A place where escape goats go to play
https://notplanetrugby.com/
Fully.Guy Smiley wrote: Sun Mar 26, 2023 12:37 amPreach hate, cop the medicine. Good riddance... and Tamaki's mob should fuck off with her.
Gumboot wrote: Sun Mar 26, 2023 1:12 amFully.Guy Smiley wrote: Sun Mar 26, 2023 12:37 amPreach hate, cop the medicine. Good riddance... and Tamaki's mob should fuck off with her.
Kim Hill's RNZ interview with her on Friday morning was quite amusing. Hill managed to effortlessly wind her up, and was clearly having a great time doing it.
Why ‘hard-working kiwi taxpayers’ pay banks billions
Cheap loans and expensive cash accounts - So it turns out the taxpayer is not only subsidising already-very-profitable private banks with $19 billion of cheap ‘Funding For Lending’ loans that helped pumped up house prices in 2021, but taxpayers are also paying the banks upwards of $2 billion a year in interest for cash banks have to keep with the Reserve Bank. Most regular savers aren’t paid interest on cash accounts with these banks, but the Reserve Bank is paying.
Meanwhile, the Government is skimping on wage settlements for teachers and nurses, delaying infrastructure projects, restricting drug funding and refusing demands from child poverty activists for incomes for beneficiaries and poor families that even the Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni acknowledged yesterday (via Q+A) did not allow poor people to live in dignity.
How can the Government argue with a straight face from now on that it has no choice but to cut funding for transport, health, education, climate change, benefits and infrastructure, when it is providing billions in subsidies for bankers and effectively transferring wealth from savers and renters to home owners.
It’s all about the QE in 2020 and 2021
This is a direct result of the $55 billion worth of Quantitative Easing or money printing that the Reserve Bank did in 2020 and 2021 to stimulate the economy during covid. The bank created the $55 billion to buy Government bonds from banks and pension funds in secondary markets. That cash was then deposited by banks back in settlement accounts with the Reserve Bank in a type of merry-go-round. The Reserve Bank then pay banks interest on the balances of those accounts at the Official Cash Rate. Reserve Bank data shows those settlement accounts now have over $53.97 billion in them and the Reserve Bank is paying the OCR now of 4.75%, meaning the interest costs are now running at over $2.56 billion per year.
Documents from the Reserve Bank released to NZ Herald-$$$ reporter Jenee Tibshraeny under the OIA show the Reserve Bank is expected to have to pay $3.3 billion in interest on these balances by 2027. Those documents also show the Government looked at cutting the interest rate to zero, as suggested by former Bank of England Deputy Governor Paul Tucker in a paper into the issue in October last year.
Finance Minister Grant Robertson then sought advice on whether the cash settlement rate could be cut here as an effective form of bank tax. The Reserve Bank advised against it, saying it might lead to the banks cutting term deposits for private savers, which might encourage more of them to spend and add to inflationary pressures. It was also concerned the move would suggest the Reserve Bank was too cosy with the Government.
Here’s more detail in Jenee’s article, which is a follow-up to one she did in October last year (NZ Herald-$$$):
‘We don’t want the banks to then pay their savers less’Documents released to the Herald under the Official Information Act (OIA), show Robertson explored whether the RBNZ could save the Crown money by paying banks less interest on the settlement cash they keep at the RBNZ.
The RBNZ currently pays banks interest at the official cash rate (OCR) on their deposits at the central bank, used to settle transactions with each other, the RBNZ and the Crown.
The issue, from a public finance perspective, is that programmes the RBNZ used to lower interest rates in 2020 and 2021 – the Large-Scale Asset Purchase programme and Funding for Lending Programme – saw the balances of banks’ settlement accounts rise seven-fold to $49 billion. (This was by the time of the advice. They were $53.97 billion by the end of January)
These balances are expected to fall as the programmes are unwound. But in the meantime, the RBNZ is paying increasing rates of interest (the OCR is 4.75 per cent and expected to rise further) on a large sum of money.
Jenee then quotes from advice provided by Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby, who in November NZ Herald-$$$ he opposed the concept, fearing it could hamper the transmission of monetary policy.
Jenee reports the Treasury briefed Robertson on the issue in November.He worried paying banks less interest while trying to get them to lift their mortgage and deposit rates could complicate things.
He said the RBNZ’s priority was to lower inflation in line with its mandate, and if the aim of paying banks less interest was to effectively tax them more to help pay for the Covid response, then that was a matter for the Government to consider.
Jenee then quoted a spokesperson for Robertson saying: “The minister has not requested further advice on introducing a tiering system at this time”.It estimated that paying banks no interest on half their settlement balances could save the Crown $3.3b by 2027. But it said that if the Government wanted to tax banks more, it should consider doing so using a different approach.
Changing the rate of interest paid on banks’ settlement balances would produce a volatile revenue stream that would vary depending on the OCR and the size of banks’ balances.
The Treasury also noted the impact the change could have on the implementation of monetary policy and said it could affect perceptions around the RBNZ’s independence.
It suggested Robertson seek advice from the RBNZ if he wanted to further explore the matter. So, he took the issue to the RBNZ, which reported back to him in February.
The Reserve Bank again said it opposed the idea.
It feared paying banks less interest on part of their settlement accounts could prompt them to lower interest rates at a time the RBNZ wants them to keep rates elevated to dampen inflation. It noted paying banks interest at the OCR “creates a floor under short-term market interest rates”.
The RBNZ recognised that both it and other central banks have in the past paid banks different rates on parts of their settlement balances.
But because, in the current environment, this wouldn’t help the RBNZ meet its inflation target or make the financial system more stable, changing the system would be counterproductive and make it look like the RBNZ was too cosy with the Government.
“It would be unprecedented internationally for an advanced economy central bank to introduce tiers for reasons unrelated to their own objectives,” the RBNZ said.
“This policy would amount to a tax on a specific section of the financial sector, which RBNZ lacks public legitimacy to make decisions around and would be in tension with RBNZ’s other objectives.”
Bank tax? Or just no subsidies?
In my view, this is a no brainer. The Government needs to recover something from the banks to offset the billions being paid via the Reserve Bank in effective subsidies via cheap loans and expensive cash settlement account interest costs. The simplest and easiest way is for the Reserve Bank to not pay interest on settlement account balances. Then it should unwind the Funding For Lending Programme loans as quickly as legally possible.
Yes, it may see the banks lower their term deposit rates on savers and force the Reserve Bank to have a higher-OCR-than-would-otherwise-be-the-case to control inflation. That would probably mean slightly higher interest rates for mortgage rates than would otherwise be the case. This makes clearer what is going on here: term depositors without homes and non-home-owning taxpayers (ie renting workers) are subsidising mortgages for home owners and investors, and the profits of bank shareholders in Australia.
How can the Government argue with a straight face from now on that it has no choice but to cut funding for transport, health, education, climate change, benefits and infrastructure, when it is providing billions in subsidies for bankers and effectively transferring wealth from savers and renters to home owners.
It would also be nice to see National and ACT come out against corporate welfare and the use of ‘hard working taxpayers’ money in a way that shifts wealth from renters and savers to homeowners and bank shareholders. Would National and ACT protest if billions of taxpayers dollars were seen to be unfairly going to iwi or beneficiaries or ‘wasteful bureaucrats and consultants’?
When lobbying is unregulated and doors revolve fast
Unregulated lobbyists - Guyon Espiner extended his series of investigative reports on RNZ on Saturday into how lobbyists do their thing in Aotearoa. It is enlightening on the issue of how pine forests are still in the ETS, despite attempts to lever them out. Neale Jones and his work for NZ Carbon Farming (NZCF) is the subject in this one.
Guyon Espiner via RNZIn the end, NZCF, which didn't respond to a request for an interview, got what they wanted. The government did a U-turn on its initial proposal and exotics, such as pine, will remain in the ETS.
The government now says a "redesigned" category for exotics could come into effect in January 2025.
He makes the great point that Aotearoa is an outlier without regulation for lobbyists and no rules on revolving door hiring of bureaucrats, politicians and political operatives alike.
Guyon Espiner via RNZOut of 41 countries analysed, New Zealand was one of nine to have no law restricting movement between top government jobs and the lobbying industry.
In Australia departing ministers cannot "engage in lobbying activities relating to any matter that they had official dealings with in their last 18 months in office".
Heads of government agencies, senior public servants, ministerial staff and even defence force staff (at colonel level or above) face a 12 month cool off period before they can join lobbying firms.
Canada has a five year stand down period; Spain two years and Germany 18 months.
In New Zealand, cabinet ministers can go straight into lobbying jobs, taking knowledge, information and contacts to be leveraged in the commercial sector.
Lobbyists should be regulated and the revolving door dismantled
Again, this is a glaringly obvious thing that should be done to maintain public confidence in Government. Labour politicians like to talk about social license, but when it’s clear this month’s ‘policy bonfire’ included a bunch of policies on alcohol harm, recycling and climate change that lobbyists effectively blocked, then there is a problem.
Is it any wonder the status quo is so powerful under MMP and there is little real action to deal with climate change, housing affordability and poverty? The interests that benefit from slow-to-no-policy-change have paid for close and fast access to those trying to change policies.
Here’s the best (and only) source of organised information on who is a lobbyist in Aotearoa. It is Parliament’s approved visitor list for Parliament, which is a list of lobbyists given swipe cards by operatives.
Gotta have some sympathy for Allan. She's had a tough couple of years, with her cancer battle, relationship break-up and issues with staff.Justice Minister Kiri Allan has resigned from all ministerial portfolios after being charged with reckless driving and resisting arrest following a car crash in Wellington overnight.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said in a statement early on Monday morning Allan was involved in the crash just after 9pm on Sunday.
"She was taken into custody and held in the Wellington Central police station," the Prime Minister said. "She was released around 1am this morning. She has been charged with reckless driving and resisting arrest."
Allan also returned a breath test over the legal alcohol limit but "at a level considered an infringement offence", Hipkins said. As a result, charges were not laid in relation to that.
Hipkins said Allan's alleged actions were inexcusable but "I've been advised she was experiencing extreme emotional distress at the time" of the crash.
The Prime Minister noted Allan's recent personal mental health struggles were well-documented and it appeared "some of those issues came to a head" on Sunday.
"I have spoken with her first thing this morning and advised her I do not believe she's in a fit state to hold a ministerial warrant," Hipkins said. "I believe it's also untenable for a Justice Minister to be charged with criminal offending."
Allan agreed with Hipkins' assessment and wished to resign from all of her portfolios immediately, he said.
Yep, the whole bloody lot of them are just so uninspiring.Guy Smiley wrote: Sun Jul 23, 2023 10:11 pm Sure, Labor’s slow motion imploding act is horrible to watch…
but the other side are similarly populated by majorities who leave a lot to be desired. Our political class is a disappointing shit show and the opposition parties are escaping scrutiny through the luxury of being in opposition.
Lacklustre is too kind.
Just had the same conversation with my wife this evening. Although we've got 2 young kids and the idea of leaving support networks is quite dauntingGumboot wrote: Sun Sep 17, 2023 8:09 am The writing's on the wall. It's gonna be a National/ACT Coalition Govt.
Don't think I want to live through years of their targetted austerity, so will probably move offshore for a while.
Again.
Bear in mind that many obvious options for resettling are going through similar political disenchantment with governments all over the joint proving to be spineless lackeys for serious money.Monkey Magic wrote: Sun Sep 17, 2023 9:13 amJust had the same conversation with my wife this evening. Although we've got 2 young kids and the idea of leaving support networks is quite dauntingGumboot wrote: Sun Sep 17, 2023 8:09 am The writing's on the wall. It's gonna be a National/ACT Coalition Govt.
Don't think I want to live through years of their targetted austerity, so will probably move offshore for a while.
Again.
Yeah it's a good point regarding the global shitshow. Would mean looking at places that would be attractive due to either large pay or chance at experience for a short time rather than live for 20 years.Guy Smiley wrote: Sun Sep 17, 2023 8:07 pm Yes to all of that, ER.
Bear in mind that many obvious options for resettling are going through similar political disenchantment with governments all over the joint proving to be spineless lackeys for serious money.Monkey Magic wrote: Sun Sep 17, 2023 9:13 amJust had the same conversation with my wife this evening. Although we've got 2 young kids and the idea of leaving support networks is quite dauntingGumboot wrote: Sun Sep 17, 2023 8:09 am The writing's on the wall. It's gonna be a National/ACT Coalition Govt.
Don't think I want to live through years of their targetted austerity, so will probably move offshore for a while.
Again.
NZ looks fucked for a fair old while… populist policies dominate and succeed because the electorate is selfish and distracted. I can’t see a circuit breaker and the result has to be a sort of plutocracy… which is quite possibly all we’ve ever really been.
It is, but sadly there are too many vested interests for things to change any time soon.
All the big Western Democracies are the sameGumboot wrote: Tue Oct 10, 2023 4:46 amIt is, but sadly there are too many vested interests for things to change any time soon.
I voted today. Don't have much faith in any of them tbh, but I reckon a Nats/ACT/Winston First coalition would do a shitload more harm than good.
Bluenami
Yep, all over bar the shouting.
This sort of things tend not to get up in Australia, regardless of what people are voting on ... see Republican ref that John Howard managed to subvert.Guy Smiley wrote: Sat Oct 14, 2023 3:00 pm Sadly not surprising, Seft. A well coordinated and funded No campaign that preyed upon the innate fear that still underlies the mainstream Australian psyche. It’s going to be difficult for the country to worm away from being a self declared and openly racist society but worm away they will. Denial is a national trait.
NZ is just stupid
Winston still pulling the strings, just like in that first MMP election 27 years ago.Guy Smiley wrote: Sun Nov 19, 2023 2:41 am
It's a clusterfuck.
Anyone who couldn't see this coming as soon as Winston became a player has rocks for eyes.
Used to run an airline, y'know.Gumboot wrote: Sun Nov 19, 2023 5:56 amWinston still pulling the strings, just like in that first MMP election 27 years ago.Guy Smiley wrote: Sun Nov 19, 2023 2:41 am
It's a clusterfuck.
Anyone who couldn't see this coming as soon as Winston became a player has rocks for eyes.
With bedfellows like these, Luxon doesn't stand a chance.
Count on the Right to turn on their ownIncoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is now being openly mocked and ridiculed by political commentators for his failure to achieve a coalition government. There are certainly signs that Luxon hasn't managed the process well, and raising questions about competency at this early stage is a poor start to government.
The most savage criticism of Luxon is coming from the political right. On Friday rightwing political commentator and former National Beehive staffer Matthew Hooton had a scathing column in the Herald giving his account, obviously based on insider leaks, of how the negotiations have unfolded. Hooton paints a picture of National's negotiations as a failure, caused by Luxon's arrogance and hubris.
I would laugh but Ilive in England.Enzedder wrote: Sun Nov 19, 2023 6:21 pm I for one am loving this level of Government. We should make sure this continues for years.
Tomorrow never comes.6 minutes ago
Tova O'Brien
Tova O'Brien
No deal today
All hopes of a deal being announced today are off.
Despite all three coalition leaders now in Wellington, plans for a mid-afternoon announcement have been postponed.
The announcement is now expected to be tomorrow.
Ah well, all good things come to an end...Enzedder wrote: Sun Nov 19, 2023 6:21 pm I for one am loving this level of Government. We should make sure this continues for years.
That is just so fucked up it's almost unbelievable.Guy Smiley wrote: Tue Nov 28, 2023 4:28 am He's opened this up for public viewing...
https://thekaka.substack.com/p/the-very ... paign=post
this is where we are at in this country. Fucked.
I don't remember Luxon ever talking about this as a possibility during the election campaign.Guy Smiley wrote: Sun Nov 26, 2023 3:23 am Among the many new goodies to be unpacked by the exciting Brave New World coalition, are we seriously looking at repealing smoking laws to raise more taxes in order to pay for the budget black hole?
Really? This is beyond satire. This is Art.
They didn't... because National believed they could fund (unnecessary) tax cuts through a scheme aimed at overseas based property buyers. The machinations of coalition negotiations ruled that option out...(it was never actually going to realise the revenue they wanted anyway) so our shining inspirational leaders have seized on the opportunity offered by continuing cigarette tax revenue to fund their continued generational wealth transfer.Kiwias wrote: Tue Nov 28, 2023 4:40 amI don't remember Luxon ever talking about this as a possibility during the election campaign.Guy Smiley wrote: Sun Nov 26, 2023 3:23 am Among the many new goodies to be unpacked by the exciting Brave New World coalition, are we seriously looking at repealing smoking laws to raise more taxes in order to pay for the budget black hole?
Really? This is beyond satire. This is Art.