Death by a thousand cuts

Written By: - Date published: 7:20 am, May 1st, 2019 - 74 comments
Categories: Deep stuff, john key, national, Politics, same old national, Simon Bridges - Tags:

Another day and more leaks from within National’s caucus.

First up was news that John Key is favouring Judith Collins for the leadership position.

From Tova O’Brien at Newshub:

Newshub understands former Prime Minister Sir John Key has shown some support behind the scenes for Judith Collins to be National leader. 

Key would not confirm this to Newshub, only to say, “I don’t comment on leadership issues” – but because of his standing in the party, MPs still go to him for advice and he commands huge respect in the National Caucus. 

An endorsement – or even a subtle nod – could be a game-changer. 

And the leaks are continuing:

Newshub was also leaked details of the National Party’s Caucus meeting on Tuesday, which included a specific warning to MPs not to talk to Newshub. 

You could not make this up.  Leaking to Newshub that you were told not to leak to Newshub takes a major amount of chutzpah.

This is death by a thousand cuts stuff.  Bridges’ leadership is terminal at this stage. And it is trashing National’s reputation of being a disciplined unified political party.

74 comments on “Death by a thousand cuts ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Incognito 1
    1 May 2019 at 7:42 am

    Death by a thousand slushies.

    SlushyLeak.

    An endorsement – or even a subtle tug – could be a game-changer.

    FIFY

  2. ScottGN 2
    1 May 2019 at 7:59 am

    Michelle Boag going all in against Collins on Morning a Report just now. It must be all on…

    • marty mars 2.1
      1 May 2019 at 10:14 am

      Yep – Battle of the … – everything I come up with here sounds rude and so I'll leave it to your imagination.

    • Wensleydale 2.2
      1 May 2019 at 1:12 pm

      I hope Boag fervently believes she's going to win. Collins isn't known for her forgiving nature. Although, seeing the two harpies going at each other would be an interesting spectacle.

      • woodart 2.2.1
        1 May 2019 at 2:00 pm

        the thought of those two going at it ,fishwife style, is both appealing and repelling .

  3. Warren Doney 3
    1 May 2019 at 8:00 am

    Judith's new hairdo makes her look a bit like Frankenstein's monster. Seriously, it's probably costing her a few votes at the moment.

    • Incognito 3.1
      1 May 2019 at 8:03 am

      Frankenstein’s monster had a good personality.

      • Wensleydale 3.1.1
        1 May 2019 at 1:03 pm

        And an unholy necromantic abomination cobbled together from disparate body parts is still more of a vote winner than Collins.

    • Tuppence Shrewsbury 3.2
      1 May 2019 at 3:29 pm

      Love it when men make comments that correlate a Womens worth to their appearance.

      • Puckish Rogue 3.2.1
        1 May 2019 at 4:18 pm

        Agreed, thought we'd got past all that…

        • lurgee 3.2.1.1
          1 May 2019 at 4:58 pm

          You may find that some who like to call themselves progressives haven't progressed very far.

          • Tuppence Shrewsbury 3.2.1.1.1
            1 May 2019 at 5:02 pm

            Especially Wayne Doney. If appearances are all we go by, he doesn't look like he's progressed much stopping his knuckles dragging on the ground as he walks

  4. CHCoff 4
    1 May 2019 at 8:20 am

    John (if there is nothing to sell down the river, the river has no value) Key

  5. Stuart Munro. 5
    1 May 2019 at 8:22 am

    Although the polls are carefully not reflecting it yet, the Gnats have reached a level of dysfunction not seen since Bill English's inglorious first spell of leadership, less competent than headless chickens, they manage to bleed but not to run in circles.

  6. Carol Pericolini 6
    1 May 2019 at 8:37 am

    In my crystal ball I see a return of John Key right before the election. In his arrogance he knows he could roll Judith and he is sure he can take on Jacinda.

  7. Clive Macann 7
    1 May 2019 at 8:44 am

    I thought she looked like a female Rob Muldoon.

    A disaster waiting to happen.

    • Anne 7.1
      1 May 2019 at 9:59 am

      You thought she looked like a female Muldoon? She is a female Muldoon, and I'll swear she's been practising the lopsided smile.

  8. Peter 8
    1 May 2019 at 8:46 am

    Michele Boag reckons Bridges has to "learn to be a leader."

    He's 42 years old, he's been in politics for more than 20 years and he's got to learn to be a leader?

    Is the TAB taking bets on who the caucus leaker is? My $ would be on Mark Mitchell. He's going to put himself up as the tough type to deal to the coalition. A caucus leaker toughness? MM, Mighty Mouse.

    • alwyn 8.1
      1 May 2019 at 10:03 am

      The main thing he has to learn is how to suck up to the idiot reporters who operate in New Zealand. He makes them feel intellectually inferior and they don't like the truth about them being exposed.

      He should also simply not comment most of their posturing and ignore most of their questions. He should never have got involved in commenting on things like the million dollars wasted on ridiculously expensive slushy machines. He should be concentrating on the disaster that is Kiwibuild, the fact that the children living in Poverty figures have swung round from improving under National to getting worse under Labour and the fact that mental health services, and the health system in general is getting worse. In the meantime the PM ignores all this and swans off to have a conversation with President Macron in Paris. It makes her feel important you know. A pity she seems to find the Governing of New Zealand is far to difficult a task.

      • Observer Tokoroa 8.1.1
        1 May 2019 at 10:38 am

        Dear Alwyn

        You probably don't realise that you should offer Mr Bridges more and more of your Wisdom.

        It is absolutely stunning! It is also assisting your slide down the Voters Poll. You are all so well known as mismanagers and smug little wealthy brats.

        Thanks for the giggles. In the meantime, thanks for abusing the staff in our prisons. You have overloaded them for decades. It's the sort of guy you are.

      • Peter 8.1.2
        1 May 2019 at 11:36 am

        I can't think why with all his experience, Mr Bridges can't focus on the real points as you say and get those across. I mean he was part of the "there is no housing crisis" team so he knows how to be on message.

        You appreciate that he comes out with simplistic, bullshit nonsense and people can see it for what it is.

        A bit like saying stuff like "the PM ignores all this and swans off to have a conversation with President Macron in Paris. It makes her feel important you know. A pity she seems to find the Governing of New Zealand is far to difficult a task."

        Simon Bridges is exactly the right man to lead the National Party. The shortcomings he is perceived to have and criticised for, actually show that he represents and reflects the party supporters and their limited and warped thinking to a tee. He is definitely your man.

      • NZJester 8.1.3
        1 May 2019 at 8:54 pm

        the fact that the children living in Poverty figures have swung round from improving under National to getting worse under Labour and the fact that mental health services, and the health system in general is getting worse.

        The figures did not suddenly get worse under Labour, the real figures hidden under National just got brought to light. As for mental health services, and the health system in general getting worse, after years of underfunding by the previous National government, it is taking a while to fix the big mess left behind, especially in some hospitals where underfunding led to maintenance cuts that have piled up and left a lot of big repair bills needed to be carried out due to the maintenance neglect.

        • alwyn 8.1.3.1
          1 May 2019 at 9:02 pm

          You really will believe anything won't you? I have a bridge in New York that I am sure you will be interested in.

          While you are considering it perhaps you can explain why this pack of fools, called out Government have refused to divulge any of the results for the measures that the last Government put in place to determine the performance of the Health System.

      • New view 8.1.4
        1 May 2019 at 9:22 pm

        Nice to read something sensible. Most commenters here can’t get past what National are doing even though the labour COL are the Government. As you point out there is a pretty big list of issues that are not being dealt with. Few of the comments question what progress the government has made but instead demonise National who have been dead in the water for two years. Mind you OT is always up fo a good contribution.

    • Stuart Munro. 8.2
      1 May 2019 at 10:24 am

      I think it's Bennett. Not long on talent but truckloads of ambition.

      Plays like Werner Herzog’s Aguirre the wrath of god – always the loyal number two, until there are no contenders left.

      • Robert Guyton 8.2.1
        1 May 2019 at 4:34 pm

        I'm with Stuart – it's Paula Bennet who's lining up. She's kept herself "clean" for ages now and will will be revealed, Venus standing in a giant scallop shell, ready to be adored by Nat voters across the land.

        • McFlock 8.2.1.1
          1 May 2019 at 4:47 pm

          I think Adams would also be game for a tilt.

          That's basically the problem for Collins: she might be the heir apparent, but that just makes her the biggest target, and there's no shortage of second-tier folks who could see themselves stepping into the vacuum left when Collins falls.

          Soimon isn't still leader because he's capable and effective at maintaining the support of caucus. He's still around because the pretenders to the throne are still at a stalemate. Heny VI, not Winston Churchill.

        • Andre 8.2.1.2
          1 May 2019 at 4:52 pm

          "Bennet … Venus standing in a giant scallop shell …"

          I used to think you might be an interesting person to hang around. Still think you might be interesting, but possibly best viewed from a safe distance.

        • Anne 8.2.1.3
          1 May 2019 at 9:00 pm

          Reminds me of a ridiculous election campaign poster of leader, Bill Rowling we were sent in the 1970s. It had a fountain-like display of stars, rainbows and fire-works protruding out of the top of his head. We were supposed to stick them on to fences and other public structures. They went straight into the nearest rubbish bin.

    • Incognito 8.3
      1 May 2019 at 9:24 pm

      Ms Boag can be quite matronising.

  9. Observer Tokoroa 9
    1 May 2019 at 9:12 am

    The Truth

    Neither Mr Bridges, Mr Key, Mr English, Mrs Bennett nor Mrs Collins will ever raise and support Workers and the Poor in New Zealand.

    They will support themselves – namely the greedy wealthy!

    Just as all the endless Trolls on this Blog – support only the filthy Wealthy.

    Bridges, Key, English, Bennett, and Collins are a single entity. They exist only for Greedy; only for the Wealthy. They have Heating, Houses and Rentals and huge Bank Balances.

    That is why they are encreasingly being despised.

    • MickeyBoyle 9.1
      1 May 2019 at 9:30 am

      All good throwing stones, but when poverty is worsening, welfare numbers are increasing, hardship grant numbers are exploding and inequality and emission show no sign of slowing, we too are to blame standing in this glass house of ours. Doesn't seem to matter though, Ardern will romp home in 2020 because she's apparently nice and handled a tragedy just like anyone with a whisker of empathy should have. Politics in this country is stuffed, I feel sorry for those in our society who were hoping for change and got more of the same.

      • BM 9.1.1
        1 May 2019 at 9:44 am

        Smartphones are lobotomising the population.

      • Observer Tokoroa 9.1.2
        1 May 2019 at 9:46 am

        Hi Mickey Boyle

        In a nutshell, you are saying that the Wealthy should not play any part in raising the standard of living of the vast number of poor and disadvantaged.

        You also despise Jacinda. Our Prime Minister. Well done Mickey Boyle.

        Jacinda is offering some Heating for the next few months. The wealthy will so happy.

        • MickeyBoyle 9.1.2.1
          1 May 2019 at 11:22 am

          Actually I said none of that but nice try. And I showed no opposition whatsoever to a CGT or any other redistribution effort, so get your facts right. In regards to our PM, I was a right behind her to begin with, but not now. All our measures regarding poverty and inequality under her leadership have significantly worsened. Should I praise her and be all sycophantic like you?. Or should I call out utter incompetence no matter who is in charge?, I think ill do the last part. You need to wake up, people are suffering, and virtue signalling nonsense will not help. Neither will being a Ardern fan girl when the stats say shes frankly useless.

          • gsays 9.1.2.1.1
            1 May 2019 at 12:11 pm

            I have to admit feeling a slight disappointment with PM Ardern lately.

            Her mantra of kindness and instructing MPs to stay out of the Bridges/BennettLee-Ross was heartening.

            However, more recently, the pouring of cold water on CGT and failing to endorse the slushie machines for over heated workers sticks in my craw.

            Not the leader I had hoped that would lead us away from this neo-liberal, landlording paradise.

            • McFlock 9.1.2.1.1.1
              1 May 2019 at 4:53 pm

              The CGT thing was Peters. Ruling it out under her watch wasn't a huge backtrack if you think about it – chances are that even if they don't need NZ1 next time, Lab still know they won't want to piss NZ1 off too much.

              If labgrn are stable in 2020 and 2023, that leaves CGT as a big switch for the new leadership assuming she doesn't go for 4 terms.

              The slushi machines were small fry to get the pm involved in. Davis did ok.

              The real issue will be if the budget is particularly blah. Leaving most major reforms until election year will be too disingenuous to keep the "genuine care" brand.

              • gsays …
                1 May 2019 at 5:11 pm

                True, the slushies weren't for her to comment, but the comment that was made wasn't reassuring from a worker point of view. Kind of a 'National in drag' response ( thanks one of our resident tories).

                This 'just wait for….' narrative is getting tedious too. The budget, an enquiry, a report..

                I feel sure that come next election cycle there will be other things to put off because they fear not getting re-elected.

                • McFlock …
                  1 May 2019 at 5:20 pm

                  Well, that's the political reality.

                  Some good changes to employment law come into force this month, though, and lots of folk will appreciate the winter fuel payment. So it's not all natlite.

      • New view 9.1.3
        1 May 2019 at 9:52 pm

        MB. I apologise for generalising about the comments on this forum. There are people here willing to question, and keep this Government honest.

  10. marty mars 10
    1 May 2019 at 10:18 am

    There are some names that are influential that haven't popped up yet. Numbers being counted – no wonder Boag got into it.

  11. James 11
    1 May 2019 at 12:15 pm

    interesting warren and Clive commenting on her looks – I thought we have moved past all that.

    • Puckish Rogue 11.1
      1 May 2019 at 2:47 pm

      One rule for me and one rule for thee it seems

      I mean I get why some of these lefties comment on Judes looks (shes a stunner no doubt about it) and its because shes makes them feel sexually inferior, like little schoolboys and so they lash out like little schoolboys and resort to mean comments about her looks

      Its a bit sad really

  12. cleangreen 12
    1 May 2019 at 12:30 pm

    This just shows how shallow the National Party is today.

    They still go to Shonkey Key for advice.

    "Key would not confirm this to Newshub, only to say, “I don’t comment on leadership issues” – but because of his standing in the party, MPs still go to him for advice and he commands huge respect in the National Caucus."

    • James 12.1
      1 May 2019 at 1:03 pm

      and labour would never go to Helen or H2 would they?

      you are a moron.

      • AB 12.1.1
        1 May 2019 at 1:22 pm

        Correct James – their are two matters concerning which John Key would be my first port of call for advice:

        – the astonishing miracle of successful political leadership by people who lack discernible gifts

        – how to set up a foreign trust

      • Peter 12.1.2
        1 May 2019 at 10:16 pm

        The morons are those who for months have been raving about Clark still running the Govt., being the puppet mistress of Ardern and any time she (Clark) gets mentioned for saying something, letting the world know she should shut the f up and that she's had her day.

        When Key makes the news or is quoted about something political thing and there is a tiny bit of criticism his supporters get a tad upset. Fancy that.

    • Wensleydale 12.2
      1 May 2019 at 1:08 pm

      Anyone who "commands huge respect in the National Caucus" should know they're a failure as a human being. And Key should sod off out of politics. He kicked the chair out from under the nation, he doesn't need to mutilate the corpse as well.

    • Fireblade 12.3
      1 May 2019 at 1:41 pm

      The National Party leadership must be very weak if John has to hold thier hand.

      John key, Bill English, Steven Joyce and Chris Finlayson were the talent, only the incompetent dregs remain. Sad times for the National Party.

      The National Party rebuild will be a long and painful process.

      • woodart 12.3.1
        1 May 2019 at 2:12 pm

        it will be a new national party, bought and payed for by cashed up lobbyists and "new" new zealanders. the blue rinse brigade and the cockies and small business owners will be kept around as window dressing ,but policy wise , its all for sale, $100,000 a seat.it has been happening for the last few years but the nats have been selling there safe seats to too many smarmy gits , who promptly shit in their own nests. need to dial back on the arrogance ,born to rule mentality. ….

  13. Chris 13
    1 May 2019 at 2:01 pm

    "And it is trashing National’s reputation of being a disciplined unified political party."

    Nobody cares about that. They'll be back sooner or later. The real question is whether Collins as leader will mean it's sooner or whether it's later.

  14. Andre 14
    1 May 2019 at 3:26 pm

    Just noticed Key's head fits very poorly in that helmet. Surely with his alien lizard-man shapeshifting abilities he could have adjusted his head to get a more natural-looking fit. Did he just not care anymore?

  15. Dennis Frank 15
    1 May 2019 at 6:37 pm

    One of the thousand cuts comes from Barry Soper, who also ventures into cultural analysis and fashion reporting: "there was a lot of virtual signalling going on among his colleagues. The two sharpest dressers of the day were the ambitious Collins and Paula Bennett, with standout jackets and neatly coiffed hair." https://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=12226683

  16. peterlepaysan 16
    1 May 2019 at 8:45 pm

    Bennet will be the one to watch.

    • Robert Guyton 16.1
      1 May 2019 at 9:26 pm

      swat eye reckon 2

    • Incognito 16.2
      1 May 2019 at 9:35 pm

      A leopard doesn’t change her spots.

      • Anne 16.2.1
        1 May 2019 at 11:16 pm

        I noted Bennett was dressed in a shocking pink outfit in parliament today. She stood out like a piece of candy floss. Collins on the other hand was wearing an expensive looking black velvet outfit. Her eyes had been given a professional once over and I swear she was wearing false eyelashes.

        So, these are the two front runners then? Those Nats are so easy to read. It's all about image to them. Substance doesn't come into it.

        • greywarshark 16.2.1.1
          2 May 2019 at 10:49 am

          If you look at the image for National's Bad Day in the House, Poorer Benefit's eyes look strange. It seems that she has been given a complete makeover (I wonder who the person or company is that does this Jackell and Hyde transformation business). Her face, her body, her posture and walk, her hair style, her hair colour, her wardrobe have been assessed – a political barbie doll. And now her expression, using acting ability to draw attention to herself while she indicatessupport for her Leader and Party; the eyes have it – overacting I would call it.

  17. observer 17
    1 May 2019 at 11:34 pm

    Memo to all commentators and media: every time somebody says "Can Bridges come back to win from low polling, like Helen Clark did before?", a little truth fairy dies. (Bryce Edwards and Michelle Boag have made the comparison in the last few days, as has Bridges himself. They are all wrong).

    Let's get the history right. Clark polled badly, so she LOST in 1996. Then she was kept on as leader. Then she won in 1999. By then, her polling was vastly improved.

    Is Simon planning to lose? And to still be leader until 2023? If not, the comparison is simply … false.

  18. Gabby 18
    2 May 2019 at 10:15 am

    CUTS. Saw the pic of Sirponyboy, misread that. Cuts. Vicious cuts. Greedy lying cuts.

  19. Duncan 19
    6 May 2019 at 6:38 pm

    I haven't followed the Standard for a while. Was there any comment about Stephen Harper's secret meetings with Bill English and John Key about 4 weeks ago.

    These people will never let go or give up in their quest.

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    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days ago

  • Labour’s chickens come home to roost
    The Ardern Government’s chickens came home to roost yesterday with the news that the country is short of natural gas. In 2018, Labour banned offshore petroleum exploration, and industry executives say that the attendant loss of confidence by the industry impacted overall investment in onshore gas fields. Energy Resources Minister ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago

  • Calvin Reviews Lord of The Rings
    Hi,If you’ve been digging through the newly launched Webworm store (orders are being dispatched worldwide as I type!) you’ll have noticed the best model we had was Calvin.This is Calvin.Calvin.Calvin is 7, and is the son of my producer over on Flightless Bird, Rob — aka “Wobby Wob”. Rob also ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    5 days ago

  • Climate Adam: How to visualise Climate Change (ft. Katharine Hayhoe)
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Adam Levy. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). Climate change is everywhere. And when something's everywhere it can feel like it's nowhere. So how do we get our heads ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • The wrong direction
    Some good news on climate change today: the energy transition away from fossil fuels is picking up speed, and renewables now make up 30% of global electricity supply. Meanwhile, in Aotearoa, we're moving in the opposite direction, with Genesis Energy announcing that it will resume importing Indonesian coal. Their official ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • National hates democracy
    Its a law like gravity: whenever a right-wing government is elected, they start attacking democracy. And now, after talking to their Republican and Tory and Fidesz chums at the International Democracy Union forum in Wellington, National is doing it here, announcing plans to remove election-day enrolment. Or, to put it ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • No Tikanga Please, We're Lawyers.
    Yesterday Winston Peters focussed his attention on the important matter at hand. Tweeting. Like the former, and quite possibly next, orange POTUS, from whom he takes much of his political strategy, Winston is an avid X’er.His message didn’t resemble an historic address this time. In fact it was more reminiscent ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • Member’s Day
    Today is a Member's Day, and it seems we've entered the slowdown as things emerge from select committee. First up is the committee stage of Greg O'Connor's Child Protection (Child Sex Offender Government Agency Registration) (Overseas Travel Reporting) Amendment Bill, which will be followed by the second readings of Stuart ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • Hurrah for coal – Shane Jones welcomes Genesis Energy’s import plans as natural gas production s...
    Buzz from the Beehive A significant decline in natural gas production has given Resources Minister Shane Jones an opportunity to reiterate his enthusiasm for the mining and burning of coal. For good measure, he has praised an announcement from Genesis Energy that it will resume importing coal. He and Energy ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Following the political money
    “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 political parties are legally obliged to make ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    6 days ago

  • A Left-Right ranking of universities in NZ: a practical guide for students and parents
    Rob MacCullough writes – Here is my subjective ranking on a “most-left” to “most-right” scale of most of our major NZ Universities, with some anecdotal (and at times amusing) evidence to back up the claim. Extreme Left   Auckland University of Technology Evidence The ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  •  Inflation and GST thresholds
    Eric Crampton writes –  I hadn’t thought about this one until a helpful email showed up in my inbox.It’s pretty obvious that income tax thresholds should automatically index with inflation – whether to anchor the thresholds in percentiles of the income distribution, or to anchor against a real ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Green Party grapples with persistent scandals
    Jacqui Van Der Kaay writes –  Parliament’s speaker had no option but to refer Green MP Julie Anne Genter to the Privileges Committee for her behaviour in the House last Wednesday evening. The incident, in which she crossed the floor to wave a book and yell at National ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • A law school to be avoided – Auckland University of Technology
    Gary Judd writes – The Dean of the law school at the Auckland University of Technology is someone called Khylee Quince. I have been sent her social media posting in which she has, over the LawNews headline “Senior King’s Counsel files complaint about compulsory tikanga Maori studies for ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 17 people in Malaita stand in way of China’s takeover of the Solomons
    Cleo Paskal writes – WASHINGTON, D.C.: ‘Many of us have received phone calls from [the opposing camp] telling them if they join the camp they will be given projects for their wards and $300,000 [around US$35,000] each’, says former Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani. The elections in Solomon Islands aren’t ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the Hamas Ceasefire Offer, and Mark Mitchell’s Incompetence
    With hindsight, it was inevitable that (a) Hamas would agree to the ceasefire deal brokered by Egypt and Qatar and that ( b) Israel would then immediately launch attacks on Rafah, regardless. We might have hoped the concessions made by Hamas would cause Israel to desist from slaughtering thousands more ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    6 days ago

  • Bernard’ s Dawn Chorus & Pick ‘n’ Mix for Wednesday May 8
    Placards and mourners outside the Kilbirnie Mosque following the Christchurch terror attack: MSD has terminated the Kaiwhakaoranga service, which has been used by 415 families since the attacks. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The Government’s pledge to only cut ‘back office’ staff rather than ‘frontline’ services is on increasingly shaky ground, with ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • A few PT announcements
    There’s been a few smaller public transport announcements over the last week or so that I thought I’d cover in a single post. Fareshare I’ve long called for Auckland Transport to offer a way to enable employer-subsidised public transport options. The need for this took on even more importance ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    6 days ago

  • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Green Party grapples with persistent scandals
    Parliament’s speaker had no option but to refer Green MP Julie Anne Genter to the Privileges Committee for her behaviour in the House last Wednesday evening. The incident, in which she crossed the floor to wave a book and yell at National Minister Matt Doocey, reflects poorly on Genter and ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    6 days ago

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

  • Nothing to sneer at
    Who likes being sneered at? Nobody. Worse yet, when the sneerer has their facts all wrong, and might well be an idiot.The sneer in question is The adults are in charge now, and it is a sneer offered in retort to criticism of this new Government, no matter how well ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    7 days ago

  • Still on their bullshit
    When in government, Labour pushed to extend the Parliamentary term to four years, to reduce accountability and our ability to vote out a bad government. And now, they're trying to do it through the member's ballot, with a Four-Year Parliamentary Term Legislation Bill. The bill at least requires a referendum ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    7 days ago

  • Drawn
    A ballot for a single Member's Bill was held today, and the following bill was drawn: Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill (Hūhana Lyndon) The bill would prevent the government from stealing Māori land in breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    7 days ago

  • A nod and a wink that will unnecessarily cost Aucklanders tens of millions per year
    Simeon Brown, alongside Wayne Brown, is favouring a political figleaf now in exchange for loading up tens of millions in extra interest costs on Auckland ratepayers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Ratings agency Standard & Poor’s is pushing back hard at suggestions from Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Mayor Wayne Brown ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 days ago

  • Correcting the Corrections announcement – a fiscal farce that should bother the OECD
     Buzz from the Beehive One headline-grabber from the Beehive yesterday was the OECD’s advice that the government must bring the Budget deficit under control or face higher interest rates. Another was the announcement of a $1.9 billion “investment” in Corrections over the next four years. In the best interests of ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  •  Like it or not, the Kiwis are either going into ‘Pillar 2’ – or they are going to China
    Chris Trotter writes –  Had Zheng He’s fleet sailed east, not west, in the early Fifteenth Century, how different our world would be. There is little reason to suppose that the sea-going junks of the Ming Dynasty, among the largest and most sophisticated sailing vessels ever constructed, would have failed ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • A balanced and an unbalanced article
    David Farrar writes – Two articles give a useful contrast in balance. Both seek to be neutral explainer articles. This one in the Herald on Social Investment covers the pros and cons nicely. It links to critical pieces and talks about aspects that failed and aspects that are more ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • Deeply unserious country
    Every bit of this seems insane. And people wonder why productivity is falling through the floor. Energy News reports that the Environment Court finally threw out Allan Crafar’s appeal against a solar farm. From the story: Consent was granted in 2022. Crafar appealed November 2022. On what grounds? That ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • Senior King’s Counsel files complaint about compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law students
    The tikanga regulations will compel law students to be taught that a system which does not conform with the rule of law is nevertheless law which should be observed and applied…  Gary Judd KC writes –  I have made a complaint to Parliament’s Regulation ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/?p=77196
    The future of Te Huia, the train between Hamilton and Auckland, has been getting a lot of attention recently as current funding for it is only in place till the end of June. The government initially agreed to a five year trial, through to April 2026, but that was subject ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    7 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Tuesday, May 7
    TL;DR: Hamas has just agreed to Israel’s ceasefire plan. Nelson hospital’s rebuild has been cut back to save money. The OECD suggests New Zealand break up network monopolies, including in electricity. PM Christopher Luxon’s news conference on a prison expansion announcement last night was his messiest yet.Here’s my top six ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 days ago

  • HM Prison Aotearoa.
    A homicide in Ponsonby, a manhunt with a killer on the run. The nation’s leader stands before a press conference reassuring a frightened nation that he’ll sort it out, he’ll keep them safe, he’ll build some new prison spaces.Sorry what? There’s a scary dude on the run with a gun ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago

  • Get Your Webworm Merch!
    Hi,I know it’s been awhile since there’s been any Webworm merch — and today that all changes!Over the last four months, I’ve been working with New Zealand artist Jess Johnson to create a series of t-shirts, caps and stickers that are infused with Webworm DNA — and as of right ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    7 days ago

  • Top OECD economist puts Willis between a rock and a hard place
    The OECD’s chief economist yesterday laid it on the line for the new Government: bring the deficit under control or face higher Reserve Bank interest rates for longer. And to bring the deficit under control, she meant not borrowing for tax cuts. But there was more. Without policy changes—introducing a ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 week 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
    6 hours 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
    11 hours 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
    13 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    1 day 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
    3 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    7 days 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
    7 days ago

  • Ambassador to United States appointed
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.    “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says.    “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • New permit proposed for recreational gold mining
    The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiations
    Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to sign
    New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Next stop NASA for New Zealand students
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