Walking the talk – protests Sat 29 March

Written By: - Date published: 2:07 pm, March 28th, 2014 - 63 comments
Categories: activism, assets, child welfare, education, poverty, Privatisation, schools, sustainability, trade, workers' rights - Tags:

Local Bodies well-researched post showed how much our public education system has been undermined by the current government:

In 2008 New Zealand was internationally ranked in the top seven for educational achievement, and when you compared us with other countries that were also culturally diverse and were experiencing growing inequality we were extremely successful.

[…]

We were just on the cusp of something great when an election occurred…

A National led Government was elected and New Zealand’s public education system came under heavy attack:

[…]

After five years under National, New Zealand’s international ranking plummets to as low as 23rd.

As Local Bodies indicated there is a strong connection between education and the social system; between a good public education system for all being part of a waider policy to decrease the inequality gap.

Tomorrow Today the NZEI (New Zealand Education Institute) has demonstrations planned in Auckland and Wellington focusing on the importance for children of their families receiving a living wage.

The one in Wellington is at the same time as the TPP protests around the country.

Wellington

1pm at Parliament

It’s time to tackle inequality! A community event with a Pasifika band, children’s choir and kapa haka.

Every child deserves a chance in life, but more than one in four Kiwi kids live in poverty. That inequality is the biggest hurdle to education success.

The Government is putting millions into highly paid “new roles” for some principals and teachers, but ignoring child poverty. It has rejected a living wage for low paid teacher aides and support staff who directly support students with the greatest needs.

If you want a living wage for learning for kids and education workers, come and join us to show your support!

The Auckland Living Wage demonstration ends at Aotea Square at the same time as the TPP protest is beginning there.

I don’t understand why the iwi leaders object to this protest on the same day as Hekia Parata is playing a significant role on behalf of NZ at an international conference on education in Wellington.  Perhaps there’s something I’ve missed?

Support the anti-TPP Day of Action

The Anti-TPP rallies and marches are mostly being at 1pm around the country – check the start time for your local protest as one or two are earlier than 1pm. Details listed here:

TPPA poster March 29 2014

After four years, the corporate deal of the century – aka the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement – is still being negotiated in secret.

The TPPA puts our sovereignty at risk, violates our democratic right to decide our own future, and wastes taxpayers’ money that should be spent on social, not corporate, welfare.

It needs to stop. Now.

The National Day of Action Against the TPPA on 29 March will mark the fourth anniversary and send the government a message – Stop the TPPA! 

Join the rallies, marches and events in your area: AucklandChristchurchDunedin, GeraldineHamiltonHokianga, Invercargill, KaitaiaNelsonPalmerston NorthTaranakiTauranga, ThamesWhanganuiWellingtonWhangarei

If there’s nothing happening, start something yourself. If you do organise something people get in touch with us. through chris.zack@gmail.com or webadmin@itsourfuture.org.nz in case we know of something else being planned and can put you in touch with others.

If you need some materials, check here where we have a bunch and can create others as required.

Need some reasons why you should come out this Saturday for the nationwide day of action? Check out some of our sponsors’ reasons.

Yes, social welfare and security, not corporate welfare.   The TPP will make it even harder to decrease the inequality gap and work towards a more sustainable and livable society for all Kiwis.

[Update]  Report on the protests:

NZEI demonstration. Auckland.

It was a pretty good sized crowd.

NZEI demo ready to go

NZEI demo ready to go

And it made a lot of vigorous noise walking up Queen Street – non-stop chanting.  Often there was a different chant coming from the front of the march (led by a guy on a megaphone) from the chant coming from the back of the march (to the sound of a tambourine).  The combined sound was really impressive – sharp, assertive and somehow made the march seem united.  It definitely got the attention of bystanders.

Teacher placard

DSC01312

I learned that a lot of school support workers, who have been doing their essential jobs for many years, are still not getting a living wage.

NZEI march end arrives at Aotea Square

end of NZEI marcharrives at Aotea Square

Green and Labour MPs attended (including Metiria Turei and David Cunliffe), along with people from Mana, like John Minto.

NZEI rally Turei at Aotea Square

TPPA rally and march – Auckland

Attendance was pretty substantial. Stuff says nearly 2000.  Video at the link.  NZ Herald says several thousand.

Cunliffe speaks at TPP Rally before the march

Cunliffe speaks at TPP Rally before the march

Later, Kelsey was critical of Labour’s timid response to the TPPA – kind of a step forward, in wanting to see the text of the TPPA before the NZ government signs it, … but not a very strong line.

NZ Herald reports:

Labour leader David Cunliffe received a few heckles but generally polite applause when he outlined his party’s stance on the TPPA to the crowd.

“We are demanding the Government release the text and the details,” he said. “This deal needs to be in the public domain so that New Zealanders can be informed and we can have a proper public debate I can’t say today what our final position is going to be because we are going to wait until we see the details.”

TPPA march ready to go_1

TPPA march ready to go

TPPA march ready to go_2

The march ended at the US Embassy.  There was quite a large crowd there, listening to some speeches.

NZ Herald reports:

Former Green Party leader Jeanette Fitzsimons, whose speech on the ills of the TPPA received the loudest cheers of the day, said the agreement was “an extremely dangerous initiative”.

“At the heart it is a huge lie which pretends this is about trade. It’s not about trade, it’s about allowing foreign corporations to over-ride the decisions of democratically elected governments.

“The fact that it has a specific clause in it to allow investor corporations to sue our government if it takes any actions which reduces their profits that is the most anti-democratic thing that has ever happened in my lifetime.”

Jeanette Fitzsimons outside US embassy

Jeanette Fitzsimons speaking outside US embassy

Jane Kelsey told it like it is, while revving up the crowd outside the US Embassy, with lots of loud chants of “Shame,Shame, Shame!”

Kelsey revving up the crowd outside US embassy

Kelsey revving up the crowd outside US embassy

Standardista, greywarbler, reports on the Nelson anti-TPPA demonstration, in the comments under this post.  He begins:

Went well in Nelson. We had a Canadian speaker a woman called Fosse I think. She was excellent and one point I had to get my head around is that corporates can sue for expected profits not received, if our gummint did anything that might get in the way of that.

Macro reports on the protests at Thames and Hamilton, beginning with:

11am Gathering of 30+ people here in Thames outside local MP Scott Simpsons office, to hear Catherine Delahunty speak on the reasons why this behind closed doors deal is so pernicious.

11.30 am Off to Hamilton to attend the rally at the Garden Centre there. Crowd slowly gathered to max out at around 200+ to hear music and speakers in the sun. Speakers from Mana, Greens (Catherine D), NZ First, Maori Party, Labour, Social Democrats?

More at the link.

63 comments on “Walking the talk – protests Sat 29 March ”

  1. lprent 1

    I don’t understand why the iwi leaders object to this protest on the same day as Hekia Parata is playing a significant role on behalf of NZ at an international conference on education in Wellington. Perhaps there’s something I’ve missed?

    Not that I can see. Basically it seems like they’re saying that they don’t like Hekia Parata being embarrassed. Personally I think that she is the biggest embarrassment in the National cabinet and the current person in National most involved in trying to screw up the education system.

    Perhaps they should read LocalBodies post and look at the current state of the education system? Or maybe they should talk to some teachers?

    As far as I can see from the press release their views appear to come from some kind of slavish veneration of authority rather than using their intelligence.

    • karol 1.1

      I’m trying to check the links in the post to the Its Our Future site with info about the TPPA demo. But the site seems to be down at the moment, as far as I can tell.

      • lprent 1.1.1

        Yep is for me as well.

        Left a note on facebook and on my facebook timeline.

        • karol 1.1.1.1

          Thanks, most of the links are working now,except the Invercargill one – and the link to that isn’t working on the Its Our Future page with an overview of the day of action.

    • lprent 1.2

      Annette Sykes comment on facebook 🙂

      What a load of codswollop… Who are these Iwi Leaders? We, Dr Apirana Mahuika, Sir Toby Curtis, Sir Mark Solomon, Raniera Tau, Willie Te Aho, Awanuiarangi Black, Tiwha Puketapu, Naida Glavish, Sir Tamati Reedy and Pem Bird …. National Party sychophants

      • karol 1.2.1

        🙂 Thanks.

        • mickysavage 1.2.1.1

          So Karol and lprent. See you there?

          • karol 1.2.1.1.1

            Yep. I’m planning to join the NZEI for a walk up Queen Street from Britomart – then walk back with the TPP demo.

      • North 1.2.2

        Annettes Sykes’ Faceboook was heartening. She called them National Party sycophants. Which they are, demonstrably. Amazing what a few knighthooods thrown around will do. Amazing how your shit doesn’t stink when you’re “up there”. When your head is so high up in the clouds you’re just that little bit more “white”. And real. And movin’ and shakin’.

        When you find yourself in and out of Te Koru Club several times a week, preparatory to your gravy train funded flight to Wellington to see “Te Minita”, or to massive your “mana” at some talkfest. While kids in Kaikohe actually starve and their little minds rot.

        And on your way to Gate 14 some snivelling bastard Tory list MP greases up alongside and acknowledges you. And your personal “maaaa- na”. Oh what a fine man/woman property developer real estate agent piss-arse lawyer wealthy farmer entrepreneur accountant petty boeurgoisie sole trader this subliminally racist Tory list MP is. Who doesn’t give a fuck about Maori kids in Kaikohe and their little minds rotting.

        Disgraceful. Scabs.

        To (Dame – soon to be) Naida Glavish – one of them – “Kia Ora Caller”.

  2. Tracey 2

    i hope teachers get out there… even if they wear masks.

    police union has been very quiet… must be due to speak up on imagined law and order concerns.

  3. Jenny Kirk 3

    Here’s basic details :
    Auckland Location: Meet at Aotea Square, then march down Queen St to the US Consulate
    Christchurch Location: Cashel Mall Restart, 114 Cashel Street, 1pmWe will march through REstart mall with our pickets and banners, being as loud as possible (while still respecting mall goers) and then assemble in the Cathedral Square for speeches.
    Dunedin Location: Rally at The Octagon, Dunedin, 1 pm
    Hamilton Location: Garden Place, Victoria Street, Hamilton, 1pm
    Hokianga Location: Kohukohu Ferry, 1 pm
    Nelson Location: Meet at 12:30pm at the Millers Acre I-siteMarch up Trafalgar St to arrive for a Rally at about 1:00pm.
    Taranaki Location: Puke Ariki Landing, rally at 11am (note the time!)Hikoi around the streets and market.
    Tauranga Location: Red Square, Tauranga, 1pm Thames Location: Rally outside National MP office, 614 Pollen St, at 11am.
    Wellington Location: The Bucket Fountain, Cuba St, Wellington 12.30-1.00pm Brass Razoo (Brass Solidarity band) 1.00pm Cuba Street, Bucket Fountain March to Parliament:At Parliament ETA 2.30pm
    Whanganui Location: Meet at the Silver Ball Sculpture on the Riverfront 1pm to walk up to Majestic Square.
    Whangarei Location: Meet outside Claphams Clock Museum Town Basin, 1pm

    Don’t have a location for Palmerston North, but they’re organising a rally as well

    • karol 3.1

      Thanks, Jenny. The Palmerston North Link on the Its Our Future page is now working – the Invercargill one isn’t, and there’s one there for Geraldine as well.

  4. Puckish Rogue 4

    So roughly 100 -200 will turn up or is that being generous?

    • gitmo 4.1

      Even with 50 the stench will be hideous.

      • Murray Olsen 4.1.1

        Fuckwitted troll. Out of respect for the good people on this blog, I won’t say what I really think.

    • lprent 4.2

      So roughly 100 -200 will turn up or is that being generous?

      I tell you what, lets make a small side penalty. How confident are you?

      Something like a weeks ban for every hundred over 200 for the TPPA protest in Auckland. We’ll even use the lower of the understated measures from the NZ Herald and the Police.

      How about it? Agreed?

      Problem is that this dickhead is used to the right wing protests – the ones measured in tens.

  5. captain hook 5

    heka paratai speaks out of both sides of her mouth at once.
    I hear her on the radio saying that NZ has a first class education system but when nobody else is looking she is advocating for the dismantling of the system in favour of giving the money to charter schools.
    It doesnt look like that she knows how to tell the truth about anything.

    • fender 5.1

      Yes Hekia Parata want’s the nation to get behind our education system like we do our sports teams. But I’m struggling to get behind coach Parata considering the head high tackles, knock-ons and other infringements she inflicts on her own team. I’ve never seen a coach treat their own players so poorly, nor have I seen one field players from another code without them having an understanding of the rules first.

  6. Philj 6

    Xox
    Torries Privatising Public Assets. Again! I’ve had enough and now I’m off to the March in Nelson. Beautiful sunrise.

  7. Jim Nald 7

    Thanks, karol. I will be biking to the protest and hope many people around the country will be making a strong stand.

  8. Jim Nald 8

    Btw, I have just seen this:

    “[Labour calls] on the National Government to release the full text of the TPPA, at least two weeks before they intend to sign it.”

    https://www.labour.org.nz/tppa

    Is there a typo in there? Or do Labour MPs have a different sense of time, with a week being a long time in politics and all that?

  9. Ron 9

    Does anyone know is Labour are doing anything in an organised way for either of these protests today. Cannot find anything from official sources. Want to get involved but would like it to be Labour Inc not individual.
    Note that Greens seem to be on the ball where is Labour

    • karol 9.1

      Labour was more in force at the Auckland NZEI demo. Cunliffe dropped by the TPPA rally afterwards and made a speech.

      I think there were some Labour MPs on the schedule to attend and give speeches at the TPPA demos in other parts of the coutnry.

  10. Blue 10

    No. Labour must support it, given the absence of serious noise about it. They were interested in reading it prior to signing as stated above, but it seems a half hearted objection, a Shearer like stance almost. I don’t think this indicates any opposition to it, given Labours history with free trade deals. We will wait and see I guess.

    • Ergo Robertina 10.1

      ‘They were interested in reading it prior to signing as stated above, but it seems a half hearted objection, a Shearer like stance almost.’

      This ‘condition’ was an attempt to appear principled about a deal Labour probably supports, but cannot do so openly without upsetting the Americans.
      A nonsense equivocation that only a party run by technocrats could be pleased with.
      What’s at stake in the TPPA is too fundamental for mere process quibbles.
      Standard author Micky Savage was pleased with Cunliffe’s handling of it; the quote is from his December 23 post, David Cunliffe’s first hundred days:

      ‘The day after the election result I was astounded to read David pronouncing a very deft line about the TPPA. Labour would not support the treaty if the text was not released. Both radicals and moderates would be attracted to the notion either that we do not sign up to the agreement at all, or that we only do if the public knows what it is letting itself in for. Finally a Labour leader had learned about triangulation of issues.’

      • Ergo Robertina 10.1.1

        CORRECTION to my comment above: ‘This ‘condition’ was an attempt to appear principled about a deal Labour probably supports, but cannot do so openly without upsetting its members.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 10.2

      Support what? Negotiating with other countries over trade terms?

  11. greywarbler 11

    Went well in Nelson. We had a Canadian speaker a woman called Fosse I think. She was excellent and one point I had to get my head around is that corporates can sue for expected profits not received, if our gummint did anything that might get in the way of that.

    So you are screwed with that hanging over you. To do anything would be likely to end in costs that would destabilise the government, which would be bound to happen anyway when people realised how weakened they are.

    It is frightening when you start thinking of all the ways that this faustian pact could crush the lives we have had that our ancestors fought to establish. A new Dark Ages. It doesn’t bear thinking about but we must think about it and face up to it.

    faustian pact – wikipedia

    the pact is between a person and Satan or a demon. The person offers his or her soul in exchange for diabolical favours. Those favours vary by the tale, but tend to include youth, knowledge, wealth, or power.
    It was also believed that some persons made this type of pact just as a sign of recognizing the Devil as their master, in exchange for nothing!!

    • One Anonymous Bloke 11.1

      I think you’ll find that one of the negotiating parties supports that position, and it isn’t the NZ government.

    • karol 11.2

      Thanks, grey. And that thing of corporates being able to sue for loss of profits is totally undemocratic.

    • karol 11.3

      grey, hope you don’t mind, I added a link to your Nelson report at the bottom of my post.

      • Jim Nald 11.3.1

        Hey grey and karol,

        The speaker’s name is Nicole Foss (just google to find out more).

        Although there doesn’t seem to be anything specific on that point from her on the web, others have discussed the issue of corporates suing for loss of profits … for eg something like the following:

        “… we know that the TPP gives corporations the power to sue governments for loss of profits resulting from the countries’ laws which protect the public health and welfare.

        “For example, under established trade agreements, Phillip Morris is suing the Government of Uruguay for lost profits in an amount that exceeds the Gross National Product of Uruguay. The dispute is over putting health warnings on cigarette packs. Under the TPP, all countries become liable for similar profit-driven suits, including the United States. Such suits, if won by the corporation, will undermine our economic and national security, our healthcare laws, as well as our environmental and food laws and regulations. …”

        http://www.inmotionmagazine.com/global/wosd/wosd_tpp.html

      • greywarbler 11.3.2

        karol anything you like will be good. I was a bit tired, energised by the meeting speakers and turnout, but depressed by the enormity of it all and sad that it is happening and so many go blithely on in determined ignorance, with no concern for protecting themselves and their own future, much less that of their country and fellow citizens.

        I must say that there was a good turnout from Motueka and they have done something that they say is acting as a template for the country. Got in touch with local councillors and local councils. Apparently they have sent out about a thousand. Hard work and dedication. And they brought a guitarist and singer who sang a few suitable songs – so we had great speakers and great songs. They travelled for up to an hour to get to Nelson and made the meeting hum. That business of contacting the pollies. I am reluctant to get my personal email smothered with political crap, but I guess I can have one just for the purpose. Do others think that emailing the pollies in parliament, all parties being equal but some more equal than others, would be a good use of my democratic-concern-time?

        Wayne Brittenden was on again on Radionz this morning and talking about TPPA. We are having that heavy foot that Terry Gilliam designed for Monty Python sequences, come right down on us with our version of TPPA demands. The European Union is insisting on revelation of documents, transparency apparently, not secrecy. There was a small segment on TPPA this morning besides Wayne.

        There was also mention of a case that Philip Morris is bringing against the Australian government in a TPPA type law suit, under an agreement they have signed with Hong Kong. Don’t know much about it but it stems from ordering plain packaging to reduce smoking. Oz is being sued for loss of brand, intellectual stuff and probably as well, loss of sales. It will be tried by a tribunal of someone outside Oz, and from what I have heard it’s the corporates who organise the judging panel. Anyway you can bet that Oz hasn’t a leg to stand on and it will cost millions for the trial and I think the company is asking for (don’t hit me if I’m wrong) about $90 billion.

        It sounds crazy so I must have heard wrong. But hey crazy is believable these days. I see that Jim Nald referring to Uruguay. We are going to end up like some of those dingy imaginings on film, Blade Runner for instance. I don’t think we should think about national flags at this important moment, nor should we think of changing our national anthem – we need to ask God to help us defend New Zealand. I referred to the faustian exchange earlier. It seems a true and accurate description for us.

        And Jim Nald – about Labour. I think that it was Open Mike yesterday that had a good link to Ken Loach comment in The Guardian put up by some good body who I forget but I commented on it so you could find it by searching greyw. It posed some searching questions that are going through your head as I noticed in your lower comment.

  12. greywarbler 12

    Hi I am undefined now. For a short period till someone tells me who I am.

    Labour in Nelson wanted the TPPA text released. They wanted to make sure it is all good for NZs. There was general talk. The pharm side was mentioned I think. (My brain is getting tired.)

    But they didn’t say they were against TPPA. And nothing was said about the effect on our small business that is about 90% of the enterprise in NZ. And what we really need so we have a thriving happy country. I still want to see that happen!!!!!!!! So not much from Labour – Andy Haden called Mary Wilson a pinko after she tried to interview the warped old bull the other day. And that term could really apply to Labour.

    • Jim Nald 12.1

      You won’t be the only one feeling that way, greywarbler.

      How about climb up the fence and join ‘Labour’, given the latest news piece:
      http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9883535/Labour-on-the-fence-about-trade-deal?

      In political black-or-white debates over the issues, Labour’s wait-and-see dissolves into greyness. Even those who voted in the previous election may now be a little bewildered and might perhaps toy with the idea of joining the so-called missing million who didn’t vote in the last election?

      Labour MPs can provide more effective opposition and stronger leadership by saying ‘no TPPA until the people of NZ see and discuss the text’.

      • Jim Nald 12.1.1

        If the question is posed by jonolists about ‘final position’ on the TPPA, throw the question back with a quick retort –

        what final position?

        first, show us the text!

    • Ergo Robertina 12.2

      +1 Labour’s hiding behind a technocratic fig leaf on the TPPA, and thinks no-one will notice.
      It is rather pathetic.

  13. Macro 13

    11am Gathering of 30+ people here in Thames outside local MP Scott Simpsons office, to hear Catherine Delahunty speak on the reasons why this behind closed doors deal is so pernicious.

    11.30 am Off to Hamilton to attend the rally at the Garden Centre there. Crowd slowly gathered to max out at around 200+ to hear music and speakers in the sun. Speakers from Mana, Greens (Catherine D), NZ First, Maori Party, Labour, Social Democrats? and a statement read out from National – the “fundamentals of Pharmac will be preserved” what ever that means. Oh! and business gets a say.. now isn’t that nice.
    Labour spokeswoman seemed to think that people did not understand that they were opposed to the deal. Just they want to read it first! Which they don’t seem to understand – isn’t all that reassuring! Not exactly No way! TPPA!

  14. I wrote to David Cunliffe a few weeks ago asking if / when Labour gets into power it would release the full text of the TPPA (assuming it will be signed by then). I got no response. Russel Norman replied though.

  15. The Real Matthew 15

    Hope you guys had a good day out with the Rent a Crowd.

    May I ask why you guys weren’t out protesting when Labour was negotiating the FTA with China?

    • felix 15.1

      1) What makes you think people here didn’t protest the China FTA?

      2) Do you understand that much of the opposition to the TPPA is not actually opposition to the “free trade” aspects of the agreement at all?

      3) I don’t believe anyone was paid to attend. The only person I know of who rent crowds for political protests is Colin Craig.

    • greywarbler 15.2

      Were you TRM out protesting then? What are you on about you tool? You wouldn’t know fhit from clay. Go and do some real work if you can’t make any points of value. This isn’t a game. But perhaps somebody pays you in kind or money to do this or perhaps no-one will pay you anything at all because you are so useless at anything you put your hand to.

    • Tracey 15.3

      cos chinas tobacconists didnt want to sue us for removing their branding from their death sticks

      cos china didnt ask for its corporations to have precedence over our sovereignty.

      may i ask how it can be that you dont understand the difference between an fta and the tpp and how many contracts you enter into without reading them or even your lawyer reading them?

  16. JanM 16

    Joce Jesson has confirmed on Metiria’s twitter what I thought may well be the case – the ‘iwi leaders’ kicking up the fuss have been bought off by the National Party with the promise of charter schools – ugh!

    • karol 16.1

      Thanks for the tip. Found this on Turei’s Facebook: [which I can view without logging in.

      I hear that Sir Toby Curtis, Pem Bird and Naida Glavish have accused NZEI of trampling on their mana because of the Living Wage for Learning rallys today which coincide with Hekia Parata’s education forum. They should know that the measure of a leader’s mana is in the well being of the whanau not in how many international visitors they get to hobnob with. Maybe they could spend less time chatting with Hekia and more time advocating for whanau to be properly paid for the amazing work they do supporting and educating our kids.

      Turei was to me the most prominent (only?) (co)leader on the NZEI march in Auckland yesterday.

      Saw here there before on and after the march.

      A group of Labour MPs were at the rally in Aotea Square after the march – mind you, it was a failry big march so maybe they did the walk.

      Minto was there (on both marches) for Mana.

      Bomber made some crack about Harawira having to stay in Wellington – “something to do with Dotcom” – Bomber said. Don’t know if that was meant as a joke or for real.

  17. Tautoko Viper 17

    There was a reasonable coverage of the TPPA issues on TV1’s coverage of the march and as a result I think a lot more people will at least have some idea about the TPPA.
    However, since most young people don’t watch TV or read the “news”papers, the internet party is going to be a very useful conduit for information on issues like this to a section of the potential youth vote.

    • greywarbler 17.1

      Good point TV Kim DC will have an important place in this election, whether it will be a lasting value who knows, but in today/s market place for ideas he is offering something we need.

  18. mac1 18

    Grey Power is also protesting about TPPA’s and its effect especially on Pharmac.

    Grey Power is also highlighting the plight of superannuitants who have no other income but that of Superannuation and who do not own their own homes.

    According to Treasury, who got the figures wrong originally, revised Treasury figures of after tax income show that 50% (73,500) of superannuitants who do not own their own home now live in poverty.

  19. Jenny Kirk 20

    To GreyWarbler, Jim Nald and other posters – Labour’s position is clear – its on their website – under issues/policies – here’s the link – https://www.labour.org.nz/tppa – and the following are some of the statements in it.

    ” New Zealand must not sacrifice cheaper medicines through Pharmac, or give up our sovereign right to regulate and legislate for our health, protection of our environment, in ICT and online security and privacy, or in areas including gambling, tobacco and alcohol. We must preserve our democratic rights to regulate overseas corporations that operate here ……………
    ” It is clear we can’t decide whether the TPPA will hinder or help our economic wellbeing until we know what is in the final agreement.
    ” Therefore we have called on the National Government to release the full text of the TPPA, at least two weeks before they intend to sign it.
    ” New Zealanders should be allowed to have an informed and mature public debate about what is in our people’s interests. …………………”

    • Ergo Robertina 20.1

      How is it possible for scrutiny to occur within the (at least) two week time frame? Many stakeholder groups, such as the medical profession, have busy jobs, and it takes time to formulate a submission/response, gain consensus, and clarify any unclear or ambiguous parts of the text.
      And surely any ‘informed and mature public debate’ can only occur AFTER interested parties/critics have had their say, as the average person will not be able to interpret the text or see the fish hooks.

    • Jim Nald 20.2

      Thanks very much for pointing that out, Jenny.I have just seen your comment @ 20.

      I now see where the reference to ‘two weeks’ has come from. Quite frankly, that is not enough time and can be cynically seen as a whitewash or mockery especially with such a momentous proposal.

      What is not coming through more clearly is that it is not just simply like any free trade agreement. Can someone on TS or any readers/bloggers put up or encourage a post here or elsewhere to get a deeper discussion going?

      First, the TPPA is no longer the same kind of grouping that started off circa 2005 among the ‘small’ trading nations of Chile, Singapore, NZ and Brunei. That grouping has been hijacked and metastised into the current beast.

      Second, for those of us who were involved or familiar with old battles, the TPPA is regarded as the MAI that is now being resurrected. It is good to see some online reference to this and more needs to be done to generate greater awareness, public outrage and collective rejection of the TPPA in its present cancerous form:

      “That sounds like the MAI that we defeated in the 1990s!

      “It is the Multilateral Agreement on Investment on steroids. The TPP is effectively a bill of rights for big corporations that is designed in secret and shackles future governments and our democratic right to decide future policy and laws.”

      http://www.theawarenessparty.com/links-and-resources/articles/political-2/beware-the-trans-pacific-partnership-agreement/

      That website has many points that are just spot on.

  20. Jonathan 21

    There was a good turnout in Napier, about 100 people, particularly good turnout from the Mana Movement. Really good energy, so much so that, after a few speeches, we made an unplanned return march down the main street! And all with generally good responses from the general public, even a few people joining in.

  21. Tautoko Viper 22

    I get really annoyed by the continual misinformation on the TPPA.
    “Mr Groser said New Zealanders would hear the facts when the deal was put before Parliament.” http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/240196/call-for-public-to-have-say-on-trade-deal
    Parliament does not vote on whether to sign the TPPA or not.
    The TPPA is signed off by the 20 National Cabinet Ministers.
    The only vote that Parliament will get is whether to modify any laws that need to be altered pertaining to the TPPA.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Stories of varying weight

    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on anything you may have missed. Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 hours ago
  • Balancing External Security and the Economy

    New Zealand is again having to reconcile conflicting pressures from its military and its trade interests. Should we join Pillar Two of AUKUS and risk compromising our markets in China? For a century after New Zealand was founded in 1840, its external security arrangements and external economics arrangements were aligned. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    18 hours ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: The unravelling of the offsets

    The ‘50 Shades of Green’ farmers’ protest in 2019 was heavy on climate change denial, but five years on, scepticism and criticism about the idea that pine forests can save us is growing across the board. File photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top six news items of note in climate ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    22 hours ago
  • What makes us tick

    This morning the sky was bright.The birds, in their usual joyous bliss. Nature doesn’t seem to feel the heat of what might angst humans.Their calls are clear and beautiful.Just some random thoughts:MāoriPaul Goldsmith has announced his government will roll back the judiciary’s rulings on Māori Customary Marine Title, which recognises ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    23 hours ago
  • Foreshore and seabed 2.0

    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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
  • The Hoon around the week to July 19

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent talking about the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s release of its first Emissions Reduction Plan;University of Otago Foreign Relations Professor and special guest Dr Karin von ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #29 2024

    Open access notables Improving global temperature datasets to better account for non-uniform warming, Calvert, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society: To better account for spatial non-uniform trends in warming, a new GITD [global instrumental temperature dataset] was created that used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to combine the land surface ...
    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
    17 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
    20 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
    22 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-07-27T00:16:22+00:00