Wanted: a new Leader of the Opposition

Written By: - Date published: 7:12 am, November 30th, 2021 - 70 comments
Categories: chris bishop, Christopher Luxon, humour, Satire, Simon Bridges, uncategorized - Tags:

Wanted a new leader of the opposition.

Must have the following attributes:

  • The ability to coordinate and manage an out of control rabble of a caucus many of who hate each other with a vengance.
  • The ability to stop caucus leaking.  Good luck with that.
  • An understanding of disparate factions and a workable plan to reconcile the aspirations of urban liberals who still want to be top dog, Christian Conservatives who disagree with all of the urban liberal faction’s progressive agenda, and the Farming Sector who just want things to be like they were in the 1950s but with current milk prices and farm sale prices.
  • Sufficient chutzpah so that when their underlings completely fuck up the most important budget of the last Parliamentary Term you can smile and grin like there is nothing wrong.
  • The expectation that if you fail you will be unceremoniously removed and publicly humiliated.
  • The ability not to flinch as you daily criticise the Government for being too lax with its Covid response, then too rigid, then too lax, then too rigid, then too lax, then too rigid …
  • Being able to repeat idiot attack lines consisitently day after day after day …
  • Having as your primary goal stopping Judith Collins from undermining everyone else and paying back double.
  • Being a professional mercenary in a previous life does not necessarily rule you out of contention.
  • Being male is essential.  Being bald, Christian and white is an advantage.
  • Has to be willing to drink lots of Whisky with Winston Peters.

At least there are lots of people interested in the job …

70 comments on “Wanted: a new Leader of the Opposition ”

  • Comments are now closed

  2. SPC 2
    30 November 2021 at 7:46 am

    The ability to pronounce mercenary as mercinary to reach out to those who went to state schools is an advantage.

    [Thanks now fixed – MS]

  3. Alan 3
    30 November 2021 at 7:57 am

    It is really going to upset you when National wins the next election isn't it Micky.

    • mickysavage 3.1
      30 November 2021 at 8:02 am

      Right now? Not a chance.

      • Alan 3.1.1
        30 November 2021 at 8:52 am

        Two years is a very long time, the halo is slipping

        • weka 3.1.1.1
          30 November 2021 at 9:26 am

          the irony is that the halo can slip right off and Nat still wouldn't win. NZ voters like the appearance of competency and even with the mistakes Labour are making they still appear way more competent than Nat.

          Bigger problem for the left is a strong ACT vote.

        • Ad 3.1.1.2
          30 November 2021 at 9:35 am

          The 2027 contest will mean the first-time voter at 18 has to go back to when they were 8 years and under to remember what National was like.

          And from when they were 9 onwards, all National did was fall apart.

          So they'll have to be convinced to vote for something that is both forgotten, and broken.

          • alwyn 3.1.1.2.1
            30 November 2021 at 9:39 am

            Are you expecting one of our Governments to change the Electoral Act in order to extend their term?

            There won't be an election in 2027 unless that happens.

            • Ad 3.1.1.2.1.1
              30 November 2021 at 9:52 am

              Apparently the next one is in January 2024. So I went 3 years after that.

              Next New Zealand election date' – Google Search

              • alwyn …
                30 November 2021 at 10:29 am

                What you have found is the last possible day on which the next election can be held. That date is calculated in the following manner., if you can really follow it right through.

                "The governor-general must issue writs for an election within seven days of the expiration or dissolution of the current parliament. Under section 17 of the Constitution Act 1986, parliament expires three years "from the day fixed for the return of the writs issued for the last preceding general election of members of the House of Representatives, and no longer." The writs for the 2020 election were returned on 20 November 2020;[7] as a result, the 53rd Parliament must dissolve no later than 20 November 2023. Writs must be issued within seven days,[8] so the last day for issuance of the writs is 27 November 2023. Writs must be returned within 60 days of their issuance (save for any judicial recount, death of a candidate, or emergency adjournment),[9] which would be 26 January 2024. Because polling day must be on a Saturday,[9] and ten days is required for the counting of special votes,[10] the last possible date for the next election to be held is 13 January 2024.[11]."

                https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Next_New_Zealand_general_election

                There haven't been any elections during the summer holiday season since 1931 when it was held on 2 December. In practice the last feasible date for the election is late November as campaigning is considered to be impossible during the silly season.

  4. Maurice 4
    30 November 2021 at 8:14 am

    No matter how this pack is shuffled ….. it is still the same old, stale pack.

    Some new pictures on the cards are desperately required.

  5. Blazer 5
    30 November 2021 at 8:26 am

    Who is the guy with glasses on the far right in the main pic?

    • Dennis Frank 5.1
      30 November 2021 at 8:41 am

      This guy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Doocey

      Doocey worked in mental health and healthcare management in both New Zealand and the UK. He studied Counselling Psychology at Weltech, has a BSc (Hons) in Social Policy, an MA in Healthcare Management from Kingston University in London and an MSc in Global Politics from Birkbeck, University of London.
      On 28 August 2019, Sir John Kirwan launched the Mental Health and Addictions Wellbeing cross-party group, with the executive consisting of Matt Doocey, Louisa Wall (Labour), Chlöe Swarbrick (Green Party), Jenny Marcroft (New Zealand First) and David Seymour (ACT), to work together to improve mental health and wellbeing in New Zealand.

    • SPC 5.2
      30 November 2021 at 9:03 am

      Might be David Bennett Hamilton. But then bald guys are like smiths in that caucus – bald guy, then Collins, next bald guy, then

  6. Dennis Frank 6
    30 November 2021 at 8:53 am

    the responses in a Newshub-Reid Research poll last week asking the public to describe Luxon in one word (‘don’t know’, ‘unknown’, ‘who’) are a step up on those for Bridges shortly before his demise last year (‘idiot’, ‘average’, ‘dickhead’).

    https://www.newsroom.co.nz/luxons-disney-fairytale-draws-close-but-bridges-lurks

    When watching Luxon in an interview, or seeing a photo of the guy, try not to think of Humpty Dumpty. I've noticed it's quite difficult.

    • SPC 6.1
      30 November 2021 at 9:08 am

      Seven questions, spoke twice in general debate – close followers of parliament would not have much idea. Nothing unusual about that for a first year MP and the House was not always sitting … .

      But as Leader of the Opposition, only Don Brash is anything of the like.

    • Pataua4life 6.2
      30 November 2021 at 9:12 am

      Strange, I always think of Mr Ed with the current leadership.

      Name calling, bald shaming it's all a pack of shit. But seems to be the "Standard" MO on this site in regard to opposition MPs

      • SPC 6.2.1
        30 November 2021 at 9:26 am

        Why Mr Ed?

        And over at KB the terms of endearment for Labour women leaders goes like …

        And exactly how is observing baldness, bald shaming? Is observing someone wears glasses, or always wears the same colour tie and suit combination anything more than an observation?

        • Ad 6.2.1.1
          30 November 2021 at 9:37 am

          It really does matter what politicians look like. And what they sound like.

          Maybe not in the obscure bubble of imagined value-free formlessness you appear to inhabit, but not in any useful political reality.

          • SPC 6.2.1.1.1
            30 November 2021 at 10:18 am

            So between your – it really matters what they look like and vto's – we should not comment on it (even to observe that bald men of a similar age tend to look a bit alike) it would seem commentary is between a rock and a hard place.

            PS So you think lack of judgment of appearance and sound is “values” free. Interesting take on the human condition.

            • weka 6.2.1.1.1.1
              30 November 2021 at 11:02 am

              there's a difference between a descriptor and an insult/pejorative.

              • SPC …
                30 November 2021 at 11:10 am

                Sure, but if it just a descriptor can it be an insult/pejorative?

                To use an example Michael Cullen was known for both his wit and sarcasm.

                • weka …
                  30 November 2021 at 11:30 am

                  context is what matters. I wouldn't have used the term bald like this in a post but I don't think micky was using it pejoratively. And while I agree with the idea that appearance matters (hence all the suits), I’m not sure the usage of bald here has anything to do with that one way or the other, except where it’s being used as a signal for men of a certain age (in which case, the usage is unwise).

                  There's a bit of conflict at the moment over the use of the word white. Personally I find it relatively easy to tell the difference between description and pejorative, but some people now object to it being used at all (which is problematic on a political blog).

                  • SPC …
                    30 November 2021 at 11:39 am

                    On a political blog and a feminist blog it would be quite appropriate to note the large number of men who look alike in one caucus (aging and white) supposedly representing the people of their electorates and on a party list.

                    It might also explain the current polling indicating the respective support for political parties from various sectors of the wider population.

                    • weka …
                      30 November 2021 at 11:52 am

                      I agree. That would be an example of using words as descriptors rather than pejoratives.

                      Stale, pale and male is an obvious perjorative.

                    • RedLogix …
                      30 November 2021 at 12:43 pm

                      @ weka

                      Totally agree. Referring to a persons skin colour can be simply descriptive or perjorative depending on context and implied intent. But there's a fuzzy line between them.

                      In my view it's best to err on the side of caution and not use references to skin colour unless it's necessary for the argument. And this goes for all other immutable characteristics, especially relating to appearance, sex, age, ethnicity and so-on.

          • RedLogix 6.2.1.1.2
            30 November 2021 at 12:47 pm

            It really does matter what politicians look like. And what they sound like.

            This is true – voters really are influenced by non-rational factors like this more than we'd like to imagine. I don't think we can air-brush this away.

            But we don't have to pivot our political argument on this. It is a sword that cuts both ways – after all if we run with 'Luxon Roll-On' what defense do we have against 'She's a Pretty Communist'?

  7. Tiger Mountain 7
    30 November 2021 at 9:14 am

    They might have to track down ex NZ National Board member “Merv from Manurewa”

    …Mr Bishflap could be a starter, his record shows he likes to be down with the kids…

  8. Patricia Bremner 8
    30 November 2021 at 9:39 am

    I think we are lucky people step up. It is such a scrutinized position.

    Whether P.M. or L.O. Life changes hugely. The internet the media and the Public scrutiny is fine when things are going well and most are happy, but can be diminishing if one gaffe is made. It is much easier to parody a person and their look or mannerisms.

    Luxon has been barely visible, and it says a great deal if that is considered a desirable quality. Anyone Key promotes…. ??? I'm told he is just as smilingly ruthless. (Thanks Anne)

    Bridges is a known candidate. He appears to have had some diction lessons. He admits he needed to grow and develop discretion. He was brash mouthy and dogmatic.

    These two candidates represent religion, one old one new. They have similar beliefs about rights… not liberal at all. The only difference is Luxon is better at keeping his "Powder dry" Interesting times we live in.

    The Party has talked about "What the Party needs" What about "What NZ needs" ???

    • Gezza 8.1
      30 November 2021 at 11:02 am

      I prefer PM & LOTO (to LO).

      I’d have pressed Reti to stand.

      Faced with Luxon & Bridges, I’d choose Bridges, & see if he really has ironed out the wrinkles. His diction (from what little we actually hear from him on the tv news) DOES seem to have improved. He has possibly acquired more genuine gravitas. He’s Māori. He wants to get tuff on gangs (so do I). He may be dispkaying more of a thoughtful approach to responding to questions.

      But I’d still prefer Reti, who doesn’t seem to need to reinvent himself, who’s a known quantity, & who has maturity, applomb & worthwhile other-life-experience. Pity he didn’t stand, imo.

  9. vto 9
    30 November 2021 at 9:53 am

    is highlighting the baldness of some people ok the same as highlighting the fatness of others?

    bald men

    fat women

    grow up

    • Gezza 9.1
      30 November 2021 at 11:05 am

      Name-callers never want to grow up. They’re likely to attack you for remonstrating with them.

      Name callers weren’t nice kids at school. My bet is they’re not very nice people now.

      • RedLogix 9.1.1
        30 November 2021 at 11:26 am

        As a moderator when I see a person 'name- calling' or pulling childish stunts with names – then they're immediately facing a head wind from me.

        We don't and probably shouldn't leap on every instance of it – but we do take notice.

        • roblogic 9.1.1.1
          30 November 2021 at 11:33 am

          Mocking and saying rude things about politicians is a great democratic tradition. If it was punching down it would be different.

          • RedLogix 9.1.1.1.1
            30 November 2021 at 11:48 am

            Yes I can accept most of this, but with two caveats.

            One is that if mockery and sneering becomes almost all the message – it turns toxic. There's a real difference between witty and witless abuse.

            The other is that different people have different ideas about 'punching down'. That's a wriggly definition to wrestle with.

    • Enough is Enough 9.2
      30 November 2021 at 1:27 pm

      Totally agree

      We are pretty close to rock bottom when we have reached the levels of laughing at anyone's physical appearance.

    • SPC 9.3
      30 November 2021 at 1:48 pm

      Is not being older and whiter a traditional advantage in Christian patriarchy?

      And it would do Luxon no harm in that group of voters.

  10. Chris 10
    30 November 2021 at 9:56 am

    If those deciding the next leader are people capable of comments like these then heaven help them:

    "National MP Todd McClay says a democratic vote for a leader makes sense.

    McClay, thought to be backing Bridges, defended the fact no deal had been struck – as many party figures were keen to see.

    “Look, we’re a party that believes in democracy and it's very important that we as a party have a chance to think these things through,” McClay said on the way into Parliament.

    “It's a very important decision we have to make – the caucus will make the right one.

    “The one thing we've heard from our members is they really want us to be united as a caucus.”

    Fantastic.

  11. Reality 11
    30 November 2021 at 10:00 am

    If Luxon wins, he will have to have his hand held by numerous advisers, be micro-managed every 15 minutes, and have daily catch-ups with Key.

    National was very outspoken about Labour's so-called lack of experience in government. Guess running an airline now counts as experience in government.

    • tc 11.1
      30 November 2021 at 12:01 pm

      Exactly. Reti would put pressure on areas that need sunlight, win votes back and appear sane.

      We need a decent opposition, bridges wasn't, luxons inexperienced. Retis a solid call imo.

    • Tony Veitch (not etc.) 11.2
      30 November 2021 at 1:05 pm

      Ah, the dream team – Luxon as LOTO, Key as party president.

      What could go wrong? Dirty Politics 2.0

  12. Ffloyd 12
    30 November 2021 at 10:32 am

    Not sure about Bridges. His Samoan dancing leaves that there is a lot of work to be done there. Just might need the odd/occasional burst of dancing to drums to appeal to the voters. Second only to keys mincing walk on the catwalk.Not sure of anything else he could bring to the table.

    Luxon/Who? is sort of invisible/beige and he could find it difficult to sit down due to the flunkey up his rectum. But he was a CEO don’t you know so that would eventually qualify the beige man for a Gong. Does he speak?

    Either of these candidates would be great for Labour.

  13. weka 13
    30 November 2021 at 11:03 am

    repost from DR last night

    This would have to be one of the weirdest things I've read in a while (Luxon not Sachdeva). Wtf is Luxon on about?

    https://twitter.com/SamSachdevaNZ/status/1465149804372119554

    • SPC 13.1
      30 November 2021 at 11:23 am

      It seemed he wanted to say the government had a PR front office but no capacity in the back office to organise delivery (but was not sure whether to go with a Micky Mouse Disneyland or Wizard of Oz production or Stepford Wives metaphor – as in the PM should just go back to her home and hand the job to him after his caucus makes him their leader).

      They used a similar approach with Helen Clark, the only thing competent about the government (her and maybe Cullen).

  14. Anker 14
    30 November 2021 at 11:21 am
    • Personally I think Bridges is a safer choice. Luxon could turn out to be another Mueller (or maybe not, but that is the risk). Simon is a known quantity, and job ready. It would be interesting to see a preferred leader poll. When (?if) National lose next election, luxon could make his run then……..
    • Puckish Rogue 14.1
      30 November 2021 at 11:29 am

      I'd go Reti but my predictions have been a bit wonky of late

    • weka 14.2
      30 November 2021 at 11:33 am

      they'd be stupid if they do anything other than plan for the long term. Unless one of them turns out to be charismatic like Key I can't see Nat winning the next election. Never saying never, and two years is a long time, but they're in a massive mess, prob worse than the one Labour was in (and yes, we should be mindful of how quickly Labour's fortune changed).

    • Blazer 14.3
      30 November 2021 at 12:17 pm

      Going back to Bridges ,would be like trying to reignite an old…'flame'…usually a waste of…time.

  15. Anker 15
    30 November 2021 at 11:33 am
    • Yeah a lot of people are thinking Reti, but I didn’t factor him in as the competition seems to be between Simon and Luxon…..

    I think national can afford to lose under Bridges, but not Luxon…

    • Puckish Rogue 15.1
      30 November 2021 at 11:36 am

      Personally I'd say to Bridges "you going to be leader and we don't expect you to win the next election, your job is to increase the vote as much as you can and so the next leader, Reti, isn't damaged and he'll take over after the elction'

  16. Jenny How to get there 16
    30 November 2021 at 11:51 am

    They look like pall bearers standing at a funeral, service, waiting to carry the coffin from the church.

  17. swordfish 17
    30 November 2021 at 12:27 pm

    .

    Last Colmar Brunton (Preferred PM):

    Luxon 4%

    Bridges 1%

    .

    Last Newshub-Reid (Preferred PM):

    Luxon 2.5%

    Bridges 2.5%

    .

    Last Newshub-Reid “If it was down to Judith Collins or Simon Bridges, who would you pick to lead the National Party?”

    Bridges … (entire sample) 41% … (Nat voters only) 42%
    Collins … (entire sample) . 23% … (Nat voters only) 40%
    DK… (entire sample) ……. 36% … (Nat voters only) 18%

    .

    Kiwiblog Reader Survey – Next National Leader (non-scientific):

    Luxon 26%

    Reti 22%

    Bridges 18%

    • Dennis Frank 17.1
      30 November 2021 at 12:48 pm

      I'm pleasantly surprised that 22% of Kiwibloggers voted for Reti. Kindliness doesn't usually feature within that ecosystem whereas it seems Reti's primary characteristic.

      Mind you, the mongrel archetype has been receding from Nat ethos since Muldoon – Bolger did mongrel on a leash, Brash did a gentlemanly variant & Key seemed incapable entirely. His style was stiletto. Bridges never figured out a style & Collins' attempt to simulate the Muldoon style was never more than barking at any passing car.

      With Luxon we'll get a cheerful team-leader style. Complacency will give him an edge – kiwis love it. She'll be right will come back into favour.

  18. Anker 18
    30 November 2021 at 12:31 pm

    interesting Swordfish. So not much between them. But I have to say, I think people support Luxon for leader, because of how he sounds on paper and John Key's endorsement……nothing he has said or done to date in parliament.

    Luxon I think is a high risk strategy. He may be just the ticket or he may be another Todd.

    By the way I agree with the comments about bald shaming or any comments of public figures appearance (fine to do it in the privacy of your own home, but not on line). Aside from anything else it looks childish.

  19. Stuart Munro 19
    30 November 2021 at 12:45 pm

    Frankly I don't see any of the frontrunners achieving much.

    Key succeeded because he had a plausible aura of success – it took punters a while to work out that he was not the pragmatic achiever businessman they had hoped for.

    For National to have a ghost of a prayer they need another parachutist – Kathryn Rich might be a good bet – somewhat successful, has a brain, not entirely bereft of charisma. But leading that singularly unattractive assemblage of ambulant dogtucker would be no walk in the park even were they not perpetually at each others' throats.

    The baldness question is interesting – when does a legitimate descriptor become a distasteful pejorative? I cannot help but think the only one really troubled by the lack of a really attractive head of hair is the local head of the ANZ.

    • RedLogix 19.1
      30 November 2021 at 12:51 pm

      Well to attempt to answer your question, the phrase "But leading that singularly unattractive assemblage of ambulant dogtucker " struck me as witty because you worked it into the argument elegantly. It doesn't come across as just mindless abuse.

      Mockery has it's place, but as the spice to an argument, not the main ingredient.

  20. observer 20
    30 November 2021 at 1:14 pm

    One of the (many) out of date things in National is their leadership election. They always say "the numbers are confidential to caucus". No doubt they will again.

    In any other democracy, parties (including right-wing ones) have some degree of transparency in their internal elections. Most involve the wider membership, but even those who confine it to caucus (like the Aussie Libs) will release the numbers after a spill.

    It perfectly sums up National's feudal mindset that not only do they continue to regard a caucus of our representatives as a secret society, but they don't even acknowledge it as a problem.

    Then they are surprised when the public don't trust them.

  21. swordfish 21
    30 November 2021 at 1:56 pm

    Bridges withdraws … looks like Luxon (unsurprisingly).

    • Enough is Enough 21.1
      30 November 2021 at 2:02 pm

      Done the deal. Bridges number 3 on the list with Finance portfolio

    • RedLogix 21.2
      30 November 2021 at 2:08 pm

      Without speculating on Bridges motives – deal or no deal – this is a good sign he may yet come back from a poor start and progress on to a mature political career.

      Leader of the Opposition is by far the hardest job and I wish anyone – including Luxon – best wishes with it.

    • tc 21.3
      30 November 2021 at 2:09 pm

      Johnny's boy get his gift finally.

      An effective CEO by accounts which he will draw upon to sort out the infighting and bs out of both sides of his mouth.

      Unlike the corporate world you can't sack them chris and they'll feel alot more entitled than him being the teacher's pet leader.

  23. mary_a 23
    30 November 2021 at 2:18 pm

    JK will be pulling new Natz leader's strings, now his boy Luxon is in the leadership role. When Luxon blots his copybook or throws in the towel (Muller like), JK will deny having any influence.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • 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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    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
    16 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
    19 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
    24 hours 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
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  • Half a million people use tax calculator

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