Will the last remaining National MP please not forget to turn off the caucus room lights

Written By: - Date published: 7:44 am, July 16th, 2020 - 149 comments
Categories: education, health, Judith Collins, national, Nikki Kaye, same old national - Tags:

For Judith Collins that was a short honeymoon.

Yesterday she had a good day as all forms of media were dominated by pro National voices talking up how the change of leadership was a very good thing.

She even managed to show her crushing ability by demoting Michael Woodhouse and relieving him of the Health portfolio.  Although the rankings are all important.  If he does not drop in his caucus ranking this was more for show.

She also managed to say “woke”.

Warm feelings of unity were however undermined by leaking from caucus about what happened.  From Tova O’Brien at Newshub:

One National MP reflected on the caucus meeting saying, “It was a bit rich getting a lecture in loyalty and unity when those two [Collins and Brownlee] leaked so much in the past”.

Another said, “A lot of dead rats had to be swallowed…”

“Judith has been disloyal to everyone but there was so much fear in caucus that we’d lose worse than 2002.”

That was National’s worst defeat ever – 21 percent under Bill English.

Then this bombshell hit.  Audrey Young has reported that Nikki Kaye will announce her resignation from politics today.

Today Collins was meant to announce a “minor” reshuffle of portfolios.  Having to replace your Health spokesperson and your Education spokesperson is not minor.

Kaye occupies a special position in National.  She gives them urban liberal credibility.  She has managed to hold Auckland Central, usually a marginal seat, through successive elections and bet Jacinda Ardern twice.  By all reports she is a phenomenal local Member of Parliament.  Without her National will strongly resemble a rural conservative party.

This series of high profile resignations so close to the election is unprecedented.  National has lost or will lose five MPs in the past few weeks.  By now candidates should be selected, billboards and pamphlets printed and candidates should be out there campaigning full time.  But this is a vote of no confidence in National’s ability to get people elected on the list and realisation by senior MPs that their chances are small and disappearing.

Will the last remaining National MP please not forget to turn off the caucus room lights?

Update: Kaye has confirmed she is going and Amy Adams has joined the exodus …

149 comments on “Will the last remaining National MP please not forget to turn off the caucus room lights ”

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  1. You_fool 1
    16 July 2020 at 7:59 am

    Amy Adams is going too…. So what was Judith saying yesterday, that Jacinda has 4-5 ministers she could rely on that does all the work, but National had a whole team? Seems that team is quickly abandoning ship like rats at night….

    Also the answer to the government not having a whole lot of good performers is to change the government… to a Red/Green government….

  2. Frida 2
    16 July 2020 at 8:04 am

    I think the real question is…who DIDN’T receive the Boag emails?! Hopefully the Heron inquiry will reveal all

  3. Just Is 3
    16 July 2020 at 8:38 am

    Rats on a sinking ship comes to mind.

    These two probably won't be last.

    Collins screwed up on her messaging last night indicating Kiwis should have nothing to worry about the virus as the Govt should have it under control, undermining the message we all have a part to play, more politics over the global pandemic, she simply has no idea "How Lucky We Are"

    • stuff the politicians 3.1
      16 July 2020 at 9:59 am

      I think Woodhouse will go as well before the election.

      He may as well, his reputation is in tatters.

      Will the be any woman left ?

      • Just Is 3.1.1
        16 July 2020 at 11:00 am

        Let's hope, it may even start a mass migration, confidence in the new leader may not be as structurally sound as Collins thinks.

        There will be those "who'll wait and see" before deciding.

  4. dv 4
    16 July 2020 at 8:39 am

    Ages are interesting

    Kay and adams 40

    Muller 51

    Brownlie and colins over 60

    • tc 4.1
      16 July 2020 at 10:35 am

      Works well then from the demographics as Punch N Judy need to shore their age bracket up or NZF could help take them to Blinglish circa 02 territory.

      Winne or Jude who do you trust most my my what a choice.

  5. mac1 5
    16 July 2020 at 8:40 am

    18 out of 55 going since election 2017. That is 32.72%. Can I say one third of National MPs elected in 2017 have had enough of National?

    National life, national politics, the National Party.

    Sarah Dowie, David Carter; Ann Tolley, Paula Bennett, Nicky Wagner, Amy Adam; Alastair Scott; Maggie Barry; Jonathan Coleman; Steven Joyce; Bill English; Chris Finlayson; Jami-Lee Ross; Nuk Korako; Nathan Guy; Jian Yang; Hamish Walker; Nikki Kay.

    33%. Will National achieve a party vote above that figure in September 2020? The more they lose, the harder that task.

  6. Patricia Bremner 6
    16 July 2020 at 8:45 am

    Well "chickens coming home to roost", comes to mind.

    Last night when Judith was quipping to the reporters, it did occur to me that those who have crossed swords with her might leave, especially when leaks began so quickly.

    That showed not all were seeing Judith and Gerry as the saviours, or that they could stand the style of leadership.

    It throws Nicky's seat wide open. A chance for the Greens?

  7. Anker 7
    16 July 2020 at 8:51 am

    Bloody hell. Either Nicky really can’t stand Judith or her fingerprints are over the Boag emails or both.

    the better team. So good they are all leaving. Hmm

  8. Anne 8
    16 July 2020 at 9:07 am

    Both have been on RNZ explaining the reasons why they have decided to go and nah… its nothing to do with Judith Collins. They think she’ll be a great leader and that National has a chance of winning the election and they'll be doing everything they can to support her and on so it goes on….

    No, they just both happened to come to the conclusion at the same time that it was time to make way for new talent blah blah blah.

    Why can't pollies tell the truth!

    • bwaghorn 8.1
      16 July 2020 at 11:43 am

      Got to look after those future spots at the board tables .

    • Chris 8.2
      16 July 2020 at 11:55 am

      Hadn't both of them already announced their retirement after the election but only came back for Muller? And even if that's not the case, do you expect them to say "I'm leaving because I can't work under Judith Collins"?

      • Draco T Bastard 8.2.1
        16 July 2020 at 1:42 pm

        "I'm leaving because I can't work under Judith Collins"?

        If it's the truth then, yes, that's exactly what they should be saying. After all, the voters do need that sort of information to make informed decisions on who to vote for.

    • Draco T Bastard 8.3
      16 July 2020 at 1:40 pm

      Why can't pollies tell the truth!

      Because then they'd never get elected and they know it.

      And, of course, its not all politicians that have to lie – just the right-wing.

  9. Muttonbird 9
    16 July 2020 at 9:07 am

    The National Party are now having to stagger their flounce conferences as there's not enough room on the internet to accomodate them all at once!

  10. mac1 10
    16 July 2020 at 9:08 am

    Nikki Kay has announced her retirement from Parliament today.

    Yesterday, she was the front page where she said, "And it will be one of the first things on my list as Minister of Education."

    To go from Deputy Leader and shadow Education Minister, to acting Leader to resigning as a MP took four days.

    Some decisions take some time to arrive at. For how long have these latest MPs to resign been considering that option seriously, awaiting a tipping point?

    How many more are teetering right now?

  11. Muttonbird 11
    16 July 2020 at 9:10 am

    Does Kaye campaign for the seat or do they have to parachute someone else in?

    • Andre 11.1
      16 July 2020 at 9:25 am

      They need to choose a new candidate for the election. Right now.

      If Kaye still was the candidate for the seat knowing she was going to quit straight afterwards, and won it, then resigned after the election, there would then be a by-election for the seat. It would not be filled by the next person on the Nats list. So potentially it could reduce the Nat numbers in parliament by one, if the Labour or Greens candidate then won the by-election.

      But there's nothing stopping her throwing her support behind the new Nat candidate for the seat and campaigning for them.

      • Muttonbird 11.1.1
        16 July 2020 at 9:33 am

        Thanks. Paora Goldsmith to be flown in? It would get him away from that humiliating position he finds himself in at every election having to bow down to Rimmer.

        • Andre 11.1.1.1
          16 July 2020 at 9:47 am

          Can't imagine Goldsmith would be interested. He'd be well aware that in the entire history of the universe, there has been precisely one Nat that's sufficiently liberal and interesting and trendy enough to win that particular seat. And that he ain't it.

          • ScottGN 11.1.1.1.1
            16 July 2020 at 10:05 am

            Agreed. Kaye’s margin has gotten tighter every election since she won the seat and she has never outpolled the combined Labour Green vote. And as the Nats head right under Collins they are going to find it very hard to put up a candidate that can win in Auckland Central.

        • Wensleydale 11.1.1.2
          16 July 2020 at 1:21 pm

          Prostrate at the feet of his betters is his natural pose. "Whatever it takes to win!" It's the National way, which is part of the reason why their party is now a raging dumpster fire.

          Enjoying the schadenfreude, which probably makes me a terrible person… but I don't care.

  12. roblogic 12
    16 July 2020 at 9:16 am

    Nikki will be disappointed she went from acting leader back down to boring opposition portfolios. She was National's answer to Jacinda, untainted by the scandals and corruption that half the party swims in.

    I guess she's decided that if the Nats don't want to change, and prefer the old guard of Collins and Brownlee (MPs of yesteryear not 2021), then there are better things she can do with her life

    • Tricledrown 12.1
      16 July 2020 at 9:29 am

      Kay was tainted by Boag.

      Great team how many are left.

      Shuffling the Deck chairs getting louder

  13. Dean Reynolds 13
    16 July 2020 at 9:35 am

    When considering how vile the National Party has become since the Shipley – Richardson era, I'm reminded of the biblical verse, 'They have sown the wind & they have reaped the whirlwind.'

    • Hunter Thompson II 13.1
      16 July 2020 at 9:45 am

      Looks like Nick Smith is going to hang around?

      Reminds me of the William Blake quote: "The strongest poison ever known came from Caesar's laurel crown."

      • RedBaronCV 13.1.1
        16 July 2020 at 11:40 am

        He holds his electorate seat by just a few hundred votes. He had just over a third of the votes at the last election with the remaining two thirds split pretty evenly between labour and the greens. Unlikely to happen that way again so unless he's far enough up the list he's gone this election.

  14. ianmac 14
    16 July 2020 at 9:36 am

    Hooton Perspective:

    From my Perspective the resignations are very timely because from my Perspective new brooms will clear the opportunities for the amazing new talent bursting to be experts in Perspective statements and explanations as to why we bunch of Losers should lead the country over the Lemming Cliff.

    • Drowsy M. Kram 14.1
      16 July 2020 at 9:59 am

      Quite impressed with the Nats' response to a looming wave of Covid-related job losses – (MAGA) hats off to them.

  15. Dean Reynolds 15
    16 July 2020 at 9:37 am

    Looking at Seymour & Bishop in the photo above, they look as if they've been dressed by their mothers – perhaps they were?

  16. Brian Tregaskin 16
    16 July 2020 at 9:38 am

    "

    Nikki will be disappointed she went from acting leader back down to boring opposition portfolios. She was National's answer to Jacinda, untainted by the scandals and corruption that half the party swims in.

    I guess she's decided that if the Nats don't want to change, and prefer the old guard of Collins and Brownlee (MPs of yesteryear not 2021), then there are better things she can do with her life"

    National right now today are like a boxer in the early stages of a title fight with a cut eyebrow (MOH Scandal). That cut eyebrow should be exploited in further rounds to open the cut up . More to come out next week on MOH leaking Scandal , Im guessing.

    • Robert Guyton 16.1
      16 July 2020 at 10:10 am

      More head-injury-dementia than punch-drunk, in my opinion.

    • mauī 16.2
      16 July 2020 at 10:22 am

      I see it more advanced than that, the former champ in their comeback fight wobbling around the ring with their legs gone. The lightest touch and they are gone.

  17. ianmac 17
    16 July 2020 at 9:39 am

    Wonder how the National Base supporters will respond?

  18. ianmac 18
    16 July 2020 at 9:42 am

    Is it possible that Muller might be considering his tenure as an MP?

  19. Muttonbird 19
    16 July 2020 at 9:47 am

    Jong Kee being wheeled out by Audrey Young and the Herald to try steady the ship.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12348376

    • Robert Guyton 19.1
      16 July 2020 at 10:15 am

      Despite having kicked her off the team for bad behaviour, "Key said it was "a critical time for National Party supporters to give their complete support" to Collins and Brownlee.

      "They are both talented politicians with an acute understanding of the issues our country faces.""

      • Wensleydale 19.1.1
        16 July 2020 at 1:24 pm

        "They are both talented politicians with an acute understanding of the issues our country faces."

        Nice to see Key still telling porkies.

    • tc 19.2
      16 July 2020 at 10:42 am

      There's also a fluff pice about Max's new Mt Albert villa Daddy bought him. Dog whistles 'let them eat cake' IMO what a tawdry rag as Audrey shows above.

      • Muttonbird 19.2.1
        16 July 2020 at 10:52 am

        Saw that. Highlights for me the myth that is equality of opportunity that the right wing promote.

        This is the way intergenerational inequality plays out.

        • AB 19.2.1.1
          16 July 2020 at 2:02 pm

          Inheritance is now the only realistic means by which the vast majority of the next generation will own an Auckland house. In line with Piketty's conclusion in 'Capital' about a new gilded age.

      • Anne 19.2.2
        16 July 2020 at 10:54 pm

        Any one know the address/street? I grew up in Mt Albert so am interested to know where it is.

      • Incognito 19.2.3
        16 July 2020 at 11:03 pm

        The prodigious son of the Smiling House Flipper buys his own home thanks to the untaxed paper rounds he used to do when at college. At the end of the day, it is all about making the right choices.

    • mac1 19.3
      16 July 2020 at 4:52 pm

      Jean Qui?

  20. RedLogix 20
    16 July 2020 at 9:53 am

    As I predicted yesterday Collins is in the enviable position of being able to ditch anyone who is not totally loyal to her. She gets to hand pick the team she wants; this is a luxury few political leaders ever get.

    The election is still a long way off in political terms, and the team National will have in a few weeks time will be as tight as a drum. There will be no more leaks, and no more embarrassments. Anyone unhappy with Collins (and there will be plenty) will either leave or breath through their nose for the next 55 days.

    • Dean Reynolds 20.1
      16 July 2020 at 9:56 am

      'As tight as a drum'? If you believe that, you'll believe anything

      • RedLogix 20.1.1
        16 July 2020 at 10:06 am

        We are watching Collins pull off a full metal jacket power play. We don't often see this in NZ politics, so sit back and learn.

        • Robert Guyton 20.1.1.1
          16 July 2020 at 10:12 am

          Old-school bully behaviour. Only the weak will tolerate it and only for a short while – as soon as the election is lost, they'll break out of the miasma and bolt.

          • RedLogix 20.1.1.1.1
            16 July 2020 at 10:18 am

            It’s deeply unattractive politics alright, but for the Nat caucus getting to the election is all that matters now. Trust me I'm genuinely unhappy at these events; they're giving the one politician who has a chance of beating Jacinda, unconstrained access to the money and organisational clout of the National Party, all at the perfect moment.

            That's a prospect which should seriously focus minds on the left. Chris Trotter's column today pretty much nails it.

            • Robert Guyton 20.1.1.1.1.1
              16 July 2020 at 10:24 am

              Collins declared "no dirty stuff" and without that, combined with maintaining the "Kind Aunty Jude" persona she's cultivated since Key's reign fizzled, she's disarmed herself significantly. If the party is exposed for playing dirty now, or if Collins shows her fangs, the electorate will dismiss her as a fake.

              • Muttonbird …
                16 July 2020 at 10:27 am

                Yep, Collins as always is one tweet or comment away from destroying the fine balancing act she is required to keep up.

                Can't last. She’ll say something stupid and be forced on the defence. Game over.

                • RedLogix …
                  16 July 2020 at 10:39 am

                  Maybe. There is that possibility, but frankly it's a weak election strategy for the left to pin it's hopes on.

                  • Muttonbird …
                    16 July 2020 at 10:42 am

                    Who is pinning their hopes on it? Just an observation.

                    And how has Judith Collins suddenly become the front runner forcing 'the left' into resorting to hope?

                    Just what media are you watching over there?

              • RedLogix …
                16 July 2020 at 10:28 am

                Now Collins has the leadership and full control over the caucus she doesn't have to play dirty anymore. All she has to do is attack Labour on it's record on Kiwibuild for instance, and project that onto the proposed COVID recovery plan.

                Then position National as the competent alternative … straightforward stuff

                • Robert Guyton …
                  16 July 2020 at 10:36 am

                  New Zealanders will thrill to the sight of Jacinda being attacked, monstered, battered and mauled by Judith "Crusher" Collins – not.

                  • RedLogix …
                    16 July 2020 at 10:41 am

                    Do you really think Collins is stupid enough to go about her task that clumsily? This is the regular trap the left falls into, we imagine ourselves so morally superior we always underestimate our opponents.

                    • Muttonbird …
                      16 July 2020 at 10:45 am

                      She has already been clumsy on Ryan Bridge’s show yesterday. She allowed herself to be whipped into a frenzy by Bridge.

                    • Chris …
                      16 July 2020 at 10:49 am

                      Collins is a psychopath. She can't help herself. Her behaviour in interviews over the last 24 hours already tells us how it's going to be, which is going to be just fantastic.

                    • RedLogix []
                      16 July 2020 at 12:09 pm

                      Trump really is a psychopath and what happened in 2016 the left really didn't expect?

                    • Just Is []
                      16 July 2020 at 12:39 pm

                      Trump won 1 in 5 votes, its hardly a white wash, rather a strategic win, Morrison benefited from a similar ploy, winnig a seat in middle of nowhere with only 10k voters and handed the preferences from the fat boy.

                    • Robert Guyton …
                      16 July 2020 at 11:03 am

                      No, I don't but Collins' intent is not kind and no matter how it's masked, the essence will seep through into the public's awareness. She's not so skilled as to be able to mask her own scent, though you would have us believe so, RedLogix smiley

                    • Stuart Munro …
                      16 July 2020 at 11:39 am

                      Judith may be smart enough not to take the bait – but Gerry? The Gnats don't have depth of smarts just now.

                      The last couple of decent flaws in government action were botched because the Gnats attacked too soon, in Walker's case not even understanding that the patient list was provided for him to mine dissatisfaction or lax supervision stories from.

                      Judith's best bet might be to circle the wagons and trust in the providence of Covid – which would at least have the virtue of not giving the appearance of sabotaging the response.

                    • Muttonbird …
                      16 July 2020 at 10:51 pm

                      I get the feeling RL would be quite happy with a Judith Collins led National government. Then he could say, 'told you so' for the next three years.

                      That and Judith is also a advocate of if it ain't broke don't fix it when it comes to white rule.

                    • Incognito []
                      16 July 2020 at 11:17 pm

                      FFS! I get the feeling that this is just another personal attack on RL. I like both of you to continue commenting here but perhaps not engage with or refer to each other. Please put your personal differences aside because somebody might come to regret it.

                    • RedLogix …
                      16 July 2020 at 11:29 pm

                      I get the feeling RL would be quite happy with a Judith Collins led National government.

                      Jacinda is worth ten Judiths. What utterly sticks in my craw is watching immature little twerps gloating about how awful Collins is, idiotically failing to appreciate the potential threat she represents.

                      As for your racist dig, take it to these guys. This is the level of conversation we can't have on The Standard:

                      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHGt733yw3g

                    • Incognito []
                      16 July 2020 at 11:33 pm

                      My comment @ 11:17 PM was also meant for you. Prevention is better than a cure.

                    • RedLogix …
                      16 July 2020 at 11:42 pm

                      @ Incognito

                      I didn't see your comment until after I posted. I'm interested not to make your task any harder than it is and I'll will leave it with this:

                      No reason to get excited
                      The thief, he kindly spoke
                      There are many here among us
                      Who think that life is but a joke
                      But you and I, we've been through that
                      And that is not our fate
                      So let us not talk falsely now
                      Because the hour is getting late

                    • Incognito []
                      16 July 2020 at 11:45 pm

                      Ta

                • Robert Guyton …
                  16 July 2020 at 11:05 am

                  An attack on Kiwibuild will not sway public confidence in the woman who managed the world's best defence against the killer virus. End, as they say, of story smiley

                • anker …
                  16 July 2020 at 11:31 am

                  Red Logix if you think their aren't other discontents in National your dreaming. Woodhouse has also said he is disappointed he didn't get health. Do you really think it was Amy and Nicky leaking to Tova?

                  People don't give a flying f…k about Kiwibuild anymore. That's so last year. The only issue this election hinges on is Covid and the economy. Judith will have to play dirty to beat labour because they have done an outstanding job of covid and therefore the economy.

                  • RedLogix …
                    16 July 2020 at 12:06 pm

                    They may not care directly about Kiwibuild, but Collins only has to point to it do evidence of a Labour failure and then say, if they botched that why would you trust them with a recovery plan that's even more important?

                    Basic politics.

                    • Peter - another Peter …
                      16 July 2020 at 1:03 pm

                      Sadly, all I remember is Judith scandal upon scandal in 2014 and then she went on stress leave for 5 days as she had a breakdown. Can you imagine what a disaster it would be if she crumbles under the stresses of the Covid situation. She is all noise and no substance and was a core part of the nine years of doing nothing of National leaving New Zealand in a state of neglect. We dont want a repeat of that.

                      [Please pick a different user name as “Peter” is already in use here, thanks – Incognito]

                    • Incognito []
                      16 July 2020 at 1:10 pm

                      [Please pick a different user name as “Peter” is already in use here, thanks – Incognito]

                    • Chris …
                      16 July 2020 at 1:08 pm

                      And it's basic politics to acknowledge the failure and move on, which Ardern has done. It's like the Winebox Inquiry. By the time Peters was proved right nobody cared.

                    • Anker …
                      16 July 2020 at 2:28 pm

                      Because red logs the recovery is well underway already. We seem to be having a V shape recovery unlike any other in the world.

                      national have already brought up kiwi build and that went nowhere.

                      all labour need to say is we have built more houses than any govt since the 70s and that is xxx number more than National did in 9 years. To easy.

                      if National keep banging on about kiwi build they will begin to look ridiculous. Right now National have contributed nothing to this country over covid. A big fat zero

                    • Just Is []
                      16 July 2020 at 4:28 pm

                      Exactly anker, for National to use Kiwibuild as a critique of the Govt will only result in egg on their face

                      The new housing stats don't indicate a failure as you know.

                    • Incognito …
                      16 July 2020 at 10:46 pm

                      Gerry rebuilt ChCh.

                • Incognito …
                  16 July 2020 at 10:44 pm

                  KiwiBuild has been demolished so many times that making it a major target of attack is like attacking a ghost from the past. In any case, this is not KiwiBuild 1.0 anymore. I know RW commenters like to bring it up here and other blogs, as they do 1984 and Roger Douglas, etc., because they’re too lazy to think of something better. Of course, such an attack will resonate with RWers but they won’t be voting Left anyway.

              • RedBaronCV …
                16 July 2020 at 11:44 am

                Unfortunately for her she seems to be reminding too many older voters of piggy muldoon. That may dint her electoral appeal there.

            • anker 20.1.1.1.1.2
              16 July 2020 at 11:27 am

              the National Party are showing themselves to be truly unstable right now. That is the very last thing the country needs during a pandemic. You can dress it up anyway you like. The National Party is unstable, it makes some of its members unstable, think Muller, think Jami-Lee,,,,,,,,,toxicity breeds mental health disorders.

              The idea that they are the better team and that Jacinda only has four ministers she can count on is beyond a joke. I would have more respect for them if they just admitted they are a corrupt shit show and they need to pass on the election this time and sort their shit out. But instead we get this bullying postering from Collins

    • Tiger Mountain 20.2
      16 July 2020 at 10:18 am

      National caucus resembles a Real Estate Sales Rep’s retreat on the morning of day two…wrinkly blue suits, sneaky beer farts, and zoned out passive aggressive grimaces.

      • Chris 20.2.1
        16 July 2020 at 1:34 pm

        Spot on, but I just hope the public see this. Labour needs to pick a few issues that are appropriate to expose. Maybe the fact Collins wasn't exonerated over her involvement with slater, or how a national government's uncritical focus on the economy will inevitably mean community spread of covid.

        • anker 20.2.1.1
          16 July 2020 at 4:31 pm

          I think Labours tactic is fightback is when Woods called Woodhouse out on the homeless man, writing to him asking for more info

          And the Hipkins launching an enquiry in the leaking.

          Both worked very well

  22. WILD KATIPO 22
    16 July 2020 at 10:16 am

    WILD KATIPO July 16, 2020 at 7:59 am

    Interesting stuff. We are indeed seeing the implosion of rabid far right wing neo liberalism and those left with any sense of integrity leaving . This is what we are witnessing in real time. A credit to Nikki Kaye is needed.

    Ring of Fire Johnny CashRing of Fire Johnny Cash

  23. Peter 23
    16 July 2020 at 10:21 am

    Funny that at this time of year with so much rain around and mushy ground and mud, that all those National MPs are biting the dust.

  24. newsense 24
    16 July 2020 at 10:31 am

    Who says no to Judith now? Key and English did, but with 1, 2 and 3 gone who places any check on her in National?

  25. Brian Tregaskin 25
    16 July 2020 at 10:37 am

    @Rachel_Smalley

    Both Kaye and Adams say Collins has their full support. Rubbish. If Collins had their full support, they wouldn’t be resigning this morning. Kaye and Adams led the revolt against Bridges, tipped up Muller, and now revolt against Collins. Party first, really?

    It doesn’t make sense for Kaye and Adams to resign now. They’ve ankle-tapped Collins’ momentum and sabotaged the Party’s plans of a late rally for the Election. Unless that was always the plan? The point is, they could have waited 60 days and then pulled the pin. That would have been in the party’s best interests.in which case, they have put self-interest and internal politics ahead of the Party and (supposedly) our democracy’s best interests.

    This is the greatest tweet ive seen all year –well done Rachel !

    • Just Is 25.1
      16 July 2020 at 11:09 am

      A fairly accurate assessment, it appears the party is fragmenting.

      Sorry Judith, but you're simply tooo devisive.

      • woodart 25.1.1
        16 July 2020 at 11:41 am

        collins cant even appeal to the women in the nats. so how can she appeal to the broader female electorate?

  26. Bloke 26
    16 July 2020 at 10:51 am

    Classic clean out, those loyal to Crusher will remain (or those who can hide their true loyalty) Then we will have NZ's watered down version of the GOP. The hardcore voting bloc will be filtered out, bad news for Seymour but leaving plenty of room in the middle to be snapped up.

  27. Byd0nz 27
    16 July 2020 at 10:54 am

    Tight as a drum? Up a goats bum. Collins is no match, full of bluster and self importance, it took a stinking (sinking) ship before anyone would vote her as leader, the bubbles will have bursting sounds of arrogance.

  28. Just Is 28
    16 July 2020 at 11:04 am

    Just out on the news, Simon Bridges elevated to No 4.

    Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer

    • Robert Guyton 28.1
      16 July 2020 at 11:07 am

      It's a wild elevator ride – Nat voters will be feeling queasy! Next, Paula's back as Chief Whip!

      • Just Is 28.1.1
        16 July 2020 at 11:12 am

        The question is..

        How many noses will be put out of joint by Collins in her search for the perfect "team" of loyal supporters.

    • Drowsy M. Kram 28.2
      16 July 2020 at 11:14 am

      Ardern had only 7 weeks to front Labour's 2017 election campaign. With (just) over two months to go until Election 2020, it's not too late for Simon. #BridgesForLeader

      • Just Is 28.2.1
        16 July 2020 at 12:55 pm

        A guaranteed win for anybody except National then.

        I just feel National hasn't recognized the mood of the country, not only from being saved from Corona Virus, but also how kindess is a very strong virtue, no matter where it's applied.

        Attack dog tactics wont work, but hold the Govt to account in disciplined manner with justifaction will, I think

        To encourage more support for National, they need to realise times have changed

        • Drowsy M. Kram 28.2.1.1
          16 July 2020 at 4:56 pm

          yes

        • Jilly Bee 28.2.1.2
          16 July 2020 at 5:50 pm

          I so agree with your comments Just Is – we had a fav cousin of mine and his wife call in on their way to a family gathering in Rotorua and of course, the conversation turned to their MP for Papakura, non other than the newly minted Leader of the Opposition. They are no fans of hers and like us we also reckon that the country has turned a slight corner in how we operate, particularly since Covid19 – we are indeed tending to be kinder in our attitude to others – and, long may it continue. Of course JuCo's belligerent attitude will work wonders for some of her acolytes and followers, but just maybe she will be unable to help herself and revert to type which will ultimately show her up for the shallow and vindictive individual she is.

  29. Brian Tregaskin 29
    16 July 2020 at 11:14 am

    Judith believes her new caucus is a "winning team". and took a dig at Jacinda

    "My hardest issue with this was who didn't get into the shadow-Cabinet. I had so many choices. It is such a wealth of talent and at least I don't have the problem that Jacinda Ardern's got."

    Wow Judith tell me who you in your Shadow Cabinet has more business experience ? Tell me what guarantees your shadow Finance Minister would be up to the job -has he been tested ?

    Actually I reckon none of these people in the shadow cabinet would have more business experience than labours team if fact checked.
    I cant stop laughing if Judith really thinks this is outstanding talent, i cant name any one thing that most of these names have achieved when they were last in power- whats their track record.
    No disrespect to newcomers like Nicola . -your thoughts?

    • Gerry Brownlee has the COVID-19 Border Response role
    • Simon Bridges has Foreign Affairs and Justice at four
    • Dr Shane Reti in top five
    • Chris Bishop in top 10 as shadow Leader of the House
    • Todd Muller has Trade in top 10
    • David Bennett heads to number 11
    • Nicola Willis takes Education
    • Housing and Urban Development goes to Jacqui Dean
    • Mark Mitchell falls out of top 10 and loses Justice
    • Dr Nick Smith back in the shadow-Cabinet
    • Harete Hipango takes shadow Attorney-General
    • anker 29.1
      16 July 2020 at 11:39 am

      Brownlee controlling the border lol lol……..guess he might know the mindset of people trying escape security from his pushing through airport security a few years back.

      Mitchell will be pissed and ready to sharpen the knives…………..as will Woodhouse if he survives the Heron report…………………

      lol lol lol lol

    • anker 29.2
      16 July 2020 at 4:35 pm

      i trust Jacinda to play Collins well.

      Remember when that old prick Gareth Morgan said about lipstick on a pig.

      Next Jacinda was posing with a Miss Piggy doll. Message I am not bothered by or with you.

  30. mike appleboy 30
    16 July 2020 at 11:20 am

    Let me see if I have this straight – the wealth of experience is:

    Gerry Brownlee, Simon Bridges, Nick Smith and Judith Collins?

    Beyond the fact that these 4 are all negatively tainted, the others are all lightweights with absolutely no low profile and name recognition with the public? Seriously , I am stunned at how bad this is.

    This blows out of the water "we have the better team" crap.

    • anker 30.1
      16 July 2020 at 11:40 am

      Mike A……it seems this is all they've got. It will be interesting to see if they put Better Team on their billboards lol lol lol

    • georgecom 30.2
      16 July 2020 at 10:41 pm

      'the better team', 'promoting talent'…….Gerry Brownlee, David Bennett ?????

      national has 'a plan' says Gerry Brownlee. What, like the Christchurch rebuild Gerry.

  31. Gabby 31
    16 July 2020 at 11:37 am

    All the more room for some Air New Zealand management and gun dealers.

  32. Brian Tregaskin 32
    16 July 2020 at 11:37 am

    Let me see if I have this straight – the wealth of experience is:

    Gerry Brownlee, Simon Bridges, Nick Smith and Judith Collins?

    Beyond the fact that these 4 are all negatively tainted, the others are all lightweights with absolutely no low profile and name recognition with the public? Seriously , I am stunned at how bad this is.

    This blows out of the water "we have the better team" crap.

    Gerry Brownlee has the COVID-19 Border Response role
    Simon Bridges has Foreign Affairs and Justice at four
    Dr Shane Reti in top five
    Chris Bishop in top 10 as shadow Leader of the House
    Todd Muller has Trade in top 10
    David Bennett heads to number 11
    Nicola Willis takes Education
    Housing and Urban Development goes to Jacqui Dean
    Mark Mitchell falls out of top 10 and loses Justice
    Dr Nick Smith back in the shadow-Cabinet
    Harete Hipango takes shadow Attorney-General

    Yep it does but to be fair give the newcomers like Nicola the benefit of the doubt –but quick analysis tells me where is this magical talent and business experience in that list? ,How well did Gerry Brownlee perform during Christchurch Earthquake crisis?—-

    really hard sell

    • dv 32.1
      16 July 2020 at 11:40 am

      Team ha

      sort of like all blacks retiring half way through a world cup final!!!!!!.

    • joe90 32.2
      16 July 2020 at 11:48 am

      Harete Hipango takes shadow Attorney-General

      Poor things haven't twigged to just how lazy this pompous, self-serving flake is.

  33. ianmac 33
    16 July 2020 at 11:38 am

    Collins is described constantly as "polarising."

    So was Muldoon. You either loved him or hated him. And he held sway for so many years.

    • Enough is Enough 33.1
      16 July 2020 at 12:11 pm

      Most strong leaders are polarising.

      If you want to see how much popular leaders are hated by the other side do one of two things.

      1. Write a comment on The Standard about how great John Key was; or

      2. Write a comment on Kiwiblog about how great Jacinda Ardern is.

      • ianmac 33.1.1
        16 July 2020 at 12:34 pm

        Not sure about the "strong" tag Enough. Perhaps the Leaders who have clearly defined positions on issues are strong. Perhaps populists are not strong.

        Key varied according to the wind direction.

        Helen had clearly defined philosophy.

        Muldoon pigheaded.

        So which leaders are strong? And strong with which department? Caucus control? Democratic consultations? Dirty Tricks?

      • Just Is 33.1.2
        16 July 2020 at 1:02 pm

        Interestingly, the last time I visited kiwiblog, a large proportion of the punters were complaining Key wasn't "right wing enough" too much of a centrist, that was about a year before Key disappeared unexpectedly.

        • Enough is Enough 33.1.2.1
          16 July 2020 at 1:08 pm

          I don't encourage you to but I can predict what would happen if you left a comment there now which says "Jacinda is providing strong leadership through the covid crisis"

    • Chris 33.2
      16 July 2020 at 12:26 pm

      Yes, but there's a difference with Collins, which is her tendency to lose the plot. Someone's already mentioned Trotter's piece, the most interesting observation I think is:

      "If Jacinda is able to embarrass her opponent severely, then there is every chance Collins will reveal her dark side. That would be “Game Over”"

      Collins won't need embarrassing for her to do that. It'll come out regardless.

      http://bowalleyroad.blogspot.com/

    • Peter 33.3
      16 July 2020 at 12:30 pm

      I suppose the real question is was the polarisation of importance when it came to doing everything that was good for New Zealand.

      There are bound to be those alive who were at 'Muldoon is god' pole who wanted him to get rid of the superannuation scheme when he got in.

      They're still likely to be bitching about the way the country is economically. What they did was give him the go ahead to pull the bung in that boat scuppering the possibility of the economy being so much better. They caused shit, they had the answer then, now they still me they have the answers. I guess polarisation is when people like me get used to saying "fuck off."

  34. observer 34
    16 July 2020 at 12:29 pm

    Nobody gives a toss who is number 7 or 17 or 47 in the rankings. They are in opposition.

    Even here, a blog for political tragics, I bet few of us can recall who got demoted by Shearer or promoted by Cunliffe or whatever. Probably because whoever it was lost their seat at the election anyway.

    These people are wandering in the desert. Their purpose is forgotten. Take Todd Muller. It would not matter one tiny little bit if he spent the next 2 months in the Bay of Plenty, working as an electorate MP and recharging his batteries. Not one law would be changed, not one policy implemented. But he might get some perspective on his life and his work.

    But no. "Front bench! Trade! Big move!". What a joke.

    • Cinny 34.1
      16 July 2020 at 12:47 pm

      What I'm trying to get my head around is this…. muller resigns as leader and has gone to ground. Some are touting the idea it's because of mental health difficulties.

      If that is so, why on earth is he in their top ten?

      There's so much more to this than meets the eye me thinks.

      • Enough is Enough 34.1.1
        16 July 2020 at 1:12 pm

        Why would mental health issues disqualify you from being in the top 10?

        • observer 34.1.1.1
          16 July 2020 at 1:16 pm

          "Issues" wouldn't. But an unhealthy response to those issues is to return to the stress that pushes somebody to a breakdown. Taking leave is usually the smart thing to do.

          • Cinny 34.1.1.1.1
            16 July 2020 at 6:33 pm

            Observer, absolutely.

            To add context, I suffered from mental health difficulties and going back to a stressful work environment would have been suicide at the time.
            I still think there's so much more to todd's resigning as leader, but maybe I'm wrong, it just seems bizarre to me.

  35. observer 35
    16 July 2020 at 12:41 pm

    Also, the RW opposition is going to be very nasty next term, with more ACT MPs, hard right Nats (they have safe seats) and few social "liberals".

  36. Myangle 36
    16 July 2020 at 1:57 pm

    Seems nobody at the Standard, has spotted the obvious goings on with the Nats.

    Clearing out the "Wets", i.e. the "Labour Lites" who have embedded themselves in the party.

    • Dennis Frank 36.1
      16 July 2020 at 3:06 pm

      Well, that didn't work. Brownlee even got promoted! Told Duncan Garner this morning about their 5-point plan. You know, the five socialist initiatives that Todd announced. You haven't heard Judith repudiating that, have you? And she's put Todd back in at #8. So much for the wet/dry rerun of the '80s. No legs, can't run.

    • I Feel Love 36.2
      16 July 2020 at 3:08 pm

      Someone pointed it out the other day actually, with Muller going, Observer I think it was.

  37. Brian Tregaskin 37
    16 July 2020 at 2:22 pm

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/07/duncan-garner-gerry-brownlee-butt-heads-over-national-s-policy-announcements.html

    Duncan Garner, Gerry Brownlee butt heads over National's policy announcements

    This blows out of the water "we have the better team" crap. I cant stop laughing –does anyone seriously believe it?

  39. Drowsy M. Kram 39
    16 July 2020 at 4:52 pm

    Has anyone done a fact-check on the Honourable Judith Collins' (potential future NZ Prime Minister) self-serving reckon that the average term of an MP is four years?

    Sure it's a demanding job, but if Collins' reckon was accurate then at least two thirds of MPs would be 'one-termers' – can that be right?

    "She [Collins] noted that the average term of an MP was four years and they had both been in Parliament since 2008."
    https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-national/national-reshuffle-bridges-back-plum-role-muller

  40. Ben 40
    16 July 2020 at 7:33 pm

    Hmm, I’m starting to wonder if Anker, Drowsy M. Kram, observer, Incognito, Just Is, and Tiger Mountain all love together in a dorm and commute via this undersubscribed echo chamber 😂

    [You were clearly going for it from the outset and the piece of string was long enough to hang yourself with, as I expected, even though I warned you several times. Trolls are so stupidly predictable. Never mind, banned for six months. Bye bye Ben – Incognito]

    • Ben 40.1
      16 July 2020 at 7:34 pm

      Ps, deliberate grammatical errors.

    • observer 40.2
      16 July 2020 at 7:38 pm

      And yet I have never wasted a moment of my precious time wondering about "Ben".

      Do you need a hobby?

      • Ben 40.2.1
        16 July 2020 at 7:46 pm

        I’ve found one: listening to angry echos❌

        • observer 40.2.1.1
          16 July 2020 at 8:00 pm

          Then you need to keep off Kiwiblog and those deranged Twitter accounts with the red cross.

          Here it's all popcorn. What's tomorrow's entertainment? Judith sacks Simon?

          • Ben 40.2.1.1.1
            16 July 2020 at 8:06 pm

            That is not a bad idea observer. It would be fun to watch, eh?
            The Red Cross, I don’t know what it means but I have observed that it annoys the hell out of certain observers. Is this better ⭕️?

            • observer 40.2.1.1.1.1
              16 July 2020 at 8:12 pm

              It means you promote racial hatred. You are on the internet, use it. Twitter is there for you. Look, it up, learn. It will take less time than you spend here.

              It is not a joke.

    • Drowsy M. Kram 40.3
      16 July 2020 at 7:38 pm

      Ben, what do you reckon about the 'Honourable' Judith Collins' reckon? On the money?

      Be brave Ben – open up the echo chamber wink

      https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1487262.Brave_Ben

      • Ben 40.3.1
        16 July 2020 at 7:43 pm

        Well written Mathilde!

        • Drowsy M. Kram 40.3.1.1
          16 July 2020 at 8:07 pm

          It's too late for me Ben, but it's not too late to save yourself – open your mind.

          Oops, I was wrong – it was too late to save yourself!

        • In Vino 40.3.1.2
          16 July 2020 at 8:30 pm

          Total failure, Ben I am a language teacher, and found no grammatical errors at all since and including comment 40. You can't even do errors properly! (Simple spelling is a different matter.)

    • Incognito 40.4
      16 July 2020 at 8:15 pm

      See my Moderation note @ 7:33 PM.

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    As the National Party gets closer to government, lobbyists and business interests will be lining up for influence and to get policies adopted. It’s therefore in the public interest to have much more scrutiny and transparency about potential conflicts of interests that might arise. One of the key individuals of ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • Labour may be on way out of power and NZ First back in – but will Peters go into coalition with Na...
    Voters  are deserting Labour in droves, despite Chris  Hipkins’  valiant  rearguard  action.  So  where  are they  heading?  Clearly  not all of them are going to vote National, which concedes that  the  outcome  will be “close”. To the Right of National, the ACT party just a  few weeks  ago  was ...
    Point of OrderBy tutere44
    4 days ago

  • GRAHAM ADAMS: Will the racists please stand up?
    Accusations of racism by journalists and MPs are being called out. Graham Adams writes –    With the election less than three weeks away, what co-governance means in practice — including in water management, education, planning law and local government — remains largely obscure. Which is hardly ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on whether Winston Peters can be a moderating influence
    As the centre-right has (finally!) been subjected to media interrogation, the polls are indicating that some voters may be starting to have second thoughts about the wisdom of giving National and ACT the power to govern alone. That’s why yesterday’s Newshub/Reid Research poll had the National/ACT combo dropping to 60 ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    4 days ago

  • Tuesday’s Chorus: RBNZ set to rain on National's victory parade
    ANZ has increased its forecast for house inflation later this year on signs of growing momentum in the market ahead of the election. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: National has campaigned against the Labour Government’s record on inflation and mortgage rates, but there’s now a growing chance the Reserve ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • After a Pittsburgh coal processing plant closed, ER visits plummeted
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Katie Myers. This story was originally published by Grist and is part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story. Pittsburgh, in its founding, was blessed and cursed with two abundant natural resources: free-flowing rivers and a nearby coal seam. ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • September-23 AT Board Meeting
    Today the AT board meet again and once again I’ve taken a look at what’s on the agenda to find the most interesting items. Closed Agenda Interestingly when I first looked at the agendas this paper was there but at the time of writing this post it had been ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • Electorate Watch: West Coast-Tasman
    Continuing my series on interesting electorates, today it’s West Coast-Tasman.A long thin electorate running down the northern half of the west coast of the South Island. Think sand flies, beautiful landscapes, lots of rain, Pike River, alternative lifestylers, whitebaiting, and the spiritual home of the Labour Party. A brief word ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Big money brings Winston back
    National leader Christopher Luxon yesterday morning conceded it and last night’s Newshub poll confirmed it; Winston Peters and NZ First are not only back but highly likely to be part of the next government. It is a remarkable comeback for a party that was tossed out of Parliament in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago

  • 20 days until Election Day, 7 until early voting begins… but what changes will we really see here?
    As this blogger, alongside many others, has already posited in another forum: we all know the National Party’s “budget” (meaning this concept of even adding up numbers properly is doing a lot of heavy, heavy lifting right now) is utter and complete bunk (read hung, drawn and quartered and ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    4 days ago

  • A night out
    Everyone was asking, Are you nervous? and my response was various forms of God, yes.I've written more speeches than I can count; not much surprises me when the speaker gets to their feet and the room goes quiet.But a play? Never.YOU CAME! THANK YOU! Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • A pallid shade of Green III
    Clearly Labour's focus groups are telling it that it needs to pay more attention to climate change - because hot on the heels of their weaksauce energy efficiency pilot programme and not-great-but-better-than-nothing solar grants, they've released a full climate manifesto. Unfortunately, the core policies in it - a second Emissions ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • A coalition of racism, cruelty, and chaos
    Today's big political news is that after months of wibbling, National's Chris Luxon has finally confirmed that he is willing to work with Winston Peters to become Prime Minister. Which is expected, but I guess it tells us something about which way the polls are going. Which raises the question: ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • More migrant workers should help generate the tax income needed to provide benefits for job seekers
    Buzz from the Beehive Under something described as a “rebalance” of its immigration rules, the Government has adopted four of five recommendations made in an independent review released in July, The fifth, which called on the government to specify criteria for out-of-hours compliance visits similar to those used during ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago

  • Letter To Luxon.
    Some of you might know Gerard Otto (G), and his G News platform. This morning he wrote a letter to Christopher Luxon which I particularly enjoyed, and with his agreement I’m sharing it with you in this guest newsletter.If you’d like to make a contribution to support Gerard’s work you ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • LINDSAY MITCHELL: Alarming trend in benefit numbers
    Lindsay Mitchell writes –  While there will not be another quarterly release of benefit numbers prior to the election, limited weekly reporting continues and is showing an alarming trend. Because there is a seasonal component to benefit number fluctuations it is crucial to compare like with like. In ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • BRIAN EASTON: Has there been external structural change?
    A close analysis of the Treasury assessment of the Medium Term in its PREFU 2023 suggests the economy may be entering a new phase.   Brian Easton writes –  Last week I explained that the forecasts in the just published Treasury Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update (PREFU 2023) was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • CRL Progress – Sep-23
    It’s been a while since we looked at the latest with the City Rail Link and there’s been some fantastic milestones recently. To start with, and most recently, CRL have released an awesome video showing a full fly-through of one of the tunnels. Come fly with us! You asked for ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    5 days ago

  • Monday’s Chorus: Not building nearly enough
    We are heading into another period of fast population growth without matching increased home building or infrastructure investment.Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Labour and National detailed their house building and migration approaches over the weekend, with both pledging fast population growth policies without enough house building or infrastructure investment ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • Game on; Hipkins comes out punching
    Labour leader Chris Hipkins yesterday took the gloves off and laid into National and its leader Christopher Luxon. For many in Labour – and particularly for some at the top of the caucus and the party — it would not have been a moment too soon. POLITIK is aware ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago

  • Tax Cut Austerity Blues.
    The leaders have had their go, they’ve told us the “what?” and the “why?” of their promises. Now it’s the turn of the would be Finance Ministers to tell us the “how?”, the “how much?”, and the “when?”A chance for those competing for the second most powerful job in the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • MIKE GRIMSHAW:  It’s the economy – and the spirit – Stupid…
    Mike Grimshaw writes – Over the past 30-odd years it’s become almost an orthodoxy to blame or invoke neoliberalism for the failures of New Zealand society. On the left the usual response goes something like, neoliberalism is the cause of everything that’s gone wrong and the answer ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 2023 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #38
    A chronological listing of news and opinion articles posted on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Sep 17, 2023 thru Sat, Sep 23, 2023. Story of the Week  Opinion: Let’s free ourselves from the story of economic growth A relentless focus on economic growth has ushered in ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago

  • The End Of The World.
    Have you been looking out of your window for signs of the apocalypse? Don’t worry, you haven’t been door knocked by a representative of the Brian Tamaki party. They’re probably a bit busy this morning spruiking salvation, or getting ready to march on our parliament, which is closed. No, I’ve ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago

  • Climate Town: The Brainwashing Of America's Children
    Climate Town is the YouTube channel of Rollie Williams and a ragtag team of climate communicators, creatives and comedians. They examine climate change in a way that doesn’t make you want to eat a cyanide pill. Get informed about the climate crisis before the weather does it for you. The latest ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

  • Has There Been External Structural Change?
    A close analysis of the Treasury assessment of the Medium Term in its PREFU 2023 suggests the economy may be entering a new phase. Last week I explained that the forecasts in the just published Treasury Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update (PREFU 2023) was similar to the May Budget BEFU, ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago

  • Another Labour bully
    Back in June, we learned that Kiri Allan was a Parliamentary bully. And now there's another one: Labour MP Shanan Halbert: The Labour Party was alerted to concerns about [Halbert's] alleged behaviour a year ago but because staffers wanted to remain anonymous, no formal process was undertaken [...] The ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

  • Climate Change: Ignoring our biggest problem
    Its that time in the election season where the status quo parties are busy accusing each other of having fiscal holes in a desperate effort to appear more "responsible" (but not, you understand, by promising to tax wealth or land to give the government the revenue it needs to do ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

  • JERRY COYNE: A good summary of the mess that is science education in New Zealand
    JERRY COYNE writes –  If you want to see what the government of New Zealand is up to with respect to science education, you can’t do better than listening to this video/slideshow by two exponents of the “we-need-two-knowledge-systems” view. I’ve gotten a lot of scary stuff from Kiwi ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 week ago

  • Good news on the GDP front is accompanied by news of a $5m govt boost for Supercars (but what about ...
    Buzz from the Beehive First, we were treated to the news (from Finance Minister Grant Robertson) that the economy has turned a corner and New Zealand never was in recession.  This was triggered by statistics which showed the economy expanded 0.9 per cent in the June quarter, twice as much as ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 week ago

  • The Scafetta Saga
    It has taken 17 months to get a comment published pointing out the obvious errors in the Scafetta (2022) paper in GRL. Back in March 2022, Nicola Scafetta published a short paper in Geophysical Research Letters (GRL) purporting to show through ‘advanced’ means that ‘all models with ECS > ...
    Real ClimateBy Gavin
    1 week ago

  • Friday's Chorus: Penny wise and pound foolish
    TL;DR: In the middle of a climate emergency and in a city prone to earthquakes, Victoria University of Wellington announced yesterday it would stop teaching geophysics, geographic information science and physical geography to save $22 million a year and repay debt. Climate change damage in Aotearoa this year is already ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • CHRIS TROTTER: Calling the big dog’s bluff
      For nearly thirty years the pundits have been telling the minor parties that they must be good little puppies and let the big dogs decide. The parties with a plurality of the votes cast must be allowed to govern – even if that means ignoring the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 week ago

  • The electorate swing, Labour limbo and Luxon-Hipkins two-step
     Another poll, another 27 for Labour. It was July the last time one of the reputable TV company polls had Labour's poll percentage starting with a three, so the limbo question is now being asked: how low can you go?It seems such an unlikely question because this doesn't feel like the kind ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    1 week ago

  • A Womance, and a Nomance.
    After the trench warfare of Tuesday night, when the two major parties went head to head, last night was the turn of the minor parties. Hosts Newshub termed it “the Powerbrokers' Debate”.Based on the latest polls the four parties taking part - ACT, the Greens, New Zealand First, and Te ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • New community-level energy projects to support more than 800 Māori households
    Seven more innovative community-scale energy projects will receive government funding through the Māori and Public Housing Renewable Energy Fund to bring more affordable, locally generated clean energy to more than 800 Māori households, Energy and Resources Minister Dr Megan Woods says. “We’ve already funded 42 small-scale clean energy projects that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Huge boost to Te Tai Tokerau flood resilience
    The Government has approved new funding that will boost resilience and greatly reduce the risk of major flood damage across Te Tai Tokerau. Significant weather events this year caused severe flooding and damage across the region. The $8.9m will be used to provide some of the smaller communities and maraes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Napier’s largest public housing development comes with solar
    The largest public housing development in Napier for many years has been recently completed and has the added benefit of innovative solar technology, thanks to Government programmes, says Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods. The 24 warm, dry homes are in Seddon Crescent, Marewa and Megan Woods says the whanau living ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Te Whānau a Apanui and the Crown initial Deed of Settlement I Kua waitohua e Te Whānau a Apanui me...
    Māori: Kua waitohua e Te Whānau a Apanui me te Karauna te Whakaaetanga Whakataunga Kua waitohua e Te Whānau a Apanui me te Karauna i tētahi Whakaaetanga Whakataunga hei whakamihi i ō rātou tāhuhu kerēme Tiriti o Waitangi. E tekau mā rua ngā hapū o roto mai o Te Whānau ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Plan for 3,000 more public homes by 2025 – regions set to benefit
    Regions around the country will get significant boosts of public housing in the next two years, as outlined in the latest public housing plan update, released by the Housing Minister, Dr Megan Woods. “We’re delivering the most public homes each year since the Nash government of the 1950s with one ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Immigration settings updates
    Judicial warrant process for out-of-hours compliance visits 2023/24 Recognised Seasonal Employer cap increased by 500 Additional roles for Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement More roles added to Green List Three-month extension for onshore Recovery Visa holders The Government has confirmed a number of updates to immigration settings as part of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Poroporoaki: Tā Patrick (Patu) Wahanga Hohepa
    Tangi ngunguru ana ngā tai ki te wahapū o Hokianga Whakapau Karakia. Tārehu ana ngā pae maunga ki Te Puna o te Ao Marama. Korihi tangi ana ngā manu, kua hinga he kauri nui ki te Wao Nui o Tāne. He Toa. He Pou. He Ahorangi. E papaki tū ana ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Renewable energy fund to support community resilience
    40 solar energy systems on community buildings in regions affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and other severe weather events Virtual capability-building hub to support community organisations get projects off the ground Boost for community-level renewable energy projects across the country At least 40 community buildings used to support the emergency response ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • COVID-19 funding returned to Government
    The lifting of COVID-19 isolation and mask mandates in August has resulted in a return of almost $50m in savings and recovered contingencies, Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. Following the revocation of mandates and isolation, specialised COVID-19 telehealth and alternative isolation accommodation are among the operational elements ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Appointment of District Court Judge
    Susie Houghton of Auckland has been appointed as a new District Court Judge, to serve on the Family Court, Attorney-General David Parker said today.  Judge Houghton has acted as a lawyer for child for more than 20 years. She has acted on matters relating to the Hague Convention, an international ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government invests further in Central Hawke’s Bay resilience
    The Government has today confirmed $2.5 million to fund a replace and upgrade a stopbank to protect the Waipawa Drinking Water Treatment Plant. “As a result of Cyclone Gabrielle, the original stopbank protecting the Waipawa Drinking Water Treatment Plant was destroyed. The plant was operational within 6 weeks of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Govt boost for Hawke’s Bay cyclone waste clean-up
    Another $2.1 million to boost capacity to deal with waste left in Cyclone Gabrielle’s wake. Funds for Hastings District Council, Phoenix Contracting and Hog Fuel NZ to increase local waste-processing infrastructure. The Government is beefing up Hawke’s Bay’s Cyclone Gabrielle clean-up capacity with more support dealing with the massive amount ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Taupō Supercars revs up with Government support
    The future of Supercars events in New Zealand has been secured with new Government support. The Government is getting engines started through the Major Events Fund, a special fund to support high profile events in New Zealand that provide long-term economic, social and cultural benefits. “The Repco Supercars Championship is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • There is no recession in NZ, economy grows nearly 1 percent in June quarter
    The economy has turned a corner with confirmation today New Zealand never was in recession and stronger than expected growth in the June quarter, Finance Minister Grant Robertson said. “The New Zealand economy is doing better than expected,” Grant Robertson said. “It’s continuing to grow, with the latest figures showing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Highest legal protection for New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs
    The Government has accepted the Environment Court’s recommendation to give special legal protection to New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs, Te Waikoropupū Springs (also known as Pupū Springs), Environment Minister David Parker announced today.   “Te Waikoropupū Springs, near Takaka in Golden Bay, have the second clearest water in New Zealand after ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • More support for victims of migrant exploitation
    Temporary package of funding for accommodation and essential living support for victims of migrant exploitation Exploited migrant workers able to apply for a further Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa (MEPV), giving people more time to find a job Free job search assistance to get people back into work Use of 90-day ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Strong export boost as NZ economy turns corner
    An export boost is supporting New Zealand’s economy to grow, adding to signs that the economy has turned a corner and is on a stronger footing as we rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle and lock in the benefits of multiple new trade deals, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says. “The economy is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Funding approved for flood resilience work in Te Karaka
    The Government has approved $15 million to raise about 200 homes at risk of future flooding. More than half of this is expected to be spent in the Tairāwhiti settlement of Te Karaka, lifting about 100 homes there. “Te Karaka was badly hit during Cyclone Gabrielle when the Waipāoa River ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Further business support for cyclone-affected regions
    The Government is helping businesses recover from Cyclone Gabrielle and attract more people back into their regions. “Cyclone Gabrielle has caused considerable damage across North Island regions with impacts continuing to be felt by businesses and communities,” Economic Development Minister Barbara Edmonds said. “Building on our earlier business support, this ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New maintenance facility at Burnham Military Camp underway
    Defence Minister Andrew Little has turned the first sod to start construction of a new Maintenance Support Facility (MSF) at Burnham Military Camp today. “This new state-of-art facility replaces Second World War-era buildings and will enable our Defence Force to better maintain and repair equipment,” Andrew Little said. “This Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Foreign Minister to attend United Nations General Assembly
    Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta will represent New Zealand at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this week, before visiting Washington DC for further Pacific focussed meetings. Nanaia Mahuta will be in New York from Wednesday 20 September, and will participate in UNGA leaders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Midwives’ pay equity offer reached
    Around 1,700 Te Whatu Ora employed midwives and maternity care assistants will soon vote on a proposed pay equity settlement agreed by Te Whatu Ora, the Midwifery Employee Representation and Advisory Service (MERAS) and New Zealand Nurses Association (NZNO), Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. “Addressing historical pay ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • New Zealand provides support to Morocco
    Aotearoa New Zealand will provide humanitarian support to those affected by last week’s earthquake in Morocco, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. “We are making a contribution of $1 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to help meet humanitarian needs,” Nanaia Mahuta said. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Government invests in West Coast’s roading resilience
    The Government is investing over $22 million across 18 projects to improve the resilience of roads in the West Coast that have been affected by recent extreme weather, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed today.  A dedicated Transport Resilience Fund has been established for early preventative works to protect the state ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Government invests in Greymouth’s future
    The Government has today confirmed a $2 million grant towards the regeneration of Greymouth’s CBD with construction of a new two-level commercial and public facility. “It will include a visitor facility centred around a new library. Additionally, it will include retail outlets on the ground floor, and both outdoor and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Nanaia Mahuta to attend PIF Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
    Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta will attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, in Suva, Fiji alongside New Zealand’s regional counterparts. “Aotearoa New Zealand is deeply committed to working with our pacific whanau to strengthen our cooperation, and share ways to combat the challenges facing the Blue Pacific Continent,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • PREFU shows no recession, growing economy, more jobs and wages ahead of inflation
    Economy to grow 2.6 percent on average over forecast period Treasury not forecasting a recession Inflation to return to the 1-3 percent target band next year Wages set to grow 4.8 percent a year over forecast period Unemployment to peak below the long-term average Fiscal Rules met - Net debt ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 weeks ago

  • New cancer centre opens in Christchurch
    Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall proudly opened the Canterbury Cancer Centre in Christchurch today. The new facility is the first of its kind and was built with $6.5 million of funding from the Government’s Infrastructure Reference Group scheme for shovel-ready projects allocated in 2020. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 weeks ago

  • Government invests in top of the south’s roading resilience
    $12 million to improve the resilience of roads in the Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman regions Hope Bypass earmarked in draft Government Policy Statement on land transport $127 million invested in the top of the south’s roads since flooding in 2021 and 2022 The Government is investing over $12 million to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 weeks ago

  • New Zealanders continue to support the revitalisation of te reo as we celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Mā...
    Ko tēnei te wiki e whakanui ana i tō tātou reo rangatira. Ko te wā tuku reo Māori, e whakanuia tahitia ai te reo ahakoa kei hea ake tēnā me tēnā o tātou, ka tū ā te Rātū te 14 o Mahuru, ā te 12 o ngā hāora i te ahiahi. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 weeks ago

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