Copyright protest pics

Written By: - Date published: 2:40 pm, February 19th, 2009 - 47 comments
Categories: activism - Tags: ,

A reader has sent in some pics from today’s protest at Parliament against the ‘guilt by accusation’ copyright law. Looks like quite a striking protest, and not a bad turnout for such short notice.

You can click on the thumbnails below for full size.

UPDATE: In the comments Trevor Mallard and Clare Curran report that a Labour bill to stop the provision coming into force has been blocked by the National Party. Audio here.

47 comments on “Copyright protest pics ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Tim Ellis 1
    19 February 2009 at 2:58 pm

    Well that was a surprise. Before I opened this thread I was half-expecting the pictures to be blacked out!

  2. Tane 2
    19 February 2009 at 3:02 pm

    Classic, wish I’d thought of that myself!

  3. Rex Widerstrom 3
    19 February 2009 at 3:21 pm

    Well done those people.

    Ugghh Peter Dunne. I swear, if enough people turned up to lobby for forced public anal sex, Dunne’s pants would be round his ankles quicker than you can say “I’ll support anything (till there’s more votes in not supporting it”).

    You know I respect the fact this is your blog and all, but please don’t give the man space on this – or any other – issue. More than any politician in our history, his words mean nothing.

  4. Matthew Pilott 4
    19 February 2009 at 3:24 pm

    Rex… jesus…

  5. Chris S 5
    19 February 2009 at 3:27 pm

    Rex: Ever thought about starting your own blog? I really like reading your viewpoint on a lot of things (last comment, not so much) but I always have to trawl through the comments to find it 🙂

    Just a suggestion

  6. Redbaiter 6
    19 February 2009 at 3:35 pm

    Rex is right. Why give any publicity to the odious compromiser and waffler Dunne, one of the most reptilian politicians in parliament?

  7. Matthew Pilott 7
    19 February 2009 at 3:35 pm

    “Rex: Ever thought about starting your own blog? I really like reading your viewpoint on a lot of things (last comment, not so much) but I always have to trawl through the comments to find it ”

    Or the odd guest post, where your views and those of this blog in general intersect…

  8. Tane 8
    19 February 2009 at 3:45 pm

    Wow, not many Peter Dunne fans here. I can assure you I simply posted the photos I was sent. Didn’t really feel it was appropriate to censor them based on my own political preferences.

  9. sally 9
    19 February 2009 at 3:50 pm

    The tape-over-mouths thing is fast loosing it’s impact through over-use, don’t you think?

  10. Ari 10
    19 February 2009 at 3:52 pm

    Rex jesus

    If you lived in this egomaniac’s electorate, you’d understand. I seriously hope we split the rich vote next time enough to get rid of him.

  11. Rex Widerstrom 11
    19 February 2009 at 3:54 pm

    Wow, a fan club! 😀

    Thanks, I’m truly flattered and I have toyed with the idea – especially as it might dovetail into a return to active poliics of some sort.

    But once you start a blog, people expect something every day and even when I was part of a group which created and maintained a certain infamous anonymous blog a few years back it was hard work fitting it round working for a living.

    I quite like debating underlying ideas as well as just the issues of the day and was about to write my first ever guest post over at Kiwipolitico, at Anita’s invitation, when a certain co-owner got his already overly tight panties in a bunch over my asking nicely if he’d not hack my comments to bits so as to make it read like I had gratuitously insulted Pascals bookie.

    If the Standard would ever like a piece on something that they consider falls within my ambit, they need only ask. Not that I’m getting sniffy and asking to be asked, as it were… just that I usually wouldn’t think of putting myself forward because one of the Standardistas has the background and expertise necessary to produce a good post.

    Tane: political preferences be damned… this is a matter of taste 😀 Your argument would only apply if Dunne had any politics beyond self-preservation and ego massage. Notice how Ari and Redbaiter agree? Find me another pollie that can do that!!

  12. Matthew Pilott 12
    19 February 2009 at 4:05 pm

    Ari, granted and agreed, but it had a Ranapiaesque R-18 quality about it that made me retch.

  13. Francois 13
    19 February 2009 at 4:07 pm

    Well done those people.

    Ugghh Peter Dunne. I swear, if enough people turned up to lobby for forced public anal sex, Dunne’s pants would be round his ankles quicker than you can say “I’ll support anything (till there’s more votes in not supporting it’).

    You know I respect the fact this is your blog and all, but please don’t give the man space on this – or any other – issue. More than any politician in our history, his words mean nothing.

    On that note, how many votes do you think Dunne will be able to fish out of this?

  14. Trevor Mallard 14
    19 February 2009 at 4:18 pm

    Presume people are becoming aware that Nats blocked the introduction of a bill from Clare Curran that would have stopped the provision coming into force.

  15. Duncan 15
    19 February 2009 at 4:21 pm

    Trevor – seriously? What on earth is their motivation here?

  16. Clare Curran 16
    19 February 2009 at 4:36 pm

    Just for everyones information, heres what I introduced (unsuccessfully) in the House today and heres my release. Labour takes the copyright issue very seriously and is listening and wanting to be constructive:

    Despite official advice on the importance of finding a solution to the copyright issue, the National Government today missed an opportunity to take steps in that direction when it refused leave for an Amendment Bill to the Copyright Act to be introduced.

    Labour spokesperson for communications and information technology Clare Curran today sought leave to introduce a Bill to amend the Act to ensure a workable code of practice was in place with the approval of the relevant Minister before Section 92A comes into force.

    Despite indications of support from most other parties, the National Party refused leave and is now sitting on its hands on the copyright issue, Curran said.

    Ministry of Economic Development senior officials in todays Commerce Select Committee said this was an issue of high priority and needed to be addressed quickly by the government, she said.

    Section 92A of the Copyright Act is due to come into effect on 28 Feb. More time is required for the affected parties to negotiate the issues and reach agreement on a workable code that upholds the principles copyright protects while not placing an unreasonable burden on the internet service providers.

    Labour considered a variety of measures including delaying the enactment of the clause, however, only the government can do this by revisiting the date of commencement and I call on Commerce Minister Simon Power to do so urgently.

    ?The Copyright (Internet Service Provider Account Termination Policy) Amendment Bill creates a mechanism for developing guidelines, something not included in the existing legislation. This Bill therefore proposed to amend section 92A to include the following clause:

    (3) A policy as required by subsection (1) must be in accordance with guidelines developed by industry groupings representing the interests of telecommunications carriers and rights holders and agreed by the responsible Minister.

    The effect of this would have ensured that the parties would have developed guidelines before the section became effective.

    I intend to submit the Bill to the ballot as a Private Members Bill so that these issues can be addressed.

    It is in keeping with the objective of the Act which is to ensure a robust intellectual property rights system for the continuing growth of New Zealand?s creative and innovative sectors.

    The wider issue of the future of copyright law in a digital age is complex and fast changing. In order for the Section 92A to be effective, a workable code of practice between the rights holders and the internet service providers must be achieved.

    There is widespread and growing support for an education campaign around the complex issue of copyright. Its time the government took action on this issue, said Curran.

  17. higherstandard 17
    19 February 2009 at 4:54 pm

    When all the blogs left and right are wailing one can safely assume the proposed legislation is cak.

    More to the point why did the previous Minister of Wine and Cheese introduce the bill and why are the current twats supporting it ?

  18. Doug 18
    19 February 2009 at 5:00 pm

    I thought this Bill was in the Name of Judith Tisard, Just another bill labour introduced and now rails against, along with the EFA. How many more ill thought out bills to come?.

  19. Lew 19
    19 February 2009 at 5:02 pm

    Trevor said,

    Presume people are becoming aware that Nats blocked the introduction of a bill from Clare Curran that would have stopped the provision coming into force.

    This is confirmed. You can listen to the audio.

    L

  20. Chris S 20
    19 February 2009 at 5:05 pm

    Doug, she did seem hell-bent on keeping that clause in there even after it was removed by the select committee.

    However, Chris Finlayson also supported that particular clause (I believe he was a part of that particular committee) and stood behind it, on record.

    Why the hell are you trying to play partisan with this? People are crying from left and right to have it removed. Labour were bad for putting it in there, but National are worse for ignoring almost everyone else (including ACT, for shits sake) and dragging it through.

    They even shot down Clare’s amendment without even hearing it read for the first time which shows how open they are about improving the law.

  21. Simon 21
    19 February 2009 at 5:23 pm

    Clare Curran
    February 19, 2009 at 4:36 pm

    Just for everyones information, heres what I introduced (unsuccessfully) in the House today and heres my release. Labour takes the copyright issue very seriously and is listening and wanting to be constructive:

    Curran honestly believes that the electorate can be fooled into forgetting that this heinous Act is Liarbour legislation.

    Oh you’re “listening” now are you Liarbour? Oh you want to be “constructive” now Liarbour? Like you’ve got a solid Party history of doing either.

  22. Matthew Pilott 22
    19 February 2009 at 5:38 pm

    Simon, if Labour introduces legislation, and National passes said legislation, who would you blame for it?

    By your use of ‘Liarbour’, I very much doubt to get an honest or intelligent answer, but I had to ask, just to see you try. So what’s it going to be?

  23. Chris S 23
    19 February 2009 at 5:43 pm

    Simon: Shut up. Shut up. Shut up.

    I’m quite happy to afford anybody (yes, even Dunne) political capitol if they’re willing to axe this law.

  24. Felix 24
    19 February 2009 at 5:52 pm

    “Liarbour”?

    Really Simon? Are you the same Simon who thinks typing “Pol Clark” ? makes a bold statement?

  25. Chris 25
    19 February 2009 at 5:54 pm

    I agree wholeheartedly with the comments regarding Reichfurherminister Dunne. My impression is that he’s a nasty little fascist, who would be entirely happy selling his grandmother if it won him votes.

    I don’t bag politicians (they’re human too), but RFM Dunne is an exception.

  26. Lew 26
    19 February 2009 at 6:02 pm

    Amateur night.

    L

  27. Tane 27
    19 February 2009 at 6:03 pm

    What’s with everyone’s obsession with comparing New Zealand political figures to foreign totalitarians? Does anyone actually think it’ll encourage people to take them more seriously?

  28. Redbaiter 28
    19 February 2009 at 6:26 pm

    “Curran honestly believes that the electorate can be fooled into forgetting that this heinous Act is Liarbour legislation.”

    Its all about “language”. Was it that or something else she wrote about in that Communist Party magazine? It just strikes me as the ultimate in deceit when the left posture as protectors of free speech. How many historical examples of the left attacking freedom of expression do you want me to provide?? Clare’s article on language is one of the most Stalinist documents I have ever read.

  29. Graeme 29
    19 February 2009 at 6:28 pm

    Presume people are becoming aware that Nats blocked the introduction of a bill from Clare Curran that would have stopped the provision coming into force.

    This is confirmed. You can listen to the audio.

    Not confirmed. You can read the proposed bill above. It would not have stopped the provision coming into force.

  30. Redbaiter 30
    19 February 2009 at 6:28 pm

    Oh sorry for the double posting, and gratitude for processing so quick. (caught me by surprise)

  31. Rex Widerstrom 31
    19 February 2009 at 6:29 pm

    Besides, Dunne wouldn’t have lasted 5 minutes in the Third Reich. Batshit crazy as they were, they actually believed in something, He’d have been spotted for a sycophant (and thus a likely traitor) and summarily executed.

    Okay, now the thought is creeping into my mind that the Third Reich wasn’t all bad 😉 Time to lie down.

  32. Ryan Kennedy 32
    19 February 2009 at 8:06 pm

    It’s kind of like the ‘anti-smacking law’, which wasn’t anti-smacking at all. This might easily fizzle in practice when no one has the resources to enforce it.

  33. Tim Ellis 33
    19 February 2009 at 8:27 pm

    Matthew said:

    Simon, if Labour introduces legislation, and National passes said legislation, who would you blame for it?

    But that’s not what happened is it Matthew? The legislation was already passed, and is due to come into force. From what I can see Claire Curran’s Bill didn’t actually properly deal with the issue. It seems to have been a smokescreen to distract from the fact that Labour passed this legislation just a few months ago. Even the Greens appear to point out that Curran’s Bill was a sop and a side issue.

    If I were the National Government, I would be very wary about accepting a Member’s Bill from a new, backbench opposition MP from the Party that passed this law just a few months earlier. It’s clear National is now responsible for what happens and it looks like they will have to come up with proper amendments, but that should be done under official advice and be robust enough to avoid the very problem that everybody’s up in arms about.

    If it takes ten days to achieve that and if Parliament has to put an amendment bill into urgency to delay the effect of the legislation I don’t have a problem with that as long as it achieves what it is supposed to do.

  34. Matthew Pilott 34
    19 February 2009 at 8:44 pm

    Tim, I know that, ’twas a hypothetical. If it was to eventuate, then I believe rational humanity would, in all fairness, blame National. So it was a wee test to see where Simon fits in.

    It also sounds like National have actively amended the bill post-select committee, to make it worse than it was before. Perhaps they should be less wary of others if they’re making such a hash of things.

    I’m not sure what The Greens’ problem was, and you haven’t critiqued Curran’s proposed amendment, but preventing the offending legislation from taking effect, and allowing time for it to be modified makes sense to me…that’s just from reading the release above, though.

  35. toad 35
    19 February 2009 at 8:52 pm

    No pic of Frog and Whaleoil marching side by side! That would have been a first that should have been recorded for posterity.

    Anyway, lets keep the pressure on all political partes – this is seriously bad law (regardless of who instigated and who supported it) so why can’t they get over the games an agree to amend it.

  36. Lew 36
    19 February 2009 at 8:54 pm

    Graeme,

    Not confirmed. You can read the proposed bill above. It would not have stopped the provision coming into force.

    It would have stopped the provision coming into force as written, i.e, without constraint by industry stakeholders, which buys time. But you’re right – it’s not an outright repeal of the provision, which is the ultimate goal.

    The confirmation I intended was of the claim that Curran had tried to introduce the bill; not on the quality of that bill.

    L

  37. Rex Widerstrom 37
    19 February 2009 at 9:55 pm

    Ryan Kennedy suggests:

    This might easily fizzle in practice when no one has the resources to enforce it.

    Wot, like the RIAA didn’t leap on basically harmless mp3 downloading kids?

    *weeps a silent tear for Metallica’s depleted gazillions*

  38. Ari 38
    19 February 2009 at 10:14 pm

    Find me another pollie that can do that!!

    Winston Peters? 😉 Isn’t it lovely how centrist cults of personality and populist morons can bring together the nuttiest of wingnuts and the pinkest of pinkos? 😀

  39. vto 39
    19 February 2009 at 10:18 pm

    man I laughed when I saw those photos

  40. Clint Heine 40
    19 February 2009 at 11:26 pm

    Plenty of room for you to write on my blog Rex 🙂 I like the cut of your gib.

  41. Joseph 41
    19 February 2009 at 11:28 pm

    Rex,

    I always get the feeling I should download Metallica’s discography, just as a small personal protest. I’d rather keep my bandwidth for more important things though. 😉

  42. Don 42
    20 February 2009 at 10:25 am

    Labour takes the copyright issue very seriously and is listening and wanting to be constructive:

    Clare Curren, whilst that is great news I think it would be more helpful if Labour also acknowledged that when in power they were not listening or taking at all seriously the views of people who had concerns about this Act. Indeed we were vilified and insulted.

    Your proposed amendment does not go far enough. S92 in its entirety needs revisiting. The idea that the law can be made good through the simple expediency of a Ministerial approved CoP is a red herring that once again switches the onus onto ISPs to produce something that complies with bad law.

    All the above being said, many thanks for your interest in this topic and also for using your PQs to raise the issue to a higher level.

  43. Tane 43
    20 February 2009 at 10:44 am

    Don, you might want to repost that comment over at Clare’s guest post here:
    http://www.thestandard.org.nz/clare-curran-on-s92a/

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    Buzz from the Beehive  Tolling was mentioned when Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced the government was re-introducing the Roads of National Significance (RoNS) programme, with 15 “crucial” projects to support economic growth and regional development across New Zealand. All RoNS would be four-laned, grade-separated highways, and all funding, financing, and ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Change in Catalonia?
    or the past 14 years, ever since the Spanish government cheated on an autonomy deal, Catalonia has reliably given pro-independence parties a majority of seats in their regional parliament. But now that seems to be over. Catalans went to the polls yesterday, and stripped the Catalan parties of their majority. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • Having an enrolment date is not depriving anyone of a vote
    David Farrar writes –  Radio NZ report: Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins said the Electoral Commission should make sure the system ran smoothly and “taking away the right of thousands of people to vote” was not the answer. “Thousands of people enroled and voted on the day. If ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Perhaps house prices don’t always go up
    Don Brash writes –  There was a rather revealing headline in the Herald on Sunday today (12 May). It read “One in 8 Auckland homes on market were bought during boom, may now sell for loss”. The first line of text noted that “New data shows one in ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Can’t read, can’t write, can’t comprehend – and won’t think…?
    Mike Grimshaw writes –  At a time when universities are understandably nervous regarding the establishment of the University Advisory Group (UAG) and the Science System Advisory Group (SSAG) it may seem strange – or even fool-hardy – to state that there are long-standing issues in the tertiary sector ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Time for some perspective
    Lindsay Mitchell writes –  A lack of perspective can make something quite large or important seem small or irrelevant. Against a backdrop of high-profile, negative statistics it is easy to overlook the positive. For instance, the fact that 64 percent of Maori are employed is rarely reported. For ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Will NZ Herald’s ‘poor journalism’ cost lives?
    Earlier this year, the Herald ran a series of articles amounting to a sustained campaign against raised pedestrian crossings, by reporter Bernard Orsman. A key part of that campaign concerned the raised crossings being installed as part of the Pt Chevalier to Westmere project, with at least 10 articles over ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to May 19 and beyond
    TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to May 19 include:PM Christopher Luxon is expected to hold his weekly post-cabinet news conference at 4:00pm on Monday.Parliament is not sitting this week. It resumes next week for a two-week sitting session up to and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Webworm Popup Photos!
    Hi,Thanks to all the beautiful Worms who came to the LA Webworm popup on Saturday.It was a way to celebrate the online store we launched last week — and it was super special.As I talk about a lot, I really value our community here — and it was a BLAST ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    3 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #19
    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, May 5, 2024 thru Sat, May 11, 2024. (Unfortunate) Story of the week "Grief that stops at despair is an ending that I and many others, most notably ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • The Gods Must Be Woke.
    Last night the largest solar storm in decades resulted in Aurorae being seen across Aotearoa, causing many to ask why?Why was the sky pink? What was all this stuff about the power grid? Have we, as so many have wondered since the election, reached the end of days?I had a ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • More road
    We have been on the road in England, squeezing down narrow lanes, flying up the M6, loving hedgerows and villages and cathedrals, liking the 21st century less.There have been moments when it’s felt like a movie trope. The pub in Exford, lovely seventeenth century bar, almost more dogs than people, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Seeing the Aurora Australis
    There’s a solar-storm on at the moment, and since the South Island is having a day and night with clear skies, that means Aurorae. I have just got back from a midnight visit to Tunnel Beach – southwards-looking over the Sea, and without the light pollution. Quite a few others ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    4 days ago

  • Welcome to the current welfare mess
    Michael Bassett writes – I’m not sure that it’s much comfort to anyone to know that the post-Covid surge in violent crimes, gang activity, ram raids, random shootings, thuggery and stabbings is occurring in other countries as well as New Zealand. These days, wagging school, out-of-control welfare and ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • A shovel-ready autopsy
    Oliver Hartwich writes –  Cast your mind back to mid-December. A new Prime Minister had just been sworn in, the new Government started its 100-day programme, and Christmas was only days away.Amid all the haste, a report landed that would have deserved our attention.I am talking about the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Why we almost blacked out and how to fix it
    TL;DR: An unseasonally early icy blast at the same time as some long-overdue maintenance almost caused Aotearoa-NZ’s electricity system to black out this week. That’s because a quadropoly of gentailers1 have prioritised paying dividends from their rising profits and adding debt over investing in 1.5 GigaWatts of new wind farms ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • What Is Instagram Trying To Sell Us?
    Hi,Before we crack into today’s Webworm, I wanted to acknowledge the fact that Israel is pushing into Rafah. Over 100,000 Palestinians are now attempting to flee the one place that was deemed “safe”.Trouble is, the place they’re fleeing to is already destroyed. Total annihilation is the end goal here.“Israel is ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    5 days ago

  • Precious Little Excitement: Warner Brothers, Peter Jackson, and Gollum
    Back in February 2023, I made the cardinal mistake of getting my hopes up. Warner Brothers declared that fresh Middle-earth movies were in the works: https://phuulishfellow.wordpress.com/2023/02/24/it-never-rains-but-it-pours-warner-brothers-and-impending-tolkien-adaptations/ My assumption, based on which rights were available, and what had already been done, was that this was a stab at either the Angmar ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    6 days ago

  • Do We Need a Population Census?
    ‘It has been said that figures rule the world. Maybe. I am quite sure that it is figures which show us whether it is being ruled well or badly.’ GoetheI was struck at a recent conference on equity for the elderly, how many presenters implicitly relied upon Statistics New Zealand. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    6 days ago

  • No, the govt will not be cutting back on every budget – and the Defence vote is among those to be ...
    Buzz from the Beehive Reporting on defence spending late last year, RNZ said the coalition government will have to make some tough calls this term to help the force address staff shortages and ageing infrastructure. “These are huge, huge amounts of government spending. It’s a significant proportion of the government’s ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • The Treasury and productivity
    Late last week The Treasury released a new 40 page report on “The productivity slowdown: implications for the Treasury’s forecasts and projections” (productivity forecasts and projections that is, rather than any possible fiscal implications – the latter will, I guess, be articulated in the Budget documents). In short, if (as it has) ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • The Controller and Auditor-General’s role
    Peter Dunne writes –  I am always wary when I hear that the Controller and Auditor-General has commented on or made recommendations to the government about an issue of public policy that does not relate strictly to public expenditure. According to the legislation, the role of the Controller ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • More harm than good
    How Labour’s and National’s failure to move beyond neoliberalism has brought NZ to the brink of economic and cultural chaos   Chris Trotter writes –  TO START LOSING, so soon after you won, requires a special kind of political incompetence. At the heart of this Coalition ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Real reason Waitangi Tribunal could not summons Chhour
    And why did the Crown not challenge the Tribunal’s jurisdiction?   Gary Judd writes –  Retired District Court Judge, David Harvey, has posted on his A Halflings View Substack an excellent summary of Justice Isacs’ judgment declining to uphold the witness summons issued by the Waitangi Tribunal ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Losing confidence in the integrity of NZ elections
    Bryce Edwards writes – Do you believe New Zealand runs its general elections fairly and competently? As a voter, can you be confident that the votes on your ballot will be counted towards the final result?As a political scientist, I’ve been asked these questions many times and ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Macklemore's Pro-Palestinian Protest.
    Macklemore isn’t someone I’d usually think about. Sure I liked his big hit from a few years back, everybody did it was catchy and cool with some memorable lines. But if I was going to think of artists who might speak out on political matters or world events, he wouldn’t ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on miserly school lunches, and the banning of TikTok’s Gaza coverage
    Another week goes by in the Luxon government’s efforts to roll back the past 70 years of social progress. The school lunches programme is to be downgraded by $107 million, and women need bother their heads no longer about pay equity, let alone expect ACC to provide adequate sexual violence ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    6 days ago

  • Weekly Roundup 10-May-2024
    Brrr, the first cold snap of the year. Hope you’re rugged up nice and warm. Here are some stories that caught our eye this week… This Week on Greater Auckland On Monday, we had a post from a new contributor, Connor Sharp, who dug into the public feedback ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    6 days ago

  • The Hoon around the week to May 10
    Almost all of the Wellington City Council’s recommended zoning changes to allow many more apartments and townhouses in its inner-suburbs have been approved.Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for subscribers features co-hosts and , along with regular guest on geopolitics, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #19 2024
    Open access notables A Global Increase in Nearshore Tropical Cyclone Intensification, Balaguru et al., Earth's Future: Tropical Cyclones (TCs) inflict substantial coastal damages, making it pertinent to understand changing storm characteristics in the important nearshore region. Past work examined several aspects of TCs relevant for impacts in coastal regions. However, ...
    Skeptical Science
    7 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Losing confidence in the integrity of NZ elections
    Do you believe New Zealand runs its general elections fairly and competently? As a voter, can you be confident that the votes on your ballot will be counted towards the final result? As a political scientist, I’ve been asked these questions many times and always answered “yes”, with very few ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    7 days ago

  • The Song of Saqua: Volume VIII
    Thus far May has followed on from a quiet April in the blogging department, but in fairness, it has been another case of doing what I am supposed to be doing, namely writing original fiction. Plus reading. So don’t worry – I have been productive. But in order to reassure ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    7 days ago

  • Pretending to talk other people’s languages
    Fakes can come in many forms.A Rolex, for instance.A tan can be fake. Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    7 days ago

  • What’s new? A social agency with an emphasis on “investment” instead of “wellbeing” – b...
    Buzz from the Beehive A new government agency will open for business on July 1 – the Social Investment Agency. As a new standalone central agency effective from 1 July, it will lead the development of social investment across Government, helping ministers understand who they need to invest in, what ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  • Following the political money
    Bryce Edwards writes –    “Follow the money” is the classic directive to journalists trying to understand where power and influence lie in society. In terms of uncovering who influences various New Zealand political parties and governments, it therefore pays to look at who is funding them. The ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • Hipkins would rather no one remember that he was Minister of Education
    Alwyn Poole writes –  After being elected to Parliament in 2008 the maiden speech of Hipkins was substantially around education policy. He was Labour’s spokesperson for education 2011 – 2017. He was Minister for Education from 2017 until February 2023. This is approximately 88% of the time Labour ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • Fashionable follies
    Eric Crampton writes –  A fashion industry group is lobbying for protections. They make the usual arguments and a newer one. None of it makes sense. An industry group says it pumped $7.8 billion into the economy last year – that’s 1.9 percent of New Zealand’s GDP. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • Justice for Bainimarama!
    In December 2006, Fiji's military leader Voreqe Bainimarama overthrew the elected government in a coup. He ruled Fiji for the next 16 years, first as dictator, then as "elected" Prime Minister. But now, he's finally been sent to jail where he belongs. Sadly, this isn't for his real crime of ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    7 days ago

  • March for Nature in June
    Don't like National's corrupt Muldoonist "fast-track" law? Aotearoa's environmental NGO's - Greenpeace, Forest & Bird, WWF, Coromandel Watchdog, Coal Action Network Aotearoa, Kiwis Against Seabed Mining, and others - have announced a joint march against it in Auckland in June: When: 13:00, 8 June, 2024 Where: Aotea Square, Auckland You ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

  • Bernard’ s Dawn Chorus & Pick ‘n’ Mix for Thursday May 9
    Seymour describes sushi as too woke for school meals. There are no fish sushi meals recommended by the School Lunches programme. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / Getty ImagesTL;DR: The Government will swap out hot meals for packaged sandwiches to save $107 million on school lunches for poor kids. MSD has pulled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • The non-woke $3 Lunch.
    I don't mind stealin' bread from the mouths of decadenceBut I can't feed on the powerless when my cup's already overfilled, yeahBut it's on the table, the fire's cookin'And they're farmin' babies, while slaves are workin'The blood is on the table and the mouths are chokin'But I'm goin' hungry, yeahSome ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • Further sanctions against Russia
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters today announced further sanctions on 28 individuals and 14 entities providing military and strategic support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  “Russia is directly supported by its military-industrial complex in its illegal aggression against Ukraine, attacking its sovereignty and territorial integrity. New Zealand condemns all entities and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago

  • One year on from Loafers Lodge
    A year on from the tragedy at Loafers Lodge, the Government is working hard to improve building fire safety, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I want to share my sincere condolences with the families and friends of the victims on the anniversary of the tragic fire at Loafers ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago

  • Pre-Budget speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Ka nui te mihi kia koutou. Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Thank you so much for having me here in the lead up to my Government’s first Budget. Before I get started can I acknowledge: Simon Bridges – Auckland Business Chamber CEO. Steve Jurkovich – Kiwibank CEO. Kids born ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago

  • New Zealand and Vanuatu to deepen collaboration
    New Zealand and Vanuatu will enhance collaboration on issues of mutual interest, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “It is important to return to Port Vila this week with a broad, high-level political delegation which demonstrates our deep commitment to New Zealand’s relationship with Vanuatu,” Mr Peters says.    “This ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago

  • Penk travels to Peru for trade meetings
    Minister for Land Information, Chris Penk will travel to Peru this week to represent New Zealand at a meeting of trade ministers from the Asia-Pacific region on behalf of Trade Minister Todd McClay. The annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting will be held on 17-18 May ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Minister attends global education conferences
    Minister of Education Erica Stanford will head to the United Kingdom this week to participate in the 22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) and the 2024 Education World Forum (EWF). “I am looking forward to sharing this Government’s education priorities, such as introducing a knowledge-rich curriculum, implementing an evidence-based ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Education Minister thanks outgoing NZQA Chair
    Minister of Education Erica Stanford has today thanked outgoing New Zealand Qualifications Authority Chair, Hon Tracey Martin. “Tracey Martin tendered her resignation late last month in order to take up a new role,” Ms Stanford says. Ms Martin will relinquish the role of Chair on 10 May and current Deputy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Joint statement of Christopher Luxon and Emmanuel Macron: Launch of the Christchurch Call Foundation
    New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and President Emmanuel Macron of France today announced a new non-governmental organisation, the Christchurch Call Foundation, to coordinate the Christchurch Call’s work to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.   This change gives effect to the outcomes of the November 2023 Call Leaders’ Summit, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Panel announced for review into disability services
    Distinguished public servant and former diplomat Sir Maarten Wevers will lead the independent review into the disability support services administered by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. The review was announced by Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston a fortnight ago to examine what could be done to strengthen the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Minister welcomes Police gang unit
    Today’s announcement by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster of a National Gang Unit and district Gang Disruption Units will help deliver on the coalition Government’s pledge to restore law and order and crack down on criminal gangs, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. “The National Gang Unit and Gang Disruption Units will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • New Zealand expresses regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today expressed regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric towards New Zealand and its international partners.  “New Zealand proudly stands with the international community in upholding the rules-based order through its monitoring and surveillance deployments, which it has been regularly doing alongside partners since 2018,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • New Chief of Defence Force appointed
    Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies MNZM is the new Chief of Defence Force, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. The Chief of Defence Force commands the Navy, Army and Air Force and is the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister and other Ministers with relevant portfolio responsibilities in the defence ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government puts children first by repealing 7AA
    Legislation to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has been introduced to Parliament. The Bill’s introduction reaffirms the Coalition Government’s commitment to the safety of children in care, says Minister for Children, Karen Chhour. “While section 7AA was introduced with good intentions, it creates a conflict for Oranga ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Defence Minister to meet counterparts in UK, Italy
    Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week travel to the UK and Italy to meet with her defence counterparts, and to attend Battles of Cassino commemorations. “I am humbled to be able to represent the New Zealand Government in Italy at the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of what was ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Charter schools to lift educational outcomes
    The upcoming Budget will include funding for up to 50 charter schools to help lift declining educational performance, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today. $153 million in new funding will be provided over four years to establish and operate up to 15 new charter schools and convert 35 state ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • COVID-19 Inquiry terms of reference consultation results received
    “The results of the public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has now been received, with results indicating over 13,000 submissions were made from members of the public,” Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says. “We heard feedback about the extended lockdowns in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • The Pacific family of nations – the changing security outlook
    Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, other Members of Parliament Acting Chief of Defence Force, Secretary of Defence Distinguished Guests  Defence and Diplomatic Colleagues  Ladies and Gentlemen,  Good afternoon, tēna koutou, apinun tru    It’s a pleasure to be back in Port Moresby today, and to speak here at the Kumul Leadership ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • NZ and Papua New Guinea to work more closely together
    Health, infrastructure, renewable energy, and stability are among the themes of the current visit to Papua New Guinea by a New Zealand political delegation, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Papua New Guinea carries serious weight in the Pacific, and New Zealand deeply values our relationship with it,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Driving ahead with Roads of Regional Significance
    The coalition Government is launching Roads of Regional Significance to sit alongside Roads of National Significance as part of its plan to deliver priority roading projects across the country, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “The Roads of National Significance (RoNS) built by the previous National Government are some of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • New Zealand congratulates new Solomon Islands government
    A high-level New Zealand political delegation in Honiara today congratulated the new Government of Solomon Islands, led by Jeremiah Manele, on taking office.    “We are privileged to meet the new Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet during his government’s first ten days in office,” Deputy Prime Minister and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New Zealand supports UN Palestine resolution
    New Zealand voted in favour of a resolution broadening Palestine’s participation at the United Nations General Assembly overnight, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The resolution enhances the rights of Palestine to participate in the work of the UN General Assembly while stopping short of admitting Palestine as a full ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Speech to the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium
    Introduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • $571 million for Defence pay and projects
    Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Climate change – mitigating the risks and costs
    New Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Getting new job seekers on the pathway to work
    Jobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Accelerating Social Investment
    A new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Getting Back on Track
    Check against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with  your Board and team, for hosting me.   I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ – European Union ties more critical than ever
    Your Excellency Ambassador Meredith,   Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States,   Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us.   Ladies and gentlemen -    In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Therapeutic Products Act to be repealed
    The Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District Plan
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violence
    Rape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston.  “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs less
    Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Report provides insights into marine recovery
    New research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ to send political delegation to the Pacific
    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region.   The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu.    “New Zealand has deep and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Low gas production threatens energy security
    There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co.  Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Defence industry talent, commitment recognised
    Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry
    Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data Summit
    It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government.  I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Ceasefire agreement needed now: Peters
    New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Daily school attendance data now available
    A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour.  The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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