Where’s the trap?

Written By: - Date published: 7:45 pm, June 10th, 2009 - 73 comments
Categories: john key, richard worth - Tags:

Yeah. Great honey-trap.

– First, target a minister that doesn’t matter with a woman who is openly Labour
– Second, delete the most offensive texts and don’t record any phone calls
– Third, don’t go public, refuse Goff’s offer to raise it privately with Key
– Fourth, raise the issue privately with Key once the harassment has ceased
– Fifth, Let the issue rest when Key’s staff says Worth was given a ticking off
– Sixth, don’t raise the issue when allegations of sexual offending by Worth come to light
– Seventh, attempt to get a private meeting with Key only after he casts doubt on the truth of your story
– Eighth, refuse media interviews

Wow. That’s pretty much exactly the opposite of how a honey-trap works. Fact is honey-traps only exist in the minds of undersexed Tories. Setting up another MP with a woman is orders of magnitude beyond the risk profile political parties run on. They would never do it for fear of it blowing up in their faces.

Best advice Key has had throughout this increasingly tedious affair has been from the Left. So here’s some more. Don’t run the misogynist ‘was that sexually harassing enough?’ line like the Right of the blogosphere. Accept her story backed as it is by evidence. Rescind the allegation she is lying . Use it to get Worth out of caucus.

Then all he’s got left to do is tell us why he fired Worth and why he didn’t do it on the Tuesday. Then the questions will stop. We can move onto important things. Like stopping this economic meltdown.

73 comments on “Where’s the trap? ”

  1. Pascal's bookie 1

    Zet. Yep. Also needed to be explained in this little fantasy, is Worth’s reactions to events.

    It makes no sense at all. Which won’t stop them though.

    I’m actually shocked that they’ve gone here. Quite the drinking buddy John Key’s got. DPF’s dogwhistling call out to his commenters to ‘get on the google and identify her, but please don’t post her name here because she may be a victim’ is a new low for him.

    It’ll be interesting to see which righties stick up for common decency.

  2. tsmithfield 2

    Firstly, this is a LABOUR honey-trap (on a level with the Hee-Fee) not a professional one, which explains a lot.

    Secondly, the woman at the centre of the allegations has got form having been involved in fraudulent activities in the past.

    Thirdly, I doubt a lot of the “evidence” ever existed. The “deleted” texts were probably never there. Apparently, the woman, in her letter to Key, hasn’t included texts from her to Worth to give the context. The phone calls probably were taped but probably were as innocuous as the texts that have been published. So, why not just say the calls were never taped and invent a story about the phone calls.

    • IrishBill 2.1

      I’m assuming your next argument will be “she had it coming anyway”. I’m tiring of your misogyny.

      • tsmithfield 2.1.1

        Irish, did you read the article?

        Previously I was being a little tongue in cheek about the honey-trap thing. Having read the article, I am convinced.

    • Zetetic 2.2

      This guy is the biggest idiot out there. Can’t even read. Hope he’s not a cop, pretty crap at making a logical case.

      • Pascal's bookie 2.2.1

        What? You’re not supposed to start with a conclusion, look at the facts and then make up whatever other premisses you need to get the conclusion?

        Yeah ok, now that I look at it that does seem a bit fucking mental.

  3. tsmithfield 3

    Hmmm….the link in my previous post doesn’t seem to be working. So here it is:

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/recruitment/news/article.cfm?c_id=83&objectid=10546912

    • indiana 3.1

      …is there absolute certainty this is one in the same person? If so, very dodgey indeed.

  4. burt 4

    “Where’s the trap?’

    Blown up in Goff’s face. It’s a laugh isn’t it.

    • gobsmacked 4.1

      Evidence?

      The usual suspects are saying exactly what you’d expect. Which is nothing to do with public opinion – especially the women who put John Key into power.

      • tsmithfield 4.1.1

        What we really need to see, gobsmacked, is convincing evidence of the behaviour the woman has alleged.

        The herald article clearly shows that the woman and her husband participated together in fraudulent activities. With that knowledge as a backdrop, there is absolutely no credibility to the womans word unless she can provide solid evidence to back it up. Elementary really.

        • gobsmacked 4.1.1.1

          The royal “we”?

          What you need to see is of no importance. You are not interested in considering anything except conclusions you reach in advance, and never have been.

          • tsmithfield 4.1.1.1.1

            Gobsmacked, I base my views on the evidence in front of me. If the evidence changes, my views change. Is that not the way you treat things.

          • gobsmacked 4.1.1.1.2

            In her letter to Key, the woman has given him her phone number so Worth’s phone records can be checked.

            Do you think this should happen? That would be important evidence, wouldn’t it?

      • Daveski 4.1.2

        Exactly. Evidence is required from the strikingly Labour beautiful woman … or is that strikingly beautiful Indian woman.

        FWIIW (ha ha, I have to laugh at my own puns) Worth is the lowest form of MP scum who the Nats can only be improved by ditching at the first opportunity. Total tosser.

        Key has shown a level of naivety and got exposed by Goff. Goff has played this for all it’s worth.

      • burt 4.1.3

        gobsmacked

        You seem to have missed the talking points. You don’t need evidence, just say you had it once but deleted/lost it.

        Look if this woman has been harassed then this whole debacle must be a nightmare for her – otherwise it is a major own goal for Labour.

        I posted previously that Key was right to fire Worth, the current events are giving me reason to reevaluate my views on that.

        • MikeG 4.1.3.1

          Burt – don’t forget that the reason Worth was fired wasn’t anything to do with this woman. The Police are still investigating the other allegation, and that seemed to be the cause of the sacking/resignation.

          • forgetabouthtelastone 4.1.3.1.1

            Actually – we dont even know why he was sacked yet. From Colin Espiner’s blog:


            * He wasn’t sacked for anything involving the use of drugs or alcohol

            * He wasn’t sacked over the lurid or lewd (Key has invented a new word, “lewid” to describe them) text messages he allegedly sent to the Indian woman.

            * He wasn’t sacked over the complaint made to police by the Korean businesswoman, since Key has already told us that his decision is not based on whether or not Worth is charged with anything.

            * He wasn’t sacked for not telling Key about the police complaint, since Key admitted yesterday he was unsure whether Worth even knew about it until Key confronted him.

            * He wasn’t sacked for adultery, since Key has also said he knows something about Worth that has not yet entered the public arena, and the allegation that Worth slept with someone other than his wife is already out there and just about the least of his worries.

            * He wasn’t sacked for anything to do with his business dealings, or the trip to India earlier in the year.

            http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/blogs/on-the-house/2484958/Curiouser-and-curiouser

          • Pascal's bookie 4.1.3.1.2

            And don’t forget that Worth hasn’t publicly denied anything that this woman or Goff have said. None of Whaleboy’s news is news to Worth. He could have been running the honey trap line and suing every bastard since May 6.

    • I think that we should thank the right for being so feral about this. Over the past 5 weeks they have well and truely blown the honeymoon, their chances in Mount Albert, and their chances in South Auckland. Their chances next election look poor.

      We should ask them to continuously vent and shout about this because essentially it does not make sense. The complainant and Goff obviously wanted to keep things quiet.

      The Nats are deeply embarassed. Their only response is the pit bull attack mode we are seeing now.

      They do seem to work on the basis that if you shout and scream enough then you may persuade some people to think that you may not be in the wrong.

      This is a somewhat desperate tactic however.

      Roll on the next scandal. What is the bet there will be a further attempt to smear Labour and to then try and blame us for their weaknesses.

      • gingercrush 4.2.1

        The complainant and Goff obviously wanted to keep things quiet..

        So that is why day after day they have been attempting political scoring points? Who has been smearing? Why Goff and The Standard. Key mentioned an earlier incident. That is fact. But it was Goff that kept pushing the politics of it all. He created the smears.

  5. Whacky Lefty 5

    I hope her grace is noticed and she makes a higher place up the next Labour Party list. She has clearly proven she is well behaved and can deal with unsavory characters with tact and class.

    • Eddie 5.1

      Unfortunately, this whole saga will probably have poisoned any ambitions she had to be an MP. I suspect the husband’s conviction was a reason she wasn’t chosen for Botany, a seat Labour would never win anyway.

      • burt 5.1.1

        So what you are saying Eddie is that this past was known about within Labour and Goff was sitting on this for months.

        OK – I’m a reasonable person, can you convince me this whole thing isn’t a political shit storm that got out of hand and blew up in Labour’s face?

        • Eddie 5.1.1.1

          Of course the local Labour party would have known that this woman’s husband was convicted of fraud when they chose the candidate

          That’s got no bearing on the sexual harassment issue.

          I know where you’re going to go next – the husband was convicted of fraud, so she must be a liar too – that ignores the fact that she has provided 34 texts to Key.

          • tsmithfield 5.1.1.1.1

            Read the article. Both she and her husband were actively involved in the fraudulent activity together. Only he was convicted. However, she was very close to it as well. So, its not just a case of judging her on the basis of the behaviour of her husband.

          • burt 5.1.1.1.2

            Eddie

            “she must be a liar too” – I didn’t say that.

            I said she had a speckled past which was known to Labour and that Goff sat on the scandal of sexual harassment for months – can you convince me that this debacle wasn’t a political shit storm?

        • gobsmacked 5.1.1.2

          Read the original post, Burt. Seriously.

          You want ABC? One week ago:

          A) Worth sacked
          B) Key tells media about other allegations
          C) Goff responds to media questions, and story begins.

          OK?

          • gingercrush 5.1.1.2.1

            Yeah and then he Phil Goff and Left supporters kept the story going. Goff made it political. This blog site made it political. If you make things political, you’re going to be played politically back. That is the lesson for Phil Goff and The Standard.

          • mickysavage 5.1.1.2.2

            GC

            Lefties despaired and how inept Key’s handling of this issue was. Of course that was an issue. Worth was already dead and buried by that time so whether or not he acted like a total prat is not relevant.

  6. Eddie 6

    she gave Key 34 texts in the letter today. There’s your evidence.

    • tsmithfield 6.1

      Unfortunately, Eddie, the evidence is very weak. The stuff quoted in the media today appears to be the worst of it. In fact, all that evidence does is prove the two were engaged in some sort of mutual relationship.

      Furthermore, she hasn’t included her texts going back the other way. That raises alarm bells with me straight away. What has she got to hide in this respect?

      Furthermore, there is absolutely no evidence of the sexually explicit calls she complained about. Now, the article I have pointed to calls her word into question. So, its all a bit of a damp squib really.

      • Eddie 6.1.1

        like Zetetic said. Key would be a fool to copy you and start arguing over what level of sexual harassment is serious enough.

        But then only a fool would copy a fool.

        • burt 6.1.1.1

          Eddie

          Key might have ‘sacked’ Worth because of the ‘what level of sex scandal scandal is acceptable?’ question for all we know.

          Send it all to court – if there are charges laid then it will be resolved using correct procedure. Umm, what position to take if it ends up ‘prima facie evidence not in the public interest to prosecute’ ?

          • gobsmacked 6.1.1.1.1

            what position to take if it ends up ‘prima facie evidence not in the public interest to prosecute’ ?

            Very good question, Burt. And that’s Key’s petard, hoist on it by his own stupid team.

            Coming soon, after police drop the charges …

            Media question: So why can’t Worth even remain an MP?

            Key: Well, as I said, it was conduct unbecoming, and um, well, along with other allegations …

            Media: The ones from the wicked Labour lady, who you’ve tried so hard to discredit?

            Key: Er, yes … oh, hang on, no … um …

            Yes, I’ll spell it out for the thickies who still don’t get it. Richard Worth has just started to look like a man hard done by. Thanks to the boys on the blogs. Good work, guys!

      • mickysavage 6.1.2

        Tsmithfield

        It does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter, it does not matter.

        Have I made myself clear.

        Worth was sacked for whatever it is Key decided to sack him for.

        Goff had a quiet chat with him in the hope that Mrs Worth could be spared the ignomy of all this.

        The complainant has never wanted it publicised.

        Goff is criticising Key because his handling has been so abysmal.

        There is no conspiracy, there is no conspiracy, there is no conspiracy, there is no conspiracy, there is no conspiracy, there is no conspiracy, there is no conspiracy, there is no conspiracy, there is no conspiracy, there is no conspiracy, there is no conspiracy, there is no conspiracy, there is no conspiracy, there is no conspiracy, there is no conspiracy, there is no conspiracy, there is no conspiracy, there is no conspiracy.

        Understood?

        • gingercrush 6.1.2.1

          So if Goff and this woman wanted to keep it quiet. Why did Phil Goff every day keep going to the media and peddling stuff.

          Can you not understand that mickysavage?

          • mickysavage 6.1.2.1.1

            GC

            He did AFTER Key published the complaint.

            Do you not understand? The issue is Key’s appalling handling of this matter, not the complaint itself?

            By the time this story broke Worth was a bloodied corpse that had already been thrown overboard.

            I bet this is the last time that Goff ever thinks of trying to deal with a matter privately. Next time it will be boots and all. You wingnuts should understand this.

          • gobsmacked 6.1.2.1.2

            MickeySavage, they’re just too thick to get it.

            Question time, soon:

            “Did the Minister … ?”

            “No”

            “I seek leave to table …”

            Ah, the good old days. They’ll be back.

          • Eddie 6.1.2.1.3

            Goff hasn’t been ‘going to the media’ he has been asked to answer questions by reporters.

            Look at the news tonight, Goff is about to get on a train and Espiner has asked him a question. Should he have not answered? Would you be praising him then?

          • mickysavage 6.1.2.1.4

            gobsmacked

            Precisely.

            I am amazed that the wingnuts are incapable of recognising what was a very magnanimous gesture.

            Perhaps because this is a concept they do not understand.

  7. Rodney 7

    tsmithfield you must be dizzy by now with your spinning all day. Just listen to how this is playing out in the msm, on the radio in my car for example: “nats bully women who complain about harassment”. Her husband? Who? He didn’t receive the unwelcome harassment, or is there something even more about worth you’re not telling? And who will remember the husband at the next election?

    The issue is about women suffering harrassment, two of them; perhaps more. This woman is being pilloried in the National party blogs, as will be the unfortunate Korean woman no doubt. National party attitude about women coming out loud and clear. They just can’t stop themselves, and worth will stay on.

    Goff tried to keep it quiet and resolve it with worth’s boss, that’s how the msm are reporting it to busy people who listen to the bulletins, and no amount of national party post-dated spin will change that fact.

  8. QoT 8

    I’m almost sad the trolls have gone for “it’s this ridiculously convoluted because Labour are incompetent”. I was definitely hoping for at least another few days of “DON’T YOU SEE THIS IS HOW *MACHIAVELLIAN* THEY ARE IT’S ALL INTENTIONAL”.

  9. GFraser 9

    Micky, I think even TS got that ! LOL

    • GF

      I look forward to Saturday night. It should be a great party as Labour celebrates the winning of a seat it could have lost, the solid return of South Auckland to the Labour fold and the undermining of the guy the Nats thought was invincible.

  10. GFraser 10

    GC possibly because key was trying to put a spin on the story, which was at odds with Goffs version of events

    • gingercrush 10.1

      Which is fine if you just say that instead of peddling the story every damn day. Jesus do you people not get that?

      KEY IS AN IDIOT
      WORTH IS AN IDIOT

      Very few of us on the right are denying that.

      But when you lot play holier-than-thou its going to come back and bite you. This is exactly what has happened. Goff should have kept his mouth shut and none of this would be happening. He decided to smear Key. This blog site decided to smear Key. When you smear you’re going to get smeared back. The fact many of you see Goff as a hero is really pathetic. Yes it was right of Phil Goff to go quiet. That was admirable. And would have been left admirable. But Goff simply could not keep his damn mouth shut.

      • mickysavage 10.1.1

        GC

        “KEY IS AN IDIOT
        WORTH IS AN IDIOT”

        Thanks for acknowledging that. And you expect us to be quiet?

        Is it not fair for the left to point out the weaknesses of the current PM and his Ministers?

        Do you realise how absurd that proposition is?

        And you complain because we react to the smearing of the character of a perfectly decent woman by wingnuts?

      • felix 10.1.2

        “Goff should have kept his mouth shut and none of this would be happening.”

        None of what? You guys making dicks of yourselves and calling women bitches?

        • gingercrush 10.1.2.1

          No Felix. That would be you and the stupid pedo line you opened up back when this first started.

          • felix 10.1.2.1.1

            You make even less sense than usual gc. It’s like you actually think you’ve accomplished something with all your pissing and moaning and lies and tripe.

            But carry on. It’s a great show.

          • mickysavage 10.1.2.1.2

            Pedo?

            Worth has been called a womaniser and an idiot but not a pedo. Is there something we should be told about?

          • felix 10.1.2.1.3

            Last week I asked if that was what Worth was sacked for. ginger is just angry and desperate.

  11. gingercrush 11

    Micky Savage – Yes and Goff and this blog site kept pushing the damn thing. Accusing Key of being corrupt and everything else. Goff could have declined appearing on media. He chose not to. He chose to score political points. Eventually that causes backlash.

    This would have been a Labour victory if they just shut up about it. But they didn’t so it comes back and bites them. Goff opened up us questioning who this person is. He is directly implicit in bringing this up. You even had on this blog one author Irishbill saying Goff and others should SHUT THE FUCK UP. Did Labour do that? Um no. What happens. Things get even more dirtier.

    • GC

      You guys throw the proverbial around and then complain that we cause the mess?

      So if the left is good and does not point out the right’s inadequacies the right will have no reason to go feral?

      Why do I feel like I am being bullied?

      And the left should shut up about major scandals. But didn’t Goff try that?

      • gingercrush 11.1.1

        Do you not read?

        When you continually make accusations of John Key being corrupt. Which is what Phil Goff repeatedly did and has kept doing. Eventually that will cause a backlash. Goff had the money five days ago. Hell he still had it three days. He could have left it there. Instead he kept digging and digging and digging. He even helps to reveal who this woman is and even makes the weird statement that she is “strikingly beautiful”. He chooses to not sort this out by having the woman go to John Key’s Chief of Staff. That is because he wants to play politics. That eventually comes back and bites you. Had Goff stopped three days ago like Irishbill suggested. Things would have been sorted. Labour would have scored the points politically and be in a better position. But they were too arrogant and wanted to keep pushing.

        That is why you get the issues of:

        * Who this women is
        * What her family connections are
        * Issues of credibility.

        There is a lesson for Phil Goff and this opposition. Make your political points but eventually you need to stop and reflect. Don’t keep driving issue because eventually there is a backlash.

        What do you not get?

        • gobsmacked 11.1.1.1

          So in short:

          If only Goff had said nothing, then Whale Oil and the blog bullies would have played nice. As they do.

          Ginger, go to bed, you’re already dreaming.

          • gingercrush 11.1.1.1.1

            There certainly wouldn’t be the identification of this woman.

            For days I deliberately kept away from these threads because I found John Key that pathetic. The way he handled it as already illustrated was pathetic. But you lot on the left couldn’t help yourselves but push the issue, push the issue and push the issue. Goff could have stopped the media a few days ago. Instead of listening to what Irishbill had to say he decided to kept peddling stuff. As he did that. More and more of this whole issue has been revealed. As that has been revealed. Instead of actual evidence. We’ve been left with more questions which led to even more questions. Eventually we find the whole truth of this so-called victim. Who she is. Who she is married to. What texts she received. And what we find isn’t convincing.

            If only this blog site and Phil Goff in particular actually listened to what Irishbill said three days. You couldn’t do that.

          • mickysavage 11.1.1.1.2

            The “issue” is that the current PM is incompetent.

            The rest is essentially irrelevant.

            So we should decline to say that the PM is incompetent when he clearly is?

            Why do I have this headache? My brain is not able to stretch enough to understand the right’s rationale …

  12. felix 12

    “But they didn’t so it comes back and bites them”

    What? In bizzaro world maybe.

    In the real world Worth is a perve, Key is a lame duck, and no-one cares about Goff.

    Sorry to burst your bubble but you guys getting angry and calling women bitches doesn’t do much for anyone except highlight the nasty dirty true face of the national party.

    • burt 12.1

      Hang on a minute felix, let the story play out a bit before deciding who’s got a dirty face.

      • felix 12.1.1

        No need. I’ve learned lately that these things can be worked out retrospectively.

      • burt 12.1.2

        If this story has been used for political gain then it has worked. Worth’s a fool for getting involved like this, I think it’s right for him to resign (be sacked – whatever) under accusations like that. What level of ‘sexual harasser’ should we tolerate in parliament?

        As a minimum, Worth has been shown to be easily led by his dick, not an admirable quality for a minister in govt. Key has taken care of that all be it inelegantly. As a maximum – chemical castration might be in order.

        The current question is; was there harassment? The claim has been made, the proof is still being ‘looked at’ by highly conflicted parties. More parliament investigating and ruling on parliament stuff so yes – RV is certainly in the tool kit should National feel the need to use it over any illegal spending by Worth in these matters, ( God forbid we pass a validation through parliament because Worth booked a high class hooker to his expense account – what will parliamentary services do if they approved it! )

        • jarbury 12.1.2.1

          Good summary Burt.

          Basically all that’s left in the story is whether Worth stays in parliament. Hopefully that’s decided soon so we can go back to debating issues that actually matter.

    • burt 12.2

      Look I said sack him with the rest of you, but if this story has been used for political gain then it has worked. Worth’s a fool for getting involved like this, I think it’s right for him to resign under accusations like that. What level of ‘sexual harasser’ should we tolerate in parliament?

      As a minimum, Worth has been shown to be easily led by his dick, not an admirable quality for a minister in govt. Key has taken care of that all be it inelegantly. The next question is; was there harassment? The claim has been made, the proof is still being weighed.

  13. gingercrush 13

    The “issue’ is that the current PM is incompetent.

    That was the issue. That is no longer case. The media tonight and the newspapers and radio tomorrow will be about HER. You’ve answered what I’ve been saying all night. The issue was and still should have been about Key. Now its about her and her accusations.

    • felix 13.1

      Course it is.

      Careful, ginge – your nasty side is showing again. And your wishful thinking is dripping off your chin.

  14. Draco T Bastard 14

    Like stopping this economic meltdown.

    JK doesn’t want to stop the economic meltdown as he benefits from all the lowered wages that he wanted.

  15. Maynard J 15

    gingergrush, I’m inclined to agree with elements of what you are saying here, but I would point out that Key kept this going by calling Goff’s honesty into question. Basically point-blank called him a liar. I am not sure how Goff could have defended himself without saying anything – and we all know silence in politics is taken as tacit admission.

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 27

    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 27 were:1. The Minister for Ford Rangers strikes againTransport Minister Simeon Brown was again the busiest of the Cabinet ministers this week, announcing an ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 hour ago
  • Ticket To Anywhere

    You got a fast carAnd I want a ticket to anywhereMaybe we make a dealMaybe together we can get somewhereAny place is betterYesterday’s newsletter, Trust In Me, on the report of abuse in state care, and by religious organisations, between 1950 and 2019, coupled with the hypocrisy of Christopher Luxon ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 hours ago
  • 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
    6 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
    19 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
    24 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
    1 day 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

  • 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
    18 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
    21 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
    21 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
    24 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

    The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

    New developments in the heart of North Island forestry country will reinvigorate their communities and boost economic development, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones visited Kaingaroa and Kawerau in Bay of Plenty today to open a landmark community centre in the former and a new connecting road in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 'Pacific Futures'

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-07-27T01:27:40+00:00