s 61st Anniversary of Independence commemorations in Apia. “Aotearoa New Zealand is pleased to share in this significant occasion, alongside other invited Pacific leaders, and congratulates Samoa on the milestone of 61 ...6 days ago
- Govt backs retailers with expansion of fog cannon programmeThe Government is continuing to support retailers with additional funding for the highly popular Fog Cannon Subsidy Scheme, Police and Small Business Minister Ginny Andersen announced today. “The Government is committed to improving retailers’ safety,” Ginny Andersen said. “I’ve seen first-hand the difference fog cannons are making. Not only do ...6 days ago
- Government will consider recommendations of Intelligence and Security Act reviewThe Government has received the first independent review of the Intelligence and Security Act 2017, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says. The review, considered by the Parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee, was presented to the House of Representatives today. “Ensuring the safety and security of New Zealanders is of the utmost ...6 days ago
- Govt expresses condolences on the passing of HRH Princess Sui’ilikutapuPrime Minister Chris Hipkins has expressed condolences on behalf of New Zealand to the Kingdom of Tonga following the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili. “New Zealand sends it’s heartfelt condolences to the people of Tonga, and to His Majesty King Tupou VI at this time ...6 days ago
- Govt expresses condolences on the passing of HRH Princess Siu’ilikutapuPrime Minister Chris Hipkins has expressed condolences on behalf of New Zealand to the Kingdom of Tonga following the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili. “New Zealand sends it’s heartfelt condolences to the people of Tonga, and to His Majesty King Tupou VI at this time ...6 days ago
- Security support to Solomon Islands extendedDefence Minister Andrew Little and Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta have today announced the extension of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) deployment to Solomon Islands, as part of the regionally-led Solomon Islands International Assistance Force (SIAF). “Aotearoa New Zealand has a long history of working alongside the Royal Solomon ...6 days ago
- Minister Mahuta to attend the first Korea-Pacific Leaders’ SummitForeign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta will travel to the Republic of Korea today to attend the Korea–Pacific Leaders’ Summit in Seoul and Busan. “Korea is an important partner for Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific region. I am eager for the opportunity to meet and discuss issues that matter to our ...1 week ago
- Agreement between Indo-Pacific partners for supply chain resilienceTrade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor joined ministerial representatives at a meeting in Detroit, USA today to announce substantial conclusion of negotiations of a new regional supply chains agreement among 14 Indo-Pacific countries. The Supply Chains agreement is one of four pillars being negotiated within the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework ...1 week ago
- Celebrating Samoa Language Week 2023Our most spoken Pacific language is taking centre stage this week with Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa – Samoa Language Week kicking off around the country. “Understanding and using the Samoan language across our nation is vital to its survival,” Barbara Edmonds said. “The Samoan population in New Zealand are ...1 week ago
- Nationwide test of Emergency Mobile Alert systemOver 90 per cent of New Zealanders are expected to receive this year’s nationwide test of the Emergency Mobile Alert system tonight between 6-7pm. “Emergency Mobile Alert is a tool that can alert people when their life, health, or property, is in danger,” Kieran McAnulty said. “The annual nationwide test ...1 week ago
- Whakatōhea and the Crown sign Deed of SettlementENGLISH: Whakatōhea and the Crown sign Deed of Settlement A Deed of Settlement has been signed between Whakatōhea and the Crown, 183 years to the day since Whakatōhea rangatira signed the Treaty of Waitangi, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Andrew Little has announced. Whakatōhea is an iwi based in ...1 week ago
- New Chair appointed to New Zealand National Commission for UNESCOElizabeth Longworth has been appointed as the Chair of the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO, Associate Minister of Education Jo Luxton announced today. UNESCO is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting cooperative action among member states in the areas of education, science, culture, social science (including peace and ...1 week ago
- Tourism transformation starts with peopleTourism and hospitality employer accreditation scheme to recognise quality employers Better education and career opportunities in tourism Cultural competency to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces Innovation and technology acceleration to drive satisfying, skilled jobs Strengthening our tourism workers and supporting them into good career pathways, pay and working conditions ...1 week ago
- Tourism transformation starts with peopleTourism and hospitality employer accreditation scheme to recognise quality employers Better education and career opportunities in tourism Cultural competency to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces Innovation and technology acceleration to drive satisfying, skilled jobs Strengthening our tourism workers and supporting them into good career pathways, pay and working conditions ...1 week ago
- Te ao Māori health services cheaper and more accessible for whānauGreater access to primary care, including 193 more front line clinical staff More hauora services and increased mental health support Boost for maternity and early years programmes Funding for cancers, HIV and longer term conditions Greater access to primary care, improved maternity care and mental health support are ...1 week ago
- Te ao Māori health services more accessible for whānauGreater access to primary care, including 193 more front line clinical staff More hauora services and increased mental health support Boost for maternity and early years programmes Funding for cancers, HIV and longer term conditions Greater access to primary care, improved maternity care and mental health support are ...1 week ago
- Act's David Seymour promises to 'dial up the brew'
Act’s plan to cut red tape and regulation was not a snappy soundbite policy, but while party faithfuls may need to re-read the fine print on what David Seymour announced today, they left the annual conference feeling confident ahead of this year’s election A sold-out party conference this year for Act left ...3 hours ago - Te Pāti Māori selects Tākuta Ferris for Te Tai Tonga
Te Pāti Māori has chosen Tākuta Ferris as its general election candidate for Te Tai Tonga. ...5 hours ago - Taxpayers’ Union Welcomes ACT Policy Announcement To Reduce Red Tape
Commenting on ACT’s ‘Policing Red Tape and Regulation’ policy announcement, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Callum Purves, said: “Red tape and regulation are some of the biggest hand brakes on New Zealand’s prosperity. They make it more ...5 hours ago - Speech: David Seymour, A Time For TruthReal Change Now, SkyCity Theatre, 4 June 2023 Introduction Thank you, and what a show! Is it too late to call it ‘ACT’s got talent?’ It’s just as well, ACT’s talent is as real as the problems New Zealand faces. Simon Court is a civil engineer. ...5 hours ago
- ACT To Police Red Tape And Regulation In GovernmentNew Minister and Ministry of Regulation to police red tape and hold Ministers and departments accountable Regulatory Standards Bill to require regulation meets good lawmaking principles Strong enforcement mechanisms to police new and existing regulations ...5 hours ago
- ACT Party conference: A new ministry to sort 'jungle of red tape', 'speaking out'...This proposed ministry would be given the powers to evaluate new regulatory proposals, review red tape and change laws to remove surplus regulation. ...6 hours ago
- Record Crowd Demands Real ChangeOver 600 people crammed into the SkyCity Theatre today to demand real change as ACT MPs and candidates outlined a fresh vision for New Zealand. “The size of this crowd, and the enthusiasm they showed for ACT’s people and policies, shows that ...6 hours ago
- Te Pāti Māori Announce Te Tai Tonga Candidate, Takuta FerrisToday, Te Pāti Māori announce Takuta Ferris will contest the Te Tai Tonga seat at this year’s General Election. “Takura ran for the Te Tai Tonga seat for Te Pāti Māori in 2020. It takes tremendous courage and commitment to put your hand ...6 hours ago
- A balm for everyone who survived the misogyny of the 2000s
Claire Mabey reviews Josie Shapiro’s debut novel Everything is Beautiful and Everything Hurts, winner of the inaugural Allen & Unwin Fiction Prize. The aggressive misogyny of the early 2000s is the skeezy world in which Josie Shapiro’s quietly magnetic character, Mickey Bloom, comes of age. As a reader of the ...13 hours ago - A little-discussed but significant AI danger
Jack Santa Barbara asks if we've created a 'doomsday machine' by bringing artificial intelligence to a growth economy Comment: If you have the sense the world is fraying at the edges and things are getting worse faster than they are getting better, you wouldn’t be alone. Various scholars and organisations have ...16 hours ago - The politics of home ownership
How political parties have influenced our desire to own our own homes, says Professor Sebastian Kohl Opinion: In the late 20th Century, in most countries and even cities in the world, the majority of residents were homeowners. Some 20 years later that picture has shifted considerably, leading many to question whether ...16 hours ago - An Ode for .. Wayne Brown
Bard Billot on the barbarian Brown Last one out, turn off the lights Some months had passed Since Alaric the Brown had stormed the gates Of the Mighty Cosmopolis of Auk, Burning and Thrashing and Laying Waste. Now Alaric wandered his vast estates As the passion and ...16 hours ago - The Sunday Essay: Fragile tissueIf I moved through the world with pulsing red lines across my body, would that allow others to see the reality of my pain? The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. Original illustrations by Ned Wenlock. I sit on a grey plastic chair, ...17 hours ago
- When did The Kardashians get so bleak?From body horror to beige homeware, Alex Casey counts all the ways The Kardashians makes for a joyless watch in 2023. Watch enough seasons of reality TV and you will start to see parallels with the real seasons. In summer, where anything feels possible and everyone is merrily bashing around ...17 hours ago
- Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown denies forwarding abusive emails to councillorsAuckland Mayor Wayne Brown says he did not forward councillors a string of abusive emails that called them "dip shits", saying they were sent by staff "in a fit of excitement". ...1 day ago
- Hipkins faces grilling from students over University of Otago staff cuts
By Tess Brunton, RNZ News reporter New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins faced a grilling by University of Otago students during his trip to Ōtepoti yesterday. Students, staff and community members have been fighting against the university’s request for staff to consider redundancies in a bid to save $60 million. ...1 day ago - Transparency PNG calls for further charges over ‘worrying’ Paraka caseRNZ Pacific Transparency International Papua New Guinea has welcomed the conviction of lawyer Paul Paraka as the police confirm they are widening the investigation into the fraud case. The NGO admits the depths of Paraka’s activities, revealed by the case, are very worrying. Paraka, who had operated his own eponymous ...1 day ago
- Focus on Politics: Politicians tackling AI, but will it be too late?Government and the tech sector are considering principles for an AI strategy, but there seems little urgency from ministers and no sign of action before the election. ...1 day ago
- Focus on Politics: Politicians tackling AI, but will it be too late?Government and the tech sector are considering principles for an AI strategy, but there seems little urgency from ministers and no sign of action before the election. ...1 day ago
- Why I wrote The Lighthouse Princess: An interview with Susan WardellSusan Wardell’s first picture book is nominated in two categories at this year’s New Zealand Book Awards for Children & Young Adults. She tells Claire Mabey about the genesis of the book, and what she thinks of the state of children’s publishing in Aotearoa. Claire Mabey: What was the inspiration ...1 day ago
- The most mindblowing moments from the first 26 years of Treasure IslandIn June 1997, a new reality TV juggernaut arrived on New Zealand screens. Tara Ward and Alex Casey look back on a quarter-century of Treasure Island mayhem. Twenty-six years ago this month, we watched 12 fresh-faced New Zealanders arrive on a Fijian beach with nothing but their hopes and dreams ...2 days ago
- The Week in Detail: Wallabies, AI, and the NZ Steel deal
Every weekday, The Detail makes sense of the big news stories. This week, it was joint winner of the Best Factual Podcast - Episodic at the NZ Radio Awards. This week, we looked at the threat wild pest wallabies pose to Aoraki Mt Cook, the scams targeting Pacific Islander communities, the long shadow over ...2 days ago - Mayor’s councillor call-outs 'a mark of his desperation'
Councillors still weighing up their options before next week’s budget vote say there has been insufficient information, communication and time to assess the consequences of a full selldown of airport shares Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is famous for his straight to the bone style of communication, but Thursday’s budget announcement ...2 days ago - Short story: The heart-shaped bed, by Joy Holley
Love, Instagram, and a new bed, from a dazzling new short story collection Alice had wanted a heart-shaped bed since she was sixteen, which was when she had started wanting most of the things she wanted now. She had imagined she would meet some Lolita-loving, Sugar Daddy type who ...2 days ago - Why building more won't make houses affordable
Governments around the world are searching for how to fix housing affordability, but the solutions will have to be local and community based, writes Nicole Gurran of the University of Sydney Opinion: From Sydney to San Francisco, the housing affordability crisis is affecting communities across the world. Younger generations priced out of ...2 days ago - Bunge's bold football dream for Aotearoa
A lack of female football stars in the media didn't stop Claudia Bunge on her journey to the top; now the Football Fern hopes a new campaign helps girls see what they can become The first time Claudia Bunge watched a women’s football game, it featured some of the Football Ferns she now ...2 days ago - ‘It can happen to absolutely anyone’: A day in the life of a Pet Refuge caseworkerEvery day, pets are being removed from domestic violence situations around the country. Alex Casey talks to one of the workers on the front line. This story contains discussion of domestic violence and emotional abuse, please take care. Alice Hayward has never been busier. As a caseworker for Pet Refuge, ...2 days ago
- You are not serious people: the week in politicsAs the country contends with a cost-of-living permacrisis and an election year, is it too much to ask that our politicians don’t spend a week playing petty games? It would be fitting to reflect on this week in politics by simply dropping this gif and, as with Succession itself, calling ...2 days ago
- Front of mind
As part of a weekly showcase of future leaders and inspirational young New Zealanders from the Hyundai Pinnacle Programme, Jennifer Palmer wants to know how we can treat neurodegenerative diseases more effectively | Content Partnership When Jennifer Palmer was growing up, her nickname was Chatterbox. “I’d always be saying, ‘Why? ...2 days ago - Long Read: The Preppers Next Door
This is The Detail's Long Read – one in-depth story read by us every weekend. This week, we're diving into the back catalogues. It's The Preppers Next Door by Tom Doig, published in New Zealand Geographic magazine's November/December 2022 issue. You can read the full article, with accompanying photos by Cameron James McLaren, here. When Tom Doig ...2 days ago - Author-poet condemns Papuan rebel threat to shoot NZ hostage pilot if denied talksAsia Pacific Report An Australian author-poet and advocate for West Papuan independence has condemned a reported threat against the life of a New Zealand hostage pilot, Philip Mehrtens, held by Papuan liberation fighters and appealed to them to “keep Philip safe”. Jim Aubrey, a human rights activist who has campaigned ...2 days ago
- Fiji communities eager to meet ‘our PM’ Rabuka on NZ visitRNZ Pacific Members of Fijian communities in Auckland and Wellington are eager to meet Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka next week when he arrives on his first official state visit to Aotearoa New Zealand. Rabuka and wife Sulueti are expected to arrive in Auckland on Monday before meeting with the local ...2 days ago
- Dialogue is vital ‘guardrail’ in dealing with China, Albanese tells international security forumSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has told a regional security forum that dialogue is a vital “guardrail” in dealing with China, and praised US President Joe Biden’s effort to establish “reliable and open” US-China channels of ...2 days ago
- Christopher Luxon proves to be a traffic-stopper in New PlymouthThe National leader hastily added a second session to the party's Get New Zealand Back on Track roadshow in the city today. ...2 days ago
- Communities respond to government's buyout plans for storm-hit homesFlood-ravaged West Aucklanders are rejoicing after the government announced it will offer buyout options to people whose land is too risky to rebuild on. ...2 days ago
- Auckland mayor forwards emails calling councillors 'dip shits'Wayne Brown has sent councillors copies of insulting emails from the public, including one that called them "dip shits", while the deputy mayor says the mayor is not making the budget process easier. ...2 days ago
- No room at the inn for Luxon's Taranaki visit
The National Party wildly underestimated how popular its leader would be when he visited New Plymouth on Friday and had to turn people away at the door. Political editor Jo Moir found a patch of wall to lean against as Christopher Luxon got all sorts of questions and advice, not ...2 days ago - Additional budget funds earmarked for USP arrears, says PrasadBy Repeka Nasiko in Lautoka The University of the South Pacific will be receiving additional funding from the Fiji government in the 2023-2024 national budget, says Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad. Speaking at a public consultation in Lautoka this week, he said the additional funding ...2 days ago
- PNG’s National Court orders state to justify Singapore gold dealBy Gorethy Kenneth in Port Moresby The National Court has ordered the Papua New Guinea government to disclose the full details of the gold refinery deal it entered into with a Singapore-based company, National Gold Corporation. The court ordered Prime Minister James Marape (first defendant), Planning Minister Renbo Paita (second ...2 days ago
- Latest Island Studies journal features social justice activism and advocacyAsia Pacific Report A new edition of the Okinawan Journal of Island Studies features social justice island activism, including a case study of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Pacific Media Centre, in what the editors say brings a sense of “urgency” in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion in scholarship. In ...2 days ago
- Sextortion now major issue in parts of Pacific, says researchBy Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist Preliminary findings of a yet-to-be released Transparency International survey has found sextortion — demanding sexual favours in return for public services — is a major issue in parts of the Pacific. Papua New Guinea, the Federated States of Micronesia and Solomon Islands have higher ...2 days ago
- NZ’s Media Freedom Council slams mayor Brown’s ban attempt as ‘insult to voters’RNZ News New Zealand’s Media Freedom Council has called Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s exclusion of some media outlets from his budget speech today “unacceptable”. In an appearance at Auckland Transport’s Viaduct headquarters, Brown took time out of pitching his plan to sell the city’s holdings in Auckland Airport to complain ...2 days ago
- Duncan Graham: Compromise worked in Aceh – why not West Papua? There are parallels between Indonesia’s Aceh where an Australian surfer faced a flogging, and West Papua where a New Zealand pilot may be facing death. Both provinces have fought brutal guerrilla wars for independence. One has been settled through foreign peacekeepers. The other still rages as outsiders fear intervention. By Duncan ...2 days ago
- ‘Nature’s own Ozempic’ or berberine is all over social media. But does it really help you lose...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tina Hinton, Associate Professor of Pharmacology, University of Sydney Shutterstock The latest health trend on TikTok has been dubbed “nature’s own Ozempic”. It’s the herbal preparation berberine. Influencers have been enthusiastically claiming its success in helping them lose weight, ...2 days ago
- Think of solar panels more like apple trees – we need a fairer approach for what we use and sellSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Niraj Lal, Visiting Fellow at the ANU Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems, Australian National University Pixabay As we race to decarbonise by electrifying everything, solar panels – now cheaper per square metre than marine-grade plywood – will do much of ...2 days ago
- Government Makes Good On Its Commitment To Reducing Harm From PokiesThe Government has announced new regulations to ensure venues and gambling societies uphold their responsibilities to prevent problem gambling and gambling harm. These regulations will apply to pubs, clubs and TAB NZ venues and will come into effect ...2 days ago
- Minister was warned in November over by-election day advertising – policePolice have confirmed they warned Education Minister Jan Tinetti over Facebook posts made during the Tauranga by-election last year. ...2 days ago
- Australian Defence Force must ensure the findings against Ben Roberts-Smith are not the end of the s...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dean Aszkielowicz, Lecturer, Murdoch University On Thursday, Justice Anthony Besanko of the Federal Court dismissed defamation proceedings brought by former Special Air Service soldier Ben Roberts-Smith against several Australian news outlets. The court found that reporting by Nick McKenzie, Chris Masters ...2 days ago
- How should Australia capitalise on AI while reducing its risks? It’s time to have your saySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Toby Walsh, Professor of AI, Research Group Leader, UNSW Sydney Shutterstock The world missed the boat with social media. It fuelled misinformation, fake news, and polarisation. We saw the harms too late, once they had already started to have a ...2 days ago
- A New Petition Is Calling For A Community-led, Government-enabled, Values-based, National Food Strat...The parliamentary petition calling for a national food strategy launched on the 1st of June and will remain open for signatures for eight weeks. The call is led by Eat New Zealand, Freedom Farms and Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa (VAWA). ...2 days ago
- Native raspberries, limes and geraniums: how did these curious plants end up in Australia?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock While plants can’t walk, they can certainly travel. Some species have travelled vast distances over millennia, moving by different and varied modes. Some ...2 days ago
- Listen: How New Zealand’s internet could be about to change foreverDuncan Greive is joined by The Spinoff staff writer Shanti Mathias and The Bulletin editor Anna Rawhiti-Connell to discuss the Safer Online Services and Media Platforms document, and its implications for the future of digital media. For a very special episode of The Fold, Duncan Greive analyses the Safer Online ...2 days ago
- Ingredient of the week: KūmaraYes, they’re phenomenally expensive at the moment. But if you manage to track down a bargain or are keen on a splurge, there’s plenty of ways to make the kūmara worth it. As a child, there was no doubt in my mind: kūmara was the world’s best vegetable. This belief ...2 days ago
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With Key as the new Dr BooHoo, with the nonsense he says in public here, cant imagine what he says behind closed doors when talking to international leaders.
Thats easy, look at his track record. It appears Mr Key will say whatever you want to hear then deny all knowledge when confronted with the realities of said broken promises. Not a good look (or maybe it is?) for someone who considers himself a leader and whose next step is the international stage.
He usually gets someone else to front the bad news.
Dont think the IDU release meeting minutes
I bet the IDU couldn’t believe their luck being able to get such a stellar snakeoil salesman as key to chair them.
http://www.newshub.co.nz/nznews/john-key-chairs-international-democratic-union-2014112207#axzz493xTH9wg
Here is a theme song showing the gruesome characteristics and m.o. that key has for this ‘prestigious’ position:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8Irk0GODh8
Where did you find this video? Would like to share on my FB.
[email protected]
Fiirst saw it on stuff I think when they were reporting on ‘planet key’ song being cleared for use.
Now I can just enter ‘I don’t recall john key’ on youtube and up it comes.
Am looking forward to the day when I can say ‘ I don’t recall john key as he’s gone and I don’t choose to’
Seeker. Thanks for that. Will try and share. Sometimes I find that it won’t share for some reason. Agree, would be nice if he was a long distant unpleasant memory. “John Key, John Key, now who was he again?
“Now who was he again? ” I just cannot recall Floyd.
Oh the joy of being able to give that reply to that question, as he is so far in the past, and with any luck and good leadership we will have made good headway in repairing the damage he and his clonies have wrought on New Zealand.
Good luck with the clip sharing…… it is a good one.
Brilliant video.
Would be great if it could go mainstream -unedited!
Roy Morgan out tomorrow and I am predicting the Nats will have dropped below 40%.
The electorate wants more public spending. We do not want tax cuts. And I think tomorrow’s poll will make that very clear.
This nod and wink to his rich supporters is going to be the straw that broke the rich prick’s back. His support will erode with all this talk of tax cuts
It seems clear that labour and greens have steeped up their media profile to that which only used to be done in the election year.
Policies and scandals used to be saved for election campaign , not anymore.
Its no longer enough just to put and a PR that opposed something and call for an enquirey. They need a micro story every day. And bigger campaigns will run with micro stories over weeks.
This is far better way to show Key out of touch, when it comes to housing and homeless, than trying to chase him up the rat hole of tax evaders and foreign trusts.
Campaigning is pretty much permanent now. It’s why the last government moved the campaign time to the 1st of January of election year and why National then changed it back.
What on earth are talking about: last government moved campaign time to 1st January… national changed it back?
Parties are restricted by how much they can spend during an election campaign.
The restricted period is three months before the election.
Labour extended that period from 1 January in election year until the election day
National reversed that to the three month period.
Key’s rating will only drop significantly when people believe there is a better alternative. His PR machine has been very successful in creating the illusion that there is no viable alternative.
No they will go up!
The polls are fixed and biased in favour of the National party.
Labour will be down placing Little under pressure and how they aren’t preforming.
Just another diversion away from Keys failures.
Key would have to turn on the printing press it come to that”as the nz economy is economy built on ever increasing debt
Wasn’t ‘show me the money’ the 2011 election campaign?
If you can see John Key’s lips moving then you know he is lying!
Well done Vernon in identifying that the govt of NZ spends at will! Message to Anthony Robins its not lies. If the National govt passes a tax cut and a spending increase at once it will simply happen. Faf all international money lenders can do to prevent it (thank goodness the country is not beholden to them). Thats how it works in a country which floats its currency and issues its own currency. The only restriction on spending is ‘political will’ and or the amount of inflation resulting (which in NZ is unacceptably low at present).
Long past time Labour learned this and explained it to constituants which obviously frees up additional funds for them to spend.