Greetings,
You’ll find a wide variety of posts on this blog, which we started fifteen years ago in 2008. It has evolved over the years to what it is now…please read on.
In the past, we’ve been a bit quiet on some more of the “controversial” issues of our times, and, collectively, you can see where that has gotten us. Due to the shenanigans by those in leadership, who say they have our best interests in mind, we’re now posting original, frankly written pieces, and also curating pieces from current cutting edge sources. You’ll see those under the moniker of Mountain Spirit Media.
This blog is also a place to find resources, articles, updates, the world of healing, outdoor programs, experiential education, sustainable travel, holistic living, service opportunities, and info about our world in which we live. There’s also a bit of info about Mountain Spirit, both in NZ and the US.
Mountain Spirit Institute is a US based non-profit organization and Mountain Spirit NZ, is an off-grid retreat centre based near Wanaka New Zealand.
Feel free to leave a comment or feedback.
Here’s what you’ll find:
Relevant news about global and national events.
Opinion
Re-posting of voluminous content that was removed from our Telegram account by the government during the Wellington Mandates Protest in New Zealand
Journal entries from expeditions/programs, and service projects.
Updates on Mountain Spirit
News and articles on People, the mountains, spiritual practices and awakening, the environment, the climate, and global governance, medical tyranny, and life.
Holistic living & Resources on sustainable living
Audio and video Interviews with interesting, quirky, bold and motivated people living living life, and being the change in the world they want to see.
You’ll see a range of topics as diverse as Mountain Spirit. Be Well, and thanks for stopping by.
Randall Richards, Editor
Mountain Spirit Blog
IMAGES: All images: R. or A. Richards, unless otherwise noted with credits, or public domain from Google images. Cover Video by the Master, Ashley Leung
By: Randall Richards, Mountain Spirit Media Cenk Uygur of The Young Turks, the oldest running podcast on Youtube/Internet just sat down with Tucker Carlson. To be clear, the powerful people in the world don’t want this sort of thing happening. Uygur is a classic liberal, and Carlson of the right, (that is if you still buy into the labels). This interview and the Youtube comments sent shivers up my spine because we are starting to see the veil lifted. Whether we have blue hair or not, we’re starting to see we have some big things in common, like anti-war, and, that it’s more important to put some of our differences aside to tackle the big issues. One of those issues, the least of which, is our survival. Here are a few excerpts of Uygur’s opening statement.
Tucker Carlson started the interview by asking, “Of all the things you could do to infuriate your audience, this is probably at the top of the list. You don’t need to do this. Why are you doing this?”
Cenk Uygur opened with, “There’s a couple of reasons why. Number one, I want to take yes for an answer. You’re anti-war. We’ve been anti-war for 20 years. Carlson Responds, I have not been. So bless you for that. I also want to break down the barriers of Republicans versus Democrats, right wing versus left wing. I think that it’s used to divide us. I think that the powerful already have an incredible elite team. They’re very, very organized, and they do it through donations to the politicians, et cetera. But the American people are not organized. We have built two teams, but those two teams, the Republicans and the Democrats, have been trained to fight each other instead of fighting up. Exactly. When you split the population that way, you take away all of their energy because you have them use their energy against one another rather than against you. It’s actually brilliant.”
Uygur Continued, “It’s done on a meta level in every way. Also, by By the way, on a global level, Christians versus Muslims. Two billion here, two billion there. Make sure you guys are fighting one another. Hey, look at that. We’ve used up all your energy fighting one another and not looking up.”
Then he broached the big one, “Then, of course, the third issue is Israel. That’s what I want to talk to you a lot about today, I hope. I think that that’s an animating issue for a number of reasons, not because it’s the end all be all, but because it is deeply symbolic. Whether it’s Big Pharma or Big Oil or APAC, they are buying our politicians. And so you’re a rare person saying that. I’m a person saying that. And the mainstream media works against us, and they try to shut us up and say, Don’t tell anybody about money in politics. Yes. No, these politicians are honest and honorable people having debates. They’re not having any debates. They’re cashing checks. And so I want all of America to know that. And at the end of the day, Tucker, if we don’t unite as Americans, the powerful are going to rule us forever.”
But he explained, “It’s a difficult one for me because I grew up in a town that was about 50% Jewish, so I have tons of Jewish friends. I have Jewish family. I have a nephew and niece who are Jewish. I don’t want to make people uncomfortable, and I don’t want this to be about the That’s crazy. What I tell people all the time is, Hey, listen, my friend Dave, my friend Jack, Masoud never called him an Asperian. Netanyahu was never like, Hey, should we take 53% of guys? What do you think, Dave? That’s not how it works. Anyone who’s got that intent, I’m not interested in. You’re not going to have me as an ally. It’s not going to work out. I have Jewish family, I have Jewish friends. I’ll never sell them out. I And the other thing about Jewish Americans is they’re Americans, and I believe in a united America. So you’re for America. I love you, and I protect you.”
He went further to explain, “I’m the one trying to stop the killing. I’m for nonviolence. In fact, I’m religiously for nonviolence. If I have any religion at all, it’s nonviolence. My hero is Martin Luther King and Gandhi and Mandela. I say, do not do any violence to anyone. It would be, in fact, if someone is doing violence, they’re against us. You just heard me say it. I say it a thousand times. I love Jewish people. This is not about the Jews. But this country wants us to pay for a genocide. They just don’t want to pay for a genocide. They listen to all that and they go, Now everybody understands that Jake Huber is an anti-Semite who hates Jews and is like an immoral person. If you’re not pro-genocide, you’re anti-Jewish. No, no, no, don’t say that. Don’t say that because you’re actually going to get my Jewish friends hurt. When you say your anti-genocide means you’re anti-Jewish, that equates Judaism with genocide. Don’t, don’t. I don’t know anything that drives up anti-Semitism more than that. But back to the original injustice, and then we’ll get back to more and more gaslighting, because the gaslighting is another perfect symbol of what mainstream media does and establishment media does.”
This is clearly another turning point that brings, what I used to call, the “Global Elite”, down a few notches. There were other clear turning points. Comedy is a clear bellwether, and when Jim Breuer did “Somebody Had to Say It,” we were laughing at the emperor who had no clothes. Of course the recent release of the Epstein files by the US DOJ is another turning point. But if no one is held accountable, I fear for the future of civilization, because really bad people doing really bad things need to held accountable. If they are not, we descend.
Uygur made an stunning analogy of how we’ve been deceived. I won’t include it here, but it’s hard to unknow it once you’ve heard it. I have a feeling it will go done in the history books, that is, if the people win.
The thing that really got to me, in a good way, were the comments about this interview. I’m including some of the more powerful ones here:
– These two are NOT suicidal
– I’m so not a Cenk fan, but this interview has changed my mind. This conversation needed to happen and I learned a lot.
-This is the conversation that the elite have been dreading.
– I swear my eyes have been opened I’ve only ever heard cenk in sound bites and thought he was an imbecile but as of completing this conversation I am shocked and humbled as to how much I agree with this man. What a terrific American who I’m proud to call a fellow countryman.
– Left and Right finding common ground, I dig it.
– Most unexpected crossover of the year award goes to …
– This is what the establishment fears
– Tucker breaking ALL THE RULES! Seriously my frickin hero
– It’s happening guys. The Left and the Right are coming together to diminish the common enemy.
– The unity i am seeing in the comments is so heartening. We need to stop looking left and right at pointless culture war issues, and start looking up.
Lastly, I encourage those in the “Freedom Community” both here, and worldwide, to focus on what we have in common. Were there mistakes made during the past few years? Yes, certainly here in NZ. But any time people come together, we’ll have differences on how we do things, on what we think. After my teaching at Outward Bound for 15 years, the most important thing I came away with is that “We embrace each other not in spite of our difference but because of our diversity.” For more on the subject of building true community, see M Scott Pecks, a Different Drum which was a cornerstone of my teachings at Outward Bound. As I write this, It’s dawning on me that the teachings of OB founder Kurt Hahn, and that of Peck, not to mention Eckhart Tolle, have led me to this point that in order for us to survive as a species, we have to come together. At Outward Bound, the goal wasn’t necessarily to get to the top of the mountain. It was to get to the top as a healthy team of individuals, of a true community. As the Zen saying goes, “If not now, when?”
By Randall Richards, Mountain Spirit Media Author of “Cell 22”, Monica Smit, has been on tour in New Zealand since the 10th of January and is still going strong on the North Island with more events until the wrap-up event on 22nd of February in Hamilton. I recently saw her speak in Wanaka and found her presentation heartfelt, informative and inspiring.
I first saw Monica on an online Zoom call when when she spoke to members of New Zealand Rising’s founding meeting. We had a heady collection leadership from throughout New Zealand, who were passionate about creating a directory of organizations concerned with government overreach. In attendance were lawyers, teachers, doctors, farmers, the alternative press, psychologists, leadership from some Māori communities, former TV news anchors, former military leadership, nurses and leadership from a fluoridefree.nz. Monica provided invaluable insight to the group during her talk. She spoke with confidence and credibility which helped our group brainstorm how to form New Zealand Rising. And she didn’t disappoint when she spoke in Wanaka. She’s also the author of Cell 22, where she goes deep into her upbringing, and challenges she’s overcome. She’s speaks from the heart and is genuine.
In her own words, Smit says about her tour, “My mission is for you to leave the event feeling connected, empowered and inspired. I will talk about the lessons I learnt on the front line of Victoria’s pushback movement, what I think we should be focusing on now, my past and current court cases and more. Afterwards, I’d love to hug and connect with as many freedom lovers as possible.
Here is a recap of what she covered at her talk in Wanaka Smit opened with a plea – “Censorship laws, in Australia will start to get tough, [and, I don’t plan on changing my plan] So, when I do go back to jail, can you please share my story? If you see people like me, share their story to help people wake up.” She then started by asking the audience members, what they do to offer service to the community, such as tea dispensary, hypnotherapy, selling lamb and beef etc, and added, “I mention this to showcase that we can support each other, so when the $#!t hits the fan, we can be creative businesswise,, that’s what communities do that really thrive. The point is, to think outside the box to support people [in your community] if you have the resources.
Smit started with “Her Story”, “What I’ve learned the past 6 years, campaigns and going forward is that I’ve become an expert in the freedom movement. If anyone knows what the characteristic of our people is, it would be me.” adding “I get inspired when I meet people like you and it allows me to stay hopeful. Sometimes it’s really hard to stay positive, and we’re losing a lot of the time.” She stated, “I have met many people [over the past few years], and I come here to get inspired by you as well.
“In Aug 2020, I started Reignite Democracy – [Early on,] OK, we might have worn a mask, but after 2-3 months, we thought “this is weird , something is going on.” We all were generally law abiding citizens. But they made us rebels – it backfired. We tend to want to see the best in people. ‘Maybe they are trying to protect us.’ But why are the brothels open and the churches closed? The “common sense” part of us was exploding, It wasn’t making sense. So, I came up with an idea of a livestream online protest. I promised the audience I would collate the data and send it to parliament in Victoria. I started a FB page, and this livestream, and got 4k comments. Timing was everything – I then sent an email to all the members of parliament. I sent them 4k data, and I was shocked that not one of them replied. So, that led to my driving around Australia in a big bus with messages and graphics about Prime Minister Daniel Andrews all over it. That ended up with the police drug testing the driver, road blocks, etc, We were attending a protest and the police sent someone to find something, anything, that could slow us down and hobble us. So, in the end, they found 2 seatbelts that had a bit of frayed material. From the bus tour, it didn’t take long for Andrews to know who I was.”
“Then, there was a protest with 400 police and 10 or so people. [On that day] I had declared that I was a citizen journalist and one of the policeman said “You have to go home,” I said, “No I don’t.” and I got arrested 3 times in one day. I was wondering, “What are they doing behind closed doors?’ “If they do this to me and I’m in front of cameras, what else is going on?”. I ended becoming the face of the anti-lockdown movements in Australia.”
“Over the next year, I found ways to do things with loopholes. I would promote every single protest with a poster, If I wanted people to go visit members of Parliament, [we’d try to talk with them during] their lunch, [to address the serious regressions of our freedoms.] They were charging people with incitement, “for inciting people to break covid restrictions”. None of the charges went to trial, I knew this could happen, [that someone could get arrested] but, we all have this “line in the sand”, and we [just] don’t care anymore. [I predict] a lot more people in Australia will see this sort of thing happening again soon. Then, there was an extension of the lockdowns and I promoted a protest of these extended lockdowns. [So I was arrested, again.] I was in the police interview for about 12 hrs., Before that incident, I happened to have a dream about getting arrested, I told my partner at the time about the dream, and that it was a warning. I dreamt that I said NO to the bail conditions, that I really didn’t have a choice, It wasn’t even a hard decision, it wasn’t even a decision.”
“So, I went to prison for not agreeing to saying [anything controversial about] “COVID” [The authorities said] I had to take everything off my website that had to do with COVID. At that time, we were the biggest pushback against the [authorities] . It was perfect timing for them to get rid of me. I didn’t sign those conditions, I was in insolation for 22 days for refusing to take the PCR test. When I was in prison, I came to the realisation that the book I was working on, was just about to get way better. They gave me 22days of interrupted time to work on this second half of my book. It achieved just the opposite of what they wanted to do. Without that story of prison, I wouldn’t have the credibility that I feel I have now. I pled “Not guilty”, They then got a warrant, I had to give them all the PW’s and database, They wanted everything – If you don’t comply with a warrant, it’s an indictable offense. Then, two days later they dropped all the charges. They were just trying to get something, anything. It didn’t work out for them. In my court case, I won that two of the three arrests were unlawful and I’m appealing that I had to pay 250,000 for the court case,”
“My family and I are used to being outside the box. During the lockdowns, my church was doing secret weddings. I was surrounded by rebels at that time. I really had great support – I didn’t have the losses that you [in this audience, probably] have had, with the loss friendships, of connection with friend and family. [I suggest that] you don’t compare yourself with other activists, Do stuff in silence and and make a difference. I’ve met a lot of people [contributing in their own way.] It’s what makes the way we are. It’s our upbringing, not watching MSM, There is a characteristic that we all have in common, is that we care. That same person that kicked you out of the grocery store or library during the mandates, that you still care about them. That character [trait, though] can be used to wear you down. There are so many things! Every day there’s a new problem. But there’s a way we can minimize the effort [it takes to affect change]. [Say to yourself,] “Will I enjoy the project, will it suit my skills and will it have impact? Manage your expectations, work smarter, not harder. Working in these communities [concerned with government overreach] is super important. Cause the globalists hate that like minded people getting together. (“SMART Analogy)”
Monica then put it bluntly, “Not everyone is ready to wake up. Not only that, not everyone is worth the effort.” She continued, “I call them “horses” because you can lead a horse to water… Is it time to spend your energy on them? Some people you can wake up, but if a COVID like thing of happens again you only need 5% of the energy [to make a change] – It’s about the right timing. Those people will come around when something tragically happens. [And importantly,] when people “wake up”, they’ll need our support and forgiveness. Don’t shove it in their faces.”
“Social media is telling us we’re the minority – but that’s not what I’m seeing. [Most] everybody hates the government. It feels to me there’s a revolution brewing, but the media doesn’t want to tell you. You’d be surprised how many people I encounter that are awake. All of us speaking our truth – When those people, to keep their their jobs, are keeping quiet, andthey just assume that their co-workers in their office are all woke, how do you know unless you’re questioning?”
Monica told a wonderful story of someone she met on the plane who was clearly on the opposite stance on things. But Smit tested it out with a conversation and by listening to them.. She said, “If you respect them, if you wait before making a comment or judgement, you may make some headway”, adding, “We don’t have to know everything about everything, when in conversation. “Online, you always get more views when you’re angry – positive stuff doesn’t get as many views, [but stay positive’]. They want us to lose hope. But let’s not let them have the satisfaction of that. [Also, keep in mind that] 70% of Twitter content is robots.” “There is a political solution – So much money and energy [to run for office], and we’re churning though people, [that get burned out in trying to change the system.] But what if the last option is, we “take back” a party. If you get fifty one seats, and there are already fifty in place, you can have real power [to affect change].”
“The freedom family is depicted in a certain way [by the old media], but we’re just normal people. Having met so many of you, when you see propaganda that we are a certain way, we are simply not that way. [But also, in the freedom movement], there’s a lot of infighting. Why do we infight a lot? I believe it’s because our morals are set in concrete. But, when stuff hits the fan again, those differences will go away. There was no infighting whatsoever, during lockdown – we all worked together. That will happen again. The struggle is real, and when stuff happens again, [remember that] there will be those that will need our understanding.”
Moncia Smit continues to speak on New Zealand’s North Island until her last NZ event on 22nd February. You can see the full schedule here.
From: Clay Drummond Media Ltd Drummand’s Editorial Note: According to sources, it was [allegedly] arson. About a year ago, when I was passing through Wanaka/Queenstown, I filmed two cell towers in Wanaka and recorded their EMF readings. Last night, those exact towers were either torched or malfunctioned and completely destroyed. Police are on scene investigating, but the media is silent.In the last few months, I know of four towers that have gone up in flames — looks like the fire is spreading. Using my entry grade level TriField EMF tester, I measured readings well over 20,000 — TriField themselves say anything over 1,000 is harmful to the body. Even Google recommends at least a 400-meter safety distance, yet these towers were built right next to homes and apartments.Video credit, Louise from Wanaka. I don’t condone arson or violence. You can see the video, and more images on Drummond’s post here.
We’re at a crossroads and now is the time for accountability. Below are five latest actions, one of which is not in our best interests. First, we’ll take a a look first at US election interference in 2020, then how the FBI has flatly stated there is no Epstein List nor did he blackmail anyone. Yes, you read that right. Then, Musk’s recent formation of the American Party, and, in New Zealand, Trevor Mallardis sued by a child who attended the Wellington Protest. Last, but certainly not least, it’s time for New Zealand’s “leaders” to face the music.
General Flynn: We’re at a Crossroads, It’s Time to Act General John Flynn was recently interviewed on the Alex Jones Show and heralded the call that the evidence is in, and the time to act it now. Here’s Flynn’s opening statement in the interview: “What matters to the American people are the price of a gallon of gas, the price of a gallon of milk, the cost of a dozen eggs. So all that, matters to the American people. What also matters [to them] and I know this, because I’m getting it in spades. I hear it, I also pay close attention to the various news and press conferences that Trump does as well as the White House Press Room. And it’s about this issue of accountability. There’s the declassified document about Russia-Gate. There’s stark evidence that John Brennan, [former Director of the CIA], James Comey, [former FBI Director], and James Clapper, [former Director of National Intelligence] [were all involved]…(continued)
These three hoodlums – The whole thing was made up to help Hillary Clinton to win the election. In fact, Russia favored Hillary Clinton to win. There’s another [recently declassified] document by Sen Grassley about foreign inference with our elections. The US Intel community was aware of this during the 2020 election. How much more do we know of what the US Intel is hiding from the American People. It’s such a staggering display of criminal behavior under Barack Obama… These are acts of treason. We cannot continue on if we don’t have accountability.” You can listen to the interview below:
FBI Concludes Epstein Had No Clients, Didn’t Blackmail Anyone, and Definitely Killed Himself
Disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein did not blackmail powerful figures as part of a “client list” and was not murdered in prison, the Department of Justice and FBI have now concluded.
A memo obtained by Axios reveals the agencies’ shocking conclusions about Epstein, contradicting repeated public statements made by FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino before they took on their roles under President Trump. Since taking office, both men have claimed Epstein committed suicide, including during a tense interview with Fox News, in May.
According to the memo, investigators found “no incriminating ‘client list’,” “no credible evidence… that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals,” and no “evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties.”
The Reese Report Weighs In Greg Reese weighed on his excellent Reese Report. Reese isnt buying it and lays out, as only he can do, in a short vid clip that covers the waterfront. Pay special attention all the images during his transcript. You’ll get the idea what’s going on. See his report here:
Why is Pam Bondi’s Justice Department covering up Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes and murder? Saagar Enjeti has a theory. Last but not least, Tucker Carlson just interviewed Saagar Enjeti and he has at theory, and it’s an obvious cover-up Watch the interview in Carlson’s network here or on Youtube here:
‘To give you your freedom back’: Elon Musk officially launches new political “American Party”
Elon Musk, a former ally of US President Donald Trump, announced on Saturday that he has lunched a new political party aimed at what he calls America’s “one-party system and challenging those he accuses of hypocrisy. Economists estimate the bill will add 3.4 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade. Musk had previously conducted a poll…Read the rest of this story here:
Then in New Zealand: Child sues for ‘mental anguish’ after Trevor Mallard blasted Parliament protest area with ‘Baby Shark’ song.
A girl who was 11 when she attended the anti-mandate protests at Parliament is now taking legal action for the the “mental anguish” caused by then-Speaker Trevor Mallard’s decision to douse protestors with sprinklers and blast them with music.
The case, heading to the High Court, will seek a declaration that the child’s rights were breached and damages of $40,000.
The Northland child, now a teenager, claims she suffered “mental anguish, humiliation, degradation and dehumanisation” by Mallard’s decision to turn Parliament’s sprinklers on the protestors while playing songs such as “Baby Shark“ and ”Let It Go“ at high volume Read the rest of this story here:
New Zealand: A Call to Summon Witnesses to Testify Under Oath
From: Reality Check Radio, NZ Did you know? The COVID-19 Royal Commission has the legal power to summon witnesses to testify under oath. It’s time those responsible for the covid mandates face the music. And with enough pressure, it could happen! DEMAND the Covid Inquiry Commissioners summon the worst offenders to testify on record for their egregious actions.When could it all happen? The Commission has said it will call key decision makers and advisors to testify in public hearings mid to late August 2025. 30,496 Kiwis Want Justice! Do You? Sign The Petition To Hold Them Accountable For Their Covid Abuse. Who were the worst offenders? Learn more and sign the petition here:
This is a partial list of the worst offenders. For the complete list, please see the story link above
My 14 yr-old son turned me onto “Yes Theory” some years ago. There motto is “Seek Discomfort”. If you’ve not heard of them or seen any of their vids, I highly suggest heading to their YouTube channel. Here’s their latest installment which is a stark reminder of how the world is one way, and the media tries to tell you it’s another.
Exploring World’s Strangest Border: A Country Inside a Country Inside a Country? Why? “When searching the globe for interesting places we always get drawn to these lines on the map that seem out of place little anomalies that tell us that something interesting must have happened there in the past we’ve flown around the world to investigate some of these anomalies before but in all of our travels we’ve never heard of one as unusual as this this unconventional spot on the map is an enclave inside an enclave the UAE inside of Oman which is inside of the UAE again like some sort of geographic Russian doll when we first heard about this we were obviously confused unusual borders like this are usually very tense but searching the internet for information didn’t yield many answers and seeing as we were already going to be in Oman for another.. :
“We [are] reminded so often of all of the bad there is so much so that we forget that this is our natural state to be generous to be kind and to be open, and I have to say that few places are as hospitable as the Middle East. And no place contrasts more in the reality on the ground versus what you’ll see in the news [than here]. Let’s continue breaking down these perceptions of each other, [and] refuse the divisive narrative that we’re fed, and always remain skeptical of someone trying to convince you otherwise.
The enemy isn’t across the border as these lovely people here have taught [us]. It it’s the ones are desperately trying to convince you that they are [the enemy when they’re are friends you just haven’t met yet].
Is New Zealand’s “100% Pure” image a lie? NOCTIVIS exposes the crisis breaking Kiwis—housing 8x average income, 33,000 more unemployed, council rates up 31.8%, and government greed fueling inequality. From stagnant wages to rising homelessness, we reveal the systemic failures and share real Kiwi stories. Are the solutions just empty promises? Watch here:
By Randall Richards, Kyle Seraphin is a former American FBI agent who currently serves as a political commentator and whistleblower against various sensitive cases in the United States. In addition, he also runs a successful podcast where he shares his opinions and views including the 2nd Amendment and social justice issues. He’s interviewed here by Alex Jones covering important news about “The Team” (current administration) and how it can work better together, the continuing issues with rogue elements of the FBI, and the Epstein files, to name a few. This recent interview sheds light on what’s going on behind the scenes with current players, both the good, the bad and the ugly.
Justin Leslie is a hero. He’s a young scientist who took his first job, after university, with Pfizer with the intention of blowing the lid off the illegal an abhorrent practices of the company. Here’s his story.
Pfizer Whistleblower blows the lid off the goons.
See Justin’s website and Vol 1&2 of Project Whistleblower here.
By Peter Williams It took everyone by surprise. I only got wind of this when I saw the Taxpayers’ Union media release (I’ve copied it to the end of this email) at lunchtime today. My heart sank.
I appreciate that reasonable minds can differ on the urgency of climate change – but I think you’ll agree that sacrificing New Zealand’s economy for no material effect in emissions is the ultimate own goal.
In short the Government has just locked in the Ardern/Shaw anti-farming legacy, and signed New Zealand up for a brand new (2035) commitment that will see thousands of dollars for every man, woman, and child sent overseas for climate credits.
First some background.
You will recall that back in 2021, former Climate Change Minister James Shaw and then Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern flew to Glasgow and signed New Zealand up to a climate change/emissions target of a net reduction in emissions of 50 percent (compared to 2005) by 2030.
At the time, no meaningful economic analysis, public consultation, or debate occurred. In fact, the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment voiced their concerns saying “we are concerned that insufficient analysis has been undertaken to understand the fiscal and social impacts” of a 45 percent reduction target, let alone the 50 percent that Ardern and Shaw secretly agreed…
The politicians just took this decision because, in their gut, they just felt it was the right thing to do.
And what caused particular angst, was that the targets NZ signed up to include agricultural emissions (i.e. methane, or cow farts). Short of culling cows (and tanking New Zealand’s largest export industry), those emissions are impossible to avoid.
No other developed country faces the same problem. Because of our small population and disproportionate reliance on agriculture, New Zealand’s emissions makeup is more akin to a developing country, which, under the UN Paris Agreement, doesn’t have to cut emissions in the same way as we have signed up to.
Even if we could cut agricultural emissions, it would be pointless in terms of improving global warming: New Zealand’s agricultural sector is the most emissions-efficient in the world. Any calories/meat/milk-powder New Zealand doesn’t produce will be done elsewhere, and likely result in an overall increase in emissions.
These were the points made by the ‘groundswell’ farming protests, Federated Farmers, and even the National Party when they were in opposition!
To put the 50 percent net reduction target into perspective, half of New Zealand’s emissions relate to agriculture!
So that leaves non-agricultural emissions.
Thanks to Covid, in 2020 New Zealand shut down most of the economy to lockdown for months. Despite the Covid shutdown, official data† shows that emissions declined by only three percent that year!
So the idea New Zealand can or will get to a 50 percent reduction by 2030 is absolutely fanciful. To hit the 2030 target emissions would have to fall by five percent per year!
How much is the 2030 target going to cost households?
There are lots of variables that go into forecasting where New Zealand’s emissions are going to be in five year’s time (e.g. the strength of the economy, how many trees are planted, whether we get wet winters and hydro lakes get rain etc).
But what Ardern/Shaw signed us up for means that missing the target (and there is absolutely no doubt we will miss it) determines how much New Zealand is going to have to cough up and pay for international emission units.
Last year Treasury worked out what New Zealand is on the hook for. Are you sitting down?
Up to $24 billion is the latest official estimate for the 2030 deadline.
To put that into perspective, $24 billion is more than the current cost of NZ Super. $12,000 per household!
And that’s not even counting the cost of lost economic growth, higher energy costs, and lost exports.
I know these numbers are unbelievable, and it’s been something the Taxpayers’ Union has been struggling to put into perspective and to communicate how on Earth to raise the alarm about the seriousness of what New Zealand faces. It’s a dozen Dunedin Hospitals. Or 34 times larger than the total new spending allowance Nicola Willis has set for this year’s Government budget.
Because the payment isn’t due until 2030, it’s just outside the Treasury’s “forecast horizon” so doesn’t yet appear on any of the Government’s fiscals.
I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that it’s Ardern and Shaw’s ticking time fiscal time bomb.
Late last night, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced that he is committing New Zealand to even harder targets for 2035!
Simon Watts is set to sign NZ up for a second eye-watering bill for 2035.
Once signed-up, it means New Zealand will have to pay a second time for a target that Christopher Luxon / the National Party have previously said is totally achievable!
It’s bad enough that New Zealand is hopelessly off track when it comes to meeting the existing 2030 target, and the $24 billion bill left by Ardern and Shaw, but to do it all over again is nothing short of economic sabotage.
Why haven’t the media covered this?
The media are in dire straits. Newsrooms are a fraction of the size they used to be, and those who are left are probably so young they either don’t understand the economics or are so committed to extreme views of ‘climate change mitigation at any cost’ that they just don’t care.
And, I’m sorry to be so blunt, but the only reason Simon Watts’ office would wait until 8:30pm on a Thursday night is so that the morning radio shows are already planned and there won’t be ‘breaking news’ style coverage.
It speaks volumes that Watts waited until after Parliament rose for the week, and with Parliament in recess next week, by the time political journos get back to work, the news will have moved on.
As far as I can see, with the exception of the Taxpayers’ Union, Federated Farmers, and other watchdog and industry groups, this announcement has been totally missed!
If there is any chance for the economy to get back on track, we must ensure Christopher Luxon, Winston Peters, and David Seymour, overrule Simon Watts and set a realistic target.
While the USA has pulled out, and other countries hedge their bets, why is Luxon’s Government doubling down?
Last week, the US pulled out of the Paris Agreement, and with the UK’s ‘net zero’ intentions in question (their Labour Government is ‘going for growth’ too!), it makes no sense for the New Zealand government to sign up for a second round of ‘ambitious’, sorry, ‘impossible’ targets if they are serious about growing the economy.
Simon Watts has got this one wrong. Introducing more ambitious targets to smash the economy harpoons Christopher Luxon’s attempts to ‘Go for Growth’.Take 30 seconds to tell the Government that.
But something needs to be done about climate change, right?
New Zealand is already one of the most emissions-efficient countries in the world. More than 80 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources. Our farmers are the most emissions-efficient at what they do. We already have an emissions trading scheme that covers more greenhouse gas emissions than any other country in the world. Of course, we need to keep up the momentum, but it’s not right to say we’re not already ‘doing our bit’.
Paying the rest of the world billions of dollars serves to make New Zealand poor – it doesn’t serve to solve global warming when the US, China, and Russia are not part of the same agreement/commitment.
Christopher Luxon gets this – well he did when he was Opposition Leader anyway.
The $24 billion dollar cheque could buy 12 Dunedin Hospitals. It could build 16 Transmission Gully Motorways. It could build 40,000 new school classrooms. It could even be used to fund more in-country climate initiatives!
In a country cancelling infrastructure, health, and education investment due to the fiscal crisis can we really afford to burn billions on an unobtainable climate target?
Make no mistake, I want Christopher Luxon and his Government to succeed and deliver for New Zealand. I know the Taxpayers’ Union are committed to sensible climate change mitigation policy. But if last night’s decision stands, Mr Luxon (and the country) is destined to fail. We can’t let that happen. Email the Prime Minsiter and Party Leaders
This is the media release the Taxpayers’ Union sent out reacting to Watts’ late night announcement:
MEDIA RELEASE SIMON WATTS JUST HARPOONED THE PRIME MINISTER’S ‘GOING FOR GROWTH’ PLAN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
At 8pm last night – timed, presumably, to avoid pick up on the morning news shows – Climate Change Minister Simon Watts released New Zealand’s 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution to combatting climate change under the Paris Agreement.
The target, which locks unavoidable agricultural emissions into New Zealand’s international targets, are even more ‘ambitious’ than the 2030 targets made when Jacinda Ardern/James Shaw flew to Glasgow. They will cost future taxpayers literally tens of billions of dollars in penalties.
Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said “Ardern’s 50% emissions reduction by 2030 target was ludicrous. Treasury estimates that in just five years taxpayers will be on the hook for up to $24 billion – that’s $12,000 per New Zealand household. The Government has now signed us up for another bill for five years later.”
“To not only lock this cost in, but go even harder for 2035 is economic sabotage. Watts and his Cabinet colleagues are not going to be around in a decade to have to pay the bill, but are doubling down on Paris at the very time our trading partners are pulling back.”
“Half of New Zealand’s emissions are agricultural. To achieve the 51-55% reduction Simon Watts has put NZ on the hook for would mean we either must shut down parts of our agricultural sector, or just about everything else. To say this is fantasy does Mickey Mouse a disservice.”
“The only way New Zealand avoids paying tens of billions in international carbon credits is if every square inch of Otago and Southland is planted in pine. But even the Government’s own experts advise that pathway is not credible.”
“So this decision will see New Zealanders having to stump up billions more to buy international credits in a decade’s time.”
“The Taxpayers’ Union has long supported sensible emissions reductions using our world leading Emissions Trading Scheme. But such a scheme can only operate with realistic targets and collective international action. Sacrificing our economic prosperity at the altar of good intentions when other countries are pulling back is nothing short of economic sabotage.”
“Minister Todd McClay was on radio this morning talking about how the Government want to ‘power up’ agricultural exports. He’s sure in for a shock.”
“Meanwhile, Simon Watts has just harpooned the Prime Minister’s ‘Going for Growth’ plan. Mr Luxon, Mr Peters, and Mr Seymour need to step in and overrule this decision.”
Dr. Malone Inventor of mRNA & DNA vaccines, RNA as a drug. Scientist, physician, writer, podcaster, commentator and advocate shares his thoughts with Alex Jones on a worrying new proposal by the Trump administration. Also, a new proposal on AI in government is discussed. You can see Dr. Malone’s recently published article entitled “AI, mRNA, Cancer Vaccines and ‘Stargate'” on Substack here:
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