About
Contact
Advertise

Facebook
Twitter

May 7, 2026 8:00am by Kokila Patel

General Debate 07 May 2026

Like this:

Like Loading…

Email
Facebook
Twitter
Comment129

Uncategorized
General Debate

Comments (129)

Login to comment or vote

NeverMindTheBollocks

Another imposition by the cycling crowd on the rest of us. More bills. More lying by omission by the media.

The replacement pathway to be clipped on to a refurbished rail bridge won’t work because it’s too heavy. Yep, it’s steel instead of wood, but it’s also because it’s no longer a footbridge. The word “bicycle” figures nowhere in the article; however the MetLink rep let the cat out of the bag when he referred to “ … the weight of the shared pathway …”.

So, no replacement footbridge within the foreseeable future, and any solution will require more tax and ratepayer money.

There are two other bridges within 1km of this one. Perhaps cyclists could just pedal out of their way instead of expecting others to further fund their hobby.

http://www.1news.co.nz/2026/05/06/clip-on-walkway-to-lower-hutt-rail-bridge-design-unworkable/
14 2
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 8:01am
artemisia

AI causing headaches for both job hunters and recruiters ‘Sam’ thinks she is being rejected countless times each week, possibly not by humans. Maybe it is more to do with being a new Bachelor of Communications grad. A CV is a critical communication vehicle, so how’s that degree working out?

Probably not many plumbers and sparkies have the same problem.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/594440/ai-causing-headaches-for-both-job-hunters-and-recruiters
35 1
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 8:08am
- Ra Henare
  
  I think the answer to sams problem is quite simple.
  
  Sam closed her laptop after finishing her last assignment for her Bachelor of Communications. But after graduating from Wellington’s Victoria University, looking for a full-time job could not be harder.
  
  With thousands taking a communications degree and fawning over a previous PM with such a qualification.
  
  There are no effing jobs for fresh faced newly garduated persons.
  
  An I loved the woke bit. They cant tell if they have been rejected by AI or Humans.. Who effing cares…..
  
  17 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 8:15am
- zulumonster
  
  Sam needs to knock on Wellington City Council’s gold plated door … they must be short of any number of Communications specialists … they only have ~ 50 on the payroll at the moment …
  
  15 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 8:26am
- artemisia
  
  Faced with a pile of maybe hundreds of job applications, an actual human is most likely to start at the top until they find a shortlist. Some of the rest get looked at if none of the short list work out. Rinse and repeat.
  
  At least with AI they will probably all be reviewed against the criteria and are a lot more likely to receive a ‘no thanks’ letter than no response at all.
  
  (I’ve done lots of hiring – it is incredible how many applicants don’t have a work permit let alone relevant experience.)
  
  31 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 8:51am
  - lastmanstanding
    
    Right from the get go I figured regime change was the the US and Israels objective. They knew they couldnt reason with the current regime as regards the nuke ambitions and their military capability. They have pretty much taken out the military capability and the blockade will collapse the economy. The Iranian people unlike Iraqi and Afghanistan are well educated people. When they rise up against the regime they will well supported by the CIA and Mossad. A moderate regime will see billions of dollars flow into rebuilding the country and with the ability of the citizens the country will be restored to a more reasonable state as regards dealing with the West. It will become like the rest of the surrounding countries willing to deal and trade. Most of the citizens want a peaceful existence and a good lifestyle. They didnt get that from the Mullahs. I may be wrong but I suspect by the end of the year there will be a new regime in place and work to restore and rebuild the economy and the country.
    
    26 7
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 9:24am
    - Wairoa Native
      
      Just for the record:
      Before the Iraq War, Iraq was a mixed bag. Earlier on under Saddam Hussein, oil money helped schools and healthcare, and literacy rates were pretty high for the region. Women in particular were relatively well educated and a lot of them were working especially in cities and in professional jobs, which wasn’t as common across the region at the time. Rather like the pre ‘regime change’ conditions in Syria and Libya actually.
      
      The Iraq War was justified over WMDs, but none were found even by the US formed Iraq Survey Group. Meanwhile, Iraq has massive oil reserves, and securing oil infrastructure was an early priority. Hard not to argue oil was a major driver behind removing Saddam Hussein.
      
      12 1
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      May 7, 2026 9:46am
    - Cassandra
      
      That’d be great but the current regime seems to be extraordinarily resilient.
      
      19 1
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      May 7, 2026 9:55am
    - Philview
      
      I was listening to a podcast earlier involving Niall Ferguson. He was of the view that the theocratic regime is effectively gone and the IRG now has control of Iran. So a military dictatorship could be the future.
      
      4 1
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      May 7, 2026 11:06am
    - Ra Henare
      
      Lastman. Keep that coolaid flowing.
      
      “”When they rise up against the regime they will well supported by the CIA and Mossad.””
      
      How has that worked out so far? Think back to CIA organised Maidan Revolution in Ukraine.
      
      Seems CIA and Mossad operatives were behind turning a merchants protest in January to lots of killings.
      CIA/Mossad ensuring over 100 Iranian Cops were gunned down. Revving up the locals which resulted in the harsh crack down by the Iranian Governmnet.
      
      I find it amusing that the number of Iranians apparently murdered by Iranian forces keeps growing!!
      
      Initially 3000 ish, it quickly jumped to 30,000 when a journalised changed the numbers which became a defactor shock horror number for all media and especially Western propogandists.
      
      I just watched a podcast with an ex Sec of Defence saying it was 40,000!!!!
      
      Wonder what the number will be next month? 50,000? or will it get confused with the Gaza death toll of 70,000 plus
      
      The fog of war has never been so dense!!!
      
      One more Time. I am not supporting the evil part of the Iranian “regime”, teh same as I am not supporting the stupidity of the Trump “regime”
      
      3 3
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      May 7, 2026 9:22pm
  - MCōs
    
    Most work visas rely on a job offer as precondition.
    
    7 0
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 9:26am
  - Bullion
    
    During the application process you either have to prove or state your ability to work either as a citizen or with the required visa – this gate keeps hr from even seeing applications from people that can’t legally work here.
    
    4 0
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 9:40am
  - mandk
    
    Based on my experience, it’s relatively easy and quick to triage a pile of CVs.
    
    About 80% can be identified as ‘completely unsuitable’ in less than 30 seconds. About 5% can be classed as ‘almost certainly suitable’ within about a minute. The remaining 15%, who ‘might be suitable’, take the longest time to deal with because I re-read them in case I miss a good candidate who should be in the ‘almost certainly suitable’ group.
    
    Another read of the ‘almost certainly suitable’ group generally results in a shortlist of interviewees.
    
    2 1
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 11:24am
- David Garrett
  
  Ardern is living proof that a degree in communications is not necessarily a waste of time.
  
  43 3
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 8:55am
  - Positan
    
    As they say, DG – in the world of the blind, a one-eyed woman is queen – as she proved to the world of the blind.
    
    36 2
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 9:22am
    - Bullion
      
      I suppose that includes you? Being blind.
      
      2 15
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      May 7, 2026 9:40am
      - Positan
        
        It’s possible the quote could be taken to read that, in the world of the brainless, a half-wit would be king.
        
        2 0
        Report
        May 7, 2026 5:39pm
  - Nigel Kearney
    
    “Not necessarily a waste of time” may be overstating her achievements.
    
    30 1
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 9:41am
    - David Garrett
      
      Nigel: I think you can say that becoming PM – notwithstanding with the assistance of The Great Charlatan – is quite some achievement.
      
      How well she fulfilled that office is another matter entirely.
      
      18 0
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      May 7, 2026 11:59am
  - Charlotte Wells
    
    In what way was that faux qualification of any use to her?
    
    She certainly failed to communicate when speaking.
    
    It certainly was no mark of intellect.
    
    I put it in the category of fodder for the outstanding prescient book ‘Degrees for Everyone’.
    
    Let’s be honest, most uni degree’s are attendance rewards.
    
    4 0
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 10:29am
  - [email protected]
    
    I sadly agree with you.
    
    1 0
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 6:40pm
- Taieri
  
  Probably not many plumbers and sparkies have the same problem.
  ————
  
  You would be surprised, but they do. I know a few, who couldn’t get through the initial screening despite having been highly qualified and experienced. They got around it by phoning relevant persons.
  I’m not a plumber or sparky, but never got a job applying online as my applications were always rejected or ignored, despite having a little bit more in my CV than BCommunications. A phone call followed by an email always worked though.
  
  8 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 9:08am
  - NeverMindTheBollocks
    
    Gen Zee just won’t pick up the phone.
    
    A bit of a handicap when your forte is communications.
    
    1 0
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 2:06pm
- wsk12345
  
  haha. My friend was recruiting recently for an admin job in a small trades business. They wanted someone who could muck in and get the job done and fit in with the team /have a laugh doing it.
  
  She said that 95% of the CVs received were formulaic/written by AI. Nothing made them stand out. She said “I just want someone who’s a bit fun – like we said in the ad”. As she got many (hundreds of) applicants, she had to use AI to screen out the boring AI generated apps….
  
  5 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 3:15pm
- waikatosinger
  
  Sam might want to consider changing her name. Telling an AI that you are looking for a ‘diverse’ applicant (and HR sticks that sort of wording in routinely) can result in the AI behaving in a brutally discriminatory fashion towards anyone with a plain vanilla name. Like Sam.
  
  0 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 8, 2026 4:49am
Nikola Donatello

I have just caught up with the BSA abolition decision. I just don’t understand Goldsmith. He could have introduced a one paragraph repeal Bill to Parliament next week. Instead he is leaving the BSA literally untouched for months while a new regulatory regime is designed.

Here is an idea. Abolish the BSA next week and then do nothing.

Honestly the more that I see of this guy the more I despair.
64 8
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 8:11am
- pdm
  
  It is noted that the low achievers in Cabinet all come from National eg.
  
  Watts, Goldsmith, Doocey.
  
  May be harsh on Doocey as I am not sure what he is supposed to do anyway and surely what he is responsible for could be covered by Health Minister Brown. May be Doocey like the Auckland and South Island Ministers are just sops to complainers.
  
  30 13
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 8:23am
  - RoboRob
    
    I noticed my local Nat MP, who I lovingly refer to as captian invisible, is now in campaign mode. He had his trailer sign up on a main road last night.
    
    Good luck to him, he wont be getting my vote. If only we had a decent alternative to him.
    
    21 6
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 8:58am
    - G the giant from Dunedin
      
      Enjoy your new Labour mp
      
      1 2
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      May 7, 2026 9:12am
    - Wairoa Native
      
      As a recovering left wing voter, we do have a credible Nat to vote for in my electorate. Sadly on current results, as it is a marginal seat, that MP might be gone unless National turns around their poor polling pretty fast. Hopefully they can eek out 25-30% overall. We’ll have to rely on ACT and NZ First to carry the day.
      
      2 0
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      May 7, 2026 10:24am
    - David Garrett
      
      Robo: It doesn’t really matter whether you give him your electorate vote – the party vote is what counts. Vote either National – if you must – or ACT.
      
      12 1
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      May 7, 2026 12:19pm
      - RoboRob
        
        I know, thats why I may vote Labour in my electorate. It doesn’t matter from a government formation perspective.
        
        If only I had an Act or even NZF candidate to vote for. In my electorate it is Nat v Lab or Green
        
        3 0
        Report
        May 7, 2026 1:14pm
      - David Garrett
        
        Robo: You probably already know, but while you have two votes – electorate and party – there is nothing stopping you using only one. Either one.
        
        5 0
        Report
        May 7, 2026 1:26pm
      - pdm
        
        RR I think ACT are a couple of weeks away from naming all Electorate candidates so don’t panic yet.
        
        If ACT don’t have a candidate in your electorate they McGillicuddy Serious Party might reappear.
        
        1 0
        Report
        May 7, 2026 4:18pm
    - wsk12345
      
      Mr Campbell? At least my MP (Weenick) has door knocked me. Though I doubt she will make that mistake this election 🙂
      
      1 1
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      May 7, 2026 3:17pm
  - G the giant from Dunedin
    
    Perhaps look at the others, some of Act and NZF I have never heard even make an announcement
    
    1 1
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 9:11am
    - RoboRob
      
      Fair call. Maybe I am being too hard on him, as a lowly back bencher.
      
      2 0
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      May 7, 2026 2:54pm
  - Graeme Hall
    
    The Grand Old Nats love to tease a good idea out as long as possible – preferably until after an election. It is as though they cannot bear to take their hands off it. They never seem to learn that this tactic only annoys voters who, after getting treated like mugs, will start to look for an alternative party that gets on with implementing policies.
    
    8 0
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 9:20am
- G the giant from Dunedin
  
  That is not how law works. And I bet anything you like Peters has to be notify before anything is done, and he appears to be out of the country
  
  0 3
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 8:25am
  - septic skeptic
    
    This has been going on for months. Winston hasn’t been out of the country that long and I assume he can use email anyway.
    
    0 0
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 2:29pm
- artemisia
  
  Maybe there is a reason for that timetable? I suppose political given election year but that seems a bit unlikely.
  
  12 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 8:42am
  - RoboRob
    
    I suspect the announcement yesterday was no accident. The Nats likely got their latest Curia polling results, which could have had questions around the BSA. I assume they realised that abolishment had near 100% support so thought that perhaps it was safe to make a decision.
    
    Re timetable. Goldsmith does nothing fast. Two plus months for a ‘draft’ removal bill with the final bill to be passed post election, sometime, IF the Nats get back in.
    
    We can clock the removal of the BSA up as a win for Nationals second term, not the first. Same as many other policies (Simon Watts local body changes are ALL next term).
    
    22 4
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 8:50am
    - artemisia
      
      Good point. So that approach sets down choices for voters. What will happen – or more importantly may well not happen – depending on the election results. Labour policy by default?
      
      8 1
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      May 7, 2026 8:58am
      - RoboRob
        
        Remember that National have tried this campaign tactic before to spectacular failure and the harm on NZers. Bill English annouced tax cuts that would come into law AFTER the election IF National got back in. The voters proceeded to vote National out and the country lost out as Labour cancelled the cuts.
        
        I HATE the ‘vote for us if you want this policy actually passed’ election tactic. Parties that do this pay the price. Part of the reason the Nats polling is low is that they haven’t passed some key policy into law yet. Much of this is being ‘left’ until just before (or sadly after) the election.
        
        20 3
        Report
        May 7, 2026 9:03am
    - artemisia
      
      Quite common for decisions to be reversed by a different government. That’s more disruptive isn’t it?
      
      9 2
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      May 7, 2026 9:18am
      - RoboRob
        
        Are you suggesting it is better to not implement changes becuase of the disruptive (potential) removal of them when a government changes?
        
        I understand that was the logic when three strikes was watered down suffiiciently to make it ineffective. The arguement being that it was better to have an ineffective law that wont be removed then an effective law that might get removed.
        
        6 2
        Report
        May 7, 2026 9:42am
      - imalwaysright
        
        “RoboRob
        Are you suggesting it is better to not implement changes…”
        
        Funnily enough that tactic doesn’t exist for the Left, they will write new law ’til the cows come home.
        
        Not enacting legislation because the Opposition will repeal it, is tantamount to admitting that the Government are no more than babysitters keeping the benches warm for Labour etc.
        
        Defeatist.
        
        6 1
        Report
        May 7, 2026 9:52am
      - Charlotte Wells
        
        It’s only Labour that reverses Nationals’ decisions.
        
        National are too piss-weak to even contemplate reversing a car.
        
        4 0
        Report
        May 7, 2026 10:32am
    - MCōs
      
      There’s only a bit over four months until the last sitting day of this term of parliament.
      A lot of time is taken up with the budget debate plus the usual breaks and the India FTA has to be verified.
      I would imagine the BSA is pretty small beer.
      
      7 2
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      May 7, 2026 9:51am
      - Nikola Donatello
        
        The BSA Act could be repealed using about one hour of Parliament time. It would be a better use of an hour than what I frequently see.
        
        18 4
        Report
        May 7, 2026 10:22am
    - peterwn
      
      With legislation you never do anything fast. It is far too easy to make a cock-up.
      
      10 3
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      May 7, 2026 10:42am
      - imalwaysright
        
        Most of the Public Service and the Judiciary seem to ignore the law, and the Government, anyway.
        
        The easiest way would be to give the staff 4 weeks notice and not hire any more.
        
        ….there’s an idea. Maybe we could do that with the Min of Ed and the rest of the grifters.
        Lots of empty Ministries with no one to make our lives miserable and poor.
        
        1 0
        Report
        May 7, 2026 3:05pm
    - Dougal10
      
      Labour would change local bodys as well , the problem we have is they will just turn local councils into community boards and give all the power to the regional councils , if national want that they are going about it the right way , if they want something different they need to fast track the changes.
      
      0 0
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      May 7, 2026 12:07pm
    - Paulus
      
      They will happen shortly but must get the bureacratic paper work right first so the judges cannot intefere.
      
      7 0
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      May 7, 2026 12:43pm
      - MCōs
        
        Under what circumstances do you envisage “judicial interference”?
        
        2 0
        Report
        May 7, 2026 1:29pm
  - imalwaysright
    
    ” I suppose political given election year but that seems a bit unlikely.”
    
    Everything they do is political.
    
    We have spent nearly three years waiting for the promised reforms from this Government.
    
    If they have delayed those reforms to give themselves greater chances in the election then that is a disgrace.
    
    3 0
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 9:23am
- graham
  
  The BSA seems to be, err, rather defensive.
  
  https://www.bsa.govt.nz/broadcasting-standards/resources/online-broadcasting/jurisdiction-faqs/
  
  One interesting point they make is that the BSA can only fine broadcasters up to $5,000 (and the maximum amount is rarely awarded) – they have no powers to shut a broadcaster down. I know this is not about the money but the principle; but if the case against The Platform were to proceed and costs were awarded, I rather suspect enough people would happily donate to Sean Plunket to cover that fine …
  
  10 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 8:42am
- Inandout
  
  If the BSA is not completely shut down this year then a future government will merely restart it.
  
  5 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 8:49am
  - RoboRob
    
    Election is in November. Goldsmith has already said it is unlikely to be shut down prior to the election.
    
    6 0
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 2:20pm
- RoboRob
  
  Heard Goldsmith on withn HDPA last night. He was saying that removing the BSA was obvious and it was clear that there was no need for them in a modern world.
  
  Now HDPA, again, missed the beat here. She should have asked, ‘If it was so clear the BSA was not needed why did you spend much of last year looking at updating the BSA act and why at the end of the review did you not identify the closure of the BSA? Why did you not shut them down 8mths ago when the Platform issue arose? Is it not that the BSA would have remained in place had they not blown themselves up over the Platform matter?’
  
  34 3
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 8:55am
  - imalwaysright
    
    Good questions.
    
    Another good question would be to Cameron Brewer as to why he accepted the recommendations of the Stobo report.
    
    Yet another good question would be to Chris Bishop as to why RMA Panels accept submissions from Iwi which are clearly designed to extort money from the Applicant.
    Who would be daft enough to invest in this country where State enabled extortion is considered a cost of doing business?
    
    3 0
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 9:43am
- Ghost
  
  A one paragraph repeal bill?
  
  Consultation needs to be done with the industry on self governing. The BSA is included in several pieces of legalisation that will need changing.
  
  First reading, select committee, second reading, committee of the whole house, final reading.
  
  I guess it’s better to rush things than actually wait for it to go through the processes. If only kiwibloggers would go into politics, they seem to know how to do things better
  
  11 20
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 9:35am
  - RoboRob
    
    If only Goldsmith had started this process 8mths ago then.
    
    21 3
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 9:44am
    - H. Upmann
      
      There is no such thing as Goldsmith and start in the same sentence.
      
      8 1
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      May 7, 2026 9:59am
  - Nikola Donatello
    
    You are not following me. None of that is necessary. Introduce a repeal bill under urgency. Pass it that day. Then do nothing more. That is it.
    
    I am not in politics but I have extensive experience in preparing drafting instructions for Bills.
    
    This is a simple case. The BSA is a dog with fleas. End it and step away.
    
    17 2
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 11:24am
  - RoboRob
    
    The NZF ‘English as an official language’ is probably the simplist and easiest law around. Introduced Feb 2026 …
    
    The bill is currently before select committee with a report due to be presented on 3 September. The next step is a second reading of the bill and it’s likely it would come to a final vote before November’s election.
    
    11 0
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 12:20pm
- Notsofast
  
  I guess he resents being driven by the Platform to act. He will not talk to the Platform. Perversely there is a powerful incentive now to maintain this coalition in power, to finish off the BSA and their ilk, and to have another 3 year crack at traffic control on maorification.
  
  Tikanga is mumbo jumbo, and as sinister as any witch doctor’s brew. Shame on the left for not calling out this woeful and backward ideology.
  
  7 3
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 9:59am
- alwyn.a
  
  Perhaps they are giving the BSA a chance to go out on a high note?
  I see from the Herald to day that they are having a go at TV1 over what they have ruled is a misleading report on Trump’s “I couldn’t care less” news report from last September.
  “The authority found TVNZ’s report last September breached accuracy standards with the way it referenced Trump’s comments following the arrest of a man suspected of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk.”
  
  0 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 1:05pm
Frank the tank

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland/auckland-city-rail-link-could-have-been-half-the-cost-ex-ceo-sean-sweeney/premium/NQPOAU2V5JCW5DASVPNCUS3RLU/

The nerve……why didn’t the corporate worm speak up during the initial phases.
14 2
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 8:12am
- ISeeRed
  
  Downticked for posting a paywalled article.
  [ Mod – generally if we are on to this we will kill your post. A summary is OK, cut and paste isn’t. Funny old world ]
  
  0 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 6:49pm
imalwaysright

Welsh nurseries told to report ‘racist’ toddlers to POLICE under Labour-backed guidance.

https://www.gbnews.com/news/wales-news-nurseries-report-racist-toddlers-police-labour-guidance
7 1
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 8:13am
artemisia

A new test for applicants for citizenship is due to be rolled out next year replacing a declaration. It is apparently causing some concern in parts of the immigration sector. In an interview on NewstalkZB this morning, just after 5.15 am, Aaron Martin, a specialist immigration lawyer, raised his issues, or maybe it was just one issue. Wasting taxpayer money because citizenship applicants already know all this stuff about New Zealand rights and responsibilities.

“Why on earth are we spending taxpayers money for the bureaucrats to come up with a pop quiz at this point in time when New Zealand’s faced with much bigger problems.”

Always a good thing to question priority use of taxpayer money, though there is to be a fee to sit the test. But since quite a few politicians can walk and chew gum at the same time sounds like maybe a hint of self interest here.

https://www.govt.nz/browse/passports-citizenship-and-identity/nz-citizenship/citizenship-test/
17 5
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 8:35am
- pdm
  
  arty – how long would the list of NZ Politicians who can walk and chew gum at the same time really be?
  
  Stanford, Brown, Seymour, van Velden, Court, Mitchell, McLay, Collins, Williams, Meager are a few on my list of current ones.
  
  11 3
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 8:56am
  - imalwaysright
    
    Meager’s avhievements have been meagre.
    
    3 2
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 9:56am
    - pdm
      
      I put him because he seems the most likely of the 2023 intake to rise to or near to the top job.
      
      First Maori PM for example.
      
      He has more talent and ability than Potaka from what I see,
      
      4 1
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      May 7, 2026 4:25pm
      - imalwaysright
        
        I saw the Singapore PM on the news last night, I’d rather have one of them than a New Zealand PM of any ancestry.
        
        0 2
        Report
        May 7, 2026 6:12pm
    - Paulus
      
      Early days yet for Meager to have the media to help him stuff up –
      Seems a nice young man at present.
      And Maori so thats ok nevertheless.
      
      0 1
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      May 8, 2026 3:41pm
- Taieri
  
  Good to see that there’re specialist immigration lawyers so concerned about taxpayers money. Can’t imagine why a potential immigrant would want to use an immigration lawyer to lodge an application though as there’s nothing difficult or complex involved.
  But he’s got a point. For such a test to be meaningful it would have to include a little bit more than a set of 20 multiple choice questions with 75% passing grade. They have a similar test in Australia, I attempted it for a bit of fun, it was very simple and I passed it with 100%. So it is a waste of time and money, at least in my opinion, but undoubtedly it will create new business opportunities for someone – citizenship test preparation training specialists.
  
  5 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 9:05am
- Southern Raider
  
  We just need each immigrant to swear a pledge to the laws of NZ and how way of life. Needs to include not dumping rubbish, raping our marine life and being tolerant of everyone else.
  
  Get them to acknowledge in the pledge that they can be kicked out if they renege on the pledge and video it.
  
  Then kick a few people out shortly afterwards to reinforce we are serious. Maybe make anyone who has arrived in last 10 years to take the pledge before they can get citizenship as well.
  
  12 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 9:24am
  - ISeeRed
    
    IQ test. Simple. Anyone 100 or less? Not. Interested. After all, we (should) want to raise the collective IQ of our country, not lower it. Right?
    
    0 2
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 6:52pm
- rouppe
  
  Many countries have similar expectations.
  
  Maybe think of it like an arrival card declaration.
  
  Q: “are you intending to work while you’re here”.
  A: No
  
  Customs official: what’s this suitcase full of massage and beauty products?
  Traveller: oh that? That’s for personal use.
  Customs official: Get outta here.
  
  9 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 9:39am
- MCōs
  
  My wife, who has lived in NZ for most of the 21st century, probably wouldn’t pass that test, but she’s older than 65 so wouldn’t be required to.
  I wonder what the pass rate would be if the entire country was obliged to take the inquisition.
  How many people are familiar with the Bill of Rights Act?
  
  6 11
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 10:08am
  - imalwaysright
    
    “How many people are familiar with the Bill of Rights Act.”
    
    Certainly not Geoffrey Palmer, who introduced it in 1990.
    He was very quiet when Ardern used it as a door mat during covid.
    
    2 0
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 3:17pm
  - ISeeRed
    
    I needed qualifications to work in Thailand that most Thais didn’t have but that thought never came to my mind. We reserve the same right as Thailand to determine who we want to enter on any basis we like. That’s one of the most fundamental obligations a nation state has to its existing citizens.
    
    1 0
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 6:57pm
- JackRabbit
  
  From that link:
  Privileges and responsibilities of a citizen
  Test topics will include:
  the Bill of Rights Act
  human rights
  voting rights and democratic principles
  New Zealand’s system of government
  some criminal offences
  
  Most if not all Left wing politicians, Greens, TPM, and any of the jabby jab crew would fail.
  
  1 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 11:26am
  - Paulus
    
    You forgot Tikanga !
    
    0 1
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 8, 2026 3:43pm
- NeverMindTheBollocks
  
  DIA are quick off the mark. They’ve released Advanced Notice of their intent to procure the test system.
  
  http://www.gets.govt.nz/DIA/ExternalTenderDetails.htm?id=34042102
  
  0 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 7:21pm
Damocles11

‘Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that a deal with Iran to end the war was “very possible” following “very good talks” over the past 24 hours.
Repeating his usual lines about how “badly” Iran “wants to make a deal” and how the US has “won” the war after decimating Tehran’s military capabilities, Trump added:
“We’ll see whether or not they are agreeing. And if they don’t agree, they’ll end up agreeing shortly thereafter. That’s the way it is.”
Trump repeated his claim that Iran has agreed to never have a nuclear weapon “among other things”, a claim that has not been confirmed by Tehran.
He also told reporters that there is “never” a deadline for a negotiated agreement.
The US president was later asked a question on getting enriched uranium from Iran as he left an event in the East Room of the White House.
“We’re going to get it,” Trump told the reporter.
Asked how the United States would do this, Trump repeated: “We’re going to get it.”’
4 3
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 8:39am
- Hard Cheese
  
  It’s remarkable how someone who wrote a book about making a deal could be so hopeless at actually doing it.
  
  2 2
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 4:28pm
Southern Raider

Sorry article is paywalled for those without Premium.

Dr Sweeney (former head of CRL project) believes $2B could have been saved on CRL if it wasn’t so over specified. Just look at the photos of the new stations and the Māori carvings and all the flash ceiling adornments would have cost tens of millions alone.

No other public transit system in the world would turn a train loop into a public art gallery.Plus extended platforms when more frequent trains would have been cheaper and better outcome.

Classic comment was when he started the design had already been completed and he asked AT and KiwiRail where savings could be made and they came back saying there wasn’t any possible.

He also claims this is endemic in NZ infrastructure projects.
13 0
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 9:30am
- MCōs
  
  Sweeney’s head will explode when he finds out the budget for the Mt Vic Tunnel
  
  1 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 8:27pm
sungsamning

As much as $16 trillion has been spent worldwide to defeat global warming. It could have been twice that and it would never be enough because the climate hustlers need to keep the dollars rolling in to line their own pockets. Now we finally have an Environmental Protection Agency chief who’s exposing the racket. [All you need to know about any grand idea from the globalists is that its sure to be a scam, or a failure. Whatever happened to ‘global cooling’? China and India don’t have to do a thing. Time for prosecutions and jail.]
https://issuesinsights.com/2026/05/05/exposing-the-great-green-grift/
Exposing The Great Green Grift.
7 3
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 9:47am
sungsamning

As attention focused on President Trump’s Iran breakthrough, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met European and Commonwealth leaders in Armenia and said the rules-based international order is over, arguing it will be rebuilt out of Europe around Canada, the EU, the UK, and Australia. [Tell him he’s dreaming. The EU and the City are losing their mojo. They’re yesterdays team. Just like the original NWO in the 90s WWE.]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okdclue5Vr8
Carney’s New War on Trump: Soros’s ICC Architect Takes Canada
4 4
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 9:48am
rouppe

Somalia fraudster in Minnesota steals $11 million.

Cut a deal with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison (Democrat) for no jail time, and a bit of supervision in exchange for helping track down his missing fugitive co-defendant, alleged mastermind Abdirashid Ismail Said.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/minnesota-fraudster-cuts-no-jail-plea-deal-key-condition-tied-alleged-mastermind

What a joke. I predict something along the lines of “oh, he’s skipped the country, I don’t know where”.

They’ll both be laughing all the way to the money transfer office.
2 0
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 10:02am
Swifty

Chinese CO2 emissions:

https://x.com/jsblokland/status/2051971450395938936?s=46

My god.
2 1
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 10:22am
- NeverMindTheBollocks
  
  Those Chinese have been busy since 1950
  
  0 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 9:52pm
imalwaysright

Great use of the English language in this headline written by an RNZ employee:

Police claim man accused of sexual offending is obfuscating investigation | RNZ News https://share.google/s8qTc3cH4J4zkFnnx
1 0
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 10:23am
Nikola Donatello

Another example of inaction. “Rates capping”. Big announcement on 1 December 2025.

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/getting-rates-under-control-ratepayers

Then nothing.

Honestly it is depressing. In its first 12 months the government should have used its political capital to go flat out on dozens of much needed reforms.
24 2
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 10:30am
- Damocles11
  
  National is not the party of substantive and meaningful reform. Apart from some tinkering around the edges, National is the party of maintaining the status quo on behalf of existing power structures and vested interests.
  
  0 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 11:05am
- Nigel Kearney
  
  I wouldn’t blame them for saving the popular stuff for an election year. The problem is not getting unpopular stuff through when they had the chance.
  
  13 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 11:07am
  - RoboRob
    
    The rates capping and council mergers arent happening before the election. They laws are promised AFTER the election. Even the recent threat of develop a plan to merge or we will do it for you, isn’t based on any existing law.
    
    It’s smoke and mirrors, they have plans to do things but the actual policy and related laws are incomplete.
    
    5 0
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 12:18pm
  - imalwaysright
    
    “I wouldn’t blame them for saving the popular stuff for an election year.”
    
    So its okay for the country to continue to stagnate so that it will be easier for MPs, who we pay to run the country in our best interests, to get themselves another term ?
    
    0 1
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 2:40pm
  - pdm
    
    ND – Watts is not noted for his `get up and go’ in respect of the Local Government Portfolio.
    
    The whole thing is disintegrating in front of him and it seems he could not care less.
    
    3 1
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 4:30pm
- RoboRob
  
  Simon Watts is a key member of the dynamic duo. Im not 100% sure who is Batman and who is Robin between Watts and Goldsmith. I think it might be that Watts wins the ‘lack of action’ medal. Witness his ‘performance’ in the energy portfolio.
  
  12 2
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 11:11am
  - imalwaysright
    
    More like the Riddler and the Joker…
    Or between them they would do a good impression of Harvey Twoface.
    
    0 1
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 2:44pm
- Dougal10
  
  Waitaki council has 3 options on the table 19% ,33% and 45% , the first one pays wages the third one stops them hitting the borrowing cap , if watts had acted sooner the projected long term plan 8/9% would be the only game in town , national have fecked this one up.
  
  2 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 12:17pm
- Paulus
  
  Do you not think that the incoming Government had far more to do to at least find out what the previous so caalld government had done in stuffing the country so enormously.
  Move slowly and get it right is more important.
  
  7 2
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 12:48pm
  - imalwaysright
    
    “…the incoming Government had far more to do to at least find out what the previous so called government had done in stuffing the country…”
    
    The incoming Government sat six metres from the previous lot for six years watching them stuff the country.
    
    Did they not take notes…?
    
    1 1
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 7, 2026 3:26pm
- Swifty
  
  I agree.
  
  That first year the should have gone like a bat out of hell, especially with the ‘bad’ medicine – all the resultant horror and pearl-clutching would have long died by now.
  
  Roger Douglas had a bit of a mantra, which was to keep the changes coming, frequent, hard and fast, so the opposition was permanently on the back foot, not having the time to marshal forces against something before they were hit with another change, then another, then another.
  
  I was hopeful that National would do this or something close to this, but no.
  
  Far too timid.
  
  5 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 12:56pm
  - R
    
    The Douglas mantra laid thd foundations for our current fiscal economic mess!
    
    1 0
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    May 8, 2026 8:34am
plc

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/05/06/jealous-boyfriend-murdered-judges-daughter-blew-up-house/

Very interested to see the sentencing on this
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 10:31am
Pope Punctilious II

Behold the lameness. Activists go crying to the UN about “pay equity”:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/594460/formal-complaint-lodged-with-united-nations-over-changes-to-new-zealand-s-pay-equity-laws
3 0
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 11:26am
R

Something that has become obvious over recent years, or obvious to me, when reading comments on KB; is the
impatience of commentators for instant change, and a very obvious lack of knowledge about how politics in governments works. Knee jerk policies, without in depth study and research is the Forte of the LABOUR party, not a responsible adult lead government
1 2
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 12:03pm
Rumblestrip

I see Stuffed has a headline story about the Maiki Sherman f****t slur; the angle is no longer about what Sherman said but whether the allegations against her were an “organised political hit.”

You’d almost think that the evil Nats somehow forced the pure and innocent Sherman say that nasty word.

Spin, spin, spin away, legacy media.
9 0
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 12:50pm
Swifty

A few times over the years, and again yesterday, DPF has posted graphs showing the quite explosive growth in exports to China since we signed the FTA with them.

One thing that’s intrigued me about this growth is where all the production came from?

With the presumption we didn’t have large amounts of spare production capacity sitting around idle and unused, and if we’re talking horticultural exports it takes years to wind up, is a lot of that growth just selling to China what we sold to others previously?

The post-FTA growth curve with China just skyrockets. But with avos, or apples, or wine etc it takes years to ramp up production. First there is consents, and then land prep, then most fruits etc take 3-5 years from planting to come up to full production.

So again, I’m wondering if we have just robbed Peter to pay Paul and during the period where our exports to China have shot up, our exports to previous customers have reduced?

Any insights welcome.
4 1
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 12:51pm
Swifty

24 yeas since Pim Fortuyn’s assassination:

https://x.com/evavlaar/status/2052114881315323956?s=46
1 1
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 1:17pm
Swifty

Going to the Met Gala as a contractor:

https://x.com/karluskap/status/2052004925953974275?s=46

😆
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 1:21pm
MCōs

If you don’t like exercising or dieting, but want a long life put a teaspoon of vinegar in the water when you cook your rice; so my wife tells me.
I suspect she saw that on YouTube
So how does one know when the previous expiry date has passed?
2 1
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 1:23pm
- Manu-Rau
  
  I’m fairly sure that YouTube videos don’t expire.
  
  1 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  May 7, 2026 6:12pm
AndyW

FFS! There’s a Stuff video about a mum, with 12 kids, living in a five room KO house, struggling to make ends meet…of course – anyone with 12 kids is going to struggle.

Stop having so many kids. What frustrates me is the daughter saying the mum’s puttind pressure on her to leave school and get a job to help!! What is wrong with people???!!!
5 0
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 2:15pm
Swifty

Babylon Bee on the US without Republicans:

https://x.com/dangerousthinkg/status/2052071622316540018?s=46
1 1
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 2:36pm
Swifty

National and ACT way out in front of the pack:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360975662/national-party-sitting-huge-11-million-election-year-war-chest

I don’t mind that one bit.
2 1
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 3:35pm
Swifty

Terrorists on display in Venice:

https://x.com/raz_sauber_/status/2052111786820694344?s=46
0 1
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 3:56pm
Swifty

The wonderful Melanie Phillips on Israel etc:

https://x.com/realdonkeith/status/2052006506963316799?s=46
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 5:25pm
Swifty

KB needs more moderators.

[ Mod – put the idea to DPF]
2 0
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 5:27pm
Swifty

Mitchell on the Whitianga incident:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18Vwjiytys
0 1
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 7:34pm
graham

Reported in the NZ Herald today:

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-tvnz-breached-accuracy-standards-in-coverage-of-donald-trump-comments-broadcasting-standards-authority/premium/MP3HTWM3ANA7JON5KPRHY3U44I/

(Paywalled – Mod – and off limits for KB cut/paste posting )

I watched 1News tonight – no statement. But I’m sure it will be given suitable prominence tomorrow night …
1 0
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 7:53pm
Jack5

On the balls …

World Rugby plans to introduce smaller balls for the women’s WXV Global Series in the northern autumn.

Size 4.5 balls, about 3 per cent smaller than the standard size 5 balls, have been chosen after trials in sevens series.

The Telegraph reports that, given men’s hands are about 10 to 15 per cent bigger than women’s, World Rugby hopes the smaller ball will reduce handling errors and increase accuracy of passing and line-out throwing.

The smaller ball is said also to have a bigger “sweet spot” for kicking.

Some of the biggest names in women’s rugby have rebelled against the smaller balls for the global series.

English fly-half Zoe Harrison is reported by the Telegraph as saying: ““I think it’s a waste of time. Why? Our hookers can throw, we can pass, and we can all kick the ball.”
1 1
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 8:28pm
Swifty

Mere imprisonment is too good for them:

https://x.com/2eteka/status/2052299343378678210?s=46

I will resist saying anything further.
1 1
Log in to Reply
Report
May 7, 2026 8:29pm

Add a Comment Cancel reply

Login to comment or vote

« Reminder: Winston campaigned against the China free trade agreement

National should back transparency »

Donations

You can now donate to Kiwiblog

Exclusive content from DPF on Patreon

Become a Patron!

Never miss a post

Email Address

Join 13K other subscribers

Highlights

Target achieved II
Good progress on attendance
Health Target 5 – elective treatments
Health Target 4 – Specialist appointments

Links

"The principal view of human laws is, or ought always to be, to explain, protect, and enforce such rights as are absolute, which in themselves are few and simple."
Not PC
The response to Budget 2026 has been unusually muted
Point of Order
You know what “does not pass the sniff test”? Labour’s incremental response to blatant corruption – this is why they plunged 7.5%
The Daily Blog
When is a Free Speech Union not a Free Speech Union?
The Standard
We Are a Country That Decided Housing Was The Economy
No Minister
My Opening Statement for the UATX Caplan-Jones Immigration Rematch
Utopia
Woman of the day
Hompaddock
Playing with numbers.
Kiwipolitico
A crime
No Right Turn
Another non-tariff barrier
Offsetting Behaviour
Rugby Premiership Predictions for Round 18
Stats Chat
Budget 2026
NZCPR
UK Conversion Therapy Ban, Digital ID, Rallies, Elections
Bob McCoskrie's McBlog
A central banker’s fiction
Croaking Cassandra
THE WORKING FROM HOME RACKET BY PUBLIC SERVANTS
No Punches Pulled (Bob Jones)
Tory Whanau may have to sell Wellington mayoralty to make ends meet
The Civilian
The Accidental Engagement
Imperator Fish
Legal Beagle: Election '23: The Special Votes
Public Address
Get Vaccinated Tomorrow Or Shut Your Pie Hole
Cactus Kate
Making this movie might have been a mistake
Liam Hehir
Why I am retiring from political blogging
Kiwi FireWalker

[email protected]

PO Box 12270, Thorndon, Wellington 6144

Facebook
Twitter
FourSquare
Instagram
LinkedIn
Google+

Archives
Disclosure Statement
Editorial Policy
Privacy Policy
Complaints Policy
Comments Policy

Design by cre8d

%d

Share this:

Like this: