Will Andrew Little be responsible if the Pike River mine gets hit by a meteor?

Written By: - Date published: 10:10 am, November 18th, 2018 - 102 comments
Categories: Andrew Little, disaster, Environment, health and safety, labour, Media, Mining, nz first, spin, the praiseworthy and the pitiful, workers' rights, you couldn't make this shit up - Tags: ,

Of all of the atrocious things that Stacey Kirk has written her latest article about Pike River is a leading contender for the worst ever.

Here is how it starts:

It’s a big price to pay for political adulation – someone’s life.

And if anything goes wrong, Andrew Little’s signature is the only one on the cheque.

He will be praying absolutely nothing goes awry when he sends people back down the mine shaft of a gaseous grave, now almost euphemistically known as Pike River.

If anyone is hurt, the deal is that it’s entirely on him. Those terms were made very clear with the establishment of his role and the stipulation from the Prime Minister that the final decision would rest with the “Minister responsible for re-entry into Pike River”.

Get that? Andrew Little is willing for someone to die so he can get a bit of political adulation.

And the blood will be on his hands.

There are three basic problems with her article.

Firstly there is no reference in her article to the months of work that has gone into the plan and the conclusion by safety experts that the planed entry is technically feasible, achievable safely and consistent with the general requirements of the HSWA and the specific requirements of the HSWA mining operations regulations.  Completely ignoring the conclusions of experts is not something a reporter should normally do.

Secondly Little is being blasted for something that has not even happened.

And thirdly there is no appreciation that we are dealing with potentially the biggest crime scene in the country.  This of itself demands that the mine be investigated.

She has this doozie of a comment:

A mine filled with explosive gases, no matter how much are pumped out, surrounded by rock of variable stability and the simple fact it’s a coal mine – which in the best of situations are hazardous sites – there is no way it’s objectively safe.

This is why the the mine needs to be investigated.  That the mine owner and management allowed it to continue to operate with faulty methane sensors and with a number of breaches of basic safety requirements still stuns me.  Why there has not been more dramatic action taken against them still stuns me.

Fellow National cheerleader John Armstrong has written something similar, claiming that the decision is about shabby postering not truth and justice.  He thinks that the decision is because of some Winston Peters posturing in the run up to the last election.  He clearly has no idea at the depth of feeling caused by Pike River or the overwhelming support from within the Trade Union movement that Little’s action has.  And it is not about politics.  It is the right thing to do.

How about elements of the media criticise the Government for things that have actually happened.  Not things that in all likelihood will not happen.

102 comments on “Will Andrew Little be responsible if the Pike River mine gets hit by a meteor? ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Sacha 1
    18 November 2018 at 10:24 am

    A far more basic problem is her personalising this as somehow being about Andrew Little.

    Kirk is a hack who needs to go work for the Nat party and at least get paid more for the services she already provides them.

  2. greywarshark 2
    18 November 2018 at 10:30 am

    Stacy Kirk should offer to be the brave, resourceful front-line reporter and go down herself. Try to be a pale shade of NZs Margaret Moth! Stacy is a wet, limp dilettante.

  3. Ed 3
    18 November 2018 at 10:32 am

    A repulsive article.
    Shame on Stuff’s editors for publishing and promoting it.
    She should work for the PR wing of Exxon Mobil.

  4. Ed 4
    18 November 2018 at 10:38 am

    This article serves as proof, if any more is needed, of this.
    It is time to reform the media.
    It is not fit for purpose in a democracy.
    Time to take back the commons.
    The airwaves belong to the people, not corporations and billionaires.

    • solkta 4.1
      18 November 2018 at 11:05 am

      The airwaves belong to the people”

      I thought it was on the interwebs and in print? Are you advocating making these things illegal?

      • joe90 4.1.1
        18 November 2018 at 11:19 am

        Ed advocates for the appropriation of things he disagrees with.

        • solkta 4.1.1.1
          18 November 2018 at 11:25 am

          So would The Standard survive?

          • joe90 4.1.1.1.1
            18 November 2018 at 11:30 am

            If he wore a mods cap, doubtful.

            • marty mars 4.1.1.1.1.1
              18 November 2018 at 2:56 pm

              Lol it would be mayhem of the first order.

              • Drowsy M. Kram …
                18 November 2018 at 4:04 pm

                Lol, on this occasion it’s not Ed who is putting ‘words’ in others’ mouths.

                “It is a curious fact that of all the illusions that beset mankind none is quite so curious as that tendency to suppose that we are mentally and morally superior to those who differ from us in opinion.” – Elbert Hubbard

                • McFlock …
                  18 November 2018 at 4:12 pm

                  Sometimes someone is right about it, though 🙂

                  • Drowsy M. Kram …
                    18 November 2018 at 4:30 pm

                    “Sometimes”

                    Broadly agree with the sentiments expressed in Ed’s comments @3, 4, 1.1.1 and 1.2, not to mention later in this post, e.g. @21; nitpicking would be pointless.

                    “Don’t worry, I’m not nearly as smart as I think I am.”

                    • McFlock …
                      18 November 2018 at 4:47 pm

                      Thing is, Ed is almost always either 100% for or 100% against.

                      Doesn’t like an article? Proof that all media needs to be under control of the state. Likes an article? It’s a knowledgable article written by a profoundly intelligent person. Show a nuanced perspective on the Middle East? You’re a genocidal Zionist maniac – or a genocidal head-chopper fomenting rebellion against that innocent Mr Assad. Regard Putin as an amoral dictator who wants to destabilise global competitors and play to his domestic following? You’re a fossilised Cold War warrior who wants a nuclear war.

                      The articles referred to in the post are cynical setups for “I told you so” missives and scandal-mongering should someone actually be injured (or worse) in the recovery operation. They’re crap.

                      But that’s all they are.

                    • Drowsy M. Kram …
                      18 November 2018 at 6:33 pm

                      You’re not wrong – nevertheless, “almost”, so there is hope.

                      Have a few ‘black or white’ opinions myself, like most people.

                      Ed may feel more confident posting on issues that are 100% to him. Thing is, they are generally important current issues. I personally don’t get why some find him so objectionable, unless they are concerned that he is ‘taking over’ The Standard.

                    • McFlock …
                      18 November 2018 at 9:59 pm

                      Dunno about taking over.
                      He’s 100% about a wide range of topics, and tends to assume the worst about anyone who has a slightly more nuanced perspective, which tends to disrupt interesting discussions.

                      And some of the videos he puts up are just bunk that serves to muddy the waters with rubbish – e.g. 911 shit.

                  • gsays …
                    19 November 2018 at 9:10 am

                    So once again this has become about the messenger not the message.

                    I get involved when I see a pile on, dissing the messenger.
                    It’s called bullying and I am getting sick of it.

                    Almost like clockwork, Ed puts something up and there are the usual suspects chiding and asking stupid questions.
                    They are then aided and abetted by their cheerleaders, not having a go at subject, just a jokey quip to encourage the bullys.

                    Eds position is not unreasonable, the media owners (banks), have no interest tackling climate change, having the property market correct, meaningful change in water quality around dairying….

                    No, far easier to throw stones at someone who pricks your conscience.

                    • solkta …
                      19 November 2018 at 9:29 am

                      I thought my question was actually very reasonable. While it is very obvious to most of us that the MSM has a structural bias, Ed does not present any solution.

                    • gsays …
                      19 November 2018 at 9:45 am

                      Reply to solkta.
                      Hey fair enough solkta, do you have a solution?
                      Is it just Eds job to have the answers?

                      Throwing that question back: “I thought it was on the interwebs and in print? Are you advocating making these things illegal”, reeked of sarcasm.
                      While it probably wasn’t your intention, it opens the door for a ‘pile on’.

                    • solkta …
                      19 November 2018 at 10:06 am

                      I guess my question was should be taken as both reasonable and sarcastic. I really don’t know what Ed would do if he had power. He seems to be advocating for an authoritarian state. In the other thread he says he wants journos tried for treason. This would be unlikely to provide a more democratic media.

                      I support more funding for public broadcasting and better media studies in schools.

                    • McFlock …
                      19 November 2018 at 11:47 am

                      I support more funding for public broadcasting and better media studies in schools.

                      ^^ Much more sensible solutions.

  5. mary_a 5
    18 November 2018 at 10:57 am

    Kirk’s article is weak and shallow all the way though. Nothing of substance. According to her, there are no technical or safety plans whatsoever, just a case of people putting up their hands to volunteer to go into the mine shaft, have a look around, come out and tell the world what they thought they saw!

    If I hadn’t known otherwise, this is the impression I would have got from Kirk’s pathetic, ill considered piece today! Journalism at its worst!

    Of course Andrew Little realises the risks involved. He’s putting his whole career on the line. Unlike Kirk and her ilk, he’s no fool. Little has taken on board expert advice to put himself in the position to authorise the re-entry process. Also unlike Kirk and her ilk, he is respectful and cares.

  6. Incognito 6
    18 November 2018 at 10:58 am

    Sunday used to be day on which threats or warnings of fire and brimstone were flying thick and fast. This piece by Kirk is no different and it is fearmongering to gain the adulation of non-critical and/or partisan readers. It also detracts from the many unanswered questions of who is/are responsible for the death of 29 men. The answer is not AL or WP.

  7. mauī 7
    18 November 2018 at 11:12 am

    I heard on RNZ this week a brilliant commentator saying that to fit in NZs media environment you need to be right wing and redneck. What an insightful, honest comment. Paul Henry he gave as the classic example. Kirk would fit in seemlessly with the other lizards on newsquark!

  8. JustMe 8
    18 November 2018 at 11:13 am

    Lets be totally assured of one thing and that is not one cowardly National MP will go into the Pike River mine let alone any other mine(unless there is gold in it)in New Zealand.
    Reason being National is mostly a party of cowards and sycophants. Their whole existence depends upon wasting NZ taxpayers money on mostly their vanity projects.
    Lets see to date the amount of NZ taxpayers money National spent on various ego related matters and there was not even a peep of concern from Stacey Kirk:
    $26million on a flag referendum
    $64million spent on 34 BMWs with bum warming seats.
    $12million spent on bribing an already wealthy Saudi businessman
    $10million to the Clinton Foundation.
    Lets say a combined $13million(I am not too sure of the exact amount)on two properties i.e one in Hawaii and one in New York.
    $20billion that has been allocated to the NZ military.
    The list of the spending spree on Vanity Projects by National can go on and on and on. And throughout all that not a peep from Stacey Kirk.
    All of a sudden and of late it now looks like the mainstream and sub-main stream NZ journos that are in the National Party pocket have become mining experts. And because such journos are the font of all things knowledgeable indicates they are only parroting what their masters in the NZ National Party tell them.
    There comes a time when a person or a group of people must do the honourable thing and in this instance it to help put a conclusion to an event that has been left in the ‘too hard basket’ by the previous National government i.e from 2010 through to 2017.
    If these so-called journos are so expert on mining then perhaps they should go into a mine themselves instead of making their arguments and opinions made from an armchair.

    • greywarshark 8.1
      18 November 2018 at 12:05 pm

      National vanity projects should have commemoration of WW1 added to it.

      We have been commemorating this war every year since the end of it, and erected memorials like mushrooms. Other wars have followed and get a bit of a knee jerk curtsey but emotion swells our chests at our great effort in Gallipoli, and also in middle Europe. The position there for many was surviving in muddy trenches where you hung your hat on the boot sticking out which was of some decomposing soldier deep in mud you couldn’t and wouldn’t shift because you needed all your energy to carry on soldiering.

      About $136 million acquiring land and building the various parts of the Wellington memorial. A tribute to NZ’s finest, after which we have gone down and down in a declining trend line that shows brief rises, and frequent falls. Who’d have thought that NZ was going to settle into such a pathetic travesty of a modern country?

      We have Le Quesnoy thank goodness, to hang our hats on at the end and leave us with some positivity. We who had soldier relatives could have had tours to Le Quesnoy and Ypres where they knew the reality of war in their lives and homes. A lot of people could have travelled and formed great affinities and friendships over there, all paid by the government.

      It would have helped our tourism too, so could have been set off as an image and PR expenditure. A gift that would keep on giving, not like a park requiring maintenance with statues and stone to gather dust.

      National, just going through the motions of running the country and pretending they know how to do business.

      Sorry Micky off topic kick me out if you want.

    • Sam C 8.2
      19 November 2018 at 2:37 pm

      $64million spent on 34 BMWs with bum warming seats…

      So, $1.882 million for each BMW. Seems expensive…

  9. BM 9
    18 November 2018 at 11:17 am

    From what I’ve read there are only 400 meters of the access tunnel that hasn’t been looked at.

    Solid energy had a plan to survey that last 400m which involved drilling a hole and dropping a robot down into that part of the tunnel.

    The cost was apparently only 2 million dollars, compare that to the 30 + million Little is going to spend.

    Wouldn’t it make more sense to do this as an initial survey to see if there’s actually anything worth investigating further?

    A fraction of the cost with no lives put at risk.

    • Incognito 9.1
      18 November 2018 at 11:25 am

      Wouldn’t it make more sense to do this as an initial survey to see if there’s actually anything worth investigating further?

      Such as?

      • BM 9.1.1
        18 November 2018 at 11:35 am

        Apart from maybe finding some bones, I have no idea what they’re expecting to come across, all seems rather pointless, to be honest.

        • Incognito 9.1.1.1
          18 November 2018 at 12:10 pm

          Are you serious?

          When people disappear we try to find them. When people die we try to retrieve their bodies/remains (not just “some bones”) to give them a proper burial.

          When (major) accidents happen we try to find out what happened, the why and how, and how these can be avoided in future; we try to learn from (our) mistakes. And we try to bring those responsible of any gross or criminal negligence to justice.

          None of this can be (fully) achieved by sending an unmanned probe down.

          • marty mars 9.1.1.1.1
            18 November 2018 at 2:59 pm

            Yep BM is trolling like a loser. Not even he believes the “they’re just bones” rubbish.

            • McFlock 9.1.1.1.1.1
              18 November 2018 at 3:56 pm

              Remember when there wasn’t supposed to even be teeth remaining?

              A certain crowd seem desperate to make up reasons why there should never be a chance to find out what actually happened.

              • Psych nurse …
                18 November 2018 at 5:06 pm

                Thats because the best time to recover bodies and evidence after an explosion in a mine is straight away when the methane and other explosive gases have been exhausted but wait there were no mine inspectors or emergency recovery teams.

                • McFlock …
                  18 November 2018 at 5:40 pm

                  I thought they had mines rescue on site but the police in charge thought it was too risky?

                  • gsays …
                    19 November 2018 at 9:17 am

                    I do recall a comment from an Australian journo at the time,in a very complex situation, questioning ‘why is this being run by a small town cop?’

            • Tamati Tautuhi 9.1.1.1.1.2
              18 November 2018 at 9:24 pm

              BM doesn’t really understand why there is a need to go into the mine, it is not just about recovering the bodies.

          • Ken 9.1.1.1.2
            18 November 2018 at 5:45 pm

            But not if you’re trying to cover something up or dodge responsibility.

        • Draco T Bastard 9.1.1.2
          18 November 2018 at 1:41 pm

          There’s still going to be evidence that can point to what went wrong. It would have been better to get in earlier but we had a lying National Party government who seemingly didn’t actually want to know what went wrong because that has a high probability of requiring murder charges on rich people.

          • Naki man 9.1.1.2.1
            18 November 2018 at 5:24 pm

            ” that has a high probability of requiring murder charges on rich people.”

            That is a stupid comment, obviously you don’t know what is required to convict someone of murder

        • Ed 9.1.1.3
          18 November 2018 at 3:16 pm

          A crime.

        • Mike Appleboy 9.1.1.4
          19 November 2018 at 4:05 am

          What a breathtaking response.

          You don’t give a toss about finding “some bones”?

          Those bones are the bodies of loved ones.

          There we have it, crystal clear – right wing nut jobs like BM are utterly devoid of an ounce of empathy or humanity for anything or anyone beyond money and their “I’m alright jack” view of the world.

          Stunning.

    • Draco T Bastard 9.2
      18 November 2018 at 11:28 am

      Wouldn’t it make more sense to do this as an initial survey to see if there’s actually anything worth investigating further?

      No.

      They’re going in anyway so why bother wasting the time and money to continue fucking around?

      Oh, wait, it’s because you don’t want them going in and figuring out the truth.

    • Gabby 9.3
      18 November 2018 at 5:03 pm

      Why didn’t they get on with it then BMmer? All mouth no trousers.

  10. Draco T Bastard 10
    18 November 2018 at 11:21 am

    Completely ignoring the conclusions of experts is not something a reporter should normally do.

    But doing so is what MSM reporters do almost all their time in their attacks against Labour and in their attempts to distract from what National have done.

    And thirdly there is no appreciation that we are dealing with potentially the biggest crime scene in the country.

    And those would be the facts that they’re trying to protect National and relevant business people from.

    That the mine owner and management allowed it to continue to operate with faulty methane sensors and with a number of breaches of basic safety requirements still stuns me. Why there has not been more dramatic action taken against them still stuns me.

    Doesn’t surprise me. In today’s world business people are sacrosanct and can do know wrong don’t ya know.

    He clearly has no idea at the depth of feeling caused by Pike River or the overwhelming support from within the Trade Union movement that Little’s action has.

    I’m pretty sure he does know actually. But he’s just another reporter protecting National and business people.

  11. Sanctuary 11
    18 November 2018 at 11:25 am

    Working class men died at Pike River. Working class families fought for this. Working class miners are volunteering for the job of recovering their mates. The working class has been opposed the whole way by the entire professional class, boss class and right wing political establishment.

    Now suddenly corporate media shill and right wing apologist Stacey Kirk discovers a concern for working class lives? Fuck off, just fuck off you nasty little right wing troll.

  12. Pete 12
    18 November 2018 at 12:12 pm

    It’s Kirk’s job to write stuff.

    What can I write this week to earn a crust? I know, Pike River’s topical!

    I’ll take the ‘it’s really dangerous’ angle. I’ll take the ‘no experts have been involved in assessing the situation’ angle. I’ll throw in “it doesn’t take a genius to figure out the venture is far from risk-free.” That’ll get people going.

    I see on her article she is their senior political reporter. More like senior shitical reporter.

  13. AB 13
    18 November 2018 at 12:32 pm

    1.) The optics of the re-entry is good for the Government. Nat acolytes are determined to rain on it even by constructing paper-thin hypotheses such as this joke of an article.
    2.) They thought they had finished Little off with their ridiculing of him while he was Labour leader. His resurrection as a government minister of some competence and principle (a sort of anti-Key in this respect) is leaving them right pissed.

  14. JustMe 14
    18 November 2018 at 12:36 pm

    https://thestandard.org.nz/stacey-kirks-stuff-up/?fbclid=IwAR3siaOJIywBbeVBhUzJx6L_QUh0Vv3opL2QRS9vpjdPmBRuieKY6KNgd7s

    Why is it that the likes of Stacey Kirk, Mike Hosking, Kate Hawkesby, John Roughan, Heather du Plessis-Allan, Barry Sloper, John Armstrong, Audrey Young, Fran Sullivan and all the other closely linked to the NZ National Party ‘journalists’ have never ever been censured for writing mostly fake news and innuendos?

    Surely there must be a Board that censures journalists that write up lies instead of it appearing the afore-mentioned ‘journalists’ can get away with their comments with no recourse?

    Sure there is the Broadcashing Standards Association but it appears to exist in word only.

    Is the reason why such ‘journalists’ like the ones I mentioned have got to write up the articles of mis-truth etc because whilst he was prime minister of New Zealand John Key successfully over-satuated the mainstream NZ media with biased towards National people? And during that time Key weeded out those more intelligent and credit-worthy journalists like John Campbell and the Campbell Live team because they criticised National and we all know National MPs just don’t like being criticised even though they heap alot of such an action upon others?

    So whenever Stacey Kirk writes an article it’s because she thinks the sun shines out of the National Party rectum. She must obviously love the NZ National Party that much that she is so willing and eager to constantly kiss their rear ends.

  15. adam 15
    18 November 2018 at 12:46 pm

    Please don’t take this the wrong way Mickeysavage, but being stunned is not f^%king enough. These criminal bastards killed people, then got away with it.

    This is why some in the so corporate media are so desperate for the reentry not happen. They walked hand in hand protecting murdering scum.

    Now Stacey Kirk has sided with these murdering scum, people should remember that.

    • Ed 15.1
      18 November 2018 at 3:05 pm

      “Now Stacey Kirk has sided with these murdering scum, people should remember that.“

      This article should be recalled as a reminder of the gutter the msm goes to.

    • Bewildered 15.2
      18 November 2018 at 4:38 pm

      I hope you are including EPMU in the set of “those scum”

      • Naki man 15.2.1
        18 November 2018 at 5:27 pm

        “I hope you are including EPMU in the set of “those scum”

        Who was the leader again??

        • Ed 15.2.1.1
          18 November 2018 at 5:29 pm

          Have you read Rebecca MacFie’s book?
          Educate yourself before making ignorant statements.

        • Tamati Tautuhi 15.2.1.2
          18 November 2018 at 9:28 pm

          Can you educate me what a EPMU is ?

          • Muttonbird 15.2.1.2.1
            18 November 2018 at 9:45 pm

            Bewildered an Naki are admitting that unions didn’t and don’t have enough resources and power to keep workers safe. They are in their comments advocating for more union power.

            It’s a great thing they’ve finally come on board.

      • Ed 15.2.2
        18 November 2018 at 5:29 pm

        Have you read Rebecca MacFie’s book?

      • adam 15.2.3
        18 November 2018 at 8:10 pm

        What a stupid bloody comment Bewildered, are you always that dumb or have you been practicing being a right tosser?

  16. patricia bremner 16
    18 November 2018 at 1:00 pm

    Stacey Kirk’s writing is shallow and nasty. Not worth reading.

  17. Tiger Mountain 17
    18 November 2018 at 1:34 pm

    where were such Natpack writers when the Mining Inspectorate was reduced to ineffectiveness, when a Board inexperienced with underground mining charged on regardless with an unstable employer at the helm, when the anti union Pike employer refused to engage usefully with the EPMU and actively dissuaded new workers from joining the union–which sabotaged attempts to set up genuine Health and Safety measures? eh where were they…

    injecting health and safety into the Little smear, is plain evil, when it was a colossal Health and Safety disaster that necessitates the need for the Recovery Agency!

    • Tamati Tautuhi 17.1
      18 November 2018 at 9:30 pm

      There might be pieces of onion on the floor of the mine which the rescuers could slip over on, then it becomes a Health & Safety Issue ?

  18. Observer Tokoroa 18
    18 November 2018 at 3:25 pm

    Pike River Scandal

    The Auckland Press – what a ratbag cockroach outfit that is – has ignored the fact the Police have declared the Pike River tragedy a Crime Scene.

    It has wheeled out that famous “miner’? – Stacy Nobody – to spray her witless words – for her darling editor .

    Mostly – she is annoyed over the cost of the re-entry of the Pike River Mine. It seems expensive at 23$Million. Money which should have been spent into making the Mine methane safe 9 years ago before any person was sent down that terrible hole. It was criminal to not ensure the mine was monitored and methane free.

    It would be nice if Stacy – a known national party troll – would ask the extremely wealthy John Key for 23$Million to give to the families who lost their fathers and brothers. 29 such brave persons who trusted a shifty John Key.

    In the meantime, could I ask Aucklanders to turn out a few decent writers. Ones who understand the Truth. Ones who don’t suck. Ones who declare for all New Zealand. It is no wonder that the dirty Super City is despised by the vast Citizenry of Aotearoa.

    I note that Heather Du Plessis Allen is no longer one eyed. Deft with her words too. Congratulations to Her.

  19. Observer Tokoroa 19
    18 November 2018 at 3:58 pm

    Hi Just Me

    You rightly list the filth bank of seedy scum – that is the scribble shit of New Zealand.
    Note that it is headed by a particular turd known as Armstrong. Whose excrement runs freely into the shores of Auckland’s waters night and day.

    The man is filth. He and Hosking run along side that gutter snipe John Key who allowed any wrong to be undertaken by the Wealthy – while he was PM. Just as long as he could play salaciously with little blonde girls hair. Not a word said about that by Gutless scribblers.

    What filth he is. What filth he remains. Auckland will never recover from him.

    It matters not to those on the list you have given Just Me, that New Zealand has just about the weakest stand on the OECD lists – OWING to Auckland. SLUM ridden, Criminal – DRUG ridden – Brutal Auckland.

    Auckland has no intention of ever becoming normal and noble. Sadly the women of the City have no fibre – just a lust for money and cheapness. Swoons for Key and Billy English.

    • JustMe 19.1
      18 November 2018 at 4:35 pm

      Well said Observer Tokoroa but be aware of one thing. I live in Auckland but have every intention on getting out of what I call the most unliveable city in New Zealand.

      I am sure there are many who think the sun shines out of Aucklands sewerage ponds but I sure as hell don’t. And I have lived here well over 50 plus years. Probably more years than John Key has ever spent living in New Zealand.

      Auckland has major problems albeit in population, public transport, housing, homelessness etc. But please do not tarnish me or other Aucklanders(gawd I so hate using that word to be honest)as us females not having any fibre.

      If or when I can I give food to the homeless people even if it means I don’t have food for myself. Fortunately close to where I work is a cafe and the cafe owner lets me know when there is leftovers for the homeless.

      When one lack empathy one may as well become a National Party politician or one of its supporters.

    • greywarshark 19.2
      18 November 2018 at 10:21 pm

      Too much filth Observer Tokoroa.
      I feel it is up to my ankles. Send in the stepladders so I can get above it. Or better still cut down the flow to say half and you would still get your point over.
      We feel the pain too. And would you want all of the disaffected people in Awk moving to Tokoroa?

  20. Chris T 20
    18 November 2018 at 4:10 pm

    The article is stupid, but having said that I have never been totally comfortable with the lack of details of how much his union new before the first explosion. (Yes I know Nationals downsizing inspectors was stupid, before I get annihilated)

    Again having said that. What is done is done. So good luck with the entering the drift.

  22. Ross 22
    18 November 2018 at 4:34 pm

    I’m not sure what Kirk’s problem is. The former PM John Key said he would do absolutely everything he could to get the bodies out. I don’t recall Kirk criticising Key. All Little is doing is following through on Key’s promise, which to be fair was probably put in the too hard basket as soon as he made it.

    • Ed 22.1
      18 November 2018 at 4:49 pm

      Kirk is a neoliberal shill.
      That is her problem.

    • Incognito 22.2
      18 November 2018 at 7:48 pm

      Like it or not, Kirk is doing her job, which is to write pieces that get read and discussed by many, which directs traffic to the site she’s writing for. I’d say she’s pretty good at her job. What she’s not is an honest broker as so many seem to want her to be.

      • Tamati Tautuhi 22.2.1
        18 November 2018 at 9:34 pm

        Why would you waste your time reading her shit.

        • Rae 22.2.1.1
          19 November 2018 at 4:24 pm

          You do (ok maybe skim it) in order to get to the comments so you can TRY to put to bed the lies and half truths flung around by the angry antis that flock to that site.

  23. R.P Mcmurphy 23
    18 November 2018 at 5:07 pm

    stacey kirk is a tory stooge and a bloodsucking flea. she typifies the product being turned out by j-schools these days. no life experience but yet willing to do whatever her masters tell her.

  24. Ed 24
    18 November 2018 at 5:36 pm

    Little takes the offensive against the Kirks of this world.

    Government should apologise for failures at Pike River

    “The government’s independent adviser on the mine recovery operation, Rob Fyfe, has called for such an apology to the families of the 29 men who died in the mine explosions in 2010.

    Mr Little said there were a number of failures in the aftermath of the disaster, including by the Department of Labour which was responsible for overall health and safety.

    “It totally let down the families, the Pike River families, then in the aftermath of the tragedy, the failure to prosecute and the kind of dodgy buy-out that happened that the Supreme Court has now ruled that is unlawful.

    “The promise made to the families to do everything possible but then not fulfilling that promise.””

    https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/376213/government-should-apologise-for-failures-at-pike-river-little

  25. Muttonbird 25
    18 November 2018 at 5:40 pm

    Dear old Marion Curtin. Everyone grieves in different ways and it must be awful to have lost a son down that mine, but she says, “it’s like grave-robbing”.

    What the hell?

    She’s becoming the go to for Nat supporters including Stacey Kirk who pay lip-service to worker safety but I think they are taking advantage of her pretty strange and politicised comments.

    • greywarshark 25.1
      18 November 2018 at 10:13 pm

      Mrs Curtin is one of a number of families who have lost people, 29 in all. Why should she not consider the wishes of other families who do want to see if they can have the bodies or what is left returned to them. I find her very self-centred in pointing out her grief and disregarding what the other families are feeling.

      The families were willing to scope out the situation in the mine after the blast and were prevented. There must be a better protocol set up for these cases, where there is a collaborative meeting where plans would be drawn up and a rehearsal of what would be done and how. Everyone would enter at their own risk, and ACC would be available for any injured. Police could volunteer and have proper ongoing support by law if anything happened.

  26. Lettuce 26
    18 November 2018 at 5:40 pm

    Anyone know why there was complete silence from Stacey Kirk during the Jami-Lee Ross saga? Asking for a friend.

    • Muttonbird 26.1
      18 November 2018 at 5:57 pm

      It’s been a tough one for Nat journos for sure. They really have nothing positive to go on so they don’t say anything at all, hence the silence.

      I know what your friend is thinking. Kirk was overseas for much of it – I don’t know whether that was coincidental or deliberate though…you friend might like to mull on that.

  27. Ken 27
    18 November 2018 at 5:53 pm

    Those Nat stooges are hoping and praying that someone gets hurt, or better yet, killed during the reentry.

    • Ed 27.1
      18 November 2018 at 5:57 pm

      They are sick.

    • Chris T 27.2
      18 November 2018 at 7:21 pm

      What an incredibly arsehole thing to say.

      • Muttonbird 27.2.1
        18 November 2018 at 8:11 pm

        I don’t see this as different from Kirk’s statement that Andrew Little is doing this solely for self-aggrandisement. These are both evocative statements, the difference being that Ken is a member of the public commenting on a forum and Kirk is a handsomely paid senior political journalist.

        I mean the Nats and their journos and supporters actually believe the EPMU is responsible for this tragedy! More, by inference they are demanding stronger union representation in the work place.

        • Chris T 27.2.1.1
          18 November 2018 at 11:31 pm

          Kirk is an idiot, known biased reporter.

          Ken is a poster on here who I can comment to directly.

          What’s his excuse for saying such stupid statements?

  28. Fireblade 28
    18 November 2018 at 8:04 pm

    Duncan Garner

    Little a hero as Nats run for the hills and beyond

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/108668718/Little-a-hero-as-Nats-run-for-the-hills-and-beyond

    • opium 28.1
      19 November 2018 at 8:01 am

      Good article.Still can’t believe it is written by Duncan Garner.Did he get possessed by a good spirit or something?

  29. gsays 29
    19 November 2018 at 9:54 am

    I looked at the article link, 491 comments (now closed), and the anti ones are breath taking in the ignorance displayed.

    • Rae 29.1
      19 November 2018 at 4:27 pm

      I call them the “Angry Antis” a play on what the Nats called Little when he led Labour. Very, very fitting, I think.

  30. Philj 30
    19 November 2018 at 1:18 pm

    Kirk is a click bait, fear mongering non reporter. The MSM are becoming irrelevant if you want to be informed, that is.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 hour 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
    2 hours ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    3 hours 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
    5 hours 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
    6 hours 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
    7 hours ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    9 hours ago

  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    11 hours ago

  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    11 hours ago

  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    12 hours ago

  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    12 hours ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    13 hours ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    14 hours ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    15 hours ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    17 hours ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    18 hours ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 day ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    1 day ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    1 day ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, 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?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    4 days ago

  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #15
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 7, 2024 thru Sat, April 13, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week is about adults in the room setting terms and conditions of ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 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
    5 hours 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
    8 hours 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
    8 hours 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
    9 hours 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
    9 hours 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
    10 hours 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
    12 hours 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
    23 hours 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 days ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research.   “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-19T09:43:38+00:00