Walkergate: MP Quits

Written By: - Date published: 1:49 pm, July 8th, 2020 - 65 comments
Categories: Abuse of power, accountability, class war, corruption, democracy under attack, election 2020, Politics, same old national, todd muller - Tags: , ,

Embattled Tory MP Hamish Walker has announced that he will not contest the September election for National.

Ironically, the Covid 19 privacy breacher only became an MP when the incumbent, Todd Barclay, was caught breaching privacy and was forced to stand down.

This will not be the end of the matter.

Walker and National Party insider Michelle Boag will face further investigation, likely prosecution under the Privacy Act and possible criminal charges. No wonder Walker doesn’t want to go before the election; he’ll get nearly 6 months salary by staying on until election day. That’ll help pay the legal bills and fines, I guess.

Labour’s Stuart Nash claims it’s possible other Nat MP’s knew about the leaked list of Covid victim’s names. If so, then they deserve to go as well. They had a duty to the nation to play their part; they should have immediately told the new Minister of Health or the MOH head Ashley Bloomfield what they knew, the moment they knew it.

The same applies to temporary Tory leader Todd Muller, who sat on the news that Walker and Boag were the leakers for 24 hours.

That’s cowardly at best, irresponsible at worst.

The timeline of the leak is getting more interesting. Walker issued a dog whistle statement last week claiming that up to 11,000 people from “India, Pakistan and Korea” could be going to Dunedin, Invercargill and Queenstown for quarantine.

That’s very specific nationalities named, suggesting he had Boag’s material a week ago.

However, it has been reported that the leaked info does not have nationalities listed, so it looks very much like Walker has inferred the ethnicity of the Covid victims from their surnames.

Remember when Labour were accused of relying on ‘Chinese sounding names’ to make a point on housing?

National were all over that with shrill cries of racism.

Now …. crickets.

National leader Todd Muller reprimands Hamish Walker over 'racist ...

Muller’s response is to freeze Walker out, claiming that the MP went rogue.

That’s bullshit.

Walker was doing what National have been doing for a decade. Dirty Politics 2.0 is still dirty politics.

If Muller had any guts, he’d disband their sleazy ‘intelligence unit’ immediately.

But he won’t, because he has no authority, no mana and no hope.

Still, it’s good that NZ voters know that, in the team of 5 million, the National Party aren’t even fit to take a place on the sub’s bench.

 

UPDATE: Muller speaks live on the Walker/Boag scandal. And announces that National will make it all better by, er, building a road.

Asked why he waited to out Walker and Boag, Muller says he was effectively scared off by Walker’s lawyer. Muller claims that National are the party of values and that there is no such thing as ‘dirty politics’. Refers to the disgraced MP repeatedly as ‘Hamish’.

Says, as far as he knows, Nikki Kaye was not briefed by her friend Michelle Boag. Muller apologises to NZ and claims it does not reflect badly on his leadership.

To finish, Todd reminds us that National want to build a road. Rooooads!

 

65 comments on “Walkergate: MP Quits ”

  1. anker 1

    It defies belief that no one else in the National Party knew. Only Boag and Walker???? Really????????? Woodhouse had information about the isolation facilities and the two English women……………..

    National now will look even more ridiculous when they use the words shambles and disgraceful re the borders and Labour's Covid response…………..Unless there is some completely unexpected event, National are really done for. 28% may be looking very positive for National now.

    I am glad this has come out. but Walker is far from being an outlier or rogue……This type of approach to politics and electioneering pervades National.

    • Patricia Bremner 1.1

      A man left isolation to food shop at Countdown. A distraction which will be used by the Right. Chris said both he and the earlier woman would be charged.

      These two, Boag and Walker are part of a larger group. Their outing of themselves and separation from the party is to cauterize the wound and to stop the “Bleeding”. imo

    • tc 1.2

      Yes any chance Todd had of distancing himself from DP just got thrown back in his face.

      I'd like to see our useless MSM start asking the obvious question about nationals leader having no respect or discipline being shown by his rank and file.

      Todd's a compliant figurehead he's no leader.

    • Wairua 1.3

      Trump gives notice of withdrawal from World Health Organisation

      https://truthout.org/articles/trump-gives-official-notice-of-withdrawal-from-the-world-health-organization/

      The announced departure from the international agency comes after Trump has threatened for several months to cut off funding to the WHO, as well as leaving the organization altogether, over his belief that the UN agency has promoted a pro-China bias. Despite lacking evidence to back its claims, the White House has alleged that the WHO aided Beijing in covering up the initial response to coronavirus at the start of the disease’s spread in Wuhan late last year.

      In making these claims against the WHO, Trump claimed they were backed up by supposed reports from December 2019 in the medical journal The Lancet, which he said had shown the WHO and China were aware of the destructive possibilities of COVID-19 at that time. Those claims, however, were immediately repudiated by The Lancet, which pointed out that it had “published no report in December, 2019, referring to a virus or outbreak in Wuhan or anywhere else in China.”

  2. Pi 2

    "… likely prosecution under the Privacy Act …"

    As far as I can tell, he can't face prosecution under the Privacy Act as there are no offences under the Privacy Act relating to breach of Information Privacy Principles. Rather, breach of the IPPs is a civil matter and the Human Rights Review Tribunal can grant compensation awards.

    See: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0028/latest/DLM296639.html?search=sw_096be8ed819654ad_fine_25_se&p=1#DLM298433

    Or: https://privacy.org.nz/further-resources/knowledge-base/view/209

    • Correct. As an MP, Walker may have an out under the Privacy Act. Boag has no such protection.

      Privacy commissioner John Edwards said on Morning Report that Walker, as an MP, was likely not covered by privacy legislation, but he thought Michelle Boag and the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust were. Specifically asked if Boag was in breach of the Privacy Act, Edwards said “Without a very good health-related or business-related reason, I would say yes.”

      Worth noting that the helicopter trust has said Boag getting the info has nothing to do with them and that she did not receive the info, which was sent to her personal email, as part of her work for them.

      • maggieinnz 2.1.1

        Now, this is getting curly. According to the stuff article:

        ‘“The breach which has been admitted by Ms Boag was of an email that was sent to her personal account. As an administrative resource, Ms Boag has never had access to any clinical or patient data held by [the trust].

        “Any information we hold on patients is private with access on a restricted basis and has not been breached.”

        So, according to your quoted comment she is in breach, right?

        Also, if the data wasn't sourced from the trust it must have come from where? The MoH? Who else might have it?

        Other points: The trust has good reason to deny any breach occurred and without knowing specifically what their protocols are for determining a breach occurred can we accept their denial?

        • te reo putake 2.1.1.1

          My best guess is that either Boag simply lied and tried to use the trust as cover, or that it actually came from someone close to the trust.

          • maggieinnz 2.1.1.1.1

            Yeah, I think both options are feasible. She could be pointing to the trust as a distraction from where she really got the info or it could have come from someone inside/close to the trust. It wouldn't be hard to get the info out without triggering any sort of data security measures. Simply take a photo of the screen/document showing the data with your phone, make a spreadsheet using data from photo and send it to Boag's private email.

        • McFlock 2.1.1.2

          I guess the trust can make a criminal complaint of apparent data theft, so the police could apply for a search warrant to find out who sent the email to her personal account.

          Sorry, I forgot she's a nat. No case to answer, as far as the cops would know.

          • maggieinnz 2.1.1.2.1

            Does having the data sent to her private email put the breach outside of political protection do you know? I thought I saw somewhere that there's a distinction between in-house and out when it comes to what protection is afforded.

            You kind of have to view every scrap of wording as (potentially) duplicitous.

            • McFlock 2.1.1.2.1.1

              She has no parliamentary protection, Walker does. She might have some whistleblower protections if she'd followed that protocol, but I think there are tees to cross for that before you go to "email an opposition MP".

              Right about the wording: if she "received the information in her capacity as acting chief executive" (ARHT dispute this if it relates to their patient data), then she was entitled to have it and no criminal activity occurred.

              If it went to her "personal email", rather than ARHT resources, then the copy could be distributed by her without misusing ARHT computers to leak the data, and no criminal activity occurred from that point of view, either.

              But if she sent it to her personal email from ARHT, that's possibly dishonestly using their computers. I suspect there would be a similar offence if she instructed an ARHT subordinate to send it to her personal email.

              But she could have received it from a third party that addresed it to her as acting CEO, but used her personal email address. If she gave them that address for ARHT business, and received confidential patient data that should have gone to ARHT patient management, then that is a data leak by the third party and they need to be held accountable. But on-leaking it might also place her in hot water legally.

              • maggieinnz

                Appreciate the rundown.

                Yep, she's out for whistleblower protection because she didn't make a protected disclosure to appropriate authorities. Even if she claimed she handed it to Walker on the grounds it was a PD she should have made a PD statement, not actually caused further breaches by forwarding the doc.

                And it also seems that because her role was administrative she should not have had unredacted access to patient data even in her role.

                I'm not seeing a legitimate out for her given what you've outlined and what we know. Will be interesting how severe her wrist-slapping will be. They may get serious this time and forgo wetting the bus ticket.

                • McFlock

                  If she wangled it so that she didn't do anything technically criminal, there's little that can be done. She might be sued for shafting ARHT's reputation. Maybe fined for a privacy breach.

      • McFlock 2.1.2

        Worth noting that the helicopter trust has said Boag getting the info has nothing to do with them and that she did not receive the info, which was sent to her personal email, as part of her work for them.

        So whoever sent the document to Boag was the breach-point, and Boag at no time had any reasonable belief that she was entitled to possess that information.

        Also worth noting that Boag will claim to leak information she obtains as part of her employment, whereas she might have just thrown ARHT under the bus out of convenience.

      • Pi 2.1.3

        I think you are missing the point. There is no ability to prosecute for breaches of the Privacy Act, because breaches of the Privacy Act are not criminal offences.

        Edit: For clarity, there are criminal offences under the Privacy Act – but they relate to things like lying to the Privacy Commissioner.

  3. Chris 3

    How will the government expose this latest nats' black ops campaign – not just this current example with Walker and Boag, but the wider campaign Brownlee leads – in a way that properly convinces New Zealanders that what they're trying to do is in fact real and not to be tolerated?

    • tc 3.1

      Waste of time, let due process play out. Nash and Hipkins apply the heat till the GE.

      Win the election outright and use that as a mandate to legislate a new landscape. Mediaworks and granny got taxpayers money to play this game !

      • Incognito 3.1.1

        As exciting as the brain quakes and ongoing brain tremors of the Nats & Associates are, this is a huge distraction for the GE. Ploticians should be working their asses off writing policies and taking them to the voters. Instead of a political process we have a political circus.

  4. Tiger Mountain 4

    But wait there’s more…

    https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/122070095/auckland-rescue-helicopter-trust-says-michelle-boag-had-no-access-to-its-covid19-patient-data

    so who is the snout then…

    ”whites only!” Walker seems one of the even more arrogant shameless new breed Nats

  5. RedBaronCV 5

    Well at this point I think the our new ethically and morally responsible National party who have rammed individual responsibility down everyone's neck for a decade should pay for each and every cost associated with this breach so the taxpayer does not have to.

  6. xanthe 6

    Its not a team of five million any more……. Go team of 4,999,998 !

    • peterh 6.1

      No, team of five million less 13%, the same amount in the last poll who did not think govt was doing good in covit response, also the same 13% who wanted Muller PM

  7. woodart 7

    since the last three m.p.s from clutha -southland have been caught either, leaking, lying, spying, or double dipping, perhaps its time for a royal enquiry into the natz southland branch, and for the three strikes law to be used.

  8. Adrian 8

    All of the information in the 3 leaks must have come from someone senior in MoH.

    Woodhouse even tried to give the homeless man authenticity by claiming a high source in health told him, possibly because a person ending quarantine could not supply a forwarding address and the 11000 going to the whites only laager of Southland could have only come from MoH. Therefore all the info must have come from the same source, the trust has been used as a smokescreen.

    The conduit MUST have been Boag in all three cases and then the ethically bypassed one had the gaul to implicate the helicopter trust.
    She is so fucking toxic.

    Fuck she is toxic.

    th

  9. greywarshark 9

    I was wondering yesterday about wearing a mask. I have been thinking of doing so, and not because I am spooked by the occasional AWOL. But I do want people who have invested lives in NZ to be able to return and go into isolation of course. So I have to think about wearing a mask as I am increasing risk to myself. I've got a few things to do before I take that trip to infinity!

    I see that the Royal Society UK is advising on wearing a mask there. For good reason – that's the most practical and caring thing to come out of leaders there about Covid for a while.

    <i>Everyone in the UK should wear a face covering, the president of the Royal Society has said. In a statement published today, Venki Ramakrishnan said people should have face coverings with them when they leave their home and should always wear them in crowded public spaces, “particularly indoors in enclosed public spaces where physical distancing is often not possible.”</i> https://www.newscientist.com/article/2237475-covid-19-news-everyone-should-wear-face-coverings-says-royal-society/

    Now is there anything I can spray on my mask for added protection against the National Party contagion? Should it be flowery like Ringaringa Rosie to keep away the plague, or eau d'ail to keep away ghouls, plus a silver cross and a stake I think.

  10. Fireblade 10

    Does anyone actually believe that Todd Muller and/or Nikki Kaye didn't know that Boag and Walker had the patient list, and were going to use it for a dirty politics hit job? Based on the fact that the National Party has a history of playing dirty, it sounds like a bullshit arse-covering story to protect the party leadership.

  11. Reality 11

    I see Walker did not want Muller to disclose his identity, citing privacy concerns. If it wasn't so serious it would be hilarious. Where was his concern for privacy when leaking to the media. Mind boggling.

  12. ianmac 12

    Walker was not sacked from the National Party. He just said he would not stand at the Election.

    So Muller said he had written to the Party Board to sack Walker, but they didn't do what he asked them to do. Does this indicate that he does not have the confidence of his Board. Walker therefore continues as a sitting member in the House on full pay.

    • gsays 12.1

      To give credit where it is not due, I reckon Walker was given the option of leaving before pushed.

      In a similar vein to Clark perhaps cont…

      • Ed1 12.1.1

        I do not see any comparison at all – David Clark achieved a lot within the Health portfolio; he resigned as Minister when the major focus turned to administration and physical security. If National were serious about showing disapproval of Walker's actions they would have insisted on an immediate resignation. As it is he continues to be paid as for the other MPs that are not standing at the next election.

        • greywarshark 12.1.1.1

          Yes someone did a list of his achievements and they were multiple. Just another David Shearer I feel. I am going off David as a name.

  13. gsays 13

    The reason for the 4 lane road down south is clear, the churn of Nat candidates in the southern electorate and their lawyers toing and froing, have worn out the old one.

  14. Ed 14

    Interesting. So WHO did give her the information?

    'Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust says Michelle Boag 'never' had access to COVID-19 data.'

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/07/auckland-rescue-helicopter-trust-says-michelle-boag-never-had-access-to-covid-19-data.html

    • Ken 14.1

      Michelle obviously has access to people who have access to info.

      The fact that some "nobody" healthcare worker will be thrown under a series of buses, takes nothing away from the dastardly deeds of Boag and Walker.

  15. Gabby 15

    Mike Bush. Wonder what access to info he has.

  16. Morrissey 16

    Best course of action for hopeless, hapless Tod Muller….

    https://media1.tenor.com/images/7227be633ae5578164544ffda8fd337e/tenor.gif?itemid=10882805

  17. George 17

    Boag was involved in a privacy breach situation years ago with a woman over ACC files I recall… Bronwyn Pullar… It was a big stink as well. Very strange. Boag was in deep as the support person apparently. Again leaked personal information of people. Hmmmmm…

    • UncookedSelachimorpha 17.1

      Pullya Benefit liked the same tactics…could there be a common thread there? A common connection to some sort of organised group perhaps?? A group that condones and encourages this sort of crap even?

      Nope, can't think of one.

  18. Morrissey 18

    She used to be feared by the lackeys in the National caucus, back in 2005 when National was trying to deal with another hopeless “leader”….

    10:05 a.m. The Brethren's Churchill Road Gospel Hall in Crofton Downs. The National Party caucus is in session. The former chairwoman of the party, MICHELLE BOAG, is reading the riot act. Demoralised politicians with sour, defeated expressions listen in gloomy silence. At first glance, everyone appears shell-shocked. However, closer inspection shows that several members are rather more sanguine. Deposed leader BILL ENGLISH actually seems to be enjoying it somewhat. To the anger of many, and the amusement of some, he is ostentatiously reading Nicky Hager's explosive book The Hollow Men. BOAG bores on relentlessly…

    BOAG: …. and in all fairness the less we hear of Don Brash over the next seven days the better.

    BILL ENGLISH: You chose 'im!

    BOAG: [grimly ignoring the disaffected former leader] And we will be hearing no more at all from our former "strategist" — if that's the right word for what he's been up to over the last fortnight. [she glares at MURRAY McCULLY like a basilisk] From now on, I and seven friends, who will remain anonymous, will be directing this campaign. For the last week of the campaign we need to stop shooting ourselves in the foot and remind people of our CORE
    PRINCIPLES. I sometimes wonder whether anybody remembers what the National Party STANDS for any more.

    DR LOCKWOOD SMITH: [excitedly waving hand in the air] Ooh! I know, I
    know!

    BOAG: [nervously] Ye-e-e-e-e-e-e-esss, Lockwood?

    DR LOCKWOOD SMITH: Never pay in cash, Never tell the truth, and Never play by the rules!

    BOAG: [closes eyes in despair, buries face in hands] Give me str-r-r-r-r-r-r-rength!

    DON BRASH: No, no, no, no, no, no, no! That's not right, Lockwood! Eeeeeeehhhhhh….

    JOHN KEY: [cool, smiling, unfazed] Actually, that IS the National Party philosophy.

    SIMON POWER: And it's a darned fine philosophy too.

    DON BRASH: Oh no, no, no, no, no, no, no……

    TONY RYALL: [in disgust] The right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing.

    BILL ENGLISH: [shaking his head] These right wing ideologues are tearing this party apart! IT'S A FAILURE OF LEADERSHIP!

    JOHN KEY: [cool, smiling, unfazed] We stand for… ooooohhhhh… taking the tax off petrol.

    RYALL: Eh? You said the opposite two weeks ago!

    SOWRY: It's ANOTHER flip-flop!

    BROWNLEE: [with boyish excitement] Right, that's enough thinking! Let's go GET Helen Clark with our new flip-flop policy!

    BOAG: [tartly, between clenched teeth] Shut up and sit down, you fatuous, footling fathead.

    BROWNLEE: [aggressively] You can't call me fatuous! That's size-ist!

    DON BRASH: Eeeeeeeehhhh, Gerry, when Michele calls you "fatuous", it does not mean you are fat, it means you are foolish.

    BROWNLEE: [cheerfully] Oh! Well, that's all right, then!

    DISAFFECTED CAUCUS MEMBER: Shut up and sit down, Brash! Michelle's in
    charge, not you!

    DOCTOR DON BRASH: Oh no, no, no, no, no, no. Eeeeeeeehhhhhh…..

    BOAG: [doggedly ignoring the mounting turmoil] Now we also need an attack strategy to get at Margaret Wilson, and —

    SIMON POWER: We could base our strategy on the fact she's got a wooden leg!

    BOAG: Yes! For once, a bright idea! Now let's brainstor—-

    [BOAG is interrupted mid-sentence by the late arrival of the deposed shadow welfare spokesperson.]

    MISS R*CH: Sorry I'm late.

    BOAG: [acerbically] Sit down quickly at the back of the room, next to Tony Ryall and Nick Smith, and that Maori woman.

    DAVID CARTER: Siberia!

    CAUCUS: Ha ha ha ha ha!

    BOAG: Stop that! This is a party in crisis! The time for levity is after we win the election!

    RYALL: Ha! THAT'll be the day! [imitating Fraser from Dad's Army] We're DOOMED! We're all DOOOOO-O-O-O-OOOMED!

    CAUCUS: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! ….I'd rather have Captain Mainwaring in charge than Don Brash! …. We're TOAST, let's face it, fellas! … Don't PANIC!!!! … Ha ha ha ha ha!

    DOCTOR DON BRASH: Oh no no no no no no no no no. That's not funny.

    CAUCUS: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

    BOAG: Stop this nonsense NOW! We need to FOCUS!

    DOCTOR DON BRASH: Eeeeeeeeeeehhhhhhhhh….

    [The room descends into uproar. After the laughter has roiled around the room for an extended period, the hubbub eventually dies down. K*TH*R*N* R*CH moves toward the back of the now silent room. Unfortunately, this necessitates moving past her successor, the bulldog-like JUDITH COLLINS…]

    https://morrisseybreen.blogspot.com/2017/12/national-party-emergency-caucus-meeting.html

    • ianmac 18.1

      The stage awaits thee Mr Morrissey.

    • Drowsy M. Kram 18.2

      Oh no no no no no no no no no. That's not funny.” I disagree laugh

    • georgecom 18.3

      only things you forgot were

      DOCTOR DON BRASH uuuuggggghhhhh eeeeeeeeeerrrrhhhh….my wifes from Singapore…….eeeehhhhhhhuuuuu…..I don't know, one thing I do know it that it's not the national party…….uuuuuhhhhhhh…….tax cuts………eeeeeerrrrhhhh……they met me for prayer……..zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

  19. Muttonbird 19

    Incredible to see the media roll over and allow National to claim rogue MP yet again. Rather than asking the question about the endemic, toxic National Party culture.

    • Patricia Bremner 19.1

      Muller said "Hamish has paid the ultimate price"

      I thought that meant "Died in pursuit of a moral goal"

      Lol Lol Really? The feck will collect 6 months pay and is very much alive.

      • Incognito 19.1.1

        He died metaphorically and the highest pursuit is the pursuit for power. The Nats have a moral obligation to win the election.

  20. Muttonbird 20

    A $1.5 billion dollar motorway between Christchurch and wait for it, a tiny town of 34,000 people.

    What's the BCR on that?

    • Pat 20.1

      a complete waste of resources….not to mention a decade of transport disruption on a massive scale…and for what? eventually a 5 minute time saved in travel for some travellers during high use periods which occur infrequently anyway.

      gross stupidity

      • Muttonbird 20.1.1

        Plus, the well-to-do of that region got $1.7 billion just ten years ago paid out by Bill English in the dead of the night!

        That Nats will be eyeing that area up for massive intensive farming and horticulture and the rivers be damned. Why doesn’t a journalist ask them about why the need for such an expensive road there.

  21. UncookedSelachimorpha 21

    The BIG question is – who leaked to Boag?? Both her and the Natz have gotten off very lightly on that question so far. The person who sent the info is in all probability both a criminal and highly unethical, and they presumably continue to have access to sensitive personal data. If inadvertent they need to be educated, and if deliberate – sanctioned.

    Hopefully the enquiry can compel Boag to reveal her source.

    • observer 21.1

      The latest reporting suggests that there was not a leak to Boag. She simply received regular, daily updates from the MoH. She was on the mailing list because of her CEO role.

      RNZ:

      “Boag told RNZ the Ministry of Health had sent daily emails to her private email, which included the sensitive details of the country’s Covid-19 cases.

      Boag couldn’t explain why it was sent to her private email, but suspected it was because she was only temporarily in the role of chief executive.

      The government has already confirmed emergency services were regularly sent the details of the country’s active cases, so they could take the proper precautions if responding to a call-out where someone with Covid-19 was present.”

      • mpledger 21.1.1

        It seems odd that that kind of data should be sent to a CEO – it's operational stuff. And if it was sent to her personal account then it must have been her choice to get it sent there – the MoH doesn't dream up an email address to send it to.

    • George 21.2

      According to Boag this didn't sit well with her in her role as CEO Of said emergency service as someone (like her) could then expose these people's private health information publicly. So she gave it to a National minister to prove his/her point. She should never ever be allowed again in a position of trust in a public organisation. Using your position of power to prove how easy it to abuse positions of power is not the moral high ground…it's hypocrisy.

      • observer 21.2.1

        Unfortunately there's a lazy, box-ticking convention that says – you hand out positions on boards to people already on boards, because they have proved their worth by being on boards.

  22. Maurice 22

    Careful people!

    Excessive crowing does not go down well with middle NZ and we need as many of those as possible to vote correctly ……

    A week is a long time in politics … and we are several weeks away from the GE

  23. millsy 23

    Boag is finished now. No one will give her any sinecures every again. No talking head slots either.

    • froggleblocks 23.1

      People used to think the same about Tony Veich.

      I guess Boag is a lot older though.

  24. mosa 24

    " How New Zealand's media endangered public health "

    This report from Glen Johnson of Aljazeera

    https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/zealand-media-endangered-public-health-200707103532946.html

    • Drowsy M. Kram 24.1

      Thanks Mosa – excellent report. "Will the media hold the National Party to account?"

  25. Observer Tokoroa 25

    BUT !

    just a minute – Frau Boag did not rescue the Westpack Rescue Helicopter…

    The Helicopter said so – in strong forthright words. They had nothing to do with the Frau. She made it up.

    As is the way of National business. Gave her all to the Walker Boy, who is now completely Snug in the National Party – Southland.

    Toddy has not solved anything. Has he ?

    National is always corrupt.

    I warrant that alter Boy Toddy, has not been to see the People he wantonly allowed to be plastered all over Southland and the two Islands of New Zealand.

    Instead, he is going to borrow the Helicopter – Frau Boag hasn't got -and build a a road to glory.

    Toddy the Ratbag. I will bet you a Toddy bears Picnic, that National has not put to right their scandalous dealings with the People dealt out by the Muller monstrosity.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Getting new job seekers on the pathway to work
    Jobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • Accelerating Social Investment
    A new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Getting Back on Track
    Check against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with  your Board and team, for hosting me.   I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • NZ – European Union ties more critical than ever
    Your Excellency Ambassador Meredith,   Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States,   Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us.   Ladies and gentlemen -    In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Therapeutic Products Act to be repealed
    The Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District Plan
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violence
    Rape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston.  “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs less
    Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Report provides insights into marine recovery
    New research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • NZ to send political delegation to the Pacific
    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region.   The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu.    “New Zealand has deep and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Low gas production threatens energy security
    There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co.  Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Defence industry talent, commitment recognised
    Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry
    Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data Summit
    It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government.  I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Ceasefire agreement needed now: Peters
    New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Daily school attendance data now available
    A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour.  The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Ambassador to United States appointed
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.    “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says.    “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • New permit proposed for recreational gold mining
    The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiations
    Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to sign
    New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Next stop NASA for New Zealand students
    Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crime
    New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • OECD reinforces need to control spending
    The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-09T16:33:19+00:00