Open mike 08/02/2013
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6:00 am, February 8th, 2013 - 54 comments
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The economy shrank 1% this quarter and New Zealand has tumbled into the depths of a recession of Nicola Willis’ making. ...4 days ago
- Release: Hikes for company directors but not ordinary Kiwis
Working people are going backwards while company directors are being given huge pay hikes. ...5 days ago
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A Bill to modernise the role of Justices of the Peace (JP), ensuring they remain active in their communities and connected with other JPs, has been put into the ballot. ...5 days ago
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Labour will continue to fight unsustainable and destructive projects that are able to leap-frog environment protection under National’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. ...5 days ago
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The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Track legislation being passed today. ...5 days ago
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The Green Party says the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows how the Government is failing to address the massive social and infrastructure deficits our country faces. ...6 days ago
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The Government has used its final post-Cabinet press conference of the year to punch down on local government without offering any credible solutions to the issues our councils are facing. ...6 days ago
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The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
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Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. ...2 weeks ago
- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...19 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...3 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
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- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
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- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
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- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
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- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
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- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...3 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
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- Appointments to the ENZ board
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- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
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- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
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- Judicial appointment announced
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...4 days ago
- GDP data highlights importance of growth
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- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
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- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
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- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
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- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
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- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
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- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
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- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
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- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
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- Hawke’s Bay Expressway moving at pace
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- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
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- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
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- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
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- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
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- A busy year in the House
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- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
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- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
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- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...5 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...5 days ago
- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is proud to announce the first three recipients of the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund which will enable more Kiwis faster access to mental health and addiction support. “This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in ...5 days ago
- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...5 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...5 days ago
- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
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- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...5 days ago
- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
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- Gene Technology Bill passes first reading
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- Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 23 December
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 23 December appeared first on Newsroom. ...35 minutes ago - Govt walks away from infrastructure alliance
The Government’s social housing agency has backed out of a billion-dollar infrastructure alliance that would have built about 6000 new homes in Auckland – less than 18 months after signing a five-year extension.Labour says the decision to rip up the contract and sell off existing state houses could lead to ...35 minutes ago
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.wp-block-newspack-blocks-homepage-articles article .entry-title { font-size: 1.2em; } .wp-block-newspack-blocks-homepage-articles .entry-meta { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; margin-top: 0.5em; } .wp-block-newspack-blocks-homepage-articles article .entry-meta { font-size: 0.8em; } .wp-block-newspack-blocks-homepage-articles article .avatar { height: 25px; width: 25px; } .wp-block-newspack-blocks-homepage-articles .post-thumbnail{ margin: 0; margin-bottom: 0.25em; } .wp-block-newspack-blocks-homepage-articles .post-thumbnail img { height: auto; width: 100%; ...35 minutes ago
- Vanuatu quake: Warnings as bad weather threat looms for Port Vila
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Congratulations to Stuff for perpetuating the myth that sex offenders are “odd” people.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/8276509/Paedophile-odd-says-former-boss
Duplicate comment. Not sure what happened there.. but not delete or edit tab showing.
Congratulations to Stuff for perpetuating the myth that sex offenders are identifiable “odd” people as opposed to people who look and (apart from the sexual violation of minors) act like the rest of us.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/8276509/Paedophile-odd-says-former-boss
What is Labour’s policy response to the current employment crisis? Have there been releases, policy ideas, commentary, articles or media that I have missed?
I hope David Shearer hasn’t forgotten the definition of the word labour.
I wonder if Mr Shearer, when asked the question whether he supported a four year term, might have replied, “There are far more important issues to be working through than that right now…”
What could be more important to him than his own career prospects?
Has there been any evidence of genuine passion, or deep concern about anything else?
Agreed – Red Herring
What is Labour’s policy response to the current employment crisis?
http://www.labour.org.nz/policy
See the tab “Jobs”
Some of those bullet points are definitely helpful.
CGT. Activist Reserve Bank. R&D tax breaks.
Others are just bullet points.
We are deep into the second term of National.
Substantial, worked out, costed policy to deliver high value sustainable jobs should have been written by now, for precisely such a media moment as this.
Together with a compelling spokesperson.
Appreciate the link.
But who in Labour is making the case, and with what?
Grant Robertson and Trevor have it all worked out. Stop bothering yourself with worry. Here is a calendar for fundraising, distribution, street corner meetings and hoarding erection. Just get on with it.
They have it it all under control. Don’t forget how well they do on the party vote in Wellington/Hutt.
F*cking geniuses.
Can someone tell me who in Labour is looking after Economic Development??? Joyce on RNZ this morning provided with a free rein to spin his bull shit…
That’s why they go onto RNZ, a free hand on their compliant media outlet courtesy of their boy chairman Armstrong.
Joyce’s no fool, you will not see him running the risk of being shown that’s he’s as full of it as Shonkey/Blinglish/Bennett etc are he’s got a better delivery and a very effective bully which’s part of the Mr Fixit charade.
Why did you make me look, Saarbo? According to Labour’s website, they have NO economic development spokesperson. It was Cunliffe, and the last media release under the ED portfolio tab was November, jointly issued by Cunliffe/Robertson.
God it’s depressing.
An opposition spokesperson with any nouse would have been on the phone to RNZ telling them what a series of pathetic non-sequiturs Joyce was spouting and offer to be interviewed.
For goodness sake, Joyce leapt from curious unemployment and employment stats (i.e., people opting out of the workforce leading to a lower rate of unemployment) to the need for foreign investment, to the need to mine resources – all supposedly to ‘create jobs’.
None of it followed (either logically or in any practical sense) but it was left to listeners to email in about Joyce’s stunningly incoherent analysis.
Where were any opposition spokespeople (or just any opposition MPs)?
Cold feet?.
http://www.npr.org/2013/02/07/171294406/privatization-of-greek-assets-runs-behind-schedule
Numerous independent analysts share the IMF’s view.
“The projects are simply not well prepared,” says Philip Ammerman, an investment consultant and co-founder of London-based Navigator Consulting Group.
“What we see coming out of the various government ministries or the office of the prime minister is simply not up to par on any international standards,” he says. “The project concepts don’t exist, the numbers don’t stand up, there are no numbers supporting the project concept, and there is just too much ideology.“
Why are we not surprised?
And how dare those wealthy Chinese, Russians and Arabs try and gatecrash the party.
hmmm
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57568130/u.s-war-games-with-japan-australia-in-show-of-force-to-rising-china/
btw, fyi, from Over The Hills and far away… i put my signature to a comprehensive afa davit as the truth concerning my upbringing, no ‘story” there!
How long before Muzza and co start crying Black Flag!!
http://hiphopandpolitics.wordpress.com/2013/02/07/uncensored-manifesto-from-retired-lapd-officer-christopher-dorner/
The wingnuts have been busy spinning their own version.
And they’ve been harassing people too.
http://www.nydailynews.com/da-colo-theater-shooting-victims-harassed-article-1.1257841
From Radio NZ today: Foreign Investment Key to finding More Jobs – Joyce. That’s the first ‘deep idea’. Here’s another from the same report:-
What more proof do we need that this government is utterly devoid of ideas, imagination, policies?
There’d be no surprise if one of them comes out with the Increase-Immigration line shortly.
Also see the same story for the spin put on the latest workforce figures by another segment of the nation’s Brain Trust, a bank economist – a truly independent source for analysis, eh!
We don’t need foreign investment to utilise our own assets. Just need the political will to tell the capitalists to eff off.
“We are heading for economic and social mayhem- and it’s only breakfast time” -Satyajit Das -NZ Listener Sept
Mining is fine, just keep it out of our conservation estates and national parks. They belong to US.
Aaron Keown being a dick and screwing the people of Chch again. The automobile and petrol companies must be happy we have a bunch of morons controlling the Chch rehash.
Funding woes seems like a good excuse for more cycle tracks, not less.
If Aaron Keown says something is not cool, then you know all the cool kids are doing it
Here we go then:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10864146
Warner Bros is threatening that the Government’s release of confidential documents about the Hobbit union debate would be a “major disincentive” to future film-making in New Zealand.
My. head. hurts.
In other words – “Sovereign people of New Zealand………this is your first and final warning……..we will fuck you up !”
Bingo!
“candid level of advice and opinion” – we will not be amused when what was said comes out methinks.
Bastards. I guess they figure their bully boy tactics were so effective back in 2010 that all they have to do is threaten to pull the plug on future productions if our govt releases the deal documents and hey presto, they get their way, awkward situation avoided. They don’t want their dirty laundary aired. They must see our govt as a push over and so easy to manipulate.
And another thing. So Warner Bros/New Line Cinema can make all the threatening noise they like but what other country are they really going to produce their films in when, thanks to them they have a cheap unregulated labour force to exploit here?
Jonathan Handel, author of The New Zealand Hobbit Crisis puts it plainly when he says “…that country [nz] has the world’s only non union English language film business.”
They’re not going to make it hard for themselves by producing films elsewhere.
Hi Rosie .. looks like you might have the Handel book now ? This was a comment that intrigued me and I wished to know more … who was it and how did Key know him “quite well” ??
Quote: ‘Key said he was encouraged that the studio had sent a “fairly heavy duty team” to meet with him, including the president of New Line Cinema, the company’s chief legal counsel and a senior executive from Warner Bros. whom Key said he knew “quite well”. ‘
Handel, Jonathan (2012-11-21). The New Zealand Hobbit Crisis (Kindle Locations 720-722). . Kindle Edition. “
Hi yeshe. Yes, the library did get the book in and I’ve read it. I think its a useful book to have on hand for referencing events around the timeline but I’ve got to say there seemed to be a lack of analysis I was still left with questions. Maybe those answers are in those documents that Warner Bros/New Line are so keen to keep hushed up…….
And yes, I was also intrigued about JK knowing the senior exec from warner Bros “quite well”. Is that just our PM buzzing out with the whole celebrity/rich n’ powerful idol thing he has going on, or does he really know the exec “quite well” and if so how, and why? Did he have something to do with him , or indeed that industry during his time at Merrill Lynch? Who else does he play puppet to at our expense?
Hope we stand up to those Hollywood bully boys and release the documents. Imagine the fall out……………..Cin77 is right, they’d be really juicy.
Maybe someone might pick it up from here and ask the question of Key.
Do you mean fallout if they do, or fallout if they do not release them ? Either way promises great drama .. couldn’t happen to a nicer Cabinet !!
Fallout if they do release the documents. NZers really have their magical thinking hats on when it comes to this phoney belief that JK and Peter Jackson are our saviours for their part in the dirty -deeds -done -dirt -cheap deal with Warners Bros.
Imagine if the facts of the whole sordid matter were exposed and they could see our PM and the ministers invloved for the sell outs they are. It might be a reality check for a lot of NZers and of course will be excellent fodder for the opposition……..great drama indeed!
i really want to read these papers, they sound juicy.
Every time someone reads these papers, a hobbit dies.
Aha !
Kim Philby Key.
The Third (Rate) Man.
Who’s behind the A Bit Shit Facebook page, do you think?
http://www.facebook.com/abitshit
Funny how it appeared on Cameron Slater’s and Farrar’s blogs before it appeared anywhere on the left…
Dumped here yesterday.
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-07022013/#comment-585859
Its an incredibly painful clip isn’t it? I laughed but then felt really bad for laughing.
Maybe its a contributor to lolnats.co.nz that produced it. I don’t know, but someone will….
Emailed to Slater and Farrar, but had to be posted under Open Mike on The Standard? Yeah, this guy’s got Labour’s interests at heart…
Don’t know what their motivation is Rupert. Yep, probably a right winger given their initial contact with Slater and Farrar for sure. I don’t go near those sort of sites so first saw it here, yesterday. At that time I wondered if it was someone who was ultra pissed off with the whole Shearer for leader situation. Who knows? It’ll come out soon enough.
I’d put my money on someone in the Greens.
If you had any money it would be lost…
Edit style has Slater’s prints all over it.
I’d put my money on Slater.
It seems to be Slater’s style.
Hot Sun beating down, “goddamn those ayrabs”
http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2013/02/07/mali_islamist_insurgents_could_climate_change_be_al_qaida_s_best_friend.html
More crony capitalism?:
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/business/127554/chorus-shares-up-after-telco-review-fast-tracked
Could NOT have said it better re OUTSOURCING:
http://norightturn.blogspot.co.nz/2013/02/zoe-williams-on-outsourcing.html
Probably the most attractive things for gubbamint is how it relates to accountability.
It not only holds true for central gubbamint, but for local bodies and regional councils too
Clayton’s public service! It’s become pervasive.
Slippery the Prime Minister trying to get Ozzy Prime Minister Julia Gillard to bail His sordid FAILURE of a Government out by paying benefits to Kiwis living in Australia,
Imagine if Gillard agreed, the Minister of Overseas Travel for Employment Paula Bene-basher would be frog marching Beneficiaries onto the plane by the 100,s…
His only hope is to flatter her into thinking the Aussie Cleopatra needs English speaking slaves.
Sand to arabs, fridges to eskimos, flies to shit.
Benefits are not much of an issue to Kiwis over the ditch. Most of us work, and work hard, despite what the RWNJs say about our being bludgers. Key would be more usefully employed getting his shipwreck of a government to pay the benefits people are legally entitled to at home. Instead, he imports a succession of third rate academics to compare benefits to heroin, etc. To use a word that the rabid right have real trouble spelling, he’s a total hypocrite.