[FUT] There will be an SAS inquiry

Photo via publishers pottonandburton.co.nz

█ Website: HIT AND RUN – https://www.hitandrunnz.com/

****

N U T S H E L L S ● S I N C E ● B O O K ● L A U N C H

At Facebook:

### ODT Online Mon, 3 Apr 2017
No SAS inquiry: PM
There will not be an inquiry into allegations an SAS raid in Afghanistan led to civilian deaths. Prime Minister Bill English revealed that decision at his regular post-Cabinet press conference this afternoon, saying there was no basis for an inquiry. It came after formal advice from Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Tim Keating. “After considering Mr Keating’s briefing…and viewing video footage of the operation I have included there is no basis for an inquiry.” Mr English said if new information changed this it would be reconsidered. He said the allegations had caused distress to NZDF staff and their families. […] Hit & Run by journalists Jon Stephenson and Nicky Hager claim six civilians were killed and 15 were injured in the 2010 raids in Afghanistan’s Baghlan province, and those facts have been covered up by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).
Read more

****

### radionz.co.nz 4:17 pm today
From The Panel with Jim Mora
No inquiry into the Afghanistan SAS operation #
Are there gaps in the NZDF account of the SAS operation in the Hit & Run book?
Audio | Download: Ogg MP3 (6′57″)

### radionz.co.nz 8:35 am today
PM trusting military’s word ‘a joke’ – Hager
By Craig McCulloch, Political Reporter
Investigative journalist Nicky Hager has accused Prime Minister Bill English of joining “a seven-year cover-up” by refusing to hold an inquiry into a 2010 raid in Afghanistan. Mr Hager and Jon Stephenson’s book Hit & Run claims six civilians were killed in a raid on two Afghan villages involving New Zealand’s SAS in 2010. Mr English yesterday ruled out an inquiry after being briefed by the Chief of Defence, Lieutenant General Tim Keating, and watching video footage of the operation shot by some of the aircraft involved. But Mr Hager said it was “a joke” for Mr English to trust the military’s word. “These are the people who are in trouble, so of course they don’t want an inquiry … No experienced minister should fall for that.”
Read more

### radionz.co.nz 12:39 pm on 3 April 2017
RNZ News
Soldiers’ honour hinges on inquiry – Transparency International
By Jane Patterson, RNZ Political Editor
A global anti-corruption group has added its voice to calls for an inquiry into allegations in the book Hit & Run, relating to raids on a Afghan village in 2010. The book alleges several civilians – including a three-year-old – were either killed or injured in the raid, which involved New Zealand special forces. The Defence Force has confirmed Operation Burnham took place on 22 August 2010, that New Zealand had a leading role, and there were fatalities that could have included civilians. However, it said the troops followed rules of engagement and the only people they could definitively say were killed were insurgents. Along with some parties and the book’s authors, Transparency International New Zealand chief executive Janine McGruddy wants an inquiry.
Read more

****

█ The New Zealand Special Air Service was formed on 7 July 1955 and is the special forces unit of the New Zealand Army, closely modelled on the British Special Air Service (SAS). It traces its origins to the Second World War and the famous Long Range Desert Group that a number of New Zealanders served with. The New Zealand Government states that NZSAS is the “premier combat unit of the New Zealand Defence Force” and it has been operationally deployed to a variety of locations, including the jungles of South-East Asia, the Pacific region and Afghanistan. The NZSAS was accorded Regimental status in 2013 and presently has the responsibility of conducting domestic Counter-Terrorism operations and international on request, overseas Special Operations missions and performing the disposal of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive hazards for both the military and civilian authorities. #

****

At Twitter:

Disappointing to see the Govt & NZDF getting away with addressing only #HitandRunNZ's civilian deaths & not other issues raised in the book.

— Felix Geiringer (@BarristerNZ) April 3, 2017

Interesting profile of Nicky Hager by @Nikki_Macdonald. https://t.co/zfKvZAXzK5

— Philip Matthews (@secondzeit) March 31, 2017

Another map of Afghanistan – circa 2010 in today's @nzherald #HitandRunNZ pic.twitter.com/rjnaDHMdLH

— Rod Emmerson (@rodemmerson) March 31, 2017

Hit & Pun – in today's @nzherald #WayneMapp #HitandRunNZ pic.twitter.com/gxO8hqX559

— Rod Emmerson (@rodemmerson) March 30, 2017

A revised edition – in today's @nzherald #HitandRunNZ #NZDF pic.twitter.com/H9AZYKpNJY

— Rod Emmerson (@rodemmerson) March 27, 2017

Deborah Manning tells @lisaowennz there are "options in New Zealand courts" if Government refuses inquiry into #HitandRunNZ raid. #NationNZ

— Newshub Politics (@NewshubPolitics) March 24, 2017

Afghan raids: RSA head backs inquiry for 'clarity' https://t.co/PBhb6KUgWp' #HitandRunNZ

— Stephen Clarke (@StephenClarkeNZ) March 24, 2017

GCSB infrastructure in Afghanistan relating to #HitandRunNZ revealed in @Snowden slide.@hitandrunnz page 22 pic.twitter.com/JMeUYCfd3m

— ******* Pax (@matarikipax) March 24, 2017

.@PeterDunneMP says he doesn't want a witch hunt, but an inquiry into SAS is vital after #HitandRunNZ claims https://t.co/VYIpGQZVUt pic.twitter.com/ecFBFfJmNs

— Newstalk ZB (@NewstalkZB) March 24, 2017

Must listen this Sunday folks! @wallacelchapman quick off the mark with #HitandRunNZ co-author Jon Stephenson. https://t.co/jdpYAMFRhg

— THE 5TH EYE (@The5thEyeMovie) March 24, 2017

It couldn't be clearer : – 2010 Annual Report Protection of Civilians in armed conflict states p.27 #HitandRunNZ pic.twitter.com/DEKQBRq6Xj

— Miss BetseyTrotwood (@Suzyiam) March 22, 2017

Be a good trooper Gerry – in today's @nzherald #HitandRunNZ #nzpol #NZDF #HagerBookLaunch pic.twitter.com/kew3DxkBQe

— Rod Emmerson (@rodemmerson) March 22, 2017

Hit and Run – in today's @nzherald #HitandRunNZ #HagerBookLaunch #Afghanistan #JohnKey pic.twitter.com/K6I5U75lbX

— Rod Emmerson (@rodemmerson) March 21, 2017

Ex-Defence Minister accepts civilians died in #HitandRunNZ raid, but says no war crimes committed: https://t.co/4iaMdv5xWe pic.twitter.com/E6LdSq0fHY

— The Wireless (@TheWirelessNZ) March 22, 2017

Wayne Mapp's openess shames Government silence: https://t.co/vRsoxQ89gW #HitandRunNZ

— Patrick Gower (@patrickgowernz) March 22, 2017

After 8 o'clock news: Jon Stephenson on #HitandRunNZ plus @_AJCole – from International Justice, formerly of International Criminal Court. pic.twitter.com/7SmzcFEWeW

— Morning Report (@NZMorningReport) March 21, 2017

█ Read more at Twitter #HitandRunNZ

****

### radionz.co.nz 8:35 am on 26 March 2017
From Sunday Morning with Wallace Chapman
Jon Stephenson – Hit and Run #
Co-author of the book, Hit and Run, Jon Stephenson, joins Wallace to talk about what he and Nicky Hager uncovered in their book and why there needs to be an official enquiry into what happened in Afghanistan.
Audio | Download: Ogg MP3 (19′36″)

### radionz.co.nz 7:11 am on Wed 22 Mar 2017
From Morning Report with Susie Ferguson and Guy Espiner
New book claims Govt, NZDF covered up civilian casualties #
Journalist Nicky Hager says it is beyond belief government officials deny New Zealand SAS troops were involved in civilian deaths during a botched raid in Afghanistan in 2010.
Audio | Download: Ogg MP3 (12′51″)

—

### radionz.co.nz 8:11 am on Wed 22 Mar 2017
From Morning Report with Guy Espiner
Blanket denial made about claims SAS soldiers killed civilians #
Journalist Jon Stephenson says SAS soldiers involved in a botched raid in Afghanistan have told him and fellow writer Nicky Hager that lies were told to cover up the fact civilians were killed.
Audio | Download: Ogg MP3 (8′56″)

—

### radionz.co.nz 8:20 am on Wed 22 Mar 2017
From Morning Report with Susie Ferguson
War crimes specialist says NZ could face problems #
War crimes specialist Alison Cole says Hit and Run contains enough information for International Criminal Court prosecutors to begin an investigation.
Audio | Download: Ogg MP3 (5′40″)

****

S A T I R E

Bill English to Wayne Mapp
RE: Way to go blabbermouth#nzpol #satirehttps://t.co/zDGx7ikii6 pic.twitter.com/sXwgmTpxeJ

— Beehive Letters (@BeehiveLetters) March 22, 2017

Steven Joyce to the National Party
RE: Hold on with the Hager responses please#nzpol #satire #hitandrunNZhttps://t.co/zDGx7i2GTw pic.twitter.com/hP7krk5r4k

— Beehive Letters (@BeehiveLetters) March 21, 2017

****

C I R C L I N G ● T H O U G H T

COOL! Published on Mar 25, 2017
Sia – Blank Page ft. Christina Aguilera (Mashup)
“Blank Page” is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera, taken from her seventh studio album, Lotus (2012). It was written by Aguilera, Chris Braide and Sia Furler, with production done by Braide. Aguilera had worked with Furler on her previous two albums Bionic and Burlesque, both released in 2010.

Artist: Francis Perreault
https://www.facebook.com/perreaultcreations

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

This post is offered in the public interest.

OIA Review: Bev’s off, thank god! #politicallyblinkered #shakethattreesomemore

Updated post
Sat, 5 Dec 2015 at 1:17 p.m.

LIES and SPIN, Bev

### NZ Herald Online 1:40 PM Wednesday Dec 2, 2015
Official Information Act review finds ‘no deliberate misuse’
By Isaac Davison – NZH political reporter
A high-level review of the Official Information Act will not uncover any widespread political interference in the release of information, its author says. The Ombudsman’s Office will release the findings from its comprehensive, year-long review next week. Chief Ombudsman Dame Beverley Wakem said today that the investigation had not discovered malicious or deliberate misuse of the Act by ministers’ offices or by Government departments.

“We’ve really shaken the tree over this and haven’t been surprised by what’s fallen out,” she told a Parliamentary committee this morning.

She admitted that she had suspected political interference, but had found no hard evidence of it. Dame Beverley said people who had complained to her office could be perceiving political spin or “bad behaviour” when it did not exist, and she could not make any findings “based on hearsay”.
Read more

█ The release of the report will be Dame Beverley’s last act as Chief Ombudsman after 10 years in the role. She is being replaced by former Principal Family Court Judge Peter Boshier next week.

—

Gun shy ? (broken record – your 10 limp-wristed years, inter-agency OBFUSCATION, or lose your privilege, your confidence, your connections, your office budget….)

DemiLovatoVEVO Published on Oct 9, 2015
Demi Lovato – Confident (Official Video)

Sharon Murdoch, Dame Beverley December 5, 2015 [Stuff.co.nz]

—

Related Posts and Comments:
9.11.15 Citifleet investigation: Final police report 29.10.15
5.3.15 John Key’s NZ spying on Pacific neighbours
15.1.15 New Zealand: Salmond on abuse of democratic freedoms
16.12.14 Chief Ombudsman | OIA review
24.10.14 John Key’s Godzone and the OIA
19.9.14 Chief Ombudsman Beverley Wakem to launch post-election inquiry
21.3.13 Public service causing “paralysis of democracy” with OIA requests
26.7.12 ‘The Public’s Right to Know’ – OIA Review
2.12.09 DScene – OIA requests about stadium endless?

█ For more, enter terms such as *audit nz*, *auditor general*, *citifleet*, *corruption*, *courthouse*, *cst*, *dcc*, *delta*, *department of internal affairs*, *dia*, *dvml*, *fraud*, *gambling*, *kaipara*, *nzru*, *oag*, *orfu*, *pokies*, *racing*, *rugby*, *sfo*, *stadium*, *ttcf* or *whistleblowers* in the search box at right.

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image: nbr.co.nz – Beverley Wakem

John Key PM —real or fake? and one email

Retracing rubber …. ohh the worry lines!

—

### 3news.co.nz Monday 15 Sep 2014 2:51 p.m.
Dotcom’s bombshell revealed – reports
By Simon Wong, Online Reporter
The New Zealand Herald reports Dotcom’s bombshell evidence is an email from October 27, 2010 and is alleged to be from Warner Brothers chairman and chief executive Kevin Tsujihara to Michael Ellis, a senior executive at the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) which lobbies for Hollywood studios. The email reads:

“We had a really good meeting with the Prime Minister. He’s a fan and we’re getting what we came for. Your groundwork in New Zealand is paying off. I see strong support for our anti-piracy effort. John Key told me in private that they are granting Dotcom residency despite pushback from officials about his criminal past. His AG will do everything in his power to assist us with our case. VIP treatment and then a one-way ticket to Virginia.
This is a game changer. The DOJ is against the Hong Kong option. No confidence in the Chinese. Great job.”

However, Warner Brothers says the email is fake. Studio senior vice president for worldwide communications Paul McGuire said Mr Tsujihara didn’t write or send the alleged email.
Read more

—

█ Video http://www.3news.co.nz/tvshows/campbelllive/former-gcsb-boss-denies-snowdens-claims-2014091520?ref=video

TV3 Campbell Live (15.9.14) – Former GCSB boss denies Snowden’s claims
[screenshots]

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

The Moment of Truth

On the National-led Government of New Zealand: “You’re dealing with a government that has systemic issues of political corruption.” –Bob Amsterdam, Dotcom’s lawyer (TV1’s Q+A)

—

Streamed live on Sep 15, 2014 (2:06:07)

This is the backup stream URL if needed: http://new.livestream.com/accounts/1473236/events/3389825/player?width=640&height=360&autoPlay=true&mute=false

—

Updated post 16.9.14 at 1:10 p.m.

Jim Hubbard 13.4.12 at Stuff

Related Post and Comments:
2.9.14 John Key PM, plus and minus

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr