When they’re laughing at you…

Written By: - Date published: 4:15 pm, April 22nd, 2013 - 160 comments
Categories: humour, john key, Minister for Photo-ops, privatisation - Tags:

You know it’s getting near time to go.

with-stupid

Saturday’s DomPost Diary (not on-line) reports :

When actress Chelsie Preston Crayford spotted Prime Minister John Key at a recent event, she leapt at the opportunity to get a photo with him – not because she’s a fan. Preston Crayford recalls: “I just saw an opportunity and asked him for a photo. In fact I had to ask him for it twice because the first time mum (film-maker Gaylene Preston) had her finger over the lens. Preston Crayford told your Diarists that there was a political motive to the snap in that she felt it summed up her objections to the National-led Government’s partial sales of state assets and amendments to the food bill.

Good on her for showing what many others feel.

160 comments on “When they’re laughing at you… ”

  1. Roy 1

    Well done!

    • Tim 1.1

      Well done indeed! I’ll bet Gaylene was ready to vomit ubtil she realised

    • Much as some of the commentators would hate it…Chelsea Preston Crayford is a very successful actress on both sides of the Tasman. And a woman of intelligence with a great sense of humour, obviously!

  2. BM 2

    Silly young girl, very quick way to fuck your career.
    I’d bet money, shes another melon.

    • karol 2.1

      Really? I’d have thought the opposite. Or maybe you think Key will take revenge by getting his own personalised intelligence agencies to monitor and neutralise…!?

      • BM 2.1.1

        I’d say all the films she’s been in rely heavily on NZ on Air money.
        Biting the hand that feeds you, is very dumb.

        • karol 2.1.1.1

          Reallly? So NZ on Air is dictated to by government?

          And I think asset sales are not really part of the “hands that feed” most kiwis.

          • Mary 2.1.1.1.1

            Not at the moment but Key will pass a law that says people who get photos taken with him while holding up signs saying “I’m with stupid” are economic terrorists and then another law that says economic terrorists can’t get NZ On Air funding.

          • BM 2.1.1.1.2

            This young girl is a nobody, there’s plenty more aspiring and talented actors out there to choose from then this silly young girl.
            This will get a bit of media coverage and I’d say there will be a lot of slacked off and disgusted people out there.
            Films have to make some sort of return,so why would a director pick this young girl for a role especially after she’s pissed off a lot of your potential audience.
            What a bone head

            • McFlock 2.1.1.1.2.1

              So a nobody will get a bit of short-lived ineffectual coverage as well as a career-crippling audience polarisation that will shut her out of jobs.

              pfft. Stoopid Tory.

            • Foreign Waka 2.1.1.1.2.2

              In the age of Facebook and an unrelenting push of the younger generation to change things, this picture is displaying feelings of a lot of them and will in the long run not do any harm.

            • Richard 2.1.1.1.2.3

              I thought she was awesome in Underbelly, and she won a Logie for that. And as an Aussie production it would not get NZ on Air funding. Great to see an actor who is not a total suck-up. Same for Robyn Malcolm – turns out she was TOTALLY FUCKING CORRECT over that whole Hobbit / Warners bullshit.

              • michelle leuthart

                Exactly…. Two women who don’t need to leave their brains at home, agree with things they don’t agree with, “be good sweet maid and let you will be clever” and keep their mouths shut ………in order to work in an industry that often expects just that. I am impressed with Chelsea Preston-Crayford for seeing and taking the opportunity and a bit worried that Mr Key, a supposedly savvy businessman, is too smugly confident in New Zealand’s collective adoration, to even consider that a young, good-looking woman might actually disagree with his policies and dare to make fun of him.

            • Kennie 2.1.1.1.2.4

              BM, you are either deluded or you’re actually John Key (possibly the latter means you are also the former). He’ll laugh I’m sure. This girl’s career has a lot more years left in it than his. She mostly works in Australia anyway, she just won a logie a few months ago for Underbelly.

            • Guy 2.1.1.1.2.5

              Chelsie is well respected actor. She was one of the leads in The Ozzie TV series Underbelly. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2642787/ BM you’re the nobody around here.

            • Phyllisophia 2.1.1.1.2.6

              This talented young woman that you are calling a bone head actually won the most recent Australian Logie award for Most Outstanding New Talent. Perhaps you thing that the asset sales and amendments to the food bill are smart moves for the government. In that case i would call you a ‘silly girl’. I think that a persons career should not stop them from making political statements. What a brave young woman for expressing what so many of us feel, that these recent proposals are nothing but utter stupidity, despite her public persona.

            • nny 2.1.1.1.2.7

              just sounds like you’re a bitter troll. shutup

            • Boonman 2.1.1.1.2.8

              BM – you’ve come here by mistake. Whaleoil is somewhere else.

            • Chrissy 2.1.1.1.2.9

              Oooeerr!!!!

            • Draco T Bastard 2.1.1.1.2.10

              Films have to make some sort of return,so why would a director pick this young girl for a role especially after she’s pissed off a lot of your potential audience.

              I don’t think JK is a lot of potential audience.

            • Anthony Forster 2.1.1.1.2.11

              She will continue to be picked by directors because she’s very talented (and has won awards for the quality of her work), unlike Don, I mean John, Key.

            • Alan Stuart 2.1.1.1.2.12

              Didn’t seem to harm Vanessa Redgrave or Jane Fonda’s careers too much did it?

            • Julian Taylor 2.1.1.1.2.13

              come on John, stop this charade and post under your own name. I mean do you really think anyone in the fim industry give 2 flying f*cks about a cretin like JK?

            • Roy 2.1.1.1.2.14

              If I was a director I’d pick her because she is, talented, clever, witty, very pretty and because all publicity is good publicity.

            • crobar 2.1.1.1.2.15

              but now i want to see everything she is in …a) she is hot as, b) she is a good actor and c) she has a great sense of humour

        • RJL 2.1.1.2

          BM, do you think that Key is such a stupid, petty, corrupt prick that this is a real risk?

        • mac1 2.1.1.3

          Or principled……

        • Deckard 2.1.1.4

          Well, at the moment the hand that feeds her is Australian, who’s the dumb one now!

          http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2642787/?ref_=sr_1

        • Clare Elliott 2.1.1.5

          I think you have proved her point.No single politician in our democracy should wield that amount of power…..

        • Dan 2.1.1.6

          Christ on a crisket mate, settle down. She’s having a laugh. Reign in the entitled vitriol!

        • Ess 2.1.1.7

          As I just saw something else posted on my Facebook but thought it quite appropriate “Everyone was thinking it…I just said it!”

        • Claire 2.1.1.8

          So is incorrect use of the comma.

        • crobar 2.1.1.9

          NZ on air didn’t fund underbelly … that is an Aussie show … good on her!

      • KSharpe 2.1.2

        BM you couldn’t be more wrong. but you’re allowed your opinion.
        Well done Chelsie, doing your own thing as always. rock on.

    • Kaplan 2.2

      Oh I think she’ll be just fine.
      The Feelers, on the other hand, have been fucked for a few years now.

    • RJL 2.3

      BM, are you going to report her to the Committee for Un-New Zealand Activities?

    • Thats the trouble with you fcuktards. Someone expresses a political opinion and you want to stuff up their careers. Talk about latent fa$cist tendancies …

      • felix 2.4.1

        Latent? How so?

      • UpandComer 2.4.2

        Not really, it’s just such a lame thing to do. NZ politicians are accessible. I or anyone else could easily turn up at a function where say Turei is present, or mojo mathers, or shearer, or parker or Mallard or Norman or Winston or any NZ politician and get a photo with a surrepititious bunny ears behind their head or a little message on a badge or a dumb childlike msg on a card like hers if my silly mate or silly parent takes it.
        What does it prove? Apart from that the person doing it is obnoxious and thinks they’re really clever, nothing. I mean sure John won’t care, but it’s just so lame, “I’m with stupid” really? Even my 8 year old thinks those are lame. It’s lame. So we should all go stand next to a politician who kindly agrees to take a photo with us who we disagree with and go “I’m with stupid”, how pathetic. LOL

        • Te Reo Putake 2.4.2.1

          Great idea, UpandComer! Keying is so now; planking and corpsing are dead to me know. Just wait til the kids hear about it!

          • Zoot 2.4.2.1.1

            As long as they don’t get mixed up and go around scratching cars, I’m all for it!

            Maybe we should call it Keyling, to differentiate?

        • PB 2.4.2.2

          Lame? You say? From a private citizen expressing their politics and pov?

          Dude, in a country where the professional free-market press destroys a leadership challenge with “cats that look like Cunliffe” all over the tv (where were you decrying them for that one?) no one should blink an eye at this.

          Politics is all perception. Stupid there should have been more careful, less keen to cuddle up.

        • felix 2.4.2.3

          It’s up to you, UpandComer. If you want to do any of those things, go for it. Probably best if it’s spontaneous though, people can smell effort a mile off.

          If your timing is right and you capture a certain mood that happens to be sweeping the country in certain demographics, you might even get in the paper. That’d be cool.

          It might even touch such a raw nerve that people who disagree with you turn up on internet forums to argue about the merits of it. Even people who say they don’t care might turn up to say how much they don’t care!

          Give it a crack. Let us know, eh?

          • Green machine UpandComer 2.4.2.3.1

            Righto Felix.

            If I do it, gosh, people might even interpret it as some kind of harbringer of a non-existent sweeping revolution, full of Chris Trotter Litotes and grand meta-explanations and self high fives of “I’m with stupid”. That would be highly amusing for me, and everyone else.

            • Pascal's bookie 2.4.2.3.1.1

              Who knows. Anything might happen.

              Maybe you’ll even get that ‘attaboy’ you’ve been after from the old men at kiwiblog, if you can get them to shut up about Islam, maorification, cultural marxism and ‘how the feminists stole my penis’ for ten minutes.

            • felix 2.4.2.3.1.2

              Unlikely in your case. People just don’t seem to like you much.

              But by all means have a go, no-one’s stopping you.

        • Chrissy 2.4.2.4

          You want lame and stupid!!!.Then take some time out to watch johnkey in action in our hallowed Parliament at question time.His own personal stage for inanity.A three yearold would tear him apart verbally and rhetorically if ihe/she were allowed to.
          I think it’s a great photo,especially as the message is true.He has already admitted in Parliament that he is clueless.Can’t argue with our “esteemed” pm.

        • Tricyclist 2.4.2.5

          This photo is so effective because JK is so narcissistic, and can’t resist a photo opportunity.

        • crobar 2.4.2.6

          but it is just sooo funny …. funny coz it is true … she was with him and he is stupid! … you and your 8 year old need to get a sense of humour!

    • Tim 2.5

      Silly old man! Very quick way to fuck a Proim Minsta’s kreer.
      I’d bet money he’s just another Slik Willy

      You patronising, holier than thou, you know best, gittus

      • Tim 2.5.1

        EKSHLEE BM, if we could arrange it, we’ll put Chelsie’s brain power up against the Proim Minsta’s shall we?
        Perhaps ‘Breakfast’ might oblige – or 7#.

        Let’s see who’s the “silly young girl”.
        My pick would be that its Slik Willy that’s the silly guuuuuurl

        • Tim 2.5.1.1

          Waiting waiting waiting waiting BM. I note the timestamps of our respective posts. You ARE about – so how about that challenge huh?

    • Lightly 2.6

      jeez, you think there’s some kind of blacklist in the entertainment industry? Bow down to the PM of the day or get fucked? Like something out of 1950s Hollywood?

      I bet the fascist/ in you loves that little day dream.

    • North 2.7

      You’re a silly sour old thing BM.

    • That’s so very “North Korean” of you, BM.

      I’d start worrying if critics of this “government” started disappearing.

      • Zoot 2.8.1

        We have – overseas

        I find it increasingly difficult to find reasons to come home…

    • five15design 2.9

      only if she ever tries to get a Job in the Key/Jackson Studio of tourism filmography. A great move & tbh, sometimes just need to say what was said.

      I had the misfortune to run into Rodney Hyde on the hustings. As he shook my hand I pronounced as loud as everyone could hear “Your’e a dangerous scab on New Zealand”

      damned cathartic!

      • Murray Olsen 2.9.1

        The Key/Jackson Studio of tourism filmography will be closing soon. Australia has offered a cheaper deal on big holes in the ground as open air sets and we’ll have no pristine wilderness to compete.

      • Hami Shearlie 2.9.2

        Scabs are much prettier than Rodney though!

      • Having Fun 2.9.3

        Haha, this whole thing is awesome.

        I am an up and coming director and I will definitely keep her on my radar as she has just gotten and held my attention by being forthright about her politic’s.
        I wish more people in cabinet could be as honest.

        Anyway, I’m quitely amused and impressed by Chelsea but you five15design get my full rousing applause and congratulations for your heroic and cathartic actions.

        I feel you deserve me writing a film about you people.

        Awesome, go New Zealand.

    • DC 2.10

      So, people can’t dare speak against there ‘rulers’ for fear of being crushed?? What century is this? Evolve

    • Rodel 2.11

      That’s soooo Tory thinking… sad really…

    • Tom Gould 2.12

      Will JK call directory service for Warners’ number, or is it on speed dial?

    • Mike 2.13

      From the point of view of a casting director, this would have very little impact on her career either way, positive or negative. For someone to not be cast due to fear of a public backlash, the transgression needs to be considerably worse and most likely illegal.

    • Victor 2.14

      BM: “Silly young girl, very quick way to fuck your career.”

      not everyones a prostitute to the system, scared to speak their mind about the parasitical puppets of the globalist “elites” but we appreciate your perspective.

    • Mick 2.15

      smart young women .Key is a failure ,name ten things he has done in his two terms that have worked as announced .

      • Zoot 2.15.1

        I find it bizarre that you can use the words ‘two terms’ and Key in the same comment.

        What’s wrong with people, are they blind as well as stupid?

    • JF 2.16

      One does not simply “fuck one’s career”…

  3. mac1 3

    Sean O’Cheaigh, the Irish Fiddler and one string wonder, on March 17, about to take a final bow?

  4. karol 4

    The green bow tie…. the weak comb over…

    • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 4.1

      Criticising his appearance, karol? Now I know that’s OK, I will do it more often. Look out, Nanaia Mahuta.

      • karol 4.1.1

        I’m not criticising his basic physiology, or body – just his way of presenting himself.

  5. Rob 5

    Wow, all those skills and all that education and still acts like an 8 year old . How proud you all must be.

  6. Appleboy 6

    BM – what a pathetic response. So, in your world a person’s personal protest against a lying PM should be penalised by a government intervening with NZ On Air on political grounds to penalise people who don’t like them? Get a life. You right wingers are truly horrid people.

  7. Ennui 7

    Well if he must have his photo taken with pretty young things what does the old fella expect?

    • ghostrider888 7.1

      Pomp and Circumstance = The Overtones, Oscillate Wildely “with worship, and conquest and the voice of myriads”.

  8. Nick K 8

    Sorry to disappoint you all, but she’s not holding that ticket/sign.

  9. pollywog 9

    hahaha…if only he had his arm around her as well.

  10. North 10

    Jeepers Mr/Mrs/Ms BM. Such protectiveness of Shonkey Python ! You really are in the running for a knighthood now you blowhard dolt.

  11. Tim 11

    Waiting waiting waiitng …… I think we all know where that BM ‘chap’ is at.

    Still, In the overall scheme of things, I suppose it’s useful to keep in touch with chicken shit ranters and ravers – though you’ll never get me to visit a Whaleoil blubber who I will ‘suppress on sight’, let alone click on his virtual reality and contribute to any statistics that could be construed as POZTIV.

    Oh how I wish I could give him my address!

    • BM 11.1

      Wheres that BM chap at, Timothy.

      • Tim 11.1.1

        He’s all flash and no substance. So you tell me how we do this aye BM? I’m sure we could arrange something with the aid of lprent. You get you’re mate John Key to front up, and I’ll guarantee you a Chelsie!

        You are SO FULL of SHITE it ain’t funny.

        Lprent can give you the full email address I’m supposing, and you can contact me directly or supply me with yours.

        Put your bullshit money where your bullshit mouth is!

        • Tim 11.1.1.1

          Oh – btw – you’ll be paying the airfares

        • BM 11.1.1.2

          You seem to be taking this very personally, are you this young girls father, brother?

          • McFlock 11.1.1.2.1

            “Young girl”? Needs defending by a male relative?
            You idiot.

          • Tim 11.1.1.2.2

            Maaaaaaaaate! If I were her dad I’d be called Jonathan and not Tim. It’s not personal – it’s just a dislike of total wankers who think they’re always right, and always have to have the last word. You have to wonder why you bother – is it that you’re so arrogant that you think you could convert contributors to an internet site that openly presents the view from the left with your superior logic and intellect.
            As an interloper on this site, I often wonder why people engage with you at all, other than to point out the bleeding obvious – something you do a better job yourself, rather than most of your opponents (i.e. that you’re basically a fuckwit – and one I’ll certainly no longer engage with since you weren’t prepared to put your money where your well exercised mouth is)
            Adios hombre – and commiserations and deepest sympathy to whatever or whoever evolves as a result of your carnal desires – if you possess them at all.

  12. UpandComer 12

    It’s too easy to do that, because John makes himself accessible. It’s cheap. I could do that to Shearer probably. You probably couldn’t do it to Helen because I imagine if you did one of her ‘people’ would have smashed your camera and threatened you with Defamation or sth. Pretty silly really, this young girl should have more respect.

    • felix 12.1

      “You probably couldn’t do it to Helen because I imagine if you did one of her ‘people’ would have smashed your camera and threatened you with Defamation or sth.”

      Yeah right, welcome to planet wingnut where Clark is the PM who traveled everywhere with a team of bodyguards to heavy insubordinate members of the public.

      Sheesh you guys are losing your grip.

    • BM 12.2

      I agree, it would have been the gulags for her if she’d done that to Clark.

      • McFlock 12.2.1

        Thankyou, Steven Joyce.

        • BM 12.2.1.1

          There’s a gulag with your name on it, remember that.

          • McFlock 12.2.1.1.1

            Fortunately, it exists only in the toriverse where Key tells the truth, the economy is thriving, and everyone is employed in cycleway-related jobs. Oh, and taking the piss out of dunnokeyo is a criminal offence.

            In the real world you’re just a scared little proto-fascist who thinks that mocking a shit prime minister is a bigger problem for people than a shit prime minister who makes a mockery of the office.

            • BM 12.2.1.1.1.1

              I admit to googling proto-fascist.
              The wikipedia article seems a bit lean though.

                • McFlock

                  lol
                  I can go with either

                • BM

                  That is not true and I will demonstrate it.
                  Tomorrow, I will video tape myself goose-stepping around the streets in my finest lederhosen.
                  It should be up on you tube by night fall, weather permitting.

                  • felix

                    It’s so boring when people joke by exaggerating for effect to show they’re not actual extremists, as if it somehow negates the extremist views they’ve actually expressed before they started joking.

                  • Kennie

                    My god, I wrote my previous comment before I realised what an unpopular idiot the others think you to be.
                    By the way BM, can I get a photo with you? And Chelsie, can I borrow that ticket?

              • McFlock

                You couldn’t put it together yourself?

                Sigh…

    • karol 12.3

      You mean the Helen Clark who, when out and about in the community, some guy asked her if her husband knew she was out? The Helen Clark who had people heckling her with homophobic slurs, when she was in public?

    • Roy 12.4

      Respect is something that is earned, UpandComer, so if she doesn’t have respect for Key, that is his fault not hers.

  13. Paul 13

    Please explain why New Zealanders shoud have respect for Key.
    I don’t see him showing a great deal of respect to average New Zealanders.
    Respect is something you earn. Didn’t anyone teach you that?
    This isn’t some kind of feudal kingdom….or is that what you’d like it to be?

    • BM 13.1

      Off with her head.

      • Craig Glen viper 13.1.1

        Its all good Key will have no memory of it by now. It will be like it never happened. Fat German what fat German?

        • Tazireviper 13.1.1.1

          Akshully, I think I was in Hawaii at the time and Bill was standing in for me so it must be photoshopped

          • Tazireviper 13.1.1.1.1

            Or Maybe I was in the Peking Restaurant

            • Tazireviper 13.1.1.1.1.1

              Akshully, my secretary said I was in Cambra advocating for expat Kiwis’ rights to sleep under Stralian bridges and railway platforms

        • Colonial Viper 13.1.1.2

          I’ve never seen that mansion in my electorate before.

  14. gobsmacked 14

    When they’re laughing at you, it’s time to go. Yep.

    So could Key and Shearer please hold hands and jump, together? Win-win.

    The post title being chosen – without irony – by one of Shearer’s insider clique doesn’t make me laugh. It makes me weep. Is Mike Smith so oblivious to how his leader is perceived? Wake up, man.

    Key is much worse than a joke. We don’t need a joke to replace him.

    • Jim Nald 14.1

      When will the Labour Party caucus wake up to the realisation that it is foolish to challenge yesterday’s joke with tomorrow’s joke?
      The country is not well served by either.

  15. ghostrider888 15

    What a heavenly creature Fran.

  16. vto 16

    Paul seemed to get it in one, just above with …

    “Please explain why New Zealanders shoud have respect for Key.
    I don’t see him showing a great deal of respect to average New Zealanders.
    Respect is something you earn. Didn’t anyone teach you that?
    This isn’t some kind of feudal kingdom….or is that what you’d like it to be?”

    This sort of thing don’t happen too much so it is most defnitely a pointer. Sort of like when Don Brash did most things.

  17. Tigger 17

    Great form of protest. Utterly effective and nary a word was spoken.

  18. RJLC 18

    Funny but not clever.

  19. Rodel 19

    I’d give her a job..innovative, cheeky, and not afraid…not to mention with an accurate sense of assessment.

    Could we all do this every time JK grasps & gasps at a photo opportunity? Damn I can’t . I’m not a pretty woman…

  20. dewithiel 20

    It’s not the badly cut dinner jacket but the ready-made green bow tie that does it for me. Ms Crayford is entirely right: it’s an outfit that only a stupid millionaire would wear; it’s a clown suit.

  21. Mick 21

    John Key is quickly becoming George W Bush of the South Pacific . If he or his guvermint botches up something (quite a long list he is accumulating) he has this amazing ability to “not recall” it .Maybe photo’s like this will help him remember things . Now we need a photo of him standing in front of the Nova Pay logo , we already have a photo of him having tea with John Banks, etc..

    He might want to review this video …”making the boat go faster ” towards the “brighter future” ,yeah right.

    http://www.3news.co.nz/Highlights-from-Keys-2008-no-job-cuts-speech/tabid/370/articleID/246605/Default.aspx

  22. AC 22

    She deserves a Knighthood. More wellknown people need to stand up to this government. If the sign had said “John Key my hero” she would have got a knighthood or at least some sort of recognition- maybe appointed head of our Spy agency.

  23. felix 23

    Remember all those Young National turds who followed Key around wearing those fucking awful “Key Person” shirts?

    Yeah well it makes me happy to know that they take this as a personal insult.

  24. Saarbo 24

    Brilliant!

    BM, you are a fuckwit! Just calm down…its funny.

    • framu 24.1

      yeah – i thought it was the left that was meant to have no sense of humour

      at least thats what we were accused of for so many years

  25. tc 25

    Accurate sign would be ‘I’m with the bloke fronting the great NZ sell out with the smile and wave routine’

    Stupid is one thing Key isn’t

  26. Jasper 26

    Watch out! PinoKeyo might give her a subsidy for movie if she’s lucky!

  27. Sion 27

    i think people need to show a little more respect for our prime minister. Society has placed people in certain roles, which in my opinion deserves a little respect. Regardless of what you think of him, I think this is a bit petty and rude… obviously trying to gain a little publicity. Shame on you, you lemon!

  28. cpt. NoPants. 28

    BM. You are a fool to think that this will effect her career in any way. NZ on air generally partially funds the makers of a film/ tv show. The maker then pays the actors.
    and GENERALLY actors tend to be hired on their ability to portray a given character as opposed whether or not they have gently poked fun at the PM.

    If you REALLY think that DonKey will put his crack team of media ninjas on a mission to blacklist this ‘silly young girl’ when they are far too busy putting out his fires, then you Sir/ Madam are

    A FUCKING MORON.

  29. Kevin 29

    A rather obvious PhotoShop! Note the difference in focus between card and coat!

  30. dave 30

    The sign should go both ways. Toi Whakaari lowered there acceptance age and quality to let this [r0b: deleted – no need for that] in because her mum was a NZ film icon.

  31. Ben 31

    UGh this girl isn’t a actress, shes a wannabe with a famous mother. Her career only started after Toi lowered their standards and age limit to let her in.

    • Pascal's bookie 31.1

      How many Logie’s have you got Ben?

    • Ess 31.2

      You know, you’ve looked stupid through all this…now you are looking like a petulant little child throwing their toys out of the cot. Grow up and grow a sense of humour.

    • Kennie 31.3

      Toi?… I assume you mean Toi Whakaari? Go there did ya? Bit jealous?\

  32. JayTay 32

    I don’t necessarily agree with JK’s policies of even like the guy, but what a lame stunt. I guess she thinks shes clever? For a stupid person JK has done pretty well for himself eh? countless millions and leader of a country. If this is not photoshop its totally unclassy. Good publicity for her though.

    • felix 32.1

      Maybe she thinks he’s a dick.

    • Kennie 32.2

      I think you’re right saying for a stupid person he’s doing well for himself. Being leader of a country. But then, maybe it’s a stupid country that would have him as a leader. He’s our George Bush. Wouldn’t it be great to see Bush and Key debate?

  33. Bobby 33

    It says more about who she is than it does about Key. Typical nasty comment the likes of which have become too common in the facebook era.

    I doubt her parents and grandparents would be proud she’s shown such lack of class.

  34. JT 34

    Beautifully said Bobby. I’m embarrassed for her.

    I’m not a political person but John Key has managed to turn the NZ economy around since he’s been in power… an absolute change from Labour (who by the way were bringing in immigrants for the vote who weren’t even going to make an effort in contributing to the country. Immigration is good, but bring in people who are going to at least make an effort and care. By the way this came from an ex labour minister who is a family friend).
    While Labour and Greens have some “in theory” great policies, you never hear how they are going to fund them, or the actual impact on the average New Zealander (like higher taxes and increased pressure on small businesses, resulting in less opportunity and bigger debt).
    I feel for Key, who really has this country’s best interest at heart and yet, small minded, business inept people feel they need to poke fun at him rather than try to understand the bigger picture…. Living on hollow promises from other parties, and believing that it is their right to get everything for nothing.

    Sometimes sad to be a NZer.

    • Whatever next 34.1

      You lost me when you said ” I feel for Key, who really has this best country’s best interest at heart…”

  35. Kevin 35

    And after all that, it WAS in fact a PhotoShop job!!!

  36. Sharkey 36

    She’s blond. Nothing else needs to be said.

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
    17 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
    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
    23 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
    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 2024-07-26T23:38:20+00:00