Another day in John Key’s neo-liberal nightmare.
We have become a cruel, greedy, uncaring and selfish nation under his wretched leadership.
It was -2 degrees in Dunedin last night.
It was 3 degrees in Christchurch last night.
Not very warm to be sleeping in a car.
Not very warm to be sleeping in a container.
Not very warm to be sleeping in a garage.
Not very warm to be sleeping on the street.
The mainstream media may think that young millionaire Lamborghini drivers, the Game of Thrones and Samsung selfies are news items, but they are not.
The majority of the media is doing everything they can to support Paula Bennett and move homelessness off the headlines.
“Try walking in my shoes, it’s not actually that easy.”
This was the challenge TA set to Prime Minister John Key. But really it’s a challenge for us all.
Surely John Key’s lack of action on Climate Change is providing a warmer environment for the homeless.
I can hear the cries of anguish now “but stabilising global warming hasn’t helped the homeless!” Followed by a another ‘another day in John Key’s neo-liberal nightmare’ post.
Hope for Britain’s sake they’re not sending Groser and the crew who signed the TPP!
New Zealand offers UK its top trade negotiators for post-Brexit deals
New Zealand has offered its top trade negotiators to the United Kingdom, relieving the British civil service as it prepares for the strain of seeking new deals with countries across the globe.
The Telegraph understands that the Commonwealth country has made an offer to loan staff to the British civil service, which has few trade negotiators of its own.
Interesting times, Boris and Gove played with matches and ended up burning their cosy clubhouse down that they were throwing rocks at their own party from.
Now they along with Farage have to deliver on their BS spin in a climate where many are pretty pissed with their antics.
Old Nigel may find it all a bit much once the national front types realise they got played and to quote the guardian as Boris has withdrawn already ‘ a man who will not clean up his own mess’.
Boris Johnson’s allies warned there is a “deep pit in Hell” waiting for Michael Gove after the Justice Secretary stabbed his fellow Brexit champion in the back saying he was not up to being Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, it looks like the coup in the Labour Party is hitting some road bumps.
Labour MPs divided over how to depose Jeremy Corbyn
Angela Eagle has delayed an expected leadership challenge to Jeremy Corbyn for at least 24 hours as Labour MPs who wish to depose Labour’s leader remain divided over how best to mount a challenge.
The former shadow business secretary was expected to declare that she was going to run as a “unity candidate” at a 3pm press conference.
However, her associates claim she has decided to hold off because of the turmoil engulfing the Conservatives and to give more time for Labour MPs to pressurise Corbyn in to handing in his resignation.
Her decision to stand was also delayed when the former shadow welfare secretary Owen Smith collected enough nominations to put his name forward, following concerns that Eagle may not be able to win over the party in a ballot of members.
“Hope for Britain’s sake they’re not sending Groser and the crew who signed the TPP!”
If it is Goser he will have drunk all the wine, before he manages to get there…
If it is Key, he will have a great time on the golf course, do whatever the US and UK want and expand his personal wealth, networking and connections. He might stop in at Buckingham palace to say Labour made him do it (referendum to change the flag), no offence, Ma’am. Lets face it, Key is out of his depth in any way apart from financial Tory wizardry, (somehow managing to increase our debt to eyewatering proportions while having nothing to show for it and have people living in tents).
Let’s hope for the farmers and our economy the delegate is Winston Peters. For the good of our country and relationship lets hope it is Winson Peters. National may not like him, but he is clearly the man for the job to get the best deal and the best relationship!
Why, as a society, are we so cruel, heartless,callous and uncaring towards women doing the most important job?
Surely folk who reckon they are having children so they can live the high life on the state, have gone the same way as the trickle-downers, climate change deniers.
As is said in the clip, there seems to be sexism in play.
‘Benefit cheat/fraud’ implies wrong and theft.
Tax avoidance/evasion implies clever.
The former is punished severely often with incarceration.
The latter gets high powered men writing laws to protect them.
I caught something on the radio yesty- figures from UK suggest that the under payment of benefits/denial of entitlements dwarfs the fraud numbers.
Thanks Paul. That is a great episode. I saw it mid way through and it was unbelievable! When thedailyblog gets back up, worth watching.
It is shocking!
6 months of prison for a women with young children (who has had her infant murdered by a previous partner) for benefit fraud based on the violent and dysfunctional testimony of the ‘partner’ who gets away scott free by the sound of it.
For those neoliberals out there who thinks society runs to a budget, we just spent over $100,000 on legal fees and prison fees and f&^ked up more kids by taking their mother away and got $1600 back she does not seem to even owe.
If we take the ‘bankruptcy’ laws that say you can write off you debt because it means you will be more productive and can recover your life, you have to ask, how can someone recover their life and get off a benefit, get a job with a criminal conviction and hundreds of thousands in debt? More double standards against women and children.
No wonder we have the highest abuse rates in the world! It starts with blatant discrimination of vulnerable women by government officials and our legal system.
Excellent points. IRD can and does write off debt for hardship other than core Child Support debt, and are actually reasonably proactive about it. Would be nice for other government departments (MSD…) to do the same.
Frontrunner Boris Johnson stuns Westminster by pulling out of Tory Leadership Race
Comes in the immediate wake of a whole swathe of Tory MP defections from Camp Boris and a series of newly-released Polls showing him trailing Theresa May among Tory voters, voters in general and the Party’s membership.
The latest YouGov says it all.
Compared to the February Poll of Tory Party members, Boris’s negativity ratings have increased substantially.
There’s a kind of Tortoise and Hare scenario.
Boris leads the Brexit campaign in his usual loud and colourful way / May (considered mildly Eurosceptic by many) takes a very low profile role in the Remain campaign (some might say, not entirely unlike Corbyn).
As a consequence, Boris has his credibility destroyed among the large minority of Tory members who were pro-Remain, whilst May manages to maintain enormous cross-over appeal to both sides of the Conservative Membership.
YouGov
27-29 June 2016
Tory Party Members
Positive or Negative View of Potential Leader
………………………………………Boris Johnson………………………Theresa May Feb 2016…………………Pos 76% / Neg 14%…………….Pos 68% / Neg 11% June 2016……………….Pos 58% / Neg 30%…………….Pos 72% / Neg 13%
Boris’s support comes almost entirely (92%) from Tory members who voted Leave, whereas May’s support derives almost as much from Leavers (44%) as Remainers (56%).
In the one-on-one match-ups, Boris beats all possible contenders except May. She wins easily by 55% to 38%.
Swordfish. You ARE the news. Thanks for this comment and all the previous ones providing information previously unseen by these eyes and casting light on angles I hadn’t considered.
Nothing about the sociopolitical context that led to Brexit. The perspective on racism adds something. More angst about the middle classes losing privilege under neoliberalism not so much.
While we’re worried about little old Britain having a little old leadership change, spare a thought for Saudi Arabia. The last stable Muslim nation between Pakistan and Nigeria. A two minute clip from Bloomberg:
Saudis are confronting a future of cheaper oil, in a country where oil is everything. Can Saudi Arabia wean itselfoff the proceeds of oil?
Its plan is to sell 5% of Aramco with the biggest listing of all time, and get that to help form a sovereign wealth fund worth up to US $2 trillion. That’s enough to buy Apple, Microsoft, Google (Alphabet), Exxon Mobil, and still have plenty of change.
There’s the resistant clerics.
There’s 80% vof the workforce being foreign.
There’s nearly half of the population under 25, and they make up 30% of the unemployed.
There’s no friends and no stability on any border.
There’s the inability to keep generations of patrimony going.
There’s patriarchal suppression of pretty much everything, and massive clerical resistance to change of pretty much anything.
In terms of the future stability of the Middle East, unlike the US invading multiple times, they have a plan.
But it’s the biggest roll of the dice we will see in our generation.
Could I run something past you please, I’m interested in your comments.
I get the Supported Living Payment for uncontrolled epilepsy.
In the last few years dealing with WINZ has become so stressful it’s become a seizure trigger for me and I can directly link 3 WINZ run-ins with emergency hospital admissions. (Been dealing with them since the late 1980s and this has never been an issue till 6 years ago, note the timing).
I recently had to voluntarily surrender the remaining $5/week Special benefit because of how crazy the 3 monthly reviews have become and because it’s too medically dangerous for me to go near a WINZ office.
There’s a contraceptive pill that prevents hormone-induced seizures for me.
But the only one that actually works (they are not created equal) is the only one that’s not funded, and it costs about $5/week, or $250/year. That’s a lot out of a benefit, I can get 3-4 meals out of that.
I did try the funded version but it made no difference.
I recently stopped said pill mostly because that $5 was starting to become difficult. (I also pay full price for another drug, that was funded when I started it but then funding changed to a generic and I could never make the switch so it’s pay for the brand or nothing. That happens frequently in NZ).
Not being on the pill caused some serious seizure problems that landed me in A&E for the day, only just avoiding being admitted.
Last time I heard- quite a few years ago- just an admission to A&E was $300 so I hate to think was that is now, but even if it was $500, well that’s 2 years worth of that pill cost gone in just a few hours on an avoidable admission.
My GP went into battle with the Health Ministry about funding for the pill because of it’s use as a medical drug, but no success.
There was never any help from WINZ at the time (every excuse under the sun) plus I had to give up with them for the sake of my health anyway.
That’s the saga, I’m not after sympathy or anything, or even whining about lack of money, but what I cannot for the life of me figure out, is DO THESE BLOODY IDEALOGUES WHO ARE SO HELL BENT ON DESTROYING THE WELFARE SYSTEM EVEN KNOW (OR CARE) ABOUT SIMPLE COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS?????
Surely, even to those Nat voters who despise people like me simply for existing, (apologies, “beneficiary” wasn’t on my career plan when I started Uni) why is it so hard to comprehend that a few dollars for to help with medications and not putting us in the eat/heat/treat situation, is actually a hell of a lot cheaper than the avoidable cost to the public health system? Or because it’s not the welfare budget don’t you mind your hard working taxes being spent on us that way?
My scenario is just a small one, but it’s common. Taken to the extreme people die.
@Kay, no the neoliberal dumbos do not even follow their own ideology in which case they would have an efficient system!! What a terrible story and way to be treated. It is not even about saving money, it is about a punishing regime, that makes no sense. In fact they are wasting massive amounts of money. It’s crazy.
We can all only hope we can get a change of government for a more humane and less Kafkaesque way to treat our fellow citizens.
Kay, I don’t know how to answer your question except to say “what save nz said”.
I feel very frustrated after hearing your story and knowing it’s amplified by thousands of unwell people around NZ. I have no idea what it does to a persons outlook and self esteem over time, being treated like you’re a nuisance getting in their way, being belittled first by those that are meant to help and then by stupid unkind people.
Geez, my only experience with WINZ is as an agent for my mother and advocating on her behalf for her disability allowance and secondly applying for her residential care subsidy. In that very short amount of time, winz have literally made me pull out my hair with their patronising way they speak to me, their failure to get the basic things done and their total and absolute indifference to my mothers situation and her vulnerability.
So, I don’t know who long term winz “clients” cope with the effort required just to get what you need and still be able retain self belief and hold their head up high.
Lastly, your scenario isn’t a “small one”. It’s a life changing, life effecting one. I hope you have good support from some quarters.
I guess the only thing that can change in your favour is a change to the government and a commitment from a new government to fully review the culture at winz and implement necessary change.
“So, I don’t know who long term winz “clients” cope with the effort required just to get what you need and still be able retain self belief and hold their head up high.”
In a nutshell, a lot of us no longer do. It’s a fight for $5 in my case and a fight not worth my physical- and mental- health. I personally know others, and there’s plenty of anecdotal reports around of people who have been forced to make the hard decisions about what medical treatments they can continue with. I’ve had to abandon necessary physio treatment for injuries from seizures because the ACC surcharge is just too much. (I can’t remember which Govt got rid of the full physio subsidy but that was disasterous for many on low/fixed incomes).
It would be really interesting to find out just how many hospital admissions involving people with chronic health problems can be directly linked to financial problems. We hear from time to time about low income families not picking up antibiotic prescriptions because they can’t afford the charges and the child subsequently ending up in hospital. I’ll bet anything that every every hospital doctor in the country has stories. But not officially, of course. That would be way too embarrassing for the Minister so a formal enquirey, or even survey will never happen.
Frustration is the word, but what to do? Even the Greens no longer speak out for us (supporting beneficiaries is just too politically toxic I guess) so there’s no one at all in the political establishment. When you’re trying to reason with the RWNJs and post on forums, write to MPs or whatever it is you do, can you point out just how much the welfare policies they’re embracing are costing the health system? Maybe it might sink in to the odd one…
(ps. I’ve exercised personal responsibility- shock. horror, us bludgers actually have that trait- and restarted that pill. More creative budgeting but I can put together a better budget than Bill ever could. Aside from not wanting to waste precious public hospital resources, if it’s possible to stop a few tonic clonic seizures every month well that’s a no brainer. They’re really not fun.)
Your response needs a more considered reply then I can give as I’m restrained by time I’m sorry. Hopefully we can talk again another time son.
I just want to respond to this:
” I’ve had to abandon necessary physio treatment for injuries from seizures because the ACC surcharge is just too much. (I can’t remember which Govt got rid of the full physio subsidy but that was disasterous for many on low/fixed incomes).”
This was the new National coalition government that removed the full subsidy from our ACC physio appointments. I think it came into effect in 2009. I have also had to abandon much needed physio for injuries in the last 7 years, which makes me angry and hinders my mobility.
I wrote awhile ago to then ACC opposition spokesperson, Iain Lees Galloway and Kevin Hague, ACC spokesperson from the Greens about restoring the subsidy to all physio’s should we get a Labour Green coalition in government. This was back in 2014. Mr Galloway, said in a very nice way, no. Kevin Hague never replied.
“It would be really interesting to find out just how many hospital admissions involving people with chronic health problems can be directly linked to financial problems”.
I reckon it would be high. Higher than in previous decades.
My brother lives with epilepsy. He had a serious tonic clonic seizure a few years ago, the worst in his life. He was lucky not to die from his injuries and was left exhausted and off work for months. Drivers license suspended etc. He has money though, private insurance etc so got through without having to worry about that side of things.
It is morally unacceptable that you to live with your illness, with only grudging support at best, from your government, and without the means to easily purchase the appropriate medication.
Hi joe90, I can’t believe how cavalierly and quickly you dismissed the opinions of a well known LGBT activist like Jenner based on anonymous allegations. Shame on you.
What do you have to say about Hillary enabling – or at least turning a blind eye to – Bill sexually assaulting many women and coercing other women for sexual favours over his political career?
so a few allegations against bill (mostly of having consensual affairs, but whatever).
One claim that hillary knew of one incident. So hardly “enabling – or at least turning a blind eye to – Bill sexually assaulting many women and coercing other women for sexual favours”.
Caitlyn Jenner is not an LGBT activist; she’s a self-aggrandising person interested in her own publicity and wealth. With that considered, it is obvious why she likes Trump.
Her publicity work includes of advocating for people who directly oppose rights for LGBT people and this makes things directly worse for LGBT people in the USA, in particular trans people. Activist? Fuck no.
This is just another reason why I have a soft spot for the SNP.
You may have heard by now D.Trumpf is now going around the world begging for campaign finances, lets put aside that is illegal. Lets also put aside he knows it’s illegal.
Lets just embrace a MP who is a fine example of a human being.
NATALIE McGARRY you are a wonderfully honest individual. My hope is the system won’t grind you down. Hugs and bikkies from the south pacific.
For the best bit, scroll down to her email response. It is just wonderful.
Just a wee reminder of how much money the Clinton Foundation received from foreigners looking for favours from Hillary during her term as Secretary of State (I posted this in OM a day or two ago):
From a Clinton Foundation document revealed by a hacker. (Please forgive the caps, they were in the article).
Here are some of the section titles:
*THE CLINTON FOUNDATION RECEIVED DONATIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS TIED TO SAUDI ARABIA WHILE CLINTON SERVED AS SECRETARY OF STATE
*AN EMBATTLED BUSINESSMAN WITH “TIES TO BAHRAIN’S STATE-OWNED ALUMINUM COMPANY” GAVE BETWEEN $1 MILLION AND $5 MILLION TO THE CLINTON FOUNDATION
*A VENEZUELAN MEDIA MOGUL WHO WAS ACTIVE IN VENEZUELAN POLITICS DONATED TO THE CLINTON FOUNDATION DURING CLINTON’S TENURE AS SECRETARY OF STATE
*GERMAN INVESTOR WHO HAS LOBBIED CHANCELLOR MERKEL’S ADMINISTRATION GAVE BETWEEN $1 MILLION AND $5 MILLION TO THE CLINTON FOUNDATION, SOME OF WHICH WAS DURING MRS. CLINTON’S TENURE AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT
*THE CEO OF AN AMSTERDAM BASED ENERGY COMPANY DONATED AT LEAST $1 MILLION TO THE CLINTON FOUNDATION AND LATER ANNOUNCED AT THE 2009 CGI MEETING A $5 BILLION PROJECT TO DEVELOP ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY POWER GENERATION IN INDIA AND CHINA
*INDIAN POLITICIAN AMAR SINGH, WHO HAD DONATED AT LEAST $1 MILLION TO THE CLINTON FOUNDATION, MET WITH HILLARY CLINTON IN SEPTEMBER 2008 TO DISCUSS AN INDIA-U.S. CIVIL NUCLEAR AGREEMENT
*THE CLINTON FOUNDATION RECEIVED ADDITIONAL DONATIONS FROM INDIAN BUSINESS INTERESTS PRIOR TO HER BECOMING SECRETARY OF STATE
*BILLIONAIRE STEEL EXECUTIVE AND MEMBER OF THE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COUNCIL IN KAZAKHSTAN LAKSHMI MITTAL GAVE $1 MILLION TO $5 MILLION TO THE CLINTON FOUNDATION BEFORE CLINTON BECAME SECRETARY OF STATE
*SOON AFTER SECRETARY CLINTON LEFT THE STATE DEPARTMENT, THE CLINTON
FOUNDATION “RECEIVED A LARGE DONATION FROM A CONGLOMERATE RUN BY A MEMBER OF CHINA’S NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS”
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TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
I was initially resistant to the idea often suggested to me that the Government should deliver an arts strategy. The whole point of the arts and creativity is that people should do whatever the hell they want, unbound by the dictates of politicians in Wellington. Peter Jackson, Kiri Te Kanawa, Eleanor ...
Pacific Media Watch Palestine solidarity protesters today demonstrated at the Auckland headquarters of Television New Zealand, accusing the country’s major TV network of broadcasting “propaganda” backing Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. About 50 protesters targeted the main entrance to the TVNZ building near Sky Tower and also picketed a side ...
Opinion by Lynley Hood. Forty years on from my 1985 Fulbright Grant, my disquiet over the war in Gaza evoked some troubling questions. The answer to my first question – What is the primary purpose of the Fulbright Programme? – was on the Fulbright NZ website. It says: US Senator, ...
The ministers responsible for green-lighting major projects need to be open about potential conflicts of interest, says Transparency International. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Professor, Family and Sexual Violence, RMIT University It has been a particularly distressing start to the year. There is little that can ease the current grief of individuals, families and communities who have needlessly lost a loved one to men’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Lichen, the first described example of symbiosis.AdeJ Artventure/Shutterstock Once known only to those studying biology, the word symbiosis is now widely used. Symbiosis is the intimate ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kim Hemsley, Head, Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University Olena Ivanova/Shutterstock “Childhood” and “dementia” are two words we wish we didn’t have to use together. But sadly, around 1,400 ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Whiteford, Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The government’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee has just published its second report. It was set up by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth in 2022 to provide: ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The Queensland state election will be held in October. A YouGov poll for The Courier Mail, conducted April 9–17 from a sample ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Naeni, PhD candidate at Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University There’s been much talk in recent months about what a possible second Donald Trump presidency in the United States could mean for Europe, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the ...
A brief round-up of submissions on the controversial proposed law. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week, submissions on the controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill closed just hours after the government released a list of stakeholder organisations who were sent letters advising how they could ...
A poem from Robin Peace’s new collection Detritus of Empire: feather / grass / rock. Cereal giving I see a woman’s hands, see her curious hands break a stalk as she walks through the tall prairie, the savannah, the steppe, wherever it was. See her idly bite the grass that ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38)A handsomely produced (debossed cover, lovely ...
The Commissioner's decision validates the longstanding efforts of the local community and ensures that Awataha Marae will be managed to serve the needs of the local community, particularly for hosting tangihanga. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tristan Salles, Associate professor, University of Sydney Examples of Australian landscapes.Unsplash Seventy thousand years ago, the sea level was much lower than today. Australia, along with New Guinea and Tasmania, formed a connected landmass known as Sahul. Around this time – ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Castagna, Lecturer, Creative Writing, Western Sydney University Day Day Market, ParramattaPhoto: Garry Trinh I live on the edge of Parramatta, Australia’s fastest-growing city, on the kind of old-fashioned suburban street that has 1950s fibros constructed in the post-war housing boom, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Ryan, Teaching Fellow in Economics, University of Waikato GettyImagesfatido/Getty Images There is an ongoing global debate over whether the high inflation seen in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic can be lowered without a recession. New Zealand is not ...
The ‘Wicked Game’ heartthrob is in his late 60s now. That didn’t stop him putting on a lively, goofy and very sparkly show. Apart from ‘Wicked Game’, which graces a sultry playlist of mine simply called 💋, my last sustained Chris Isaak listening session took place when I was about ...
Analysis - Two ministers were stripped of portfolios in a warning to Cabinet, drama broke out at the Waitangi Tribunal, and the gang patch ban bill ran into opposition. ...
Tara Ward makes an impassioned plea for some vital pop culture merch. In April 1999, I became obsessed with a new reality television show called Popstars. Every Tuesday night, five strangers transformed into music royalty before my very eyes as Joe, Keri, Carly, Erika and Megan were chosen to form ...
PNG Post-Courier In the early hours of ANZAC Day, aerial photographs captured an impressive gathering of Australians and Papua New Guineans at Isurava in the Northern (Oro) Province. The solemn dawn service yesterday was held at a site steeped in history, where some of the fiercest battles of World War ...
The PSA is shocked that Oranga Tamariki has used the cost cutting drive to downgrade its commitment to Te Ao Māori and remove many specialist Māori roles. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Kemish, Adjunct Professor, School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, The University of Queensland There can be no more powerful symbol of the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea than the prime ministers of these neighbouring countries walking together on the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sharon Robinson, Distinguished Professor and Deputy Director of ARC Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF), University of Wollongong, University of Wollongong Andrew Netherwood Over the last 25 years, the ozone hole which forming over Antarctica each spring has started to shrink. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Viktoria Kahui, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Economics, University of Otago Getty Images/Amy Toensing Biodiversity is declining at rates unprecedented in human history. This suggests the ways we currently use to manage our natural environment are failing. One emerging concept focuses on ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Colin Bednall, Associate Professor in Management, Swinburne University of Technology marvent/Shutterstock Finding the best person to fill a position can be tough, from drafting a job ad to producing a shortlist of top interview candidates. Employers typically consider information from ...
Wondering where to host your next BYO? Whether its a small gathering or a massive party, we’ve got some recommendations. I was first introduced to the concept of BYOs at Dunedin’s India Gardens, a legendary but sadly defunct establishment, which purveyed enormous quantities of mango chicken to Aotearoa’s drunkest future ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julien Cooper, Honorary Lecturer, Department of History and Archaeology, Macquarie University Julien Cooper The hyper-arid desert of Eastern Sudan, the Atbai Desert, seems like an unlikely place to find evidence of ancient cattle herders. But in this dry environment, my new ...
The sector says it’s hopeful her replacement Paul Goldsmith will be able to throw it a lifeline, after six months with a minister deemed missing in action, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign ...
The government can't just rely on axing public sector jobs and has to do more to cut spending, says the chief economist at a free market think tank. ...
Rock The Vote NZ, known for its advocacy for minor party unity and its role within the Freedoms NZ Coalition during the 2023 General Election, celebrates this merger as a strategic enhancement of its operational strength and outreach. ...
Nearly everyone has experienced the frustration of something you use breaking and being difficult or expensive to fix. Proposed legislation could change that. It’s been raining on and off all Sunday afternoon but people are lining up outside a building in a corner of Gribblehirst Park in Sandringham, Auckland. In ...
What does a forever relationship look like when you don’t believe in marriage? And how do you celebrate it? This essay is part of our Sunday Essay series, made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand.I’m going to do it, right now. I’m going to say ...
The Prime Minister has committed to resuming direct flights to Thailand. But it’s not a promise he will be able to deliver on anytime soon. The post Prime Minister jumps the gun in Thailand appeared first on Newsroom. ...
It’s not that long ago Eliza McCartney was seriously wondering if the Paris Olympics would be her pole vaulting swansong. After years of being hounded by injury after injury, the Rio Olympics bronze medallist was still confident she would compete at her second Olympics in Paris in July, unless something ...
FICTION 1 Take Two by Danielle Hawkins (Allen & Unwin, $36.99) There’s commercial fiction, like this book, and then there’s quality fiction, quality writers, quality literature; the forthcoming Auckland Writers Festival is full of quality, and ReadingRoom has two tickets to give away to the following events: Paul Lynch (Dublin ...
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Another day in John Key’s neo-liberal nightmare.
We have become a cruel, greedy, uncaring and selfish nation under his wretched leadership.
It was -2 degrees in Dunedin last night.
It was 3 degrees in Christchurch last night.
Not very warm to be sleeping in a car.
Not very warm to be sleeping in a container.
Not very warm to be sleeping in a garage.
Not very warm to be sleeping on the street.
The mainstream media may think that young millionaire Lamborghini drivers, the Game of Thrones and Samsung selfies are news items, but they are not.
The majority of the media is doing everything they can to support Paula Bennett and move homelessness off the headlines.
“Try walking in my shoes, it’s not actually that easy.”
This was the challenge TA set to Prime Minister John Key. But really it’s a challenge for us all.
I am deeply disturbed with what planet key is doing to NZ as we are being destroyed now by his disease called “the greed breed”.
Surely John Key’s lack of action on Climate Change is providing a warmer environment for the homeless.
I can hear the cries of anguish now “but stabilising global warming hasn’t helped the homeless!” Followed by a another ‘another day in John Key’s neo-liberal nightmare’ post.
Hope for Britain’s sake they’re not sending Groser and the crew who signed the TPP!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/06/29/new-zealand-offers-uk-its-top-trade-negotiators-for-post-brexit/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b58VxhRSk9g
Interesting times, Boris and Gove played with matches and ended up burning their cosy clubhouse down that they were throwing rocks at their own party from.
Now they along with Farage have to deliver on their BS spin in a climate where many are pretty pissed with their antics.
Old Nigel may find it all a bit much once the national front types realise they got played and to quote the guardian as Boris has withdrawn already ‘ a man who will not clean up his own mess’.
Yes, getting messier and messier over there.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11666710
Meanwhile, it looks like the coup in the Labour Party is hitting some road bumps.
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/30/labour-mps-divided-over-how-to-depose-jeremy-corbyn
“unity candidate” – facepalm…
“Hope for Britain’s sake they’re not sending Groser and the crew who signed the TPP!”
If it is Goser he will have drunk all the wine, before he manages to get there…
If it is Key, he will have a great time on the golf course, do whatever the US and UK want and expand his personal wealth, networking and connections. He might stop in at Buckingham palace to say Labour made him do it (referendum to change the flag), no offence, Ma’am. Lets face it, Key is out of his depth in any way apart from financial Tory wizardry, (somehow managing to increase our debt to eyewatering proportions while having nothing to show for it and have people living in tents).
Let’s hope for the farmers and our economy the delegate is Winston Peters. For the good of our country and relationship lets hope it is Winson Peters. National may not like him, but he is clearly the man for the job to get the best deal and the best relationship!
Another day in John Key’s neo-liberal nightmare.
We have become a cruel, greedy, uncaring and selfish nation under his wretched leadership.
Cruel.
The MSD.
Waatea 5th Estate “The Case of Katherine and the MSD”
This should be compulsory viewing for all New Zealanders.
What is this country coming to?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrkBnujxIQQ
Not often I feel ashamed to be a kiwi.
I hope this gets traction in the news cycle.
Shame on the cold hearted msd staff.
Instead of a net to stop people falling, msd have turned it into a drift net that pulls people down.
What an appalling culture has been nutured in that government department.
Why, as a society, are we so cruel, heartless,callous and uncaring towards women doing the most important job?
Surely folk who reckon they are having children so they can live the high life on the state, have gone the same way as the trickle-downers, climate change deniers.
As is said in the clip, there seems to be sexism in play.
‘Benefit cheat/fraud’ implies wrong and theft.
Tax avoidance/evasion implies clever.
The former is punished severely often with incarceration.
The latter gets high powered men writing laws to protect them.
I caught something on the radio yesty- figures from UK suggest that the under payment of benefits/denial of entitlements dwarfs the fraud numbers.
Pullya benefits scripted carve up of MSD using many elves and sprites now fronted by ayatolley needs massive sunlight.
The ticket clipping is obscene aside from the systemic damage nact have inflicted.
Thanks Paul. That is a great episode. I saw it mid way through and it was unbelievable! When thedailyblog gets back up, worth watching.
It is shocking!
6 months of prison for a women with young children (who has had her infant murdered by a previous partner) for benefit fraud based on the violent and dysfunctional testimony of the ‘partner’ who gets away scott free by the sound of it.
For those neoliberals out there who thinks society runs to a budget, we just spent over $100,000 on legal fees and prison fees and f&^ked up more kids by taking their mother away and got $1600 back she does not seem to even owe.
If we take the ‘bankruptcy’ laws that say you can write off you debt because it means you will be more productive and can recover your life, you have to ask, how can someone recover their life and get off a benefit, get a job with a criminal conviction and hundreds of thousands in debt? More double standards against women and children.
No wonder we have the highest abuse rates in the world! It starts with blatant discrimination of vulnerable women by government officials and our legal system.
Excellent points. IRD can and does write off debt for hardship other than core Child Support debt, and are actually reasonably proactive about it. Would be nice for other government departments (MSD…) to do the same.
Frontrunner Boris Johnson stuns Westminster by pulling out of Tory Leadership Race
Comes in the immediate wake of a whole swathe of Tory MP defections from Camp Boris and a series of newly-released Polls showing him trailing Theresa May among Tory voters, voters in general and the Party’s membership.
The latest YouGov says it all.
Compared to the February Poll of Tory Party members, Boris’s negativity ratings have increased substantially.
There’s a kind of Tortoise and Hare scenario.
Boris leads the Brexit campaign in his usual loud and colourful way / May (considered mildly Eurosceptic by many) takes a very low profile role in the Remain campaign (some might say, not entirely unlike Corbyn).
As a consequence, Boris has his credibility destroyed among the large minority of Tory members who were pro-Remain, whilst May manages to maintain enormous cross-over appeal to both sides of the Conservative Membership.
YouGov
27-29 June 2016
Tory Party Members
Positive or Negative View of Potential Leader
………………………………………Boris Johnson………………………Theresa May
Feb 2016…………………Pos 76% / Neg 14%…………….Pos 68% / Neg 11%
June 2016……………….Pos 58% / Neg 30%…………….Pos 72% / Neg 13%
June
LEAVE supporters………..Pos 83% / Neg 6%……………….Pos 66% / Neg 18%
REMAIN supporters…….Pos 16% / Neg 71%……………..Pos 84% / Neg 3%
Boris’s support comes almost entirely (92%) from Tory members who voted Leave, whereas May’s support derives almost as much from Leavers (44%) as Remainers (56%).
In the one-on-one match-ups, Boris beats all possible contenders except May. She wins easily by 55% to 38%.
One-on-One by EU Vote
………………………………..Boris………Theresa
LEAVE……………………….56%…………..38%
REMAIN…………………….8%……………..84%
Again, May with much greater cross-over appeal.
All confirms the long-standing Iron-Law of Tory Leadership Contests: That the initial Front-runner NEVER wins.
Swordfish. You ARE the news. Thanks for this comment and all the previous ones providing information previously unseen by these eyes and casting light on angles I hadn’t considered.
Have a good day. Stay warm.
Me too Swordfish.
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11666513
A kiwi in the UK’s take on brexit from someone who’s their
Nothing about the sociopolitical context that led to Brexit. The perspective on racism adds something. More angst about the middle classes losing privilege under neoliberalism not so much.
Featherweight opinion piece.
So, the poor dear doesn’t know what to do? Get at the back of the line, lady.
It must be amazing being able to hate every normal human on the planet . dick heads.
What’s going on at The Daily Blog. Can’t open it. Message keeps coming up with a connection error. Anyone else having the same problem?
Hope it’s not under attack again!
Me too mary_a, haven’t been able to get through either. Hopefully Martyn will get it underway soon.
me too.
I dunno whats happened, but the Plesk page that comes up says you either. 1 put no content up or 2 the provider has suspended your page. Hmmm..
While we’re worried about little old Britain having a little old leadership change, spare a thought for Saudi Arabia. The last stable Muslim nation between Pakistan and Nigeria. A two minute clip from Bloomberg:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-06-30/the-slow-motion-crisis-in-saudi-arabia-in-two-minutes
Saudis are confronting a future of cheaper oil, in a country where oil is everything. Can Saudi Arabia wean itselfoff the proceeds of oil?
Its plan is to sell 5% of Aramco with the biggest listing of all time, and get that to help form a sovereign wealth fund worth up to US $2 trillion. That’s enough to buy Apple, Microsoft, Google (Alphabet), Exxon Mobil, and still have plenty of change.
There’s the resistant clerics.
There’s 80% vof the workforce being foreign.
There’s nearly half of the population under 25, and they make up 30% of the unemployed.
There’s no friends and no stability on any border.
There’s the inability to keep generations of patrimony going.
There’s patriarchal suppression of pretty much everything, and massive clerical resistance to change of pretty much anything.
In terms of the future stability of the Middle East, unlike the US invading multiple times, they have a plan.
But it’s the biggest roll of the dice we will see in our generation.
Could I run something past you please, I’m interested in your comments.
I get the Supported Living Payment for uncontrolled epilepsy.
In the last few years dealing with WINZ has become so stressful it’s become a seizure trigger for me and I can directly link 3 WINZ run-ins with emergency hospital admissions. (Been dealing with them since the late 1980s and this has never been an issue till 6 years ago, note the timing).
I recently had to voluntarily surrender the remaining $5/week Special benefit because of how crazy the 3 monthly reviews have become and because it’s too medically dangerous for me to go near a WINZ office.
There’s a contraceptive pill that prevents hormone-induced seizures for me.
But the only one that actually works (they are not created equal) is the only one that’s not funded, and it costs about $5/week, or $250/year. That’s a lot out of a benefit, I can get 3-4 meals out of that.
I did try the funded version but it made no difference.
I recently stopped said pill mostly because that $5 was starting to become difficult. (I also pay full price for another drug, that was funded when I started it but then funding changed to a generic and I could never make the switch so it’s pay for the brand or nothing. That happens frequently in NZ).
Not being on the pill caused some serious seizure problems that landed me in A&E for the day, only just avoiding being admitted.
Last time I heard- quite a few years ago- just an admission to A&E was $300 so I hate to think was that is now, but even if it was $500, well that’s 2 years worth of that pill cost gone in just a few hours on an avoidable admission.
My GP went into battle with the Health Ministry about funding for the pill because of it’s use as a medical drug, but no success.
There was never any help from WINZ at the time (every excuse under the sun) plus I had to give up with them for the sake of my health anyway.
That’s the saga, I’m not after sympathy or anything, or even whining about lack of money, but what I cannot for the life of me figure out, is DO THESE BLOODY IDEALOGUES WHO ARE SO HELL BENT ON DESTROYING THE WELFARE SYSTEM EVEN KNOW (OR CARE) ABOUT SIMPLE COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS?????
Surely, even to those Nat voters who despise people like me simply for existing, (apologies, “beneficiary” wasn’t on my career plan when I started Uni) why is it so hard to comprehend that a few dollars for to help with medications and not putting us in the eat/heat/treat situation, is actually a hell of a lot cheaper than the avoidable cost to the public health system? Or because it’s not the welfare budget don’t you mind your hard working taxes being spent on us that way?
My scenario is just a small one, but it’s common. Taken to the extreme people die.
@Kay, no the neoliberal dumbos do not even follow their own ideology in which case they would have an efficient system!! What a terrible story and way to be treated. It is not even about saving money, it is about a punishing regime, that makes no sense. In fact they are wasting massive amounts of money. It’s crazy.
We can all only hope we can get a change of government for a more humane and less Kafkaesque way to treat our fellow citizens.
Hopefully we will get, Nexit.
Kay….if you live in Auckland track the support group Sue Bradford’s involved with. They go into battle with WINZ and are often very successful.
Kay, I don’t know how to answer your question except to say “what save nz said”.
I feel very frustrated after hearing your story and knowing it’s amplified by thousands of unwell people around NZ. I have no idea what it does to a persons outlook and self esteem over time, being treated like you’re a nuisance getting in their way, being belittled first by those that are meant to help and then by stupid unkind people.
Geez, my only experience with WINZ is as an agent for my mother and advocating on her behalf for her disability allowance and secondly applying for her residential care subsidy. In that very short amount of time, winz have literally made me pull out my hair with their patronising way they speak to me, their failure to get the basic things done and their total and absolute indifference to my mothers situation and her vulnerability.
So, I don’t know who long term winz “clients” cope with the effort required just to get what you need and still be able retain self belief and hold their head up high.
Lastly, your scenario isn’t a “small one”. It’s a life changing, life effecting one. I hope you have good support from some quarters.
I guess the only thing that can change in your favour is a change to the government and a commitment from a new government to fully review the culture at winz and implement necessary change.
Take care Kay.
HI Rosie, thank you for your kind words.
“So, I don’t know who long term winz “clients” cope with the effort required just to get what you need and still be able retain self belief and hold their head up high.”
In a nutshell, a lot of us no longer do. It’s a fight for $5 in my case and a fight not worth my physical- and mental- health. I personally know others, and there’s plenty of anecdotal reports around of people who have been forced to make the hard decisions about what medical treatments they can continue with. I’ve had to abandon necessary physio treatment for injuries from seizures because the ACC surcharge is just too much. (I can’t remember which Govt got rid of the full physio subsidy but that was disasterous for many on low/fixed incomes).
It would be really interesting to find out just how many hospital admissions involving people with chronic health problems can be directly linked to financial problems. We hear from time to time about low income families not picking up antibiotic prescriptions because they can’t afford the charges and the child subsequently ending up in hospital. I’ll bet anything that every every hospital doctor in the country has stories. But not officially, of course. That would be way too embarrassing for the Minister so a formal enquirey, or even survey will never happen.
Frustration is the word, but what to do? Even the Greens no longer speak out for us (supporting beneficiaries is just too politically toxic I guess) so there’s no one at all in the political establishment. When you’re trying to reason with the RWNJs and post on forums, write to MPs or whatever it is you do, can you point out just how much the welfare policies they’re embracing are costing the health system? Maybe it might sink in to the odd one…
(ps. I’ve exercised personal responsibility- shock. horror, us bludgers actually have that trait- and restarted that pill. More creative budgeting but I can put together a better budget than Bill ever could. Aside from not wanting to waste precious public hospital resources, if it’s possible to stop a few tonic clonic seizures every month well that’s a no brainer. They’re really not fun.)
Hi Kay.
Your response needs a more considered reply then I can give as I’m restrained by time I’m sorry. Hopefully we can talk again another time son.
I just want to respond to this:
” I’ve had to abandon necessary physio treatment for injuries from seizures because the ACC surcharge is just too much. (I can’t remember which Govt got rid of the full physio subsidy but that was disasterous for many on low/fixed incomes).”
This was the new National coalition government that removed the full subsidy from our ACC physio appointments. I think it came into effect in 2009. I have also had to abandon much needed physio for injuries in the last 7 years, which makes me angry and hinders my mobility.
I wrote awhile ago to then ACC opposition spokesperson, Iain Lees Galloway and Kevin Hague, ACC spokesperson from the Greens about restoring the subsidy to all physio’s should we get a Labour Green coalition in government. This was back in 2014. Mr Galloway, said in a very nice way, no. Kevin Hague never replied.
“It would be really interesting to find out just how many hospital admissions involving people with chronic health problems can be directly linked to financial problems”.
I reckon it would be high. Higher than in previous decades.
My brother lives with epilepsy. He had a serious tonic clonic seizure a few years ago, the worst in his life. He was lucky not to die from his injuries and was left exhausted and off work for months. Drivers license suspended etc. He has money though, private insurance etc so got through without having to worry about that side of things.
It is morally unacceptable that you to live with your illness, with only grudging support at best, from your government, and without the means to easily purchase the appropriate medication.
Kia Ora
Caitlyn Jenner supports Trump – too “macho” but good for womens issues; says Hillary Clinton is a “fucking liar” and a “political hack”
Comments that the economy and jobs are absolutely crucial issues for America.
http://www.eonline.com/shows/i_am_cait/news/747403/caitlyn-jenner-says-donald-trump-would-be-very-good-for-women-s-issues-calls-hillary-clinton-a-f-king-liar-watch
Yeah, a man who allegedly raped a 13 year old will be marvelous for women.
//
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-bloom/why-the-new-child-rape-ca_b_10619944.html
Hi joe90, I can’t believe how cavalierly and quickly you dismissed the opinions of a well known LGBT activist like Jenner based on anonymous allegations. Shame on you.
What do you have to say about Hillary enabling – or at least turning a blind eye to – Bill sexually assaulting many women and coercing other women for sexual favours over his political career?
Do you have any evidence to support that claim against H?
Or B, for that matter, but your claim is actually against hillary.
By “evidence” I mean something other than “the intrinsic intelligence of the universe told me to pass on this message”.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Clinton_sexual_misconduct_allegations
Notice his tactic of attempting to discredit the women who come forward.
so a few allegations against bill (mostly of having consensual affairs, but whatever).
One claim that hillary knew of one incident. So hardly “enabling – or at least turning a blind eye to – Bill sexually assaulting many women and coercing other women for sexual favours”.
” so a few allegations against bill (mostly of having consensual affairs, but whatever”
Wow. Just wow. Talk about minimisation.
dude, your claim was against hillary of, at one extreme of your qualifications, enabling many rapes and other coerced sexual assaults by bill.
Your link doesn’t support that comment.
You were making shit up, sorry, you were channelling the intrinsic intelligence of the universe.
The intrinsic intelligence of the universe could be sued for defamation.
outraged…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gthEktOSpH4
lol
That’s nice, you had five minutes to spare.
/
Caitlyn Jenner is not an LGBT activist; she’s a self-aggrandising person interested in her own publicity and wealth. With that considered, it is obvious why she likes Trump.
Her publicity work includes of advocating for people who directly oppose rights for LGBT people and this makes things directly worse for LGBT people in the USA, in particular trans people. Activist? Fuck no.
“well known LGBT activist like Jenner”
You what now??? You are in lala land with that statement.
Are speaking about the same Caitlyn Jenner?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3359887/If-look-like-man-dress-makes-people-uncomfortable-Caitlyn-Jenner-faces-backlash-comments-Time-Magazine.html
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/09/09/ellen-degeneres-cant-understand-caitlyn-jenner-opposing-equal-marriage/
LGBT activist – ahh no. Self absorbed ego maniac – yes.
This is just another reason why I have a soft spot for the SNP.
You may have heard by now D.Trumpf is now going around the world begging for campaign finances, lets put aside that is illegal. Lets also put aside he knows it’s illegal.
Lets just embrace a MP who is a fine example of a human being.
NATALIE McGARRY you are a wonderfully honest individual. My hope is the system won’t grind you down. Hugs and bikkies from the south pacific.
For the best bit, scroll down to her email response. It is just wonderful.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/donald-trump-fundraising-email-mp-natalie-mcgarry-reply-warm-hope-his-repugnant-campaign-will-fail-a7108701.html
Just a wee reminder of how much money the Clinton Foundation received from foreigners looking for favours from Hillary during her term as Secretary of State (I posted this in OM a day or two ago):
From a Clinton Foundation document revealed by a hacker. (Please forgive the caps, they were in the article).
Here are some of the section titles:
*THE CLINTON FOUNDATION RECEIVED DONATIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS TIED TO SAUDI ARABIA WHILE CLINTON SERVED AS SECRETARY OF STATE
*AN EMBATTLED BUSINESSMAN WITH “TIES TO BAHRAIN’S STATE-OWNED ALUMINUM COMPANY” GAVE BETWEEN $1 MILLION AND $5 MILLION TO THE CLINTON FOUNDATION
*A VENEZUELAN MEDIA MOGUL WHO WAS ACTIVE IN VENEZUELAN POLITICS DONATED TO THE CLINTON FOUNDATION DURING CLINTON’S TENURE AS SECRETARY OF STATE
*GERMAN INVESTOR WHO HAS LOBBIED CHANCELLOR MERKEL’S ADMINISTRATION GAVE BETWEEN $1 MILLION AND $5 MILLION TO THE CLINTON FOUNDATION, SOME OF WHICH WAS DURING MRS. CLINTON’S TENURE AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT
*THE CEO OF AN AMSTERDAM BASED ENERGY COMPANY DONATED AT LEAST $1 MILLION TO THE CLINTON FOUNDATION AND LATER ANNOUNCED AT THE 2009 CGI MEETING A $5 BILLION PROJECT TO DEVELOP ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY POWER GENERATION IN INDIA AND CHINA
*INDIAN POLITICIAN AMAR SINGH, WHO HAD DONATED AT LEAST $1 MILLION TO THE CLINTON FOUNDATION, MET WITH HILLARY CLINTON IN SEPTEMBER 2008 TO DISCUSS AN INDIA-U.S. CIVIL NUCLEAR AGREEMENT
*THE CLINTON FOUNDATION RECEIVED ADDITIONAL DONATIONS FROM INDIAN BUSINESS INTERESTS PRIOR TO HER BECOMING SECRETARY OF STATE
*BILLIONAIRE STEEL EXECUTIVE AND MEMBER OF THE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COUNCIL IN KAZAKHSTAN LAKSHMI MITTAL GAVE $1 MILLION TO $5 MILLION TO THE CLINTON FOUNDATION BEFORE CLINTON BECAME SECRETARY OF STATE
*SOON AFTER SECRETARY CLINTON LEFT THE STATE DEPARTMENT, THE CLINTON
FOUNDATION “RECEIVED A LARGE DONATION FROM A CONGLOMERATE RUN BY A MEMBER OF CHINA’S NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS”
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-06-21/clinton-foundation-vulnerabilities-document-leaked-after-foundation-says-it-was-hack
Oh please, the real Hilary problem is her main super pac funded her campaign for democratic nomination. Again illegal, but not unheard of.
Sheesh when did you become a fan boy for dumpft?
I agree that Trump’s campaign funding legalities are an issue. But unlike Clinton he’s trying to get funds from the Scottish.
Not from Saudi Arabia, China, India or Kazakhstan.
Further, Trump is clearly desperate for money. Reports say that the Clinton campaign currently has 30x more money than his. It’s not hard to see why.
but he’s totally rich. Billions. Isn’t he self-funding his campaign anyway?
lol
Yeah right…