Banks’ brand is buggered
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- Date published:
9:42 am, March 22nd, 2010 - 13 comments
Categories: auckland supercity, john banks, len brown -
Tags: auckland supercity, fran o'sullivan, huljich, jenny shipley, john banks, len brown
How much is the Huljich Kiwisaver figure-fudging scandal hurting John ‘the dodgy-director’ Banks’ mayoral chances?
Answer: a lot.
Lord Mayor Banks Of Remuera trades on the fact he is a successful businessman. He constantly talks up his strong business credentials as standing him in good stead to lead the new supercity. The Huljich debacle blows that branding out of the water.
It’s starting to seep into mainstream coverage of the election. At the weekend, Fran O’Sullivan confirmed long standing rumours that the far-right is hopelessly divided over its mayoral candidate.
While slagging off other rightwing-political-retreads-of-the-past (Christine Fletcher and George Wood) for wanting to return to the scene, O’Sullivan plumps for failed 1990s National Prime Minister Jenny Shipley. Talk about irony. Not to mention tragic.
She then floats someone called Bridget Liddell who lives in New York City someone who has no local government or political experience and visits New Zealand now and again. Not the person to put a broken city back together again.
O’Sullivan then explicitly writes off Banks saying he’ll lose to Len Brown – and joins the long list of commentators criticizing the Huljich rip-off and noting it has damaged Banks’ chances. In a prior opinion piece O’Sullivan states, ‘Banks’ cavalier approach does not bode well for a politician who is aspiring to lead the new Auckland Council.’ Too right.
Think this story is only getting play in the business pages? It’s not, I floated Banks’ mayoral candidacy with the guy who owns the local petrol station in Takapuna; he said he wasn’t going to vote for someone who’s happy to rip off people’s retirement savings.
Banks’ highly paid image/media management spin team have had a terrible time trying to keep this story under wraps. Have a look at this terrible news piece where One News has to chase Banks out a door to get an answer from him.
John Banks has desperately been trying to fix his image, however the Huljich rip-off story has put pay to those plans. It has simply reinforced why Banks isn’t the right person to lead Auckland and reminded people why they shouldn’t trust him, not to mention destroying his reputation with the business community. This mangy story is going to dog him until election day.
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- Release: Cost of living in Auckland still not a priorityA laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...2 weeks ago
- Te Pāti Māori to visit Queensland to strengthen ties with Māori in AustraliaTe Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...2 weeks ago
- Greens look to fast-track submissions on harmful lawThe Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt should stop making people’s lives harder and build more homesThe National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Melissa Lee missing in action on mediaThe action Melissa Lee promised to protect democracy and the media sector is missing, Media and Communications spokesperson Willie Jackson said. ...3 weeks ago
- Landlord Government leaves little hope for rentersThe Government’s announcement on tenancy rules prove that it does not care about renters. ...3 weeks ago
- Opportunity to build a more sustainable economyGreen Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...3 weeks ago
- Significant step forward in fixing cruel and unjust pastA significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...3 weeks ago
- Missed opportunity but NZ will surely one day recognise the right to a sustainable environmentNew Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Don’t cut our lunches – clear message sent to GovernmentTens of thousands of people are demanding the Government commits to fully funding free and healthy school lunches. ...3 weeks ago
- Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...8 hours ago - Education priorities focused on lifting achievementEducation Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...9 hours ago
- NZTA App first step towards digital driver licenceThe new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...9 hours ago
- Tribute to Dave O'SullivanRacing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...12 hours ago
- Government saves access to medicinesAssociate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...16 hours ago
- Pharmac Chair appointedHon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...2 days ago
- Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisorderHundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...3 days ago
- New sports complex opens in KaikoheRegional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...3 days ago
- Diplomacy needed more than everForeign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...3 days ago
- Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery BelgiumAmbassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...3 days ago
- Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk BairDistinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...4 days ago
- Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, TürkiyeMai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...4 days ago
- PM announces changes to portfoliosPaul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...6 days ago
- New catch limits for unique fishery areasRecreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...6 days ago
- Minister welcomes hydrogen milestoneEnergy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...6 days ago
- Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment BillThe coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...7 days ago
- Overseas decommissioning models consideredOverseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...7 days ago
- Release of North Island Severe Weather Event InquiryEmergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...7 days ago
- Justice Minister to attend Human Rights CouncilJustice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...1 week ago
- Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facilityAssociate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...1 week ago
- Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...1 week ago
- Government to introduce revised Three Strikes lawThe Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...1 week ago
- New diplomatic appointmentsForeign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...1 week ago
- Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and SomaliaNew Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...1 week ago
- Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho CollectiveMinister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...1 week ago
- Supporting better financial outcomes for KiwisThe Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...1 week ago
- Trade relationship with China remains strong“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...1 week ago
- PM’s South East Asia mission does the businessPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...1 week ago
- $41m to support clean energy in South East AsiaNew Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...1 week ago
- Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder listThe Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...1 week ago
- Judicial appointments announcedAttorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...1 week ago
- Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in SingaporeEducation Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...2 weeks ago
- Value of stopbank project proven during cycloneA stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...2 weeks ago
- Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visitForeign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...2 weeks ago
- Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac DayScience, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...2 weeks ago
- Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the PhilippinesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...2 weeks ago
- Government commits $20m to Westport flood protectionThe Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...2 weeks ago
- Taupō takes pole positionThe Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...2 weeks ago
- Cost of living support for low-income homeownersLocal Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...2 weeks ago
- Government backing mussel spat projectThe Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...2 weeks ago
- New homicide statistics show surge in intimate partner killings – and huge disparity in First Nati...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rick Sarre, Emeritus Professor of Law and Criminal Justice, University of South Australia The rate of women killed by their partners in Australia grew by 28% from 2021–22 to 2022–23, according to new statistics released today by the Australian Institute of Criminology ...1 hour ago - Public service cuts: Ministry accused of stealth job losses
Ministry of Disabled People employees were promised a permanent role, but were told to start packing three weeks before their fixed term contract finished, says a former employee. ...4 hours ago - Waitangi Tribunal report urges government stop repeal of Oranga Tamariki ActThe report highlights concern over the approach the government is taking. ...5 hours ago
- Pharmac funding will not stretch to new medicines – chief executiveA multi-million dollar budget boost for Pharmac will only keep the lights on, doctors and patient advocates warn. ...5 hours ago
- No threat to farm land: just 1,200 square kilometres can fulfil Australia’s solar and wind energy ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Blakers, Professor of Engineering, Australian National University Clean Energy Council / Neoen As Australia’s rapid renewable energy rollout continues, so too does debate over land use. Nationals Leader David Littleproud, for example, claimed regional areas had reached “saturation point” and ...6 hours ago
- ‘Witches’ are still killed all over the world. Pardoning past victims could end the practiceSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan C. Walsh, Sessional Academic, The University of Queensland Arrest for witchcraft (1866) by John Pettie NGV, CC BY-NC In recent decades, governments the world over have increasingly taken action to address the dark history of witch-hunting. In western Europe, memorials to ...6 hours ago
- ‘A stain on our country’: Criticism of ‘racist’ Supreme Court rulingsBy Mark Rabago, RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent The US Department of Justice is being urged to condemn and cease its reliance on the “Insular Cases” — a series of US Supreme Court opinions on US territories, which have been labelled racist. Senate Judiciary Committee chair Dick ...6 hours ago
- 'Achievement, attendance, engagement' – government announces new education prioritie...Education minister Erica Stanford wants "every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning". ...7 hours ago
- 1News poll: New Zealand First out, Labour, Greens, Te Pāti Māori could form governmentSupport for the National Party and its coalition partners has dropped in the latest 1News Verian poll. ...7 hours ago
- Unions Mark May Day With Call To Fight Back Against Government Austerity
Unions are holding public events in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to mark May Day and International Workers’ Day 2024. ...7 hours ago - Most kids are only coached by men in junior sport – women need to be part of the picture, tooSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kara Dadswell, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Victoria University Ask your son or daughter, niece, or nephew to draw you a picture of a sport coach. They will most probably draw a man. Why? Our latest research published in the Psychology of Sport ...8 hours ago
- Watch: Prime Minister, Education Minister reveal education prioritiesAny school not putting in place the new ban on phones will face a visit from the Education Review Office, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. ...9 hours ago
- 'Achievement, attendance, engagement' – goverment announces new education prioritiesEducation minister Erica Stanford wants "every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning". ...9 hours ago
- What is pathological demand avoidance – and how is it different to ‘acting out’?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicole Rinehart, Professor, Child and Adolescent Psychology, Director, Krongold Clinic (Research), Monash University Shutterstock/Brian A. Jackson “Charlie” is an eight-year-old child with autism. Her parents are worried because she often responds to requests with insults, aggression and refusal. Simple demands, such ...9 hours ago
- Watch: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks at post-Cabinet conferenceAny school not putting in place the new ban on phones will face a visit from the Education Review Office, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. ...9 hours ago
- The Spinoff is looking for a new staff writer
A rare opportunity to join our team of award-winning journalists. The Spinoff is advertising for a staff writer for the first time in… maybe ever? This is an extremely rare opportunity to join our small team of award-winning writers, covering a range of topics and tones, from the most serious ...10 hours ago - ‘Invisible’ consultants help companies write sustainability reports. Here’s why that’s a pro...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hendri Yulius Wijaya, PhD Student in Political Science (Joint Supervision with Business School), The University of Melbourne witsarut sakorn/Shutterstock Around the world, more and more companies are publishing sustainability reports – public scorecards detailing their impacts on society and the environment. ...11 hours ago
- ‘sheer glitter ringing about’: Emma Neale remembers Vincent O’SullivanNews that the great writer Vincent O’Sullivan has died has spurred a wave of tributes. Here, fellow writer Emma Neale remembers her friend and colleague. I have a bright string of memories of Vince. The earliest moments are of sitting as a young student in his lectures on Katherine Mansfield, ...11 hours ago
- Underwater cultural heritage: why we’re studying ‘orphaned objects’ to work out which shipwrec...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Natali Pearson, Senior Lecturer, Sydney Southeast Asia Centre, University of Sydney Hence Kertajaya/Shutterstock A lot of the recent talk about maritime issues in Southeast Asia has focused on issues such as security, the Blue Economy, law enforcement and climate change. But ...12 hours ago
- We spent 2 years in deep underground caves to bring this extraordinary fossil to lightSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Ziegler, Collection Manager, Vertebrate Palaeontology, Museums Victoria Research Institute The fossil skeleton in a secluded alcove of the cave. Rob French/Museums Victoria Pitch-black darkness. Crushing squeezes, muddy passages, icy waterfalls. Bats and spiders. Abseiling over ledges into the unknown. How far ...13 hours ago
- Vale Vincent O’Sullivan, 1937-2024We remember one of Aotearoa’s towering literary figures, who died on Sunday 28 April. Sir Vincent O’Sullivan, one of Aotearoa’s most prolific writers, has died in Dunedin at the age of 87. His son, Dominic O’Sullivan, shared the news on social media on Sunday 28 April: “Hei aitua hoki, kua ...14 hours ago
- Ariana Stevens wants te reo Māori to thriveAriana Stevens founded Reo Māori Mai in 2018 to help people connect with te ao Māori through the reo. On Friday she was awarded Tū Rangatira, the supreme award at the Ngā Tohu Reo Māori awards. Te Tai Poutini (the South Island’s West Coast) is often characterised by its remote ...15 hours ago
- A tipping point is imminent, and it’s time for our boardrooms to get uncomfortableBad, bad records are going to be broken this year, and it’s time for business leaders to accept that the transition to a low-carbon economy is going to be spiky, writes business leader Dame Therese Walsh. When I was on the board of the stock exchange, the NZX, a gentleman ...15 hours ago
- 'Absurd and totally unacceptable': Canterbury man has to wait a year for surgery"I was stunned at the state of things," a Canterbury man who has been bumped down the list says. ...15 hours ago
- Farmers Reject Government’s Plans To Restart The Export Of Animals By Sea1 May marks a year since New Zealand’s world-leading ban on live exports by sea came into effect. Instead of it being cause for celebration the anniversary is marred by the Government’s plan to restart the unpopular trade. ...15 hours ago
- School phone ban: How effective will it be?A high school principal says her school will be letting students use cellphones when appropriate, to get them ready for the real world. ...16 hours ago
- The surprising number of babies being injured at the supermarketMore than a thousand claims have been lodged with ACC over children, some younger than a year old, being injured by shopping trolleys in the last five years. Stewart Sowman-Lund looks at why. Madeleine Holden was at her local Countdown when she heard something no mother wants to hear: her ...16 hours ago
- Mind-bending maths could stop quantum hackers, but few understand itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nalini Joshi, Professor of Mathematics, University of Sydney Tavrius / Shutterstock Imagine the tap of a card that bought you a cup of coffee this morning also let a hacker halfway across the world access your bank account and buy themselves ...17 hours ago
- Women’s sport is soaring, and old-school male sports journalists need to lift their gameSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brigid McCarthy, Lecturer in Journalism, La Trobe University Sports media misogyny was alive and well this month. In just the few short weeks it took for star United States basketball players Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese to shoot their way from ...17 hours ago
- We looked at genetic clues to depression in more than 14,000 people. What we found may surprise youSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacob Crouse, Research Fellow in Youth Mental Health, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock The core experiences of depression – changes in energy, activity, thinking and mood – have been described for more than 10,000 years. The word “depression” ...17 hours ago
- Chemicals, forever: how do you fix a problem like PFAS?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Wilson, PhD Candidate in Quantum Technology & Innovation Governance, Institue for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney EdBelkin/Shutterstock A landmark legal settlement has once again focused our attention on the dangers of “forever chemicals”. This class of chemicals, technically ...17 hours ago
- Australians are having fewer babies and our local-born population is about to shrink: here’s why i...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amanda Davies, Professor and Head of School of Social Sciences, The University of Western Australia Australians are having fewer babies, so many fewer that without international migration our population would be on track to decline in just over a decade. In most ...17 hours ago
- I had no photos of my mother’s pregnancy and migration, so I found a way for AI to help fill in th...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sara Oscar, Senior Lecturer, Visual Communication, School of Design, University of Technology Sydney /imagine a photograph of a Thai woman, pregnant in a green and white dress with luggage at an airport departure terminal in Bangkok in 1974 with her eyes closed ...17 hours ago
- Mr Goldsmith goes to GenevaThe justice minister will be grilled on NZ’s human rights record at the UN later today, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. NZ’s turn in front of the class At 7pm ...18 hours ago
- Inquest begins into ‘boy in the water’ Gore death
This week marks the return of Newsroom’s chart-topping investigative podcast, The Boy in the Water, when investigations editor Melanie Reid will take listeners inside the courtroom during the coronial inquest into the death of three-and-a-half year old Lachlan Jones. Lachie was found floating face up in an oxidation pond on the ...19 hours ago - Act’s arts spokesman once watched a musicalIt took Act’s arts spokesman Todd Stephenson 20 minutes to think of a single New Zealand author and a single New Zealand book. The only artistic experience he could think of is that he went to see Hamilton in New York. His only press release on the arts has been ...19 hours ago
- Wellington City Council isn’t very good at owning an airportIf the council isn’t sure if it wants a bigger airport, it probably shouldn’t own hundreds of millions of dollars worth of airport shares. Any fan of a professional sports team, especially in the big-money US and European leagues, knows how much team success relies on the right owner. Good ...20 hours ago
- Is the health star system past its use-by date?Plagued by industry lobbying and design flaws, the system may be on the chopping block under National. Is it delivering what it says on the box? At the supermarket, a woman with a baby strapped to her front pushes a trolley piled high with groceries, and two young children sit ...20 hours ago
- AI’s huge potential to improve healthcareOpinion: Artificial intelligence is increasingly part of life, and so are anxieties about how it will change life as we know it. How it will change our jobs is just one aspect of the dystopian future we imagine it is creating. Some, if not many, of these concerns warrant serious ...20 hours ago
- Defence watchdog survives after NZ First blocks repealA watchdog tasked with overseeing the NZ military has survived repeal plans after the intervention of a coalition partner The post Defence watchdog survives after NZ First blocks repeal appeared first on Newsroom. ...20 hours ago
- Reviewers suggest delaying next census ahead of big decisionStats NZ is warned it needs the public’s trust, and to be certain its data will be of sufficient quality, for a census shake-up The post Reviewers suggest delaying next census ahead of big decision appeared first on Newsroom. ...20 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 29 AprilLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 29 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...20 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Monday 29 AprilThe post Daily crossword, Monday 29 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...20 hours ago
- Powering ahead with green hydrogenCrown research institute GNS Science is about to officially open its new green hydrogen lab in Lower Hutt. One day it could contribute to making sure that small rural communities cut off by disaster can still power through, with stored green hydrogen used to establish a kind of micro-grid. Michelle ...20 hours ago
- Let’s rewrite the monuments of the futureOpinion: The idea that peace can ever be ‘won’ by war has always been, and remains, a false idea The post Let’s rewrite the monuments of the future appeared first on Newsroom. ...20 hours ago
- Consumers increasingly downbeat as economic conditions tightenWellington consumers’ outlook bleak in the face of job cuts The post Consumers increasingly downbeat as economic conditions tighten appeared first on Newsroom. ...20 hours ago
- Palestine protesters stage Gaza ‘die-in’ as leaders call for step up in boycottsAsia Pacific Report A score of Palestine solidarity protesters draped themselves in white shrouds with mock blood in a sombre “die-in” demonstration at Te Komitanga Square — the heart of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city — today as speakers urged people to take a stronger boycott against Israeli products. The ...1 day ago
- Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Tackling violence against women will be the sole agenda item for a national cabinet meeting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has convened for Wednesday. The meeting, held remotely, follows thousands of Australians attending rallies across ...1 day ago
- Biden hails ‘press freedom, democracy’ but ignores Gaza media death toll of 142The protest outside the White House correspondents’ dinner hotel. Image: Anatolu video screenshot APR More than two dozen Palestinian journalists had called for a boycott of the dinner, writing an open letter urging their American colleagues not to attend. “You have a unique responsibility to speak truth to power and ...1 day ago
- Fast-track Approvals Bill Presents A Serious Risk To New Zealand Exporters“Our exporters should, therefore, be deeply concerned that the Fast-track Approvals Bill was not assessed for consistency with any of our free trade commitments prior to being introduced to the House,” says Gary Taylor, Chief Executive of the Environmental ...1 day ago
- 'Immigration changes necessary' – StanfordImmigration Minister Erica Stanford says work has started on a broader accredited employer work visa review. ...1 day ago
- Green co-leader James Shaw came 'very close' to resigning as minister under Labour govtThe former minister reveals he "ended up storming out" of a Cabinet meeting over disagreements on climate change and biodiversity. ...1 day ago
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“She then floats someone called Bridget Liddell who lives in New York City someone who has no local government or political experience and visits New Zealand now and again. Not the person to put a broken city back together again.”
Sounds like Key.
…. and we know what an enormous success he’s been!
Well he did win the election.
Sorry “Sam”, maybe you need to get these messages to Conor in the Len Brown camp, cos he seems to be having a pretty torrid time getting anyone to pay attention to these “looming crises” in the Banks camp.
If I was Conor and Len I would keep things really quiet in the hope that Banks will limp through the candidacy.
The day after he is selected is the day to dump the scandal publicly.
I suspect Banks was happy to just pick up the Huljich directors fees and didn’t pay much attention to what was going on.
Any competent director would have seen what was going on and put a stop to it.
Competent is the “key” word here, He is not fit to lead our city…
Nor are the Cit-Rats doing themselves any favours by recycling a group of washed up has beens as potential councillors…
Problem is that a lot of those washed up has beens have name recognition, and in local governemnt name recognition alone is enough to get someone elected.
Hopefully if there is anything good to come out of this whole antidemocratic debacle of the supershitty, it will be a higher voter awareness at the election in October.
Mr Banks is indeed sorely wounded and there is a growing sense on the Right that he needs to be replaced, but the Cits and Rats are a long way down the road behind him, and to jettison him now is risky. They are between a rock and a very hard place. My view is that Ms O’Sullivan is pointing the finger at Mr Key, not Mr Hide, for what may become a debacle of national proportions. A Left win in the Supercity the year before the General Election, and the potential for Labour Party and others to build on that success, stares the Right in the face. It’s by no means a guaranteed outcome, but sufficiently plausible to cause loss of sleep in the Cits and Rats camp. Mr Joyce cannot turn this around by being jovially competent, as the image buffers would have it.
I hear the determination by the LGC to split up the Maungakiekie Orakei ward into two caused palpitations for two of the Councillors.
Doug Armstrong and Kevin Baguely thought they were home and hosed originally. Now one of them will be in the super safe Orakei ward and the other will have to battle Richard Northey in marginal Maungakiekie.
I wonder if they will toss a coin?
Keep up the good work Banksie – you’re “potentiating” Len Brown’s chances every day.
You are correct Robert.W. and there lies the danger, The Right are well aware that if the Left win the Super City elections it could well carry on to the General election.Im betting that the Nats “Dirty Tricks Brigade” are hard at work to find some mud to fling at the Left.
People of the Left like me must be fully alert to any sleazy moves by National and their mates in big business. The trouble they are experts in mud slinging ,that in the past has sometimes won elections for them.
However its a fact that at this time its the political Right that are being found deep in a number of sleazy deals. Key, McMully in doubtfull deals ,
Brash and Banks, and McClay hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons.
So,lets watch our backs the Right is likely to get desperate.