Tourism NZ slogan getting taken much too literally
The Spinoff Daily, Thursday March 6
Ahiahi mārie, welcome to The Spinoff Daily.
Today on The Spinoff: A shareholder mutiny brews at NZME, what now for the NZ economy after Orr’s exit, and is Winston Peters’ quip game losing its edge?
But first: A contagion of big-name departures is sweeping the nation. Toby Manhire reports.
“It began with Adrian Orr, whose resignation as governor of the Reserve Bank came yesterday afternoon, and remains shrouded in mystery with a spooky soundtrack. Speculated reasons for the sudden farewell range from a dispute with senior ministers over the institution’s size and scope to Orr’s insistence that he change his signature on bank notes into an elaborate symbol and be referred to in meetings as the Governor Formerly Known As Adrian.
The gubernatorial goodbye was still being processed when a diplomatic detonation echoed all the way from St James’s Square, London. Phil Goff, once the leader of the Labour Party and after that the mayor of Auckland, is the New Zealand high commissioner to the UK. But not for much longer. Video emerged in which Goff popped up from the audience at a Chatham House event with a question – in fact maybe it was more of a statement than a question – in which he more or less suggested to the Finnish foreign minister that Donald Trump (a stable genius) is more a Neville Chamberlain than he is a Winston Churchill.
New Zealand’s foreign minister, Winston Peters, took swift action when the remarks were raised with him by a reporter. Analysts say that any suggestion the decision might be motivated by a popular new viral trend sweeping the world in which business titans and statespeople whimper at the feet of Donald Trump in prostrate desperation to win his favour and not his tariffs, or by not liking Phil Goff, are spurious and frankly irresponsible speculation.”
Shareholder mutiny brewing at owner of Herald and Newstalk ZB
Bernard Hickey: After Orr’s shock exit, these are the stakes for the NZ economy
America or Europe? Why Trump’s Ukraine U-turn is a fork in the road for NZ
Dear John, we can’t always blame racism
What does a government minister put on the work credit card?
From a pair of 'flag spreaders' to a $15 box from Bed, Bath & Beyond, here are the most curious reveals from a deep dive into the new batch of ministers' expenses.
Echo Chamber: Is Winston losing his edge?
The Fold: What can we learn from NZME, TVNZ and Sky’s 2024 results?
Help me Hera: I regret convincing my partner to move to London
Join us at The Spinoff Book Club
The best way to enjoy a book is by yourself, the second best way is with a theatre full of people. Books editor Claire Mabey will lead a conversation with avid writers and readers Duncan Sarkies, Carl Shuker, Courtney Johnston and more. Join us to hear about their favourites, their recommendations, and what to look out for in the year to come.
