Will the admitted illegal actions of the GCSB lead to charges being laid?
Will NZ get a seat on the the Security Council?
Mission impossible?
Murray McCully is supposed to be in New York lobbying for New Zealand to be awarded one of the non-permanent seats on the Security Council.
But even before he got off the plane his mission had been sabotaged on the home front.
While he was in transit, in the operation to extradite Kim Dotcom to the U.S. headlines around the world were recounting revelations of NZ secret service malfeasance, as well as cover up and lying, at the highest levels of the NZ state
Unless something changes, McCully has no show of convincing the UN General Assembly of our independent bona fides.
I would have thought that illegal snooping on someone was a serious matter?
I would have thought perjury was a serious matter?
But not, it seems, if these illegal actions are done on behalf of the United States.
If we have no respect for our own national laws and norms on behalf of the American super power, how could we be trusted to respect international laws and norms if they were in conflict with US interests?
Has McCully given up on his Quixotic mission?
In his only opportunity to address the general assembly, instead of putting New Zealand’s case case for one of the non permanent seats on the Security Council, McCully spent most of his speech on Syria and criticising the Security Council’s veto power.
Way to go Murray!
Why was New Zealand’s mission to secure one of the non-permanent seats dropped off your agenda?
Mr McCully said later on Q+A today that he received some sporadic applause for his comments and sensed a real sense of frustration among the General Assembly.
.If New Zealand really wanted a seat on the Security Council we must announce to the world that our sovereignity is invioble, that Dotcom will get a fair hearing, that evidence of perjury in this matter will be investigated, that acts of illegality by secret agencies will be punished. That when it comes to justice the US will have to stand in the queue like everyone else.
Information held by the Herald shows Gen-I studied data showing the amount of time it took information on the internet connection to reach the Xbox server. It went from 30 milliseconds to 180 milliseconds – a huge increase for online gamers.
The reason for the extra time emerged in a deeper inquiry, which saw a “Trace Route” search which tracks internet signals from their origin to their destinations. When the results were compared it showed the internet signal was being diverted inside New Zealand.
The data showed the internet signal had previously taken two steps before going offshore – but was now taking five.
Any thoughts from the techie types out there as to whether there are any reasons this could happen other than the signal was being illegally diverted to monitor it?
And if the GCSB are telling the truth that the illegal surveillance of Dotcom didn’t start until 16 December 2011, then who else would have been doing it earlier? The NSA running an op in New Zealand? Now, that would be really interesting.
They should, yes. The IP addresses will have to be globally routable. The IP addresses may just point to the very edge of the ‘shell’ of the network, but it’s still showing you something, even if only a very little. Although the fact that there were 3 additional hops will also show you the intermediary providers they use to funnel the data their way.
You’d have to mirror outgoing and incoming connections. Not especially hard, but more effort than just diverting the stream entirely. It’s also much more obvious that surveillance is going on – the only reason traffic could be mirrored is for monitoring purposes. Traffic being routed inefficiently could be just that – a routing error.
I find it amusing that this investigation started because Kim Dotcom is such a nerd and a rich one. Any other average person wouldn’t have any clue this was happening (or the resources/clout to get an investigation done by Gen I).
I am far from an IT expert, but am informed by Anita from Kiwipolitico (who knows a lot more about this than me), on this occasion over at the Dim-Post, that re-routing is necessary if you want to decrypt encrypted messages.
Given that Kim Dotcom is very likely to have been encrypting much of his messaging, then diversion rather than mirroring may well have been the GCSB’s (or NSA’s) best method of obtaining the most useful intelligence.
Especially given that mirroring gives you all sorts of extraneous shit you are not really interested in.
There is more information at http://torrentfreak.com/kim-dotcoms-gaming-lag-hints-spying-121004/
including an interview with the big man himself.
Whatever the reason whether it be incompetence or a security agency diverting traffic so it can have a snoop the justification for a full inquiry just got bigger.
And I was surprised to hear how big the GCSB is. It apparently has over 300 employees.
Thanks for that link, ms. Really interesting read which has been updated in the last few hours. I followed an earlier link via KDC twitter and KDC’s comments were not reported then.
KDC is now saying the problems started in Oct, and Telecom was asked to check, but then went silent. He also says the GCSB had also installed four cameras on the property, and this will come out in Court. It all gets murkier and murkier.
Holy crap, 300, that is potentially a lot of leather arm chairs and snifters of single malt! Maybe two or three of ’em just monitor The Standard and other blogs sorting out who is who all day.
The speculation whether there were donations to National as well as ACT is most interesting.
The inspector general is obviously some kind of patsy retirement post given the meagre funds allocated to the ‘watchdog’ compared to overall GCSB funding.
The answers here could turn out to be political dynamite.
No wonder Dotcom keeps smiling.
He has the tech savvy to guess what happened, and confidence that the NZ legal system will eventually reveal the details. Let’s hope he’s right.
This could go right to the top- Key after all is in direct charge of the spy network. And (!) including maybe the current GG, who ran the GCSB for some months. Key has assumed he has had ‘plausible deniability’ all down the line. That is looking thin now, as the underlings start to talk.
And let’s hear it from the Minister of Police, the esteemed Ann Tolley, on the apparent perjury. Fresh from the high-heeled stomp on the boy racer’s wagon…
It could be a couple of reasons, what they really need to do is an internic/whois lookup on th IP numbers from that tracert.
Those routes and how they got there are very hard to track because of the 0.0.0.0 default gateway and device routed packets.
In the modern day the NZ internet uses what’s called numberless IP or port routing, those routes are managed using RIP or a similiar routing management protocol.
Once they know who “owned” those IP numbers they’ll have an idea of location. You would have to ask the Telco who owned it though, which means you’d be better to do it officialy, I’m sure they’d want to help, but policy may prevent them.
There is no reason on earth to route a packet to Wellington and back again.
I’d suspect packet snooping was the goal, and they must’ve broken into a Telco switch or have backbone RIP access to pull it off.
I don’t think the Americans’ would’ve helped them hack a NZ site without good reason, but if they said it was for Dotcom then maybe, which raises a whole raft of questions about protocol and checks and balances.
1. An overseas intelligence organisation has rerouted Dotcom’s feed so that it can be analysed. Not likely since the loop happened between Dotcom’s house and the Sky Tower.
2. A NZ intelligence organisation has rerouted Dotcom’s feed so that it can be analysed. Quite likely given the current performance of the various Government Departments. They seem to not understand that the law is something they should adhere to.
3. It is a monumental stuff up by Telecom and its technicians and Dotcom is elegantly playing us all like chumps. This cannot be ruled out given Telecom’s general performance and Dotcom’s uncanny ability to affect public discourse of the issue.
For a slightly more geeky pointy headed discussion of the issue try Dimpost’s blog at http://dimpost.wordpress.com/2012/10/05/a-question-for-the-level-3-boys/
Apologies for no embedded links. I am on holiday and on an Ipad …
Considering the GCSB is there too protect us from Cyber Terrorism, they are actually the people you people should be asking.
They are meant too be protecting us, not spying on us.
They sent a message to me and others on this board, the message was a scary one.
Nothing too do with them, someone else was trying out those stack smashers they left behind last night.
We have nothing too hide, so not a big deal, but why would he smash his own board?
…… Coz he’s a wannabe hacker.
Anonymous are a bunch of incompetents who never read a single line of kernel code it their lives, they steal the ability from people who have, and we hate them for it.
This one’s for Muzza and for David H. A few days ago we had a chat about the psychology of commenters on stuff.co.nz, comapring them to talkback callers. You made the point Muzza that these folks don’t necessarily represent the mindset of the rest of NZ but are influential in their own way.
After a bout of despair I vowed not to get involved in these discussions again but…….there is an article in yesterdays Dom Post by Vernon Small questioning whether voters are turning away from Key. Check out the feedback. It’s refreshing. Add your voice if you want, the discussion is continuing today. We keep looking to opposition politicans for leadership and hope but we can’t forget that WE as a population are the ones that should be driving democracy. (In a very general sense, and via action not just by posting comments on an msm news site lol)
I’ve seen a lot of very negative comments about Key and National leading up to the last election, too. I guess turnout was just depressed enough thanks to the MSM narrative of National having a home-run that we ended up with the result we did.
Thanks for that link Rosie. I understand the despair too … have felt it acutely since NACT got in and more so since their return but I have to believe good over comes bad, compassion and integrity wins over greed and self-interest. It is certainly unravelling before our very eyes and with such volume that even the least politically aware must be noticing. Rose tinted glasses perhaps but it helps keep me going!
I’ll check out the link later, thanks for posting..
The thing with the MSM is that they generally do not care who the government is, they simply make up the news, and drive the narrative which suits their corporate owners agenda.
News media generally meant to straddle the middle line, as they exist regardless of who is in government or who is in opposition, they get to “make the news”
So far as people joining online conversations and the like – My feelings are that online anything comes with the elevated risk of false economy, which is when people use online communities and believe they they are making a difference, or that its influential, this to me is false, because my feeling is that it is not!
Online, especially in the MSM is heavily controlled, monitored and moderated, and as such is is not hard to see where it can be used to take the energy away from people, by allowing them to feel a sense of emotion either positive or negative about , in this instance our political situation.
Only when people take to the streets, and become very enagaged in political process, not just voting, but demanding accountability through continued engagement, will NZ stand any chance of turning around the course we are on!
Hey Muzza. I fully agree with your thoughts on the msm, and am under no illusion of it’s agenda. Its’ content is often quite vapid and becoming more inane with an increasing focus on “entertainment” (mind numbing celebrity entertainment). In regard to the Vernon Small article, I was just very pleased to see some anti national/shonkey talk going on. And yes, these msm online comments sections are very moderated. Only about 50% or less of my posts ever make it to the page (on fairfax).
I also firmly believe in action but man, where is it? Yes, theres been some solid protest around asset sales, but over the last decade, and the last 4 years in particular, it feels like we have become the “OK” meme. Just accepting. http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvx6evUA2F1qf04yf.jpg
Maybe just too tired, too indifferent, too preoccupied and disillusioned? I was just a kid during the time of the Springboks tour and the Nuclear Free movement but later came to appreciate and admire the actions and efforts (sometimes at great personal risk) that went into promoting and standing up for social and environmental justice. I was inspired by these people and I guess that gave me the encouragment to ‘get involved’ in taking action alongside others as other issues arose. (So thank you to anyone here who was involved in those protests) Governments come and go and we are faced with evolving threats and issues regularly but it feels like we’ve lost our fire. And our unity.
we are faced with evolving threats and issues regularly but it feels like we’ve lost our fire. And our unity
Rosie, student loans have a big part to play, so does immigration/emmigration, into the mix.
I recall when I was growing up, that locally when there were protests, it was the students who seemed to be leading the charge so to speak, and taking stands against the issues of the time. so how to quell what was a large chunk of protestors? Get them under control via debt, its certainly worked well to crush what was left of the student protests for the past 10-15 years.
We see some coming about again of late, but nothing which is going to make change.
Immigration/emmigration is self explanatory IMO, and of course there are the pro’s and con’s on both sides. Needless to say that if you want to remove unity from any country, then just ensure that you keep the doors revolving as quickly as possible. That alongside keeping those who stay, at eachother using the worst kinds of race/class warfare you could find in the “developed” world!
You are right though, the fire has been extinguished, and people appear to me to be very “thick” these days, walking around like mindless zombies, talking about “stuff” which is simply that, just stuff. I look at the younger generations in my family, and realise that they do not even realise just how dumbed down life has made them, the digital kids are trapped.
If people want to argue the attack on peoples mind, they need look no further than the charter schools fiasco, as the lastest attack on furture generations of Kiwi young.
Its going to take something very big before that unity you refer might kick in again, but it will happen Rosie, the question for me is, will it be too late.
Points noted re student debt and revolving door population and its effect on our ‘voicelessness”.
“people appear to me to be very ‘thick’ these days”
Try living in the Ohariu electorate Muzza! I do understand what you say however. I also wonder how it is for young people who have been born in the time of neoliberalism (getting sick of that word). Very generally speaking they haven’t been raised in a way, or exposed to a system that honours collectivity, and the idea of collective effort equalling collective gain. Many in my generation (x) have abandoned that priciple too, and have rather selfish pursuits. They don’t realise that independence (in the form of creativity and self sufficience) and selflessness/ compassion can co exist. It’s all “MY independence or nothing” Maybe that lack of collective awareness prevents young people and gen y’ers in general from particpating in democracy, even our most basic democratic right – voting.
Dumbing down. Well, we’ve seen the effects of that on the American population in regard to their education system and your point about charter schools being introduced here is valid. As it is it does feel like we live in time devoid of critical thinking (or just thinking), questioning and engagement in meaningful discussion. It is just ‘stuff’ that seems to be the topic, as you say. Look at our free tv content. Unless it’s on Maori chanel (and they do have some great shows) you’ll have to get a dvd out or go online if you want to watch a documentary. A dumbed down nation is a submissive nation.
Anyway, I am deteriorating into rant so will leave you in peace.
One time if you feel like answering I’d be interested to know your thoughts (if any) on the outcomes of the Occupation Movement, internationally and here.
Anyway, I am deteriorating into rant so will leave you in peace.
One time if you feel like answering I’d be interested to know your thoughts (if any) on the outcomes of the Occupation Movement, internationally and here.
The occupy movement, along with the “arab spring’, should be under the microscope for how to manufacture, hijack and destroy, hope, the same can be applied to Obama (remember is campaign slogans). Remember the Tea Party in the USA – How people brought into what was solid ideas, but yet the movement had been created entirely to steal the energy from the real grass roots movements. The key feature is to take over and re-direct what could be a threat to nullify it, or to turn it into something, that next time people will not be inclined to get involved with
Occupy internationally and locally lacked cohesive demands, and then got taken over in the USA by the likes of Michael Moore, David Graber, which means that the establishment had already taken the control of the messages. While the intentions of the occupy movement were most likely solid, they were well and truly schooled in how technology will be used, along with the intelligence community to divert the energy to where it wants it to be directed, to control the narrative, to kill something off.
NZ occupy, while not controlled to the same degree, was IMO still equally missing some basic tennants of what might have allowed them some degree of success. The active community from what I heve seen in AKL, is factuous, and full of people in it for their own gains, and the chance of a joined up approach is currently not likely. There are some really good people too, but until self importance is put aside, and they can find a “face” who can translate some very clear messages which ressonate with the “middle class”, its going to be hard to see it being a force for change!
For an examply of how to get some traction see Syriza in greece, they brought together a bunch of disparate factions cohesively, had clear concise ideas, which they portrayed coherently, they increased their vote from 4-27%, and were a wisker away from being part of the government. What that would have meant is debateable in reality, but the case study is how Syriza pulled itslf together, the clarity of the messages/policies, and what those message/policies were!
Could go all day on this, but thats about it for now…Take it easy Rosie
“Occupy internationally and locally lacked cohesive demands and got taken over…………”
Agreed. Thanks for taking ther the time to respond Muzza. Noted your points about the unity in the left wing factions in Greece, and their almost success in their elections. Also noted your point about there being good people in the movement in NZ, in Akld in your example but the movement was factious and folks driving their own agenda. Ditto here in Wgtn.
In the early days of the movement before it came here I spent everyday on the livestream talking with people involved. It was hugely exciting and there was a real sense of connection and hope. I was uplifted by the speeches from people like Naomi Klein (I attended one of her talks over a decade ago when I lived in AK and have always liked where she comes from) and other campaigners who I’d never heard of and from the people themselves. I was wondering how this movement would translate into our culture. Not so well, I think, in the end and despite the best intentions.
After attending the international day of solidarity in October last year I decided to stay on the periphery of the movement. I didn’t know how the movement could progress without a clear directive and demands, or leadership for that matter. I got that they wanted to diffuse a traditional power dynamic and they wanted to stay true to the model of the movement but just in my opinion there was no time for navel gazing. When I raised issues of our current political status I was told the movement was a post political movement. I was at odds with that statement. How could any movement that is essentially wanting a system change not be political? There was also the issue of the ego’s yet again and I felt a sense of the Wgtn chapter being exclusive and some how closed. There were some great people doing great work so I don’t mean to be disrespectful however I think we missed a good opportunity in NZ, especially as we were going into an election. I think there was more effect or should a say a different effect in both the US and the UK due to a different tact and a different political, economic and social situation compared to here, even though we have similarities. I could go on too.
Got to dash – I have ducklings and their parents that come into the garden looking for food and water!
Rosie, I appreciate your affirmation of the Springbok protest “activists”. I was one of them, and in the middle of the Hamilton ground which was terrifying. Now I am old and, regrettably, cannot get “out there” to demonstrate any more. (Nowadays, I am a “computer activist”!) But I have to say that I am dismayed at the amount of apathy in this country in connection with vitally important issues which are likely to adversely affect my grandchildren. Indifference is the killer! Oh, for some sign of “the old fire” (with the sole exception of the Queen Street protest against this government wrecking our beautiful environment in its insatiable greed to make money, especially for the already rich.
Dr Terry. That is great to hear of your participation in the Springboks protests. Yes, I can imagine how terrifying that must have felt. What courage it must have taken to stand your ground. (The picket line has been a scary enough place for me at times! I’d have been useless had I been in your position) One of my former colleagues was involved in the Mt Eden protest and it was her determination and conviction that I found so inspiring. She was also a feminist and I learnt what I could from her about feminism. Its your generation that cared and made changes, so don’t feel regret at not being ‘out there’ now. Doing what you do is necessary and relevent. I’m not surprised that you feel dismay at the current apathy and I feel uncomfortable that my generation is part of that apathy.
Hi Weka. They’ve changed their format. To read in chronological order you will need to scroll down till you get to click on “read more comments” And then scroll backwards to read in order of the thread.Currently there are 50 comments.
It started out positive yesterday and has deteriorated.
I’m kicking myself because I broke my ban on commenting on fairfax sites and now have a jerk called eziyo telling me I’m the reason he’s moving to Australia (yes, a complete stranger he has never met) plus other inanities directed at me. It was kind of my fault becuase I got personal and called him racist. My bad. Ignorant and prejudiced would have been the correct term. He’s also completely misunderstood what I’m talking about. Oh god, why do I even care…………..
Thank you Rosie for that .. Yay it finally looks as if the worm is turning. There was a couple of very good comments from a Kiwi who will never desert NZ ( I came here when I was 15 from England) I will never leave either. Coming from England via italy and round the cape on a liner, it was great I was 15 and the parents had owned a pub, so didn’t worry about the drinking, until the beer flavored sea sickness lol. BUT NZ was so clean after Southampton, Genoa, they were all dirty and grey. Capetown was very Dangerous Height of apartheid. Damn I’m getting old lol. It was amazing arriving at the Overseas Terminal at 10pm on a clear warm October night back in 1969. I’m getting stir crazy, been stuck in bed with this rotten flu all week. So don’t let the depressing views of the haters get to you, just hope that the Nacts implode before they can do too much damage. And Shearer stands aside in favour of Cunliffe it’s the only way to go. Thanks again it was great to see that there are not just haters out there. Keep up the good work.
One can live in hope! I guess its better late than never that folks are waking up to the reality of the monster govt they voted in. Now we just need some action. (And I agree, Cunliffe needs to be in that oppostion leadership position sooner rather than later)
Sorry to hear of your flu. I bet its a stunning day up the coast today so hopefully thats enough to signal to that virus that its time to go. All the best for a good recovery:)
Anyone else been getting redirect loop problems under chrome for “the standard”? I have tried clearing cookies several times etc, but the problem reappears almost immediately. “The Standard” is the only site I have encountered this problem with under chrome.
Yeah, I often get “redirect loop” problems at the standard – usually when I get into a conversation with tsmithfield, Gosman, kiwi_prometheus or BalancedView.
Public safety may be paramount, but the use of the armed forces for law enforcement purposes can only happen with the approval of the Prime Minister or next most senior Minister. it will be very interesting to see whether that approval has been granted in this case, or whether the police and army are once again relying on the Napier interpretation to bypass the law. If they are doing the latter, then I think its something Parliament needs to look at.
It seems that the police may be getting a little gung-ho in their use of the armed forces to assist with policing.
In the National Business Review dated Friday January 20 2012 (The same day as the Dotcom raids).
OFCANZ deputy director Detective Inspector Grant Wormald talks about working with the U.S. Authorities over recent months.
OFCANS work is prioritised and assigned by the Commissioner of police who seeks advice from the Officials Committee for Domestic and External Security Co-ordination (ODESC)
Given that the GCSB is part of the OCDES that advises the Prime Minister and according to Wormald
“The FBI contacted New Zealand Police in early 2011 with a request to assist with their investigation into the Mega Conspiracy.” said Mr Wormald.
“We were happy to provide this assistance. Staff from OFCANZ and New Zealand Police have worked with the US authorities over recent months to effect today’s successful operation.
When the FBI first contacted the N.Z. Police to assist in their investigation how far up the chain of command did that request go? After all this was not a run of the mill Armed Offenders Squad call out. And it was way above the operational level that the Prime Minister doesn’t get involved in.
I know Wormald has a creditability problem with some people, but credible or not as deputy director of OFCANZ saying that N.Z. Police and OFCANZ had been working with the U.S. Authorities for months prior to the raid proves that Key knows more than he is telling, he must do surly.
Feminine mystery, restrained by logic
Becomes mostly masculine, except in one obvious way.
One should not expect a man to be unable to see the beauty – is that the request?
The danger, I’m told, is to weave your webs in the morning.
Having met the danger, it is bewildering.
There will be no loss of life or limb;
No piercings or tattoos, but you’ll excuse me if I shave.
The varmints path, while rough,
is still too indulgent.
Isn’t it just that the four seasons have forgotten their name?
Nothing that is forgotten disappears.
Nothing that is given up is rejected.
The Way that can be told of is not an Unvarying Way:
The names that can be named are not unvarying names.
It was from the Nameless that Heaven and Earth sprang;
The named is but the mother that rears the ten thousand creatures, each after its kind.
Truly, ‘Only he that rids himself forever of desire can see the Secret Essences’;
He that has never rid himself of desire can see only the Outcomes.
These two things issued from the same mould, but nevertheless are different in name.
This ‘same mould’ we can but call the Mystery,
Or rather the ‘Darker than any Mystery’,
The Doorway whence issued all Secret Essences.
–
Friend, hope for the Guest while you are alive.
Jump into the experience while you are alive!
Think…and think…while you are alive.
What you call “salvation” belongs to the time
before death.
If you don’t break your ropes while you’re alive,
do you think
ghosts will do it after?
The idea that the soul will rejoin with the ecstatic
just because the body is rotten-
that is all fantasy.
What is found now is found then.
If you find nothing now,
you will simply end up with an apartment in the
City of Death.
If you make love with divine now, in the next
life you will have the face of satisfied desire.
So plunge into the truth, find out who the Teacher is,
Believe in the Great Sound!
Kabir says this: When the Guest is being searched for,
it is the intensity of the longing for the Guest that
does all the work.
Look at me, and you will see a slave of that intensity.
by Kabir
–
Love After Love- Derek Walcott
The time will come
When, with elation,
You will greet yourself arriving
At your own door, in your own mirror,
And each will smile at the other’s welcome,
And say, sit here, Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give Wine. Give Bread. Give back your heart
To itself, to the stranger who has loved you
All your life, whom you ignored
For another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,
The photographs, the desperate notes,
Peel your image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.
“…..proves that Key knows more than he is telling, he must do surly.” Yep. Surly describes him well. 🙂 Back at Katy @7
Katy. That is a useful piece of research. It does suggest that a proper inquiry is needed – desperately!
I suppose if a group is not visible, and is unlikely to have light shone on them, and if the representative of the people whose job it is to oversee is asleep, then it would be human nature to bend/break the rules. Integrity would become flexible?
Todays daily rag:
“MR KEY GOES TO HOLLYWOOD”
A STRANGE TERRIBLE AND TRAGIC TALE OF THE RUBE WHO GETS ROBBED OF ALL HIS BREAD IN TINSEL TOWN.
and it wan’t even his own money!!!
an aside,
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like a day. 2 Peter 3: 8
handy to remember when too focused, the |Devil| is in the detail
“All this Time the Guard was looking at her through a telescope,
then through a microscope and then through an opera glass
At last he said,
You’re going the wrong way and shut up the window and went away.”
(As it is written: “See I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” )-To the Romans 9:33
I love that playing WoW is a character defect in republican eyes, but wearing a tri-corner hat and demanding to see birth certs in real life is simply “heartland america”.
The Rotary Club of Remuera has pulled the pin on John Ansell’s “Colourblind” campaign launch and cancelled its meeting in Auckland on Monday, October 8.
In a statement, club president John Burrowes says Rotary is a non-political organisation and following what he termed “media hype” it became obvious the club had been “ambushed” into providing a platform for a political ad campaign launch.
Mr Ansell, due to fly up from Wellington on Saturday, told NBR ONLINE Rotary had “misrepresented me terribly.”
He says he was invited to talk some weeks ago by a Rotary club member and told he could invite “whoever I like.”
On that basis he invited other people and the media.
So what now? If companies have to pay for background checks, depending on the cost then how many are doing to say bugger it? and it’s even worse if the schools are cash strapped.
if the govt keeps cutting funding to the police and others eventually there will be anarchy
Just released that meridian has walked away from the talks with the smelter at bluff.
A source also said that meridian had plans with the electricity that the smelter would
have used.
Sorry cant link, but it is on the stuff site.
What next for the economy, the ‘great decimation of our economy’ continues by the
‘keystoners’
-Civil Defence-dysfunctional
-divided
Duplication of Control (Kaos) Too many chiefs(over-managed like the rest of NZ)
another freakin disaster?
-Willis Street Pedestrian Barriers; Killing Business? Just Kill More Pedestrians.
(kill kill kill kill kill the poor: Glad I’m not a Kennedy, imagine being a Kennedy)
-over the Ring-Wraiths
-NZTA; New Zealand Termination Agency (knackered PR)
Brit Comedy Friday on ONE: laugh your way to the chamber.
(Yes Minister)
Parkinsons Dis-ease-Now Pigs On The Wing: nothing like a little xenotransplantation to get ya movin.
Oh this is not good. This is not good at all. Negotiations break down between Rio Tinto and Meridian. Closure of Tiwai Point would devastate the lower South Island. The small silver lining is that it would make power companies a less attractive investment for asset sales with a flood of electricity onto the market, but this would harm a lot of workers and their families.
Mitt Romney’s ‘victory’ in the first presidential debate is disturbing.
The guy is probably the most right wing Republican presidential candidate ever, and his running mate is even more right wing then he is (Im waiting for some war vet to ‘nut out’ and shoot Romney, so Paul Ryan can slide into the Oval Office – a la Manchurian Candidate).
If Romney gets in, those in the USA who aren’t rich are pretty much fucked.
Yesterday I received come lovely feedback following my Star Wars themed newsletter. A few people mentioned they’d enjoyed reading the personal part at the beginning.I often begin newsletters with some memories, or general thoughts, before commencing the main topic. This hopefully sets the mood and provides some context in which ...
April 30 was going to be the day we’d be calling Mum from London to wish her a happy birthday. Then it became the day we would be going to St. Paul's at Evensong to remember her. The aim of the cathedral builders was to find a way to make their ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – Can’t remember the last book by a Kiwi author you read? Think the NZ government should spend less on the arts in favor of helping the homeless? If so, as far as Newsroom is concerned, you probably deserve to be called a cultural ignoramus ...
Eric Crampton writes – Grudges are bad. Better to move on. But it can be fun to keep a couple of really trivial ones, so you’re not tempted to have other ones. For example, because of the rootkit fiasco of 2005, no Sony products in our household. ...
A new report warns an estimated third of the adult population have unmet need for health care.Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāHere’s the six key things I learned about Aotaroa’s political economy this week around housing, climate and poverty:Politics - Three opinion polls confirmed support for PM Christopher Luxon ...
Today is May the fourth. Which was just a regular day when my mother took me to see the newly released Star Wars at the Odeon in Rotorua. The queue was right around the corner. Some years later this day became known as Star Wars Day, the date being a ...
Buzz from the Beehive Much more media attention is being paid to something Winston Peters said about former Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr than to a speech he delivered to the New Zealand China Council. One word is missing from the speech: AUKUS. But AUKUS loomed large in his considerations ...
Is the economy in another long stagnation? If so, why?This is about the time that the Treasury will be locking up its economic forecasts to be published in the 2024 Budget Economic and Fiscal Update (BEFU) on budget day, 30 May. I am not privy to what they will be ...
The annual list of who's been bribing our politicians is out, and journalists will no doubt be poring over it to find the juiciest and dirtiest bribes. The government's fast-track invite list is likely to be a particular focus, and we already know of one company on the list which ...
In the weeks after the October 7 Hamas attacks on Southern Israel I wrote about the possible 2nd, 3rd and even 4th order effects of the conflict. These included new fronts being opened in the West Bank (with Hamas), Golan … Continue reading → ...
Peter Dunne writes – It is one of the oldest truisms that there is never a good time for MPs to get a pay rise. This week’s announcement of pay raises of around 2.8% backdated to last October could hardly have come at a worse time, with the ...
David Farrar writes – Newshub reports: Newshub can reveal a fresh allegation of intimidation against Green MP Julie-Anne Genter. Genter is subject to a disciplinary process for aggressively waving a book in the face of National Minister Matt Doocey in the House – but it’s not the first time ...
The Treasury has published a paper today on the global productivity slowdown and how it is playing out in New Zealand: The productivity slowdown: implications for the Treasury’s forecasts and projections. The Treasury Paper examines recent trends in productivity and the potential drivers of the slowdown. Productivity for the whole economy ...
Winston Peters’ comments about former Australian foreign minister look set to be an ongoing headache for both him and Luxon. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for subscribers features co-hosts and , along with regular guests on Gaza and ...
These puppet strings don't pull themselvesYou're thinking thoughts from someone elseHow much time do you think you have?Are you prepared for what comes next?The debating chamber can be a trying place for an opposition MP. What with the person in charge, the speaker, typically being an MP from the governing ...
The land around Lyme Regis, where Meryl Streep once stood, in a hood, on the Cobb, is falling into the sea.MerylThe land around Lyme Regis, around the Cobb that made it rich, has always been falling slowly but surely into the sea. Read more ...
Buzz from the Beehive Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters was bound to win headlines when he set out his thinking about AUKUS in his speech to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. The headlines became bigger when – during an interview on RNZ’s Morning Report today – he criticised ...
The Post reports on how the government is refusing to release its advice on its corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law, instead using the "soon to be publicly available" refusal ground to hide it until after select committee submissions on the bill have closed. Fast-track Minister Chris Bishop's excuse? “It's not ...
As pressure on it grows, the livestock industry’s approach to the transition to Net Zero is increasingly being compared to that of fossil fuel interests. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / Getty ImagesTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above ...
The New Zealand Herald reports – Stats NZ has offered a voluntary redundancy scheme to all of its workers as a way to give staff some control over their “future” amidst widespread job losses in the public sector. In an update to staff this morning, seen by the Herald, Statistics New Zealand ...
On Werewolf/Scoop, I usually do two long form political columns a week. From now on, there will be an extra column each week about music and movies. But first, some late-breaking political events:The rise in unemployment numbers for the March quarter was bigger than expected – and especially sharp ...
David Farrar writes – The Herald reports: TVNZ says it is dealing with about 50 formal complaints over its coverage of the latest 1News-Verian political poll, with some viewers – as well as the Prime Minister and a former senior Labour MP – critical of the tone of the 6pm report. ...
Muriel Newman writes – When Meridian Energy was seeking resource consents for a West Coast hydro dam proposal in 2010, local Maori “strenuously” objected, claiming their mana was inextricably linked to ‘their’ river and could be damaged. After receiving a financial payment from the company, however, the Ngai Tahu ...
Alwyn Poole writes – “An SEP,’ he said, ‘is something that we can’t see, or don’t see, or our brain doesn’t let us see, because we think that it’s somebody else’s problem. That’s what SEP means. Somebody Else’s Problem. The brain just edits it out, it’s like a ...
Our trust in our political institutions is fast eroding, according to a Maxim Institute discussion paper, Shaky Foundations: Why our democracy needs trust. The paper – released today – raises concerns about declining trust in New Zealand’s political institutions and democratic processes, and the role that the overuse of Parliamentary urgency ...
This article was prepared for publication yesterday. More ministerial announcements have been posted on the government’s official website since it was written. We will report on these later today …. Buzz from the BeehiveThere we were, thinking the environment is in trouble, when along came Jones. Shane Jones. ...
New Zealand now has the fourth most depressed construction sector in the world behind China, Qatar and Hong Kong. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 8:46am on Thursday, May 2:The Lead: ...
Hi,I am just going to state something very obvious: American police are fucking crazy.That was a photo gracing the New York Times this morning, showing New York City police “entering Columbia University last night after receiving a request from the school.”Apparently in America, protesting the deaths of tens of thousands ...
Winston Peters’ much anticipated foreign policy speech last night was a work of two halves. Much of it was a standard “boilerplate” Foreign Ministry overview of the state of the world. There was some hardening up of rhetoric with talk of “benign” becoming “malign” and old truths giving way to ...
Graham Adams assesses the fallout of the Cass Review — The press release last Thursday from the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls didn’t make the mainstream news in New Zealand but it really should have. The startling title of Reem Alsalem’s statement — “Implementation of ‘Cass ...
This open-for-business, under-new-management cliché-pockmarked government of Christopher Luxon is not the thing of beauty he imagines it to be. It is not the powerful expression of the will of the people that he asserts it to be. It is not a soaring eagle, it is a malodorous vulture. This newest poll should make ...
The latest labour market statistics, showing a rise in unemployment. There are now 134,000 unemployed - 14,000 more than when the National government took office. Which is I guess what happens when the Reserve Bank causes a recession in an effort to Keep Wages Low. The previous government saw a ...
Three opinion polls have been released in the last two days, all showing that the new government is failing to hold their popular support. The usual honeymoon experienced during the first year of a first term government is entirely absent. The political mood is still gloomy and discontented, mainly due ...
National's Finance Minister once met a poor person.A scornful interview with National's finance guru who knows next to nothing about economics or people.There might have been something a bit familiar if that was the headline I’d gone with today. It would of course have been in tribute to the article ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – Throughout the pandemic, the new Vice-Chancellor-of-Otago-University-on-$629,000 per annum-Can-you-believe-it-and-Former-Finance-Minister Grant Robertson repeated the mantra over and over that he saved “lives and livelihoods”.As we update how this claim is faring over the course of time, the facts are increasingly speaking differently. NZ ...
Chris Trotter writes – IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in acknowledgement of electoral victory: “We’ll govern for all New Zealanders.” On the face of it, the pledge is a strange one. Why would any political leader govern in ways that advantaged the huge ...
Bryce Edwards writes – The list of former National Party Ministers being given plum and important roles got longer this week with the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as the chair of Pharmac. The Christopher Luxon-led Government has now made key appointments to Bill ...
TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 10:06am on Wednesday, May 1:The Lead: Business confidence fell across the board in April, falling in some areas to levels last seen during the lockdowns because of a collapse in ...
Over the past 36 hours, Christopher Luxon has been dong his best to portray the centre-right’s plummeting poll numbers as a mark of virtue. Allegedly, the negative verdicts are the result of hard economic times, and of a government bravely set out on a perilous rescue mission from which not ...
Auckland Transport have started rolling out new HOP card readers around the network and over the next three months, all of them on buses, at train stations and ferry wharves will be replaced. The change itself is not that remarkable, with the new readers looking similar to what is already ...
Completed reads for April: The Difference Engine, by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling Carnival of Saints, by George Herman The Snow Spider, by Jenny Nimmo Emlyn’s Moon, by Jenny Nimmo The Chestnut Soldier, by Jenny Nimmo Death Comes As the End, by Agatha Christie Lord of the Flies, by ...
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
Have a story to share about St Paul’s, but today just picturesPopular novels written at this desk by a young man who managed to bootstrap himself out of father’s imprisonment and his own young life in a workhouse Read more ...
The list of former National Party Ministers being given plum and important roles got longer this week with the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as the chair of Pharmac. The Christopher Luxon-led Government has now made key appointments to Bill English, Simon Bridges, Steven Joyce, Roger Sowry, ...
Newsroom has a story today about National's (fortunately failed) effort to disestablish the newly-created Inspector-General of Defence. The creation of this agency was the key recommendation of the Inquiry into Operation Burnham, and a vital means of restoring credibility and social licence to an agency which had been caught lying ...
Holding On To The Present:The moment a political movement arises that attacks the whole idea of social progress, and announces its intention to wind back the hands of History’s clock, then democracy, along with its unwritten rules, is in mortal danger.IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in ...
Stuck In The Middle With You:As Christopher Luxon feels the hot breath of Act’s and NZ First’s extremists on the back of his neck and, as he reckons with the damage their policies are already inflicting upon a country he’s described as “fragile”, is there not some merit in reaching out ...
The unpopular coalition government is currently rushing to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. The clause is Oranga Tamariki's Treaty clause, and was inserted after its systematic stealing of Māori children became a public scandal and resulted in physical resistance to further abductions. The clause created clear obligations ...
Buzz from the Beehive The government’s official website – which Point of Order monitors daily – not for the first time has nothing much to say today about political happenings that are grabbing media headlines. It makes no mention of the latest 1News-Verian poll, for example. This shows National down ...
It Takes A Train To Cry:Surely, there is nothing lonelier in all this world than the long wail of a distant steam locomotive on a cold Winter’s night.AS A CHILD, I would lie awake in my grandfather’s house and listen to the traffic. The big wooden house was only a ...
Packing A Punch: The election of the present government, including in its ranks politicians dedicated to reasserting the rights of the legislature in shaping and determining the future of Māori and Pakeha in New Zealand, should have alerted the judiciary – including its anomalous appendage, the Waitangi Tribunal – that its ...
Dead Woman Walking: New Zealand’s media industry had been moving steadily towards disaster for all the years Melissa Lee had been National’s media and communications policy spokesperson, and yet, when the crisis finally broke, on her watch, she had nothing intelligent to offer. Christopher Luxon is a patient man - but he’s not ...
Chris Trotter writes – New Zealand politics is remarkably easy-going: dangerously so, one might even say. With the notable exception of John Key’s flat ruling-out of the NZ First Party in 2008, all parties capable of clearing MMP’s five-percent threshold, or winning one or more electorate seats, tend ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is ...
Luxon will no doubt put a brave face on it, but there is no escaping the pressure this latest poll will put on him and the government. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political ...
This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler In the wake of any unusual weather event, someone inevitably asks, “Did climate change cause this?” In the most literal sense, that answer is almost always no. Climate change is never the sole cause of hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, or ...
Something odd happened yesterday, and I’d love to know if there’s more to it. If there was something which preempted what happened, or if it was simply a throwaway line in response to a journalist.Yesterday David Seymour was asked at a press conference what the process would be if the ...
Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy.Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
The Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...
With Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...
The Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
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. ...
The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
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Will Dotcom get a fair hearing?
Will evidence of police perjury be investigated?
Will the admitted illegal actions of the GCSB lead to charges being laid?
Will NZ get a seat on the the Security Council?
Mission impossible?
Murray McCully is supposed to be in New York lobbying for New Zealand to be awarded one of the non-permanent seats on the Security Council.
But even before he got off the plane his mission had been sabotaged on the home front.
While he was in transit, in the operation to extradite Kim Dotcom to the U.S. headlines around the world were recounting revelations of NZ secret service malfeasance, as well as cover up and lying, at the highest levels of the NZ state
Unless something changes, McCully has no show of convincing the UN General Assembly of our independent bona fides.
I would have thought that illegal snooping on someone was a serious matter?
I would have thought perjury was a serious matter?
But not, it seems, if these illegal actions are done on behalf of the United States.
If we have no respect for our own national laws and norms on behalf of the American super power, how could we be trusted to respect international laws and norms if they were in conflict with US interests?
Has McCully given up on his Quixotic mission?
In his only opportunity to address the general assembly, instead of putting New Zealand’s case case for one of the non permanent seats on the Security Council, McCully spent most of his speech on Syria and criticising the Security Council’s veto power.
Way to go Murray!
Why was New Zealand’s mission to secure one of the non-permanent seats dropped off your agenda?
http://www.3news.co.nz/Murray-McCully-criticises-Security-Council-at-United-Nations/tabid/1607/articleID/270987/Default.aspx
.If New Zealand really wanted a seat on the Security Council we must announce to the world that our sovereignity is invioble, that Dotcom will get a fair hearing, that evidence of perjury in this matter will be investigated, that acts of illegality by secret agencies will be punished. That when it comes to justice the US will have to stand in the queue like everyone else.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10838484
Any thoughts from the techie types out there as to whether there are any reasons this could happen other than the signal was being illegally diverted to monitor it?
And if the GCSB are telling the truth that the illegal surveillance of Dotcom didn’t start until 16 December 2011, then who else would have been doing it earlier? The NSA running an op in New Zealand? Now, that would be really interesting.
I’m not a techie but it looks significant and it looks like an intelligence gathering organisation jumped the gun.
And you have to admire Dotcom’s media savvy.
He has obviously had this information for nearly a year but chose now, when it will do most damage, to release it.
Stand by for a couple of blockbusters, a dinner with Key and a large donation to the National Party …
Another question for techie types: would Gen-I know the IP addresses of the extra three “steps”?
They should, yes. The IP addresses will have to be globally routable. The IP addresses may just point to the very edge of the ‘shell’ of the network, but it’s still showing you something, even if only a very little. Although the fact that there were 3 additional hops will also show you the intermediary providers they use to funnel the data their way.
Crikey Toad. That could be very big!
Yep the ping rate would have driven Dotcom spare at the time. It is one of the most important aspects for online gaming.
You don’t divert an IP stream to monitor it, you make a copy and monitor that.
You’d have to mirror outgoing and incoming connections. Not especially hard, but more effort than just diverting the stream entirely. It’s also much more obvious that surveillance is going on – the only reason traffic could be mirrored is for monitoring purposes. Traffic being routed inefficiently could be just that – a routing error.
I find it amusing that this investigation started because Kim Dotcom is such a nerd and a rich one. Any other average person wouldn’t have any clue this was happening (or the resources/clout to get an investigation done by Gen I).
No, port mirroring is the way it’s done.
So then you’d be getting all sorts of other traffic as well.
I am far from an IT expert, but am informed by Anita from Kiwipolitico (who knows a lot more about this than me), on this occasion over at the Dim-Post, that re-routing is necessary if you want to decrypt encrypted messages.
Given that Kim Dotcom is very likely to have been encrypting much of his messaging, then diversion rather than mirroring may well have been the GCSB’s (or NSA’s) best method of obtaining the most useful intelligence.
Especially given that mirroring gives you all sorts of extraneous shit you are not really interested in.
There is more information at http://torrentfreak.com/kim-dotcoms-gaming-lag-hints-spying-121004/
including an interview with the big man himself.
Whatever the reason whether it be incompetence or a security agency diverting traffic so it can have a snoop the justification for a full inquiry just got bigger.
And I was surprised to hear how big the GCSB is. It apparently has over 300 employees.
Thanks for that link, ms. Really interesting read which has been updated in the last few hours. I followed an earlier link via KDC twitter and KDC’s comments were not reported then.
KDC is now saying the problems started in Oct, and Telecom was asked to check, but then went silent. He also says the GCSB had also installed four cameras on the property, and this will come out in Court. It all gets murkier and murkier.
Holy crap, 300, that is potentially a lot of leather arm chairs and snifters of single malt! Maybe two or three of ’em just monitor The Standard and other blogs sorting out who is who all day.
The speculation whether there were donations to National as well as ACT is most interesting.
The inspector general is obviously some kind of patsy retirement post given the meagre funds allocated to the ‘watchdog’ compared to overall GCSB funding.
“Maybe two or three of ’em just monitor The Standard and other blogs sorting out who is who all day.”
Of course, The Standard is very important.
and yet you’ve returned…
Indeed, if The Standard weren’t important I wouldn’t be here…an important person like myself can’t waste his time on The Standard.
contrari-wise
The answers here could turn out to be political dynamite.
No wonder Dotcom keeps smiling.
He has the tech savvy to guess what happened, and confidence that the NZ legal system will eventually reveal the details. Let’s hope he’s right.
This could go right to the top- Key after all is in direct charge of the spy network. And (!) including maybe the current GG, who ran the GCSB for some months. Key has assumed he has had ‘plausible deniability’ all down the line. That is looking thin now, as the underlings start to talk.
And let’s hear it from the Minister of Police, the esteemed Ann Tolley, on the apparent perjury. Fresh from the high-heeled stomp on the boy racer’s wagon…
Tolley won’t involve herself – on the basis that perjury by senior Police officers is an “operational matter”.
It could be a couple of reasons, what they really need to do is an internic/whois lookup on th IP numbers from that tracert.
Those routes and how they got there are very hard to track because of the 0.0.0.0 default gateway and device routed packets.
In the modern day the NZ internet uses what’s called numberless IP or port routing, those routes are managed using RIP or a similiar routing management protocol.
Once they know who “owned” those IP numbers they’ll have an idea of location. You would have to ask the Telco who owned it though, which means you’d be better to do it officialy, I’m sure they’d want to help, but policy may prevent them.
There is no reason on earth to route a packet to Wellington and back again.
I’d suspect packet snooping was the goal, and they must’ve broken into a Telco switch or have backbone RIP access to pull it off.
I don’t think the Americans’ would’ve helped them hack a NZ site without good reason, but if they said it was for Dotcom then maybe, which raises a whole raft of questions about protocol and checks and balances.
Key has issued a blanket denial.
There appear to be three possibilities:
1. An overseas intelligence organisation has rerouted Dotcom’s feed so that it can be analysed. Not likely since the loop happened between Dotcom’s house and the Sky Tower.
2. A NZ intelligence organisation has rerouted Dotcom’s feed so that it can be analysed. Quite likely given the current performance of the various Government Departments. They seem to not understand that the law is something they should adhere to.
3. It is a monumental stuff up by Telecom and its technicians and Dotcom is elegantly playing us all like chumps. This cannot be ruled out given Telecom’s general performance and Dotcom’s uncanny ability to affect public discourse of the issue.
For a slightly more geeky pointy headed discussion of the issue try Dimpost’s blog at http://dimpost.wordpress.com/2012/10/05/a-question-for-the-level-3-boys/
Apologies for no embedded links. I am on holiday and on an Ipad …
Considering the GCSB is there too protect us from Cyber Terrorism, they are actually the people you people should be asking.
They are meant too be protecting us, not spying on us.
They sent a message to me and others on this board, the message was a scary one.
Nothing too do with them, someone else was trying out those stack smashers they left behind last night.
We have nothing too hide, so not a big deal, but why would he smash his own board?
…… Coz he’s a wannabe hacker.
Anonymous are a bunch of incompetents who never read a single line of kernel code it their lives, they steal the ability from people who have, and we hate them for it.
So JH watch out, they know you now ……..
This one’s for Muzza and for David H. A few days ago we had a chat about the psychology of commenters on stuff.co.nz, comapring them to talkback callers. You made the point Muzza that these folks don’t necessarily represent the mindset of the rest of NZ but are influential in their own way.
After a bout of despair I vowed not to get involved in these discussions again but…….there is an article in yesterdays Dom Post by Vernon Small questioning whether voters are turning away from Key. Check out the feedback. It’s refreshing. Add your voice if you want, the discussion is continuing today. We keep looking to opposition politicans for leadership and hope but we can’t forget that WE as a population are the ones that should be driving democracy. (In a very general sense, and via action not just by posting comments on an msm news site lol)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/columnists/vernon-small/7766785/Vernon-Small-Are-voters-turning-against-John-Key
I’ve seen a lot of very negative comments about Key and National leading up to the last election, too. I guess turnout was just depressed enough thanks to the MSM narrative of National having a home-run that we ended up with the result we did.
Thanks for that link Rosie. I understand the despair too … have felt it acutely since NACT got in and more so since their return but I have to believe good over comes bad, compassion and integrity wins over greed and self-interest. It is certainly unravelling before our very eyes and with such volume that even the least politically aware must be noticing. Rose tinted glasses perhaps but it helps keep me going!
Hi Rosie, hope you’re well.
I’ll check out the link later, thanks for posting..
The thing with the MSM is that they generally do not care who the government is, they simply make up the news, and drive the narrative which suits their corporate owners agenda.
News media generally meant to straddle the middle line, as they exist regardless of who is in government or who is in opposition, they get to “make the news”
So far as people joining online conversations and the like – My feelings are that online anything comes with the elevated risk of false economy, which is when people use online communities and believe they they are making a difference, or that its influential, this to me is false, because my feeling is that it is not!
Online, especially in the MSM is heavily controlled, monitored and moderated, and as such is is not hard to see where it can be used to take the energy away from people, by allowing them to feel a sense of emotion either positive or negative about , in this instance our political situation.
Only when people take to the streets, and become very enagaged in political process, not just voting, but demanding accountability through continued engagement, will NZ stand any chance of turning around the course we are on!
Have a good day Rosie, Cheers
Thanks Lanthanide and LynW:)
Hey Muzza. I fully agree with your thoughts on the msm, and am under no illusion of it’s agenda. Its’ content is often quite vapid and becoming more inane with an increasing focus on “entertainment” (mind numbing celebrity entertainment). In regard to the Vernon Small article, I was just very pleased to see some anti national/shonkey talk going on. And yes, these msm online comments sections are very moderated. Only about 50% or less of my posts ever make it to the page (on fairfax).
I also firmly believe in action but man, where is it? Yes, theres been some solid protest around asset sales, but over the last decade, and the last 4 years in particular, it feels like we have become the “OK” meme. Just accepting.
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvx6evUA2F1qf04yf.jpg
Maybe just too tired, too indifferent, too preoccupied and disillusioned? I was just a kid during the time of the Springboks tour and the Nuclear Free movement but later came to appreciate and admire the actions and efforts (sometimes at great personal risk) that went into promoting and standing up for social and environmental justice. I was inspired by these people and I guess that gave me the encouragment to ‘get involved’ in taking action alongside others as other issues arose. (So thank you to anyone here who was involved in those protests) Governments come and go and we are faced with evolving threats and issues regularly but it feels like we’ve lost our fire. And our unity.
Rosie, student loans have a big part to play, so does immigration/emmigration, into the mix.
I recall when I was growing up, that locally when there were protests, it was the students who seemed to be leading the charge so to speak, and taking stands against the issues of the time. so how to quell what was a large chunk of protestors? Get them under control via debt, its certainly worked well to crush what was left of the student protests for the past 10-15 years.
We see some coming about again of late, but nothing which is going to make change.
Immigration/emmigration is self explanatory IMO, and of course there are the pro’s and con’s on both sides. Needless to say that if you want to remove unity from any country, then just ensure that you keep the doors revolving as quickly as possible. That alongside keeping those who stay, at eachother using the worst kinds of race/class warfare you could find in the “developed” world!
You are right though, the fire has been extinguished, and people appear to me to be very “thick” these days, walking around like mindless zombies, talking about “stuff” which is simply that, just stuff. I look at the younger generations in my family, and realise that they do not even realise just how dumbed down life has made them, the digital kids are trapped.
If people want to argue the attack on peoples mind, they need look no further than the charter schools fiasco, as the lastest attack on furture generations of Kiwi young.
Its going to take something very big before that unity you refer might kick in again, but it will happen Rosie, the question for me is, will it be too late.
Points noted re student debt and revolving door population and its effect on our ‘voicelessness”.
“people appear to me to be very ‘thick’ these days”
Try living in the Ohariu electorate Muzza! I do understand what you say however. I also wonder how it is for young people who have been born in the time of neoliberalism (getting sick of that word). Very generally speaking they haven’t been raised in a way, or exposed to a system that honours collectivity, and the idea of collective effort equalling collective gain. Many in my generation (x) have abandoned that priciple too, and have rather selfish pursuits. They don’t realise that independence (in the form of creativity and self sufficience) and selflessness/ compassion can co exist. It’s all “MY independence or nothing” Maybe that lack of collective awareness prevents young people and gen y’ers in general from particpating in democracy, even our most basic democratic right – voting.
Dumbing down. Well, we’ve seen the effects of that on the American population in regard to their education system and your point about charter schools being introduced here is valid. As it is it does feel like we live in time devoid of critical thinking (or just thinking), questioning and engagement in meaningful discussion. It is just ‘stuff’ that seems to be the topic, as you say. Look at our free tv content. Unless it’s on Maori chanel (and they do have some great shows) you’ll have to get a dvd out or go online if you want to watch a documentary. A dumbed down nation is a submissive nation.
Anyway, I am deteriorating into rant so will leave you in peace.
One time if you feel like answering I’d be interested to know your thoughts (if any) on the outcomes of the Occupation Movement, internationally and here.
Very right Rosie, thats exactly what it is…
The occupy movement, along with the “arab spring’, should be under the microscope for how to manufacture, hijack and destroy, hope, the same can be applied to Obama (remember is campaign slogans). Remember the Tea Party in the USA – How people brought into what was solid ideas, but yet the movement had been created entirely to steal the energy from the real grass roots movements. The key feature is to take over and re-direct what could be a threat to nullify it, or to turn it into something, that next time people will not be inclined to get involved with
Occupy internationally and locally lacked cohesive demands, and then got taken over in the USA by the likes of Michael Moore, David Graber, which means that the establishment had already taken the control of the messages. While the intentions of the occupy movement were most likely solid, they were well and truly schooled in how technology will be used, along with the intelligence community to divert the energy to where it wants it to be directed, to control the narrative, to kill something off.
NZ occupy, while not controlled to the same degree, was IMO still equally missing some basic tennants of what might have allowed them some degree of success. The active community from what I heve seen in AKL, is factuous, and full of people in it for their own gains, and the chance of a joined up approach is currently not likely. There are some really good people too, but until self importance is put aside, and they can find a “face” who can translate some very clear messages which ressonate with the “middle class”, its going to be hard to see it being a force for change!
For an examply of how to get some traction see Syriza in greece, they brought together a bunch of disparate factions cohesively, had clear concise ideas, which they portrayed coherently, they increased their vote from 4-27%, and were a wisker away from being part of the government. What that would have meant is debateable in reality, but the case study is how Syriza pulled itslf together, the clarity of the messages/policies, and what those message/policies were!
Could go all day on this, but thats about it for now…Take it easy Rosie
“Occupy internationally and locally lacked cohesive demands and got taken over…………”
Agreed. Thanks for taking ther the time to respond Muzza. Noted your points about the unity in the left wing factions in Greece, and their almost success in their elections. Also noted your point about there being good people in the movement in NZ, in Akld in your example but the movement was factious and folks driving their own agenda. Ditto here in Wgtn.
In the early days of the movement before it came here I spent everyday on the livestream talking with people involved. It was hugely exciting and there was a real sense of connection and hope. I was uplifted by the speeches from people like Naomi Klein (I attended one of her talks over a decade ago when I lived in AK and have always liked where she comes from) and other campaigners who I’d never heard of and from the people themselves. I was wondering how this movement would translate into our culture. Not so well, I think, in the end and despite the best intentions.
After attending the international day of solidarity in October last year I decided to stay on the periphery of the movement. I didn’t know how the movement could progress without a clear directive and demands, or leadership for that matter. I got that they wanted to diffuse a traditional power dynamic and they wanted to stay true to the model of the movement but just in my opinion there was no time for navel gazing. When I raised issues of our current political status I was told the movement was a post political movement. I was at odds with that statement. How could any movement that is essentially wanting a system change not be political? There was also the issue of the ego’s yet again and I felt a sense of the Wgtn chapter being exclusive and some how closed. There were some great people doing great work so I don’t mean to be disrespectful however I think we missed a good opportunity in NZ, especially as we were going into an election. I think there was more effect or should a say a different effect in both the US and the UK due to a different tact and a different political, economic and social situation compared to here, even though we have similarities. I could go on too.
Got to dash – I have ducklings and their parents that come into the garden looking for food and water!
Cheers Muzza, have a great weekend!
Rosie, I appreciate your affirmation of the Springbok protest “activists”. I was one of them, and in the middle of the Hamilton ground which was terrifying. Now I am old and, regrettably, cannot get “out there” to demonstrate any more. (Nowadays, I am a “computer activist”!) But I have to say that I am dismayed at the amount of apathy in this country in connection with vitally important issues which are likely to adversely affect my grandchildren. Indifference is the killer! Oh, for some sign of “the old fire” (with the sole exception of the Queen Street protest against this government wrecking our beautiful environment in its insatiable greed to make money, especially for the already rich.
Dr Terry. That is great to hear of your participation in the Springboks protests. Yes, I can imagine how terrifying that must have felt. What courage it must have taken to stand your ground. (The picket line has been a scary enough place for me at times! I’d have been useless had I been in your position) One of my former colleagues was involved in the Mt Eden protest and it was her determination and conviction that I found so inspiring. She was also a feminist and I learnt what I could from her about feminism. Its your generation that cared and made changes, so don’t feel regret at not being ‘out there’ now. Doing what you do is necessary and relevent. I’m not surprised that you feel dismay at the current apathy and I feel uncomfortable that my generation is part of that apathy.
muzza, at the risk of sounding like a poltician, may I congratulate you because I agree with you.
Regards,
Rosie, where is the button to order comments from oldest to newest?
Hi Weka. They’ve changed their format. To read in chronological order you will need to scroll down till you get to click on “read more comments” And then scroll backwards to read in order of the thread.Currently there are 50 comments.
It started out positive yesterday and has deteriorated.
I’m kicking myself because I broke my ban on commenting on fairfax sites and now have a jerk called eziyo telling me I’m the reason he’s moving to Australia (yes, a complete stranger he has never met) plus other inanities directed at me. It was kind of my fault becuase I got personal and called him racist. My bad. Ignorant and prejudiced would have been the correct term. He’s also completely misunderstood what I’m talking about. Oh god, why do I even care…………..
Thank you Rosie for that .. Yay it finally looks as if the worm is turning. There was a couple of very good comments from a Kiwi who will never desert NZ ( I came here when I was 15 from England) I will never leave either. Coming from England via italy and round the cape on a liner, it was great I was 15 and the parents had owned a pub, so didn’t worry about the drinking, until the beer flavored sea sickness lol. BUT NZ was so clean after Southampton, Genoa, they were all dirty and grey. Capetown was very Dangerous Height of apartheid. Damn I’m getting old lol. It was amazing arriving at the Overseas Terminal at 10pm on a clear warm October night back in 1969. I’m getting stir crazy, been stuck in bed with this rotten flu all week. So don’t let the depressing views of the haters get to you, just hope that the Nacts implode before they can do too much damage. And Shearer stands aside in favour of Cunliffe it’s the only way to go. Thanks again it was great to see that there are not just haters out there. Keep up the good work.
One can live in hope! I guess its better late than never that folks are waking up to the reality of the monster govt they voted in. Now we just need some action. (And I agree, Cunliffe needs to be in that oppostion leadership position sooner rather than later)
Sorry to hear of your flu. I bet its a stunning day up the coast today so hopefully thats enough to signal to that virus that its time to go. All the best for a good recovery:)
Gotta love the irony of people using their employers internet to complain about bludgers…
Anyone else been getting redirect loop problems under chrome for “the standard”? I have tried clearing cookies several times etc, but the problem reappears almost immediately. “The Standard” is the only site I have encountered this problem with under chrome.
Yes, same experience I have to run IE to view the site.
Happening to me too. Just in the last week. Having to use IE just for the standard. Chrome is now opening TS in a different way too.
Yeah, I often get “redirect loop” problems at the standard – usually when I get into a conversation with tsmithfield, Gosman, kiwi_prometheus or BalancedView.
The fact checks on yesterdays US debates make interesting reading.
Factcheck; Dubious Denver Debate Declarations
Politifact: Fact-checking the Denver presidential debate.
Washington Post: Factchecking the first presidential debate of 2012.
I/S has an interesting post up at NRT:
It seems that the police may be getting a little gung-ho in their use of the armed forces to assist with policing.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/7774170/Armed-standoff-at-military-base-house
In the National Business Review dated Friday January 20 2012 (The same day as the Dotcom raids).
OFCANZ deputy director Detective Inspector Grant Wormald talks about working with the U.S. Authorities over recent months.
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/megaupload-founder-arrested-new-zealand-us-officials-request-aw-108114
OFCANS work is prioritised and assigned by the Commissioner of police who seeks advice from the Officials Committee for Domestic and External Security Co-ordination (ODESC)
http://www.ofcanz.govt.nz/faq
The ODESC gives the Prime Minister strategic advice on security and intelligence Matters, according to Wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Officials_Committee_for_Domestic_and_External_Security_Co-ordination
Given that the GCSB is part of the OCDES that advises the Prime Minister and according to Wormald
“The FBI contacted New Zealand Police in early 2011 with a request to assist with their investigation into the Mega Conspiracy.” said Mr Wormald.
“We were happy to provide this assistance. Staff from OFCANZ and New Zealand Police have worked with the US authorities over recent months to effect today’s successful operation.
When the FBI first contacted the N.Z. Police to assist in their investigation how far up the chain of command did that request go? After all this was not a run of the mill Armed Offenders Squad call out. And it was way above the operational level that the Prime Minister doesn’t get involved in.
I know Wormald has a creditability problem with some people, but credible or not as deputy director of OFCANZ saying that N.Z. Police and OFCANZ had been working with the U.S. Authorities for months prior to the raid proves that Key knows more than he is telling, he must do surly.
Oh Dear
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/7771898/Wellington-families-face-lean-times
Feminine mystery, restrained by logic
Becomes mostly masculine, except in one obvious way.
One should not expect a man to be unable to see the beauty – is that the request?
The danger, I’m told, is to weave your webs in the morning.
Having met the danger, it is bewildering.
There will be no loss of life or limb;
No piercings or tattoos, but you’ll excuse me if I shave.
The varmints path, while rough,
is still too indulgent.
Isn’t it just that the four seasons have forgotten their name?
Nothing that is forgotten disappears.
Nothing that is given up is rejected.
The Way that can be told of is not an Unvarying Way:
The names that can be named are not unvarying names.
It was from the Nameless that Heaven and Earth sprang;
The named is but the mother that rears the ten thousand creatures, each after its kind.
Truly, ‘Only he that rids himself forever of desire can see the Secret Essences’;
He that has never rid himself of desire can see only the Outcomes.
These two things issued from the same mould, but nevertheless are different in name.
This ‘same mould’ we can but call the Mystery,
Or rather the ‘Darker than any Mystery’,
The Doorway whence issued all Secret Essences.
–
Friend, hope for the Guest while you are alive.
Jump into the experience while you are alive!
Think…and think…while you are alive.
What you call “salvation” belongs to the time
before death.
If you don’t break your ropes while you’re alive,
do you think
ghosts will do it after?
The idea that the soul will rejoin with the ecstatic
just because the body is rotten-
that is all fantasy.
What is found now is found then.
If you find nothing now,
you will simply end up with an apartment in the
City of Death.
If you make love with divine now, in the next
life you will have the face of satisfied desire.
So plunge into the truth, find out who the Teacher is,
Believe in the Great Sound!
Kabir says this: When the Guest is being searched for,
it is the intensity of the longing for the Guest that
does all the work.
Look at me, and you will see a slave of that intensity.
by Kabir
–
Love After Love- Derek Walcott
The time will come
When, with elation,
You will greet yourself arriving
At your own door, in your own mirror,
And each will smile at the other’s welcome,
And say, sit here, Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give Wine. Give Bread. Give back your heart
To itself, to the stranger who has loved you
All your life, whom you ignored
For another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,
The photographs, the desperate notes,
Peel your image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.
🙂
“…..proves that Key knows more than he is telling, he must do surly.” Yep. Surly describes him well. 🙂 Back at Katy @7
Katy. That is a useful piece of research. It does suggest that a proper inquiry is needed – desperately!
I suppose if a group is not visible, and is unlikely to have light shone on them, and if the representative of the people whose job it is to oversee is asleep, then it would be human nature to bend/break the rules. Integrity would become flexible?
ianmac. Agreed “a proper inquiry is needed – desperately!” This must exclude any of Key’s henchmen(women). God spare us from the likes of Neazor!
Todays daily rag:
“MR KEY GOES TO HOLLYWOOD”
A STRANGE TERRIBLE AND TRAGIC TALE OF THE RUBE WHO GETS ROBBED OF ALL HIS BREAD IN TINSEL TOWN.
and it wan’t even his own money!!!
an aside,
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like a day. 2 Peter 3: 8
handy to remember when too focused, the |Devil| is in the detail
“All this Time the Guard was looking at her through a telescope,
then through a microscope and then through an opera glass
At last he said,
You’re going the wrong way and shut up the window and went away.”
(As it is written: “See I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” )-To the Romans 9:33
Ok, I this has got to be one of the most desperate attempts at character assassination that I’ve ever seen.
lolz
gop sez dems pwned.
I love that playing WoW is a character defect in republican eyes, but wearing a tri-corner hat and demanding to see birth certs in real life is simply “heartland america”.
Loltastic.
If someone with active commenting ability at kiwiblog would dump this into the Ansell thread over there, I would be much obliged. :
http://t.co/5DYeV4N5
So what now? If companies have to pay for background checks, depending on the cost then how many are doing to say bugger it? and it’s even worse if the schools are cash strapped.
if the govt keeps cutting funding to the police and others eventually there will be anarchy
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10838478
I mean make people pay for background checks what next ? Judge Dredd?
Neo liberalism in a nutshell: public schools having to pay for public police checks.
Hi folks!
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE FOR YOURSELVES HOW WE ARE NOT GIVEN THE ‘DEVILISH DETAIL’ ABOUT WHERE OUR TAXES ARE BEING SPENT?
http://wheresmytaxes.co.nz/
See?
We aren’t told the NAMES of the contractors/ consultants; the SCOPE; TERM or VALUE of the contracted services within each ‘slice’ of the pie chart.
The ‘devil is in the detail’.
Isn’t it time to OPEN THE BOOKS and give us this DEVILISH DETAIL?
Given that New Zealand is ‘perceived’ to be the ‘least corrupt country in the world’ – shouldn’t we be the MOST ‘transparent’?
So why aren’t we being told EXACTLY where our public monies are being spent?
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00095/wheres-nationals-corporate-welfare-reform.htm
Penny Bright
‘Anti-corruption campaigner’
http://www.dodgyjohnhasgone.com
Just released that meridian has walked away from the talks with the smelter at bluff.
A source also said that meridian had plans with the electricity that the smelter would
have used.
Sorry cant link, but it is on the stuff site.
What next for the economy, the ‘great decimation of our economy’ continues by the
‘keystoners’
MSM
-Civil Defence-dysfunctional
-divided
Duplication of Control (Kaos) Too many chiefs(over-managed like the rest of NZ)
another freakin disaster?
-Willis Street Pedestrian Barriers; Killing Business? Just Kill More Pedestrians.
(kill kill kill kill kill the poor: Glad I’m not a Kennedy, imagine being a Kennedy)
-over the Ring-Wraiths
-NZTA; New Zealand Termination Agency (knackered PR)
Brit Comedy Friday on ONE: laugh your way to the chamber.
(Yes Minister)
Parkinsons Dis-ease-Now Pigs On The Wing: nothing like a little xenotransplantation to get ya movin.
Oh this is not good. This is not good at all. Negotiations break down between Rio Tinto and Meridian. Closure of Tiwai Point would devastate the lower South Island. The small silver lining is that it would make power companies a less attractive investment for asset sales with a flood of electricity onto the market, but this would harm a lot of workers and their families.
Mitt Romney’s ‘victory’ in the first presidential debate is disturbing.
The guy is probably the most right wing Republican presidential candidate ever, and his running mate is even more right wing then he is (Im waiting for some war vet to ‘nut out’ and shoot Romney, so Paul Ryan can slide into the Oval Office – a la Manchurian Candidate).
If Romney gets in, those in the USA who aren’t rich are pretty much fucked.
Couple a thousand less hits last month, changing politics? or minds?