From RNZ at 4:07 pm today, just 49 minutes after I sent the email to Simeon Brown, this:
>>>Willis had previously given a $2.4 billion operating allowance target, saying that was a "ceiling, not a floor".
Following Luxon's speech confirming spending would be $300m lower, at $2.1b in this year's Budget, she said the government had delivered on that.
"It's more important than ever that we ensure the New Zealand economy is financially resilient," Willis said. "As a government, we're doing what the world requires of us right now, tightening the belt."
Willis said that was partly as a result of spending to safeguard New Zealanders from the fuel crisis, including "buffers" in the Budget in case further support was needed.
"We did have to do a rejig to ensure that we included within our spending plans adequate responses ot the fuel crisis."
She also indicated savings in previous years had helped keep operating spending down.
"Without the fuel crisis, yes, we may have been able to have an even tighter allowance, but my view is that we have achieved a great deal by reducing our forecast operating allowance, ensuring that we're building up buffers for the future, keeping New Zealand financially secure."<<<
Luxon makes John Key look like Mother Teresa. And an order of magnitude is typically represented by a factor of 10 increase. I’m not sure that would get us there Frank. If I had the money I would morph into an investigative journalist, fly to Canada, and start digging into Luxon’s opaque past, because there be dragons. I can’t put my finger on it, but he isn’t kosher, something is off about Christopher Luxon. His ridiculous CEO schtick is part of it, but he doesn’t pass the pub test. He is integrity free too. He flip-flops all over the joint.
He constantly says this, and then that, and then this…whatever gets him the win in the moment. That’s why he can’t lead, and that’s why few trust him. He simply doesn’t believe in anything long enough to fight for it. In WW1 trench vernacular, Luxon wouldn’t go-over-the-top Frank. He is the quintessential hollow man. He acts like he is institutionalised, which of course, he is. Unfortunately, for Kiwis, the PM role requires strategic, independent, thinking, and on the evidence Luxon has presented so far, he isn’t up to the task. I will say this on the way out, and I’m not a John Key fan by any stretch, but he was several orders of magnitude smarter than Luxon.
"He constantly says this, and then that, and then this…whatever gets him the win in the moment. That’s why he can’t lead, and that’s why few trust him. He simply doesn’t believe in anything long enough to fight for it. In WW1 trench vernacular, Luxon wouldn’t go-over-the-top Frank. He is the quintessential hollow man. He acts like he is institutionalised, which of course, he is. Unfortunately, for Kiwis, the PM role requires strategic, independent, thinking, and on the evidence Luxon has presented so far, he isn’t up to the task. I will say this on the way out, and I’m not a John Key fan by any stretch, but he was several orders of magnitude smarter than Luxon."
A perfect assessment of the man, James.
He really is a perfect example of someone promoted above his abilities.
As a related note, I recall a Letter To The Ediror back in the 80s or 90s (?) from someone who I can't recall. The writer saggested that New zealand needed a businessman to take the reigns and put the country back on track (words to that effect). Run it like a business, he wrote.
Well, we got Luxon. How's that working out for that letter-writer, I wonder? (If he's still alive, or, hasn't emigrated to Aussie, by now.)
Hence the old maxim; "Be careful what you wish for".
Thank you for contacting the Hon Simeon Brown, Minister of Health, Minister for State Owned Enterprises, and Minister for Energy.
If the topic of your correspondence falls outside of the Minister's portfolio responsibilities, expresses a personal view, or is copied to multiple Members of Parliament, then your email will be noted, and it may be transferred to another Minister’s office, or there may be no further response to you.
If your correspondence is related to a constituent matter, please get in touch with the Minister’s electorate team by email atpakurangamp@parliament.govt.nz
If it’s a medical emergency – call 111
This can include chest pain or tightness, difficulty breathing, choking, severe bleeding or bleeding that won’t stop, sudden weakness or difficulty talking, fainting or unconsciousness.
Associate Health Ministers
Please note that all emails are read, however please do not expect a response from this office if your email relates to the below matters as these responsibilities are delegated to Associate Ministers of Health.
· Hon Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health and Associate Minister of Health. If your matter relates to mental health, neurodiversity, nutrition, or rural health, you can contact Hon Doocey by emailing m.doocey@ministers.govt.nz.
· Hon Casey Costello, Associate Minister of Health. If your matter relates to emergency services, women’s health, aged care, or smoking and vaping, you can contact Hon Costello by emailing c.costello@ministers.govt.nz.
· Hon David Seymour, Associate Minister of Health. If your matter relates to Pharmac, Medsafe, or medicines funding and supply, you can contact Hon Seymour by emailing d.seymour@ministers.govt.nz.
Further delegations details of Associate Ministers of Health can be found here.
Other health support and services
· Healthline – call free on 0800 611 116
· If you’re concerned or not sure about something
· If you can’t access a GP or you don’t have one
· For advice about what’s happening for you and next steps
· If you want advice on finding services near you visit Healthpoint.
· If you want information on COVID-19, call the COVID-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
· If you are feeling stressed, a bit overwhelmed or just need someone to talk to Freecall or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
· Call the Vaccination Healthline for information about COVID-19, flu, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), Boostrix (whooping cough) on 0800 28 29 26 8AM – 5:30PM Monday to Friday.
Kiwibank and I have been in a relationship for many years. We have cohabitated happily, secure in the knowledge that we both want the same things in life, content with our shared values and trusting in a comfortable future for us both. But as we approach middle age it appears our once smooth partnership may be getting a little rough around the edges. It's nothing I've done, it's a new bloke on the bloke who seems to be trying to muscle into K's and my romance. And he's got more money than me, he's bigger than me, he has shiny new trinkets to throw. around and I can't compete. But, I've told K that if push comes to shove, despite our long, happy time together, I'm out of here. She'll miss me when I'm gone.
I guess Luxon is entitled to his entitlement in Hawai'i!
The NZ dollar has been tanking against the US greenback since the end of the last Labour govt in 2023. Evidently this National govt isn't good for the Kiwi dollar. (Exporters won't mind I guess. Not so good for fuel imports, though!)
Anyhoo, vsalid point you raise, Winston, and I'll be returning to that issue shortly in an upcoming blogpost. It'll be regarding an issue we're all familiar with - but this was on a personal level.
God only knows, Ange. I cannot understand the rationale for it.
There's every reason that I can think of that would benefit banking with a State bank. I guess it would be as if I owned a fish and chip shop - and then went across the road to buy f&c from another takeaways outlet.
No they won't at all.........it doesn't matter how sound the advise is or who it is from this lot (lead by the leader) are absolutely convinced they know better. They have gone against advice repeatedly. Arrogance in the extreme.
A great column though and a very good factual read.
Indeed, Cheryl. They make noises about their policies being "evidence based"...but there's precious little evidence of that. Their repeal of anti-smoking legislation is probably the most egregious example of their total disegard of hard evidence.
Another day, another appalling move. I am a foundation customer of Kiwibank and have steadfastly refused to engage with foreign owned banks since joining kiwibank. I too will leave if it is sold off in any way. I think my only remaining local option is the Co-operative bank, which is owned by its customers. So be it.
Hey Frank, I suggest you send this exact letter, and a link to this article, to Barbara Edmonds and Chris Hipkins. Both will read it, and will give it some serious thought. Imagine what a boon this could be for their future fund!
Key sold his dumpy-dah in Auckland for a huge sum to a mega rich guy before he and family invested in a home in Hawaii . That would make 3 sales our PMs have taken tax free returns from and expatriated before the Kiwi went ker-plunk
At first I thought Key's Parnell home wouldn't be subject to a CGT since it was the family home.
Howeverrrrr....
There's a catch. Key subdivided his property in 2017 and at the end of that year built a new home on the separely-titled section. So one of those two properties should have attracted a CGT?
Nick Rockel on Substack made the linked comments below. Is it possible that selling houses at inflated prices (if they are inflated) could be used for political fund raising?
Sam Stubbs, founder of Simplicity Kiwisaver fu nf attempted to go halfway, by suggesting semi-privatisation to "New Zealanders investors" only:
"But I suspect a better and much cheaper for the taxpayer way to achieve the same thing is for Kiwibank to be renamed the National Bank of NZ and listed with only NZ shareholders and let KiwiSaver funds provide the billions required to make it a serious, publicly owned bank.
Public ownership does not have to mean government ownership. If only New Zealand investors can own shares a listed Kiwibank would be publicly owned, we would be selling the family silver to the family."
Would a "New zealand Investor Only" be people only - or New Zealand companies as well? What if the company was 51% NZ-owned and 49% overseas? Would that count?
But the most pressing question would be how long before a National-Act govt overturned the New Zealander Investors Only criteria and made it a Free For All?
Of course National would do this. It's a given. Privatisation and the so-called Free Market is in their DNA. They'd justify it with the usual claptrap;
"NZers should be free to sell to whomever they want; if the shares are so sought after, NZers would line up to buy it from each other, blah blah..."
Sadly, Mr Stubbs - with good intentions - is being naive if he thinks the "New Zealand Investors Only" criteria would survive a National-led govt.
True. You possibly remember the adverts for Henry's Bank? The National Bank of NZ taken over and absorbed by the Bank of NSW if I recall. However given NZ dollar is now where the Japanese Yen was before Muldoon (our dollar was worth more than the Australian dollar) it is time to get back to barter. Grow vegetarian and do contras . The planet is awash with bank created wealth (loans issued on the basis of money generated by credit cards and mortgages) So a major reset due soon. Bit Coin a more obvious ponzi. Trump likes gold ingots for a reason -
***Update2***
From RNZ at 4:07 pm today, just 49 minutes after I sent the email to Simeon Brown, this:
>>>Willis had previously given a $2.4 billion operating allowance target, saying that was a "ceiling, not a floor".
Following Luxon's speech confirming spending would be $300m lower, at $2.1b in this year's Budget, she said the government had delivered on that.
"It's more important than ever that we ensure the New Zealand economy is financially resilient," Willis said. "As a government, we're doing what the world requires of us right now, tightening the belt."
Willis said that was partly as a result of spending to safeguard New Zealanders from the fuel crisis, including "buffers" in the Budget in case further support was needed.
"We did have to do a rejig to ensure that we included within our spending plans adequate responses ot the fuel crisis."
She also indicated savings in previous years had helped keep operating spending down.
"Without the fuel crisis, yes, we may have been able to have an even tighter allowance, but my view is that we have achieved a great deal by reducing our forecast operating allowance, ensuring that we're building up buffers for the future, keeping New Zealand financially secure."<<<
ref: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/595089/willis-blames-fuel-crisis-for-reduced-budget-savings-seymour-takes-credit-for-lower-operational-spending
So there we have it. An admission from Nicola 'Noboats' Willis that the cupboard is bare.
And as we all know, when a Tory govt has blown all the cash, they scramble to start selling off the family silver (or what's left of it).
More than ever, this rotten government must go.
I am right with you Frank! You’ve said it so well! Thank you
Thanks, Judith!
Never in New Zealand’s political history, have those who took an oath to serve the many, been so completely captured by the few.
I'm almost reluctant to admit it, James, but this government is worse by several orders of magnitude than the Key-English Administration...
Luxon makes John Key look like Mother Teresa. And an order of magnitude is typically represented by a factor of 10 increase. I’m not sure that would get us there Frank. If I had the money I would morph into an investigative journalist, fly to Canada, and start digging into Luxon’s opaque past, because there be dragons. I can’t put my finger on it, but he isn’t kosher, something is off about Christopher Luxon. His ridiculous CEO schtick is part of it, but he doesn’t pass the pub test. He is integrity free too. He flip-flops all over the joint.
For example, “Critics and analysts have pointed out perceived contradictions in his past, such as being a champion of environmental causes in his corporate life, while later supporting the reversal of fossil fuel bans.” And then today, he has helped architect this shit-show: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/595004/climate-legislation-changes-an-attack-on-the-rule-of-law-environmental-defence-society
He constantly says this, and then that, and then this…whatever gets him the win in the moment. That’s why he can’t lead, and that’s why few trust him. He simply doesn’t believe in anything long enough to fight for it. In WW1 trench vernacular, Luxon wouldn’t go-over-the-top Frank. He is the quintessential hollow man. He acts like he is institutionalised, which of course, he is. Unfortunately, for Kiwis, the PM role requires strategic, independent, thinking, and on the evidence Luxon has presented so far, he isn’t up to the task. I will say this on the way out, and I’m not a John Key fan by any stretch, but he was several orders of magnitude smarter than Luxon.
"He constantly says this, and then that, and then this…whatever gets him the win in the moment. That’s why he can’t lead, and that’s why few trust him. He simply doesn’t believe in anything long enough to fight for it. In WW1 trench vernacular, Luxon wouldn’t go-over-the-top Frank. He is the quintessential hollow man. He acts like he is institutionalised, which of course, he is. Unfortunately, for Kiwis, the PM role requires strategic, independent, thinking, and on the evidence Luxon has presented so far, he isn’t up to the task. I will say this on the way out, and I’m not a John Key fan by any stretch, but he was several orders of magnitude smarter than Luxon."
A perfect assessment of the man, James.
He really is a perfect example of someone promoted above his abilities.
As a related note, I recall a Letter To The Ediror back in the 80s or 90s (?) from someone who I can't recall. The writer saggested that New zealand needed a businessman to take the reigns and put the country back on track (words to that effect). Run it like a business, he wrote.
Well, we got Luxon. How's that working out for that letter-writer, I wonder? (If he's still alive, or, hasn't emigrated to Aussie, by now.)
Hence the old maxim; "Be careful what you wish for".
The damage Luxon has done is incalculable Frank. He is an invasive pest.
Ye gods, you meet some evil shits as you go through life. This godbothering lot have to be at the top of the pile.
I, like you Frank, will be quickly out of Kiwibank, there are other options, worst case, a lumpy matress.
Well said and thankyou for your efforts.
There's the Co-operative bank, John. Locally-owned , and a co-op as the name sez.
I suspect they'll have an influx of new customers if Kiwibank is partially privatised.
***Update***
(Automated reply)
>>>From: Hon Simeon Brown <Simeon.Brown@parliament.govt.nz>
To: Frank Macskasy
Date: May 13, 2026, 3:19 PM
Thank you for contacting the Hon Simeon Brown, Minister of Health, Minister for State Owned Enterprises, and Minister for Energy.
If the topic of your correspondence falls outside of the Minister's portfolio responsibilities, expresses a personal view, or is copied to multiple Members of Parliament, then your email will be noted, and it may be transferred to another Minister’s office, or there may be no further response to you.
If your correspondence is related to a constituent matter, please get in touch with the Minister’s electorate team by email atpakurangamp@parliament.govt.nz
If it’s a medical emergency – call 111
This can include chest pain or tightness, difficulty breathing, choking, severe bleeding or bleeding that won’t stop, sudden weakness or difficulty talking, fainting or unconsciousness.
Associate Health Ministers
Please note that all emails are read, however please do not expect a response from this office if your email relates to the below matters as these responsibilities are delegated to Associate Ministers of Health.
· Hon Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health and Associate Minister of Health. If your matter relates to mental health, neurodiversity, nutrition, or rural health, you can contact Hon Doocey by emailing m.doocey@ministers.govt.nz.
· Hon Casey Costello, Associate Minister of Health. If your matter relates to emergency services, women’s health, aged care, or smoking and vaping, you can contact Hon Costello by emailing c.costello@ministers.govt.nz.
· Hon David Seymour, Associate Minister of Health. If your matter relates to Pharmac, Medsafe, or medicines funding and supply, you can contact Hon Seymour by emailing d.seymour@ministers.govt.nz.
Further delegations details of Associate Ministers of Health can be found here.
Other health support and services
· Healthline – call free on 0800 611 116
· If you’re concerned or not sure about something
· If you can’t access a GP or you don’t have one
· For advice about what’s happening for you and next steps
· If you want advice on finding services near you visit Healthpoint.
· If you want information on COVID-19, call the COVID-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
· If you are feeling stressed, a bit overwhelmed or just need someone to talk to Freecall or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
· Call the Vaccination Healthline for information about COVID-19, flu, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), Boostrix (whooping cough) on 0800 28 29 26 8AM – 5:30PM Monday to Friday.
· You can also visit: bookmyvaccine.health.nz.
· If you or your family are not happy with public health services received, you can contact Health New Zealand.
· If you would like to raise a complaint about a health and disability service, you can also contact the Health and Disability Commissioner. <<<
He left out;
· If you or your family are not happy with this government or its service, you can contact vote us out on 7 November this year.
Kiwibank and I have been in a relationship for many years. We have cohabitated happily, secure in the knowledge that we both want the same things in life, content with our shared values and trusting in a comfortable future for us both. But as we approach middle age it appears our once smooth partnership may be getting a little rough around the edges. It's nothing I've done, it's a new bloke on the bloke who seems to be trying to muscle into K's and my romance. And he's got more money than me, he's bigger than me, he has shiny new trinkets to throw. around and I can't compete. But, I've told K that if push comes to shove, despite our long, happy time together, I'm out of here. She'll miss me when I'm gone.
LOL, Robbo, you have a way with words...!
🤣
And we know our PM banks in USA Hawaii. The kiwi dollar is in the gutter and no-one is picking it up.
What's the exchange rate?
I guess Luxon is entitled to his entitlement in Hawai'i!
The NZ dollar has been tanking against the US greenback since the end of the last Labour govt in 2023. Evidently this National govt isn't good for the Kiwi dollar. (Exporters won't mind I guess. Not so good for fuel imports, though!)
https://www.interest.co.nz/currencies/137865/roger-j-kerr-says-open-question-future-direction-nzd-against-usd-whether-change
Exporters certainly won't mind. Most of them are overseas owned !
Pretty depressing eh. No wonder the Luxon family sold two of their rental property portfolio in 2024.
I thought he'd sold three?
Anyhoo, vsalid point you raise, Winston, and I'll be returning to that issue shortly in an upcoming blogpost. It'll be regarding an issue we're all familiar with - but this was on a personal level.
It has always seemed to me that it is unpatriotic for the government not to bank with Kiwibank.
Is there actually a reason why?
God only knows, Ange. I cannot understand the rationale for it.
There's every reason that I can think of that would benefit banking with a State bank. I guess it would be as if I owned a fish and chip shop - and then went across the road to buy f&c from another takeaways outlet.
Bonkers.
Well written and persuasive. Whether these clowns will take any notice of your great arguments is another thing, unfortunately.
Ken, I tried putting $100 on the TAB that this govt will ignore me. They said "yeah, nah", that's not a bet, that's easy money.
No they won't at all.........it doesn't matter how sound the advise is or who it is from this lot (lead by the leader) are absolutely convinced they know better. They have gone against advice repeatedly. Arrogance in the extreme.
A great column though and a very good factual read.
"They have gone against advice repeatedly."
Indeed, Cheryl. They make noises about their policies being "evidence based"...but there's precious little evidence of that. Their repeal of anti-smoking legislation is probably the most egregious example of their total disegard of hard evidence.
Another day, another appalling move. I am a foundation customer of Kiwibank and have steadfastly refused to engage with foreign owned banks since joining kiwibank. I too will leave if it is sold off in any way. I think my only remaining local option is the Co-operative bank, which is owned by its customers. So be it.
Yup, ditto, Maxine. I'm a foundational member as well. Have the certificate proudly framed on the wall to go with it. (Waiting for the t-shirt, LOL)
The Co-Op Bank will be an excellent alternative.
I too will leave kiwibank if it is privatized.
I suspect this may be a slowly gathering tsunami, Tony...
Hey Frank, I suggest you send this exact letter, and a link to this article, to Barbara Edmonds and Chris Hipkins. Both will read it, and will give it some serious thought. Imagine what a boon this could be for their future fund!
Done! Just sent!
Thanks, Annie. Hadn't thought of that! Will do!
Looking forward.
Key sold his dumpy-dah in Auckland for a huge sum to a mega rich guy before he and family invested in a home in Hawaii . That would make 3 sales our PMs have taken tax free returns from and expatriated before the Kiwi went ker-plunk
Interesting...
At first I thought Key's Parnell home wouldn't be subject to a CGT since it was the family home.
Howeverrrrr....
There's a catch. Key subdivided his property in 2017 and at the end of that year built a new home on the separely-titled section. So one of those two properties should have attracted a CGT?
Ref: https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/118217206/sir-john-key-sells-mansion-for-235m-in-what-was-nzs-second-biggest-house-sale-of-2017
Nick Rockel on Substack made the linked comments below. Is it possible that selling houses at inflated prices (if they are inflated) could be used for political fund raising?
https://nickrockel.substack.com/p/chinese-democracy
Sam Stubbs, founder of Simplicity Kiwisaver fu nf attempted to go halfway, by suggesting semi-privatisation to "New Zealanders investors" only:
"But I suspect a better and much cheaper for the taxpayer way to achieve the same thing is for Kiwibank to be renamed the National Bank of NZ and listed with only NZ shareholders and let KiwiSaver funds provide the billions required to make it a serious, publicly owned bank.
Public ownership does not have to mean government ownership. If only New Zealand investors can own shares a listed Kiwibank would be publicly owned, we would be selling the family silver to the family."
Ref: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/595567/would-buying-bnz-actually-help-new-zealanders
This raises several questions.
Would a "New zealand Investor Only" be people only - or New Zealand companies as well? What if the company was 51% NZ-owned and 49% overseas? Would that count?
But the most pressing question would be how long before a National-Act govt overturned the New Zealander Investors Only criteria and made it a Free For All?
Of course National would do this. It's a given. Privatisation and the so-called Free Market is in their DNA. They'd justify it with the usual claptrap;
"NZers should be free to sell to whomever they want; if the shares are so sought after, NZers would line up to buy it from each other, blah blah..."
Sadly, Mr Stubbs - with good intentions - is being naive if he thinks the "New Zealand Investors Only" criteria would survive a National-led govt.
True. You possibly remember the adverts for Henry's Bank? The National Bank of NZ taken over and absorbed by the Bank of NSW if I recall. However given NZ dollar is now where the Japanese Yen was before Muldoon (our dollar was worth more than the Australian dollar) it is time to get back to barter. Grow vegetarian and do contras . The planet is awash with bank created wealth (loans issued on the basis of money generated by credit cards and mortgages) So a major reset due soon. Bit Coin a more obvious ponzi. Trump likes gold ingots for a reason -