Who will be National’s leader?

Written By: - Date published: 12:00 pm, April 22nd, 2020 - 65 comments
Categories: Judith Collins, mark mitchell, national, paula bennett, politicans, same old national, Simon Bridges - Tags:

Will Simon survive? Or will Paula and Mark team up against him? Or will Judith somehow manage to persuade the caucus that she is the only chance they have of retaining their seats?

Stay tuned …

65 comments on “Who will be National’s leader? ”

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  1. Enough is Enough 1
    22 April 2020 at 12:31 pm

    Who gives a shit?

    • KJT 1.1
      22 April 2020 at 5:03 pm

      Agree. Whoever it is will be a "placeholder" as they lose this time, unless they can delay it enough to get the propaganda machine up and running.

      So. Irrelevant!

  2. observer 2
    22 April 2020 at 12:31 pm

    Simon defended himself this morning, across all media. Interesting quote from him (Stuff et al):

    "The blessing of being an Opposition leader is to have these sort of stories from time to time ".

    Yes. But are "these sort of stories" true? What do they tell us about the leader's prospects? Here's a fact-check on previous Opposition leaders, chronologically:

    Ardern – only had job for 5 minutes, so no time for the stories.

    Little – Yes. Stories. So … stood down.

    Cunliffe – Yes. Stories. So … lost election.

    Shearer – Yes. Stories. So … stood down.

    Goff – Yes. Stories. So .. lost election.

    Key – NO STORIES. None at all, as opposition leader. Won subsequent election.

    Brash – Yes. Stories. So … stood down.

    English – Yes. Stories. So … stood down.

    Shipley – Yes. Stories. So … stood down.

    (never mind how much these leaders jumped or were pushed, it's the same result)

    Therefore, the last leader of the opposition to survive the destabilising "stories" and go on to win an election was Helen Clark … over 20 years ago.

    Maybe try a better line of defence, Simon. That one doesn't work for you.

    • te reo putake 2.1
      22 April 2020 at 1:26 pm

      Timing is important in leadership changes. Andrew Little stood down on August 1st, 2107, giving the relatively unknown Jacinda Ardern 7 weeks to establish herself before the September election. Enough time to make a positive impression, not enough time for the right to effectively challenge her.

      This year we also have a September election. Given the practical difficulties the National caucus face in meeting in person to dump Simon, I can't see the knives coming out before mid May, at the earliest.

      However, if I remember my Tory history correctly, their leaders are usually terminated by faceless apparatchiks, not caucus. Simon will be told his time is up and then nominations will open. So that could happen as early as today.

      The big problem National face is that they have no Jacinda, no John Key. Whoever takes over is going to lose the election. Nobody with genuine ambition wants that poisoned chalice.

      So my pick is Judith Collins. She'll be satisfied with having Leader of the Opposition on her CV, even if it is only for a few months.

      Long term, the Nats face the same problem Labour did when Key was PM. How do you refresh caucus if you aren't bringing in new MP's at election time?

      • Sacha 2.1.1
        22 April 2020 at 1:31 pm

        Her party do not trust Collins, not even temporarily. Selecting her would cause an almighty fight behind the scenes, and for what gain?

        • Andre 2.1.1.1
          22 April 2020 at 1:39 pm

          A sneaky way to free themselves from her? Set her up to fail at this election so she can be dumped afterwards?

          • Sacha 2.1.1.1.1
            22 April 2020 at 1:51 pm

            Thought maybe publishing her 'tell-all' book this year was a sign she was going anyway.

      • Wayne 2.1.2
        22 April 2020 at 2:31 pm

        National has bought in a lot of MP's in the last few years. Very few are still there from when I was an MP. And there will be at least 10 new MPs this time round, mostly in safe National seats.

        As for how National changes the Leader, I can assure you it is the caucus, having been there for 5 different Leaders (3 PM's). No shadowy puppet masters.

        • adam 2.1.2.1
          22 April 2020 at 3:38 pm

          But wayne, conspiracy theories are the current vogue – why take away all their fun.

        • UncookedSelachimorpha 2.1.2.2
          22 April 2020 at 5:58 pm

          " National has bought in a lot of MP's in the last few years "

          Freudian slip there

          • OnceWasTim 2.1.2.2.1
            23 April 2020 at 6:40 am

            'snap'

            Exactly my thoughts when I read it. Mind you, even my heroine JA can't seem to get it either. That, and not realising 'something' ends in a 'g' not a 'k'. Other than that, she's perfik!!

      • swordfish 2.1.3
        22 April 2020 at 7:09 pm

        Timing is important in leadership changes. Andrew Little stood down on August 1st, 2107, giving the relatively unknown Jacinda Ardern 7 weeks to establish herself before the September election.

        Fortelling the future is always going to be fraught with difficulties. I'm not saying you're flat-out wrong here … but let's just say I'm a wee bit sceptical that Andrew Little will be elected Leader of the Labour Party again when he's 142 years old and will then, in an extraordinary case of deja vu, suddenly stand down in favour of Jacinda Ardern … and that she – despite her particular prominence as PM in the earlier part of the 21st Century – will revert to relative obscurity again before emerging once more as Leader in the late late autumn of her life at 127.

        But, then again, who knows ? you may be right. More surprising things have happened at sea.

        (OK … that was an extremely laboured little bon mot … but, it has to be said, a brilliant one at that … a real crowd-pleaser)

        • pat 2.1.3.1
          22 April 2020 at 7:11 pm

          lol…me thinks you may be a tad cautious

        • te reo putake 2.1.3.2
          23 April 2020 at 9:32 am

          Well spotted, swordfish. In explanation, I admit that in a moment of weakness, I gave my sub editor, Breen, the night off. I can assure that there will be no repeat of that error, even if he has to work double shifts for less pay.

          What I did was wrong, and there are no excuses. I have offered my resignation to the owner. However, that resignation has been declined as the Standard's priority is our collective fight against BRIDGES-2020.

          The Standard have released a media statement on the matter:

          We cannot afford massive disruption in the media sector as to our response. For that reason, and that reason alone, TRP will maintain his role.

          "But he does need to pay a price. He broke the rules.

          "While he maintains his sarcasm portfolio, I am stripping him of his role as Associate Fun Minister and demoting him to the bottom of our Cabinet rankings. And, indeed, our Cabernet rankings.

          The Standard, as well as New Zealand, expect better.

          ENDS

          [lprent: Ummm.. I suspect that I would never be so lenient… Where are pushups and hard physical labor ? 😈 ]

  3. Muttonbird 3
    22 April 2020 at 12:41 pm

    What a nasty bunch.

    Bennett outed the personal details of a beneficiary who criticised the government.

    Collins used Slater to harass and threaten the SFO and FMA.

    Mitchell was a mercenary for hire in a war begun on false pretences.

    If this is what the National Party is offering the people of New Zealand then the RW is truly corrupt indeed.

  4. Obtrectator 4
    22 April 2020 at 1:12 pm

    STOP GLOATING! The Nats are far from finished yet. If a week is a long time in politics, then 4-5 months is an eternity.

    • Peter 4.1
      22 April 2020 at 1:20 pm

      National might get in. Things do change and could change.

      What won't change is that Bennett, Collins and Mitchell will still be arseholes.

    • Wensleydale 4.2
      22 April 2020 at 1:21 pm

      No one's gloating. They're speculating… which is an entirely different kettle of fish. Gloating would be saying in an irritating sing-song falsetto, "Ha-ha, Simon's toast! What an utter muppet! Next time pick a leader who can cobble together a cogent argument without violently inserting both feet into his gob halfway through the second sentence!" And no one, absolutely NO ONE here at The Standard, would ever stoop so low.

    • Bg 4.3
      22 April 2020 at 3:24 pm

      I wonder if folk will be so confident in a Labour victory when unemployment is 15%?

      However with Bridges in opposition, they probably should be

      • alwyn 4.3.1
        22 April 2020 at 3:34 pm

        You think that it will only be 15%? I hope so, for the sake of the country but I think it will be a long way on the high side of that before September.

        Given the total ignorance of MPs like Deborah Russell, who was supposed to be one of the intelligent ones God knows what we will end up at.

        [I’ve lost count of the number of diversions by you but it must be close to the number of votes for National coming Election – Incognito]

        • Peter 4.3.1.1
          22 April 2020 at 6:33 pm

          Is it totally ignorant of Russell to say, "We are seeing a number of small businesses really struggling after only a few weeks in a pretty bad situation, which must speak to the strength of those small businesses going into this lockdown?"

          If Russell had said, "A business like Bauer NZ was really struggling after only a few days in a pretty bad situation, which must speak to the strength of that big business going into this lockdown," would she have been totally wrong?

          • Muttonbird 4.3.1.1.1
            22 April 2020 at 6:43 pm

            MS probably knows Russell quite well. I hope this is just a case of first term nerves and knowing when and when not to push a particular case.

            The butchers committee zoom calls are the perfect ground for people (particularly new politicians) to over or under do it.

            Everyone knows small businesses don't go around with significant amounts of capital sloshing around to protect against one in one hundred year events. When you have capital you reinvest in equipment etc – you get rid of it for the benefit of the business in the hope to grow.

            But at the same time the government has released $10billion in wage subsidies to keep them afloat.

          • xanthe 4.3.1.1.2
            22 April 2020 at 6:50 pm

            Dont know Deborah Russell but it is possible that she was taken out of context. her comment could possibly be pointing out how fraught our economy is at the best of times. dont know but do not trust the media spin machine at all particularly as they are behaving so badly now!

        • Incognito 4.3.1.2
          22 April 2020 at 9:21 pm

          See my Moderation note @ 3:34 PM.

  5. SDCLFC 5
    22 April 2020 at 1:55 pm

    Reminds me a lot of the early days under the Key Government
    To a small degree he's not wrong – the Govt could have done better in some areas, especially considering the performance of Mnisters Clark and Hipkins, but it just doesn't matter – nobody shives a git
    Labour was like that in opposition too – they were trying to get across their position of why the govt needed to do better but nobody cared.
    Except Bridges made a special hash of it and then doubled-down on his incompetence this morning when he was eaten alive by Susie.

    Would love PB to get the leadership. She'll think she can go after "sweetie" but won't get a chance because Winston will be after her blood

  6. John G 6
    22 April 2020 at 2:33 pm

    For those of us who are old enough to remember Dawn Raids Mark Mitchell is the grandson of Frank Gill. (commonly known as Rank Pill in those days !)

    National don't spend much time advertising that part of his history

    • Obtrectator 6.1
      22 April 2020 at 5:11 pm

      "Frank Gill. (commonly known as Rank Pill in those days !)"

      We used to call him The Flying Commode.

    • swordfish 6.2
      22 April 2020 at 7:27 pm

      During the Muldoon years:

      Frank Gill = leading figure in the morally-conservative wing of the National Party.

      George Gair = his main antagonist from the morally-liberal wing.

      Neighbouring MPs: Gill = East Coast Bays / Gair = North Shore

      • Anne 6.2.1
        22 April 2020 at 7:51 pm

        Frank Gill DOM.

        For the uninitiated – Dirty Old Man. I base my thesis on the fact he leered me up once many years ago. I wasn't impressed.

  7. Ovid 7
    22 April 2020 at 2:35 pm

    There's a news special at 3pm. I'm guessing Bridges has been rolled.

  8. georgecom 8
    22 April 2020 at 4:23 pm

    stuff reported "National leader Simon Bridges has poured cold water on a claim there is a coup brewing among National Party MPs. The AM Show aired rumours that deputy leader Paula Bennett and MP Mark Mitchell were considering an attempt at toppling Bridges."

    shite, I hope not. Bridges is doing such a wonderful job at the moment, keep him on as long as possible

    • Chris 8.1
      22 April 2020 at 4:36 pm

      Yes, keeping him there as long as possible also keeps Collins dry for a later date. We don't want them wasting all their unelectables too soon. Sure, there's a few of them, but better to be safe than sorry.

  9. Chris T 9
    22 April 2020 at 4:27 pm

    Bridges days are numbered article number 3067.

    "If you want to check the first please Google search articles from 3 years ago"

    • observer 9.1
      22 April 2020 at 4:45 pm

      But those "days are numbered" stories are based on a reasonable premise: that the National party are serious about winning the election.

      Obviously that doesn't apply, if they aren't.

      • Chris T 9.1.1
        22 April 2020 at 4:52 pm

        I think at the moment unless Ardern is caught killing half the countries children simultaneously, while selling drugs to the other halve's kids, the chances of Labour not winning are very very slim.

  10. New view 10
    22 April 2020 at 4:55 pm

    It doesn’t matter who wins the election because 15 -20% of the population are going to hate the Government’s guts by Xmas. Those without jobs are quite likely be lefties who are JA fans. Going on the unemployment benefit and not keeping up mortgage payments will eventually turn many against the Government of the day. If I was National I wouldn’t want to win this next election. Let The labour coalition win and sit back and wait for the shit to hit the fan. And it will.

    • observer 10.1
      22 April 2020 at 5:05 pm

      "If I was National I wouldn’t want to win this next election. Let The labour coalition win and sit back and wait for the shit to hit the fan."

      In a democracy, our vote is precious. It is the one day, every 3 years, when the people are in charge.

      So if National MPs and candidates do not want our votes, and do not want the responsibility that comes with representing us they should disband the party.

      Otherwise it is fraud.

      • New view 10.1.1
        22 April 2020 at 5:48 pm

        I was commenting as an Observer, Observer. National will want to win of course but will see the chilly dark water ahead. If they don’t happen to win they could be forgiven for not being too upset. There could well be another election before the three years are up. And they will be in the running again regardless of who’s on the poster. It’s the Government that makes the every day decisions, not the leader.

        • Molly 10.1.1.1
          22 April 2020 at 5:55 pm

          " National will want to win of course but will see the chilly dark water ahead. "

          Yes. National strike me as a group of people who avoid challenges and services, and would hate the thought of leadership in a time of crisis – as it might be difficult. Their much vaunted business acumen apparently worth nothing in an economic crisis, and only of use when it is based on exploitation, speculation and immigration.

          • New view 10.1.1.1.1
            22 April 2020 at 6:09 pm

            Yes it was that group of people that tried to deal with the GFC of the time and two earthquakes. They may not govern to your standards but don’t accuse them of not taking up the challenge or showing leadership. They lead this country for nearly a decade. Now why did they get to do that ?

            • Molly 10.1.1.1.1.1
              22 April 2020 at 8:05 pm

              Oh, new view. They tried to deal … and did stretch themselves to ensure that all NZers were looked after, and failed quite often and quite badly They did manage to build a football stadium, lickety split though…

              It was your own comment that pointed out that National would have some appreciation to not to be given the opportunity to serve NZ during a time of crisis, because … well, it would be hard.

              I just agreed with you.

            • Gabby 10.1.1.1.1.2
              22 April 2020 at 9:07 pm

              Some of them did alright out of it didn't they.

        • Peter 10.1.1.2
          22 April 2020 at 6:28 pm

          It’s the Government that makes the every day decisions, not the leader all right but every single thing the present government does according to some is down to the dictatorial commie Ardern.

          • Sacha 10.1.1.2.1
            22 April 2020 at 6:58 pm

            And why would we give their beliefs about anything the time of day?

          • New view 10.1.1.2.2
            22 April 2020 at 6:59 pm

            I believe JA has done an exceptional job but her Government is struggling to cross the T’s and dot the I’s. not their fault as no Government could deal with this situation any better, but people that will be hurting in a few months just won’t vote if they don’t like National and that might work against the incumbent Coalition.

        • observer 10.1.1.3
          22 April 2020 at 7:00 pm

          "And they will be in the running again regardless of who’s on the poster. It’s the Government that makes the every day decisions, not the leader."

          It's amazing how quickly you want us all to forget the time when there was ONLY a leader. Sorry, but it was unforgettable (and believe me I've tried).

          Here is National's video from the 2008 campaign. Not a single National MP appears, or speaks, or even exists (except at the very end, to applaud Great Leader). Ardern has done nothing – and I mean nothing – like this.

          It's only fair to issue a Serious Health Warning. Do not watch this without a sick bucket handy. It really is that bad.

          John Key 2008: The Hero

          • New view 10.1.1.3.1
            22 April 2020 at 7:25 pm

            Apart from the sick bucket that is needed, the promises made by National that they didn’t keep aren’t that different to the housing and mental health fuck ups and backing away from a CGT that we see from this Government. The only difference is JA can do no wrong and JK was a pony tail pulling AH. Really the results don’t seem that different to me.

  11. Ken 11
    22 April 2020 at 7:03 pm

    Sirocco the Kakapo has charisma, and doesn't shoot both his feet off every time he opens his mouth.

    Seems like he'd be more of a Green than a Nat, though.

  12. observer 12
    22 April 2020 at 7:17 pm

    And right on cue, here's the not very subtle undermining of Bridges by the Luxon/Key tag team:

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/121200135/john-key-describes-what-chris-luxon-would-be-like-as-prime-minister

    • mac1 12.1
      22 April 2020 at 7:27 pm

      Mrs Mac1 said that the purpose of an economy is to serve the people, not the other way around, and who am I to disagree?
      Here's what Key said in the article referenced by observer above.
      “If Chris was the prime minister, I think what you would see is a very strong emphasis on the economy," Key said, referencing Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who he believed was focused on things other than the economy.
      "To me the number one thing the Government of the day does is to provide hardworking New Zealanders, whatever ethnicity they come from, to get ahead and progress in their lives and do well," Key said.

      The US Catholic Bishops amongst others agree with Mrs Mac1.
      https://www.uscatholic.org/blog/2011/12/economy-must-serve-people-not-other-way-around

      • pat 12.1.1
        22 April 2020 at 7:32 pm

        Key was a currency trader…given recent history why on earth would anyone listen to what he had to say?

      • Gabby 12.1.2
        22 April 2020 at 9:11 pm

        So Luxie would make sure hardworking NZers had plenty of competition from hardworking new NZers to sharpen them up, and hardworking non NZers to snap up any stuff they can't afford any more in their race to the bottom.

  13. Fireblade 13
    22 April 2020 at 8:55 pm

    National could replace Simon with another seat-warmer, but what happens if the medicine is worse than the cure?

  14. The Filidh 14
    22 April 2020 at 9:30 pm

    Make way for Luxton because business has all the answers.

  15. observer 15
    22 April 2020 at 9:47 pm

    Genuine question, because I've drawn a memory blank so far:

    Did Helen Clark (post-2008) ever publicly undermine a Labour leader in opposition the way Key has done to Bridges today?

    We know Helen has always been happy to pontificate on many topics, but I can't recall her ever going to the media to promote her pick for future PM at the exact time as the rumours were swirling about the current leader getting rolled. In election year too.

    Poor Simon.

    • I Feel Love 15.1
      23 April 2020 at 6:41 am

      No, and imagine the furore from the right if she did, "she should shut up" etc.

    • tc 15.2
      23 April 2020 at 2:09 pm

      Key's also telling the back stabbers to calm the F down help is on the way…superluxon.

      Having your own media outlets is so handy for nationals messaging and the govt cash to prop it up is greatly appreciated.

      • Rob 15.2.1
        23 April 2020 at 7:43 pm

        Yes Luxon was he the guy who took the service out of Air NZ

        just as well they have a new Chief Exc to revive it in these times of crisis

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    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 7:16am on Monday, April 22:Labour says Kiwis at greater risk from loan sharks as Govt plans to remove borrowing regulations NZ Herald Jenee TibshraenyHow did the cost of moving two schools blow out to more than $400m?A ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to April 29 and beyond
    TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #16
    A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago

  • Thank you
    This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Determining the Engine Type in Your Car
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Become a Race Car Driver: A Comprehensive Guide
    Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Many Cars Are There in the World in 2023? An Exploration of Global Automotive Statistics
    Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take for Car Inspection?
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Who Makes Mazda Cars?
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    3 days ago

  • How Often to Replace Your Car Battery A Comprehensive Guide
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Can You Register a Car Without a License?
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Mazda: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Reliability, Value, and Performance
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    3 days ago

  • What Are Struts on a Car?
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    3 days ago

  • What Does Car Registration Look Like: A Comprehensive Guide
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take to Build a Computer?
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Put Your Computer to Sleep
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
    Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Are Computers Made?
    A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
    Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    “You talking about me?”  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    Bowalley Road
    4 days ago

  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
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    4 days ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
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    4 days ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
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    4 days ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
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    4 days ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
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    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    4 days ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
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    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    4 days ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
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    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
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