Key avoiding Morning Report

Written By: - Date published: 7:15 am, June 4th, 2010 - 78 comments
Categories: john key, Media - Tags:

A couple of our readers mentioned it in different threads yesterday. Janice:

This morning, once again, our glorious yellow, lily livered chicken PM has refused a request for an interview on NatRad. His 2IC also refused. They don’t want to talk about their plans for Kiwibank because they are still trying to work out how they can convince us it is a good thing and not another broken promise. Also he can’t be seen to smile and wave on radio.

.. and snoozer

for the fifth time this year, Morning Report requested an interview with Key and he turned them down. Anderton took his place [edited link]

Key is avoiding Morning Report, and word is beginning to get around. Is it just lazyness caused by (until recently) stratospheric poll ratings? Or is he scared to front up? Either way it’s not a good look, and it’s an abdication of his responsibility as PM.

78 comments on “Key avoiding Morning Report ”

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  1. jcuknz 1
    4 June 2010 at 7:38 am

    It is his responsibility as PM to allow himself to be abused and talked over by the front people on Morning Report? Yeah Right. The world has turned up-side-down when people think this should happen.

    • exbrethren 1.1
      4 June 2010 at 7:44 am

      Quite right. Why should the trustworthy Key ever be questioned about his actions.

      I think we should let him get on with running the country and not subject him to any scrutiny.

      • Tigger 1.1.1
        4 June 2010 at 7:46 am

        Plunkett’s style is combatative. So what? I’ve been grilled by him on radio before. He’s not abusive, he’s tough. And fair. Key’s the PM. Man up.

        • Lew 1.1.1.1
          4 June 2010 at 7:52 am

          Tig, I think you missed the invisible [sarc] tags.

          L

          • Tigger 1.1.1.1.1
            4 June 2010 at 8:09 am

            Damn, getting all righteous for nothing!

            • prism 1.1.1.1.1.1
              4 June 2010 at 9:41 am

              It is the PMs responsibility to explain and if necessary defend with reasons, what he and his government are doing with the New Zealand body and polity. He isn’t a king with absolute rights or a dicatator with the same. He is acting in his position both for his supporters and for and with, the reluctant agreement of others, and PM\’s should explain their decisions.

              • Lew …
                4 June 2010 at 10:07 am

                … and if he doesn’t, he can be punished. But inasmuch as he’s prepared to risk the wrath of the journalistic establishment, the opposition, other stakeholders and the electorate, he’s perfectly within his rights to refuse to answer questions. Or to go about wearing a cape, for that matter.

                The trick is to make it not worth his while. I expect a few pencils are presently being sharpened with that in mind.

                L

                • Lanthanide …
                  4 June 2010 at 10:38 am

                  Should that say “can’t be punished”?

                  • Lew …
                    4 June 2010 at 10:42 am

                    Sorry. Poorly worded.

                    No, “can” is right. If he doesn’t front, he can be punished — ultimately by the electorate. That’s the difference between democracies and other systems of government. He can avoid being held to account all he likes, btu there are consequences for doing so. But such punishment doesn’t happen automatically: it has to be made to happen.

                    L

                    • prism …
                      4 June 2010 at 10:59 am

                      That comment he’s perfectly within his rights to refuse to answer questions is surely rather broad. We do have the right and responsibility to find out what’s going on and why. He should tell us and explain the value of what we might think are lousy decisions.
                      I guess it is easier to talk to arranged groups. I understand there is much testing opinions with focus groups and polling by phone, mo doubt it’s like practising your speech to a favourable audience. The focus groups are like the television series sampling, and that doesn’t result in getting quality programs.

                    • Lew …
                      4 June 2010 at 12:21 pm

                      Prism, not at all. There is a moral and a political responsibility to front the media as a matter of good management, but the only strictly enforceable requirement is for a few set-pieces a year. Any other statements he might make are strictly optional. Failing to make any (or being capricious about the topics and outlets to whom he speaks) brings its own reward.

                      L

              • jcuknz …
                4 June 2010 at 1:54 pm

                How he does it is up to him. If he declines to use the top radio show around that is his business. It is your right too to whinge about it 🙂

  2. Tigger 2
    4 June 2010 at 7:39 am

    He makes time for Breakfast and their soft-ball interviews… Not laziness. He just can’t face Sean Plunkett.

    Of course, Key can’t dodge everyone. Anyone else see Key on the TVNZ news last night? Jessica Mutch asked him Kiwibank questions and his answers were bordering on nonsensical. At the end he just stood there, staring at her with this glassy look in his eyes for at least five seconds in silence (an eternity in TV time, gave a ‘see ya’ exit line (delivered with a smirk) and scuttled off… Seen him do this several times in the past week.

    • exbrethren 2.1
      4 June 2010 at 8:00 am

      I reckon the journos are becoming sick of getting no proper answers and are just playing the tape to show what a vacuous grinning buffoon Captain Beaky is.

    • QoT 2.2
      4 June 2010 at 8:03 am

      I may still be in shock from that “Do you like my tie?” moment he had on Breakfast.

      • Jim Nald 2.2.1
        4 June 2010 at 12:10 pm

        Next time, interview the tie for clearer, more upfront answers.

        At least the tie would be seen for what it really is.

      • Irascible 2.2.2
        4 June 2010 at 5:55 pm

        I presume he got it for a snip? His off the cuff “jokiness” is certainly the stuff for the international media laugh at hicksville NZ reporting. Hardly, as the Herald reports, a boost in his reputation as a leader of a country.

    • vto 2.3
      4 June 2010 at 8:10 am

      Yes mr and mrs tigger, it was not a good look. Seems the teflon has been rubbed so much it has worn away to expose the shiny slippery surface below.

      • Zak Creedo 2.3.1
        4 June 2010 at 10:18 am

        nice one.. frypans with this teflon loss prob give you spotty omelets.. right!

    • Kevin Welsh 2.4
      4 June 2010 at 8:22 am

      “At the end he just stood there, staring at her with this glassy look in his eyes for at least five seconds in silence (an eternity in TV time, gave a ‘see ya’ exit line (delivered with a smirk) and scuttled off Seen him do this several times in the past week.”

      It was at that moment that I realised we had David Brent as a Prime Minister.

    • insider 2.5
      4 June 2010 at 10:24 am

      The staring in silence thing is a technique. Journalists (and job interviewers) try and get you to fill sound voids, almost guilt you into saying more than you might – Jessica might have been nodding solicitously encouraging him to say more – and the counter is don’t say anything else once you’ve said your key points. It’s jsut part of the game

      • Kevin Welsh 2.5.1
        4 June 2010 at 10:37 am

        I’m a big believer in the saying… “Sometimes it’s better to say nothing and look like an idiot, than open your mouth and remove all doubt”.

        This is the first time I have seen someone do both.

      • Bright Red 2.5.2
        4 June 2010 at 11:54 am

        It’s telling in itself when journos cut an article like that. usually they edit out pauses or let the interviewee reword their reply if it comes out funny. it’s a kindness but it maintains good relationships for the future.

        I hear the journos are getting really pissed off with Kevin Taylor’s stage management and Key’s unwillingness to front, so this is biting back. the message is: you need us, we can make you look good or bad.

        reminds me of when they turned against melissa lee, i think garner showed her full interview that time.

  3. really 3
    4 June 2010 at 8:03 am

    Whats the big deal, no-one listens to LabourFM anyway (except a rag tag of champagne socialists, civil servants, unionists and Labour party employees)

    • The Voice of Reason 3.1
      4 June 2010 at 8:08 am

      Half a million Kiwis listen in the average week, really. That’s a lot more than listen to you.

      • insider 3.1.1
        4 June 2010 at 10:19 am

        Is that cumulative or distinct listeners? ie is that 100k people listen five times a week or 500k listen at least once a week?

        • Lanthanide 3.1.1.1
          4 June 2010 at 10:40 am

          It’s daily. So 500k people listen 7 times a week.

          It is the most widely listened radio station in the country, I believe they have over 50% of all radio listeners at any one time, which leaves rather meagre pickings for the rest of the commercial operators.

          • really 3.1.1.1.1
            7 June 2010 at 6:48 pm

            Glad you are so well informed about labourfm listener numbers when labourfm themselves won’t publish ratings data.

            Liar liar pants on fire.

    • Billy Fish 3.2
      4 June 2010 at 9:52 am

      Plonker

    • Sam 3.3
      4 June 2010 at 11:40 am

      Tories don’t need research or to back anything up with actual figures. Back of the envelope bullshit is all that is required.

      Do us a favour and grow a brain before spouting your non-sensical shit. RNZ has the highest listenership of all radio stations, hence why your fuckbot mates in power are trying to shaft it. Can’t have people listening to ACTUAL news that has no advertisements, after all, what about the profit!?!

  4. pollywog 4
    4 June 2010 at 9:17 am

    captcha : crashing (and burning)

    says it all really.

  5. Lanthanide 5
    4 June 2010 at 9:54 am

    Rodney Hide should have standing orders with RadioNZ that any time Key declines an interview, they should ask him to front instead. Obviously not all topics would be appropriate for him, and others may be better (like Jim Anderton a few days ago), but it’d really help one-up Key.

  6. RedFred 6
    4 June 2010 at 9:57 am

    Typical neo-conservative media control tactic;

    1) underfund & ignore state broadcasting to decrease quality and ratings to increase public apathy.
    2) Sell off state broadcasting to “mum & dad” investors
    3) Share holding is then concentrated in larger private hands
    4) End of 4th estate and any serious media opposition to government agenda or activity.

    • Jim Nald 6.1
      4 June 2010 at 12:13 pm

      Frankly, I say to you guys – you go out and create your 5th estate.
      44ukk the 4th.

  7. Zaphod Beeblebrox 7
    4 June 2010 at 9:57 am

    What’s the point of interviewing him anyway- he’s totally unintelligible most of the time. All you get is a mish-mash of ‘maybes’, ‘in the fullness of time’, ‘at the end of the day’, ‘we’ll be looking at that in due course’ and that’s on a good day. That’s when he’s not trying to discuss the Afganistanian situation or being totally incomprehensible which he seems to be most of the time.

    • Lanthanide 7.1
      4 June 2010 at 10:42 am

      So the point is to indicate the New Zealand public that that is what he is like, all of the time.

      • Zaphod Beeblebrox 7.1.1
        4 June 2010 at 4:48 pm

        I don’t know what he is like when he is not giving the cryptic pollie-speak. I just wish he would be more clear about what he means sometimes.

  8. tsmithfield 8
    4 June 2010 at 10:09 am

    Actually, he already does front a lot on the media. He appears regularly on The Breakfast Show, 3ZB, and Radio Live with Willy and JT. On Radio Live he tends to get a bit of a grilling from Willy who is definitely not a National Party hack.

    It is quite common for Key to be accused of being a “do nothing” MP. If you also want him to be appearing with every media outlet that makes a request, then he definitely won’t have much time to do anything else.

    • Bill 8.1
      4 June 2010 at 10:15 am

      And I do a lot of reading to keep myself informed. I read cornflake packets, shampoo bottles, and the ‘Womans Weekly’. The Womans Weekly has pictures and lots of words that are sometimes a little challenging.

      If you want me to read everything then I definitely won’t have much time to do anything else.

    • Galeandra 8.2
      4 June 2010 at 12:19 pm

      ecctually.

  9. Zak Creedo 9
    4 June 2010 at 10:10 am

    Key avoiding.. YOU WISH !!

    the spread here between combative redfred and laid-out really kind of gives this thing away.

    When the issue is why should anybody duck the national radio station..?

  10. Anne 10
    4 June 2010 at 10:30 am

    He’s been on the back foot for some time now and his spin meisters don’t trust him to handle substantive interviews without mucking up. He’s been advised to avoid interviewers like Plunkett and Robinson and to stick with TV sound-bites and the awful Paul Henry.

    Lanthanide has the right idea. Every time he declines to be interviewed, they should invite an appropriate opposition member to fill the slot.

    • True Blue 10.1
      4 June 2010 at 11:19 am

      There lies the problem we do not have an appropriate opposition member to fill the spot.

    • Jim Nald 10.2
      4 June 2010 at 11:26 am

      That’s true. The msm should invite the appropriate opp member to comment, whether there is a cabinet minister to speak up and especially if there isn’t such a cabinet minister fronting up. I’ll email the particular radio/tv (and newspaper) to ask why there isn’t an approp opp member’s comment or participation next time I notice the omission.

      • Anne 10.2.1
        4 June 2010 at 12:54 pm

        @ Jim Nald.
        Good on you. I will do it too if I catch up with it. By opposition I mean ALL the left leaning parties including the Maori Party- sans Tariana of course. It just needs to be someone who has a high profile in the subject matter to be discussed. Eg. Phil Twyford re- Auckland Super City.

        • Jim Nald 10.2.1.1
          4 June 2010 at 1:56 pm

          Just occurred to me … and this is for anyone who can help who is reading this …

          Can someone post a list of email addresses for the editors, editorial room, producers, what-not of various tv & radio stations?

          Say, compile in an Excel sheet?

          That way, each of us can have a ready list ready at hand to consult for a specific email address to send a message (eg asking whether or why a particular MP or a certain relevant person has not been interviewed).

  11. Sanctuary 11
    4 June 2010 at 10:40 am

    A lot of the media were furious over the level of manipulation that went on over Key’s trip to Afghanistan. The media love to have their ego stroked and to be flattered, but they hate having their collective noses rubbed in it by a media comms team playing favourites.

    Since then I have noticed a move away from the fawning sycophancy he was getting in all media to a distinctly cooler reception in some. The crazy thing is Sean Plunkett usually behaved like an over-awed schoolgirl editor of a high school paper when he interviewed Key. By continually turning down interviews with Plunkett, when the awful day finally dawns when Key has to appear (which he will, sooner or later) Plunkett will make a point of giving him a hard time.

  12. Blue 12
    4 June 2010 at 10:45 am

    I strongly suspect the reason Key doesn’t go on Morning Report is that he doesn’t need to.

    There’s more risk than benefit for him at this stage of the game. The media honeymoon has actually started to wear off, and most interviewers are now more interested in tripping him up than gushing adoringly over him. Plus, radio plays to his weaknesses (sloppy diction, gratingly irritating voice) whereas on TV he can smile and wave.

    The worst that can happen is that Plunket makes mincemeat out of him on air and he comes off looking stupid, arrogant and untrustworthy. Just what he needs when the poll ratings are starting to fall.

    Best to avoid the whole thing. After all, if he doesn’t go on Morning Report, what consequences will there be for him? None.

    • Lew 12.1
      4 June 2010 at 10:47 am

      I guess you figure that becoming known as the PM who can’t stand the heat is a chance he’s willing to take. I’m not so sure. Hell hath no fury like a journo scorned. Behold how they turned on Clark, and Peters, and Brash, and tremble.

      L

      • Blue 12.1.1
        4 June 2010 at 11:01 am

        The honeymoon hasn’t worn off *that* much.

        At this point the media probably don’t give a rat’s if Key doesn’t talk to Morning Report, just as long as he’s still talking to them.

        • Lew 12.1.1.1
          4 June 2010 at 11:08 am

          Not yet, no. And the point is to prevent it doing so.

          I don’t really agree that not talking to MR would be ok as long as he’s talking to other media. MR (and Checkpoint) is the country’s news of record, accorded more credibility than any of the paper or TV bulletins, and attracts a larger audience than any of those — except for One News, which is about the same or slightly more.

          And FTFA, it was a One News political reporter whose questions Key brushed off last night, as well, so he’s not even talking to the rest of the media.

          Not to say that he’s in dire straits — just that this is not asustainable strategy. He needs to be able to front the bad and the indifferent as as well as the good.

          L

          • Blue 12.1.1.1.1
            4 June 2010 at 11:17 am

            After all the times Key’s avoided giving a straight answer, said he couldn’t remember, or directly contradicted himself without even blinking and the media has just rolled over and accepted it every time, I can’t share your faith in their supposed ability to hold him to account.

            • Lew 12.1.1.1.1.1
              4 June 2010 at 11:22 am

              Don’t you remember the early oughties, Blue?

              L

            • uke 12.1.1.1.1.2
              4 June 2010 at 11:30 am

              All that Sean needs to do is ask (if he ever gets to interview Key again):

              Why have you turned down so many MR requests for interviews – while continuing to give other media the opportunity?

  13. kriswgtn 13
    4 June 2010 at 10:59 am

    Nzers can smirk as they tick the box in 2011 to vote him and his clowns out of office

    He doesnt like being asked tough questions and when he remarked re Andy Haden I just about choked– there wasnt NO diff between what Haden said and donkeys remark over Tuhoe

    but then racism appears to be okay in this country– as long as it hasnt anything to do with jews and Nazis uniforms

    Hone
    Haden
    Key
    Holmes

    See a pattern???

  14. randal 14
    4 June 2010 at 11:42 am

    maybe if he offers them all a bottle of jaykay whine before the show perhaps?

  15. windy.city.struggler 15
    4 June 2010 at 3:32 pm

    For better or worse, Key’s professional formation
    has included trading currency on a computer screen and managing a trading floor. He has not developed social confidence or intellectual breadth through interacting with a broad range of people and information sources. He is, if you like, a product of our times.

    I don’t like his politics, but neither do I like personal attacks. He strikes me as a guy who is aware of his limitations and is happy to be guided by National Party media strategists. He is growing in the role and doing things he would not have done when he won the election.

    But who is pulling the strings ? Rogue billionaires trying to fashion us in their image as a bolt-hole during prolonged economic contraction in the northern hemisphere ?

  16. Craig Glen Eden 16
    4 June 2010 at 4:46 pm

    Key is weak he has always been the great pretender. Voters cant say that they were not warned by Helen concerning just what John was all about (your nose is growing John).
    It will be interesting to have an election fought on policy and not on presidential smile and wave journalism. I live in hope!
    If National was smart they would leave Kiwi bank alone but I suspect Keys mates really want it to go to make their existing operations even more profitable.
    Time will tell but I suspect rank and file Nats would be happy for it to stay, but sadly thats not the hollow mens agenda, sell sell sell.

  17. kriswgtn 17
    4 June 2010 at 6:22 pm

    And kiwirail getting a major upgrade , this after Nacts had lambasted labour for buying it– why why why

    I bet they gonna sell it down the line– if they get in 2011- within 6 months of the upgrade

    They have a lot of gall to even think theyre going to get in next year..

    The thing that pisses me off is that THEY the govt doesnt own kiwirail==

    WE the taxpayers do

  18. Savant 18
    4 June 2010 at 9:29 pm

    Why would he expose himself to a professional like Plunkett when he can get a soft spot on TV from the lazy Henry.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Feline Friends and Fragile Fauna The Complexities of Cats in New Zealand’s Conservation Efforts

    Cats, with their independent spirit and beguiling purrs, have captured the hearts of humans for millennia. In New Zealand, felines are no exception, boasting the highest national cat ownership rate globally [definition cat nz cat foundation]. An estimated 1.134 million pet cats grace Kiwi households, compared to 683,000 dogs ...

    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Or is that just they want us to think?
    Nice guy, that Peter Williams. Amiable, a calm air of no-nonsense capability, a winning smile. Everything you look for in a TV presenter and newsreader.I used to see him sometimes when I went to TVNZ to be a talking head or a panellist and we would yarn. Nice guy, that ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Did global warming stop in 1998?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Did global warming stop in ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Arguing over a moot point.
    I have been following recent debates in the corporate and social media about whether it is a good idea for NZ to join what is known as “AUKUS Pillar Two.” AUKUS is the Australian-UK-US nuclear submarine building agreement in which … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago

  • No Longer Trusted: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    Turning Point: “What has turned me away from the mainstream news media is the very strong message that its been sending out for the last few years.” “And what message might that be?” “That the people who own it, the people who run it, and the people who provide its content, really don’t ...
    Bowalley Road
    5 days ago

  • Mortgage rates at 10% anyone?
    No – nothing about that in PM Luxon’s nine-point plan to improve the lives of New Zealanders. But beyond our shores Jamie Dimon, the long-serving head of global bank J.P. Morgan Chase, reckons that the chances of a goldilocks soft landing for the economy are “a lot lower” than the ...
    Point of OrderBy xtrdnry
    6 days ago

  • Sad tales from the left
    Michael Bassett writes –  Have you noticed the odd way in which the media are handling the government’s crackdown on surplus employees in the Public Service? Very few reporters mention the crazy way in which State Service numbers rocketed ahead by more than 16,000 during Labour’s six years, ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • In Whose Best Interests?
    On The Spot: The question Q+A host, Jack Tame, put to the Workplace & Safety Minister, Act’s Brooke van Velden, was disarmingly simple: “Are income tax cuts right now in the best interests of lowering inflation?”JACK TAME has tested another MP on his Sunday morning current affairs show, Q+A. Minister for Workplace ...
    Bowalley Road
    6 days ago

  • Don’t Question, Don’t Complain.
    It has to start somewhereIt has to start sometimeWhat better place than here?What better time than now?So it turns out that I owe you all an apology.It seems that all of the terrible things this government is doing, impacting the lives of many, aren’t necessarily ‘bad’ per se. Those things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • Auckland faces 25% water inflation shock
    Three Waters became a focus of anti-Government protests under Labour, but its dumping by the new Government hasn’t solved councils’ funding problems and will eventually hit the back pockets of everyone. Photo: Lynn Grieveson/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 8:06 am today are:The Government ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • Small accomplishments and large ironies
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Song of Saqua: Volume VII
    In order to catch up to the actual progress of the D&D campaign, I present you with another couple of sessions. These were actually held back to back, on a Monday and Tuesday evening. Session XV Alas, Goatslayer had another lycanthropic transformation… though this time, he ran off into the ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    6 days ago

  • Accelerating the Growth Rate?
    There is a constant theme from the economic commentariat that New Zealand needs to lift its economic growth rate, coupled with policies which they are certain will attain that objective. Their prescriptions are usually characterised by two features. First, they tend to be in their advocate’s self-interest. Second, they are ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    6 days ago

  • The only thing we have to fear is tenants themselves
    1. Which of these acronyms describes the experience of travelling on a Cook Strait ferry?a. ROROb. FOMOc. RAROd. FMLAramoana, first boat ever boarded by More Than A Feilding, four weeks after the Wahine disaster2. What is the acronym for the experience of watching the government risking a $200 million break ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    7 days ago

  • Peters talks of NZ “renewing its connections with the world” – but who knew we had been discon...
    Buzz from the Beehive The thrust of the country’s foreign affairs policy and its relationship with the United States have been addressed in four statements from the Beehive over the past 24 hours. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters somewhat curiously spoke of New Zealand “renewing its connections with a world ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
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