C’mon now. They aren’t going to cut the show just tweak it.
I particularly enjoy hearing about people who are struggling and supporting them with a small donation. The feel good sensation is well worth the average ten bucks I pay. Perhaps they will bring in an App that allows viewers to donate to causes : )
When Steven Joyce handed over $43 million of OUR taxpayer money to Mediaworks he knew he had a great future in bullying and threatening ahead of him. This has his spiteful hand all over it.
“This is the best we can do folks. This is what we have to offer. It’s what our system produces: Garbage in, garbage out. If you have selfish, ignorant citizens, you’re going to get selfish, ignorant leaders.”
TVNZ is somewhat immune from the general drift away from conventional TV formats.
Their viewers tend to be older(less likely to source material online) who are very set in their ways –
Paul Holmes found this out when he moved to Prime.
Holmes viewer stats were massive -but they didn’t follow him to Prime.
Hoskings benefits hugely from the fact that these people will not change channels- no matter what.
The same applies to the ZB network
A vehicle for the continual self promotion of loud-mouth, opinionated and complete tool Mike Hosking.
I actually sat down and watched it last night so I could at least have an opinion and spent most of my time shaking my head.
For starters: The set layout – an offset curve with Hosking on the left, nicely positioned so that the camera angle always has him slightly in front of his co-host. Can’t have the midget star on an equal footing with a mere female after all.
Sound – not sure if it is intentional but Hoskings microphone seems louder than his co-host.
Content: Not a patch on Campbell Live although the story on the paraplegic motorcyclist was interesting. The only content I could remember seeing this morning.
Ecoterrorists invited into NZ by the National Government!
Namely CHEVRON.
The Government announced 15 new oil and gas permits in its block offer today, with Chevron NZ Exploration being awarded three offshore licences for the Pegasus Basin in a joint venture with Statoil.
And here is the evidence that Chevron cannot be trusted.
“Chevron Whistleblower Leaks ‘Smoking Gun’ in Case of Ecuadorian Oil Spill
Videos sent to Amazon Watch described as ‘a true treasure trove of Chevron misdeeds and corporate malfeasance”
In what is being described as “smoking gun evidence” of Chevron’s complete guilt and corruption in the case of an oil spill in the Ecuadorian Amazon, internal videos leaked to an environmental watchdog show company technicians finding and then mocking the extensive oil contamination in areas that the oil giant told courts had been restored. http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/04/08/chevron-whistleblower-leaks-smoking-gun-case-ecuadorian-oil-spill
So I want to ask Simon Bridges ” What assurances have been given to you by these oil companies regarding consideration for the environment and, in the light of the information just exposed, what possible credence can you give to the integrity and honesty of these assurances?
Still wondering if this is Joyce’s revenge for Northland? As with Seven sharp , the opening show of Henry was graced with his majestyJohn Key’s presence. As people saying, one of the last MSM programmes that ENCOURAGES us to think and be conscious of others.(do people of Christchurch ever get a mention on nice, safe, easy, bland, facile, vacuous Seven sharp?)
Are we now just sheep being herded through a series of opening and closing gates……and Dogs?
If people are voting with their remotes, by going elsewhere, it sends a strong message to CL that it no longer has any relevance to the lives of those that switched.
Campbell Live used to be quite reasonable to watch in the early days.
I find all of this conspiracy theorising about the government influencing the removal of CL rather childish.
Then you are welcome to develop and share more “mature” criticisms that you consider more befitting to your sensibilities. Meanwhile, if it stinks like manure, then there is every chance that it is manure.
It may have been mentioned elsewhere but it appears as though “Dirty Politics” has arrived as being mainstream “quotable”. The characters identified are going to, at last, perhaps have to do some explaining. The names of Rich/Slater/Graham for starters
Richie Benaud, Brian Johnson, John Arlott, Jim Laker, Allan McGilvray. They created images with their well chosen words. When commentators were commentators and had something of value to say. When they were commenting on the television they didn’t describe to the viewer what the viewer could plainly see. They added their analysis of offscreen events and anecdotes. Oh for the return to such class and quality.
Wonderful cricketer, broadcaster and gentleman, will be sadly missed by those of us who despair and the crass loudmouths we have to suffer on tv broadcasts these days.
A glimpse of him for those who haven’t come across him commentating before.
Just saw the tv3 news story on this guy. He was a great example of someone who didn’t do manual labour his entire life and thus didn’t need to retire. He worked until 2013.
I suspect that MPs are working on the principle that because they can work until they’re 70+ that everyone can and thus that raising the retirement age doesn’t hurt anyone. Those who do do manual labour type work their entire lives are pretty much fucked by the time that they’re 60. That hasn’t changed at all.
When a man such as Richie Benaud dies, the decent thing to do is acknowledge the great service he has given to his particular field of endeavour and to so many people, without indulging in petty political point scoring on completely unrelated matters. A much loved and respected man has passed away and will be sadly missed throughout the cricketing world and beyond. His contribution in that world is without equal. I have much enjoyed his commentary over many years.
1. Before today I didn’t even know who the fuck he was. I suspect that applies to the majority of people
2. It’s not petty nor is it unrelated – wouldn’t be a good example if it was
3. Life is political and not being able to talk about it because it’s ‘indecent’ is what’s causing the degradation of our society
4. I still don’t give a fuck who he was. I don’t believe in heroes.
How about Mike Hosking and all those who want to recreate society into a libertarian Nirvana, where they can live as they please and never see a peasant again, go and settle on one of these.
Somalia would be a nicer placer.
Let’s see what a success of life Henry, Hosking, Weldon and Key would make if they had no help along the way as in NZ.
How about Mike Hosking and all those who want to recreate society into a libertarian Nirvana, where they can live as they please and never see a peasant again, go and settle on one of these.
We should encourage these people who don’t like taxes or government to do this and then, once they’ve gone, ban offshore ownership. I suspect that they’d quickly learn that being ‘special’ doesn’t feed them, clothe them or keep them healthy.
Hidden in the business section of the Herald online, an admission that our economy is not rock star. That surplus so many fools believed in is not going to happen.
‘Weak inflation dims prospects of surplus.
‘The Crown accounts turned to a deficit of $269 million, on an operating balance before gains and losses (Obegal) basis, in the eight months ended Feb. 28..’
Bill English always has an excuse.
And it is always him that delivers the bad news.
Key has almost disappeared from sight.
Where is key? Rehab?? Getting his skin tightened? Being programmed subliminally? Working out? Gotta look good for all the variety shows he’s going to be on when that is all we will have on the box. Roll on 2017 so we can roll him!!
‘Cannabis can help slow cancer growth – research
Israeli scientists have found that cannabis can help slow the growth of some cancerous tumours, according to the preliminary results of new research.
Already known for its therapeutic effects on several diseases, researchers at the Technion Institute in Haifa decided to consider whether the plant, in all its forms, could have counteractive properties as well, Haaretz reported on Thursday.
Initial findings show potential for effectiveness in brain tumours and breast cancer, while scientists are still investigating other types.’
Another case for decriminalizing it.
And, at the same time, we should be hammering alcohol…our most damaging drug.
Ah, but when he announced his candidacy did you also say that Winston had zero chance of being elected? If not, you’re more in touch with at least the voters in Northland than John Key was 🙂
Studies of Americans’ unconscious beliefs shows that most people — white and black — think black people are dangerous and both average folks and police are quicker to shoot black than white people.
Where does the cognitive belief that black people are dangerous come from?
I intend to make some HARD points about ‘Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) at the upcoming Auckland Council Controlled Governance and Monitoring Committee meeting Tuesday 14 April.
____________________________________________________________
10 April 2015
Request for speaking rights at the Auckland Council CCO Governance and Monitoring Committee to be held on Tuesday 14 April 2015 April 2015:
My subject matter will be:
1) A reminder that the underpinning legislation which outlines the aims and objectives of CCOs, is the Local Government Act 2002:
59Principal objective of council-controlled organisation
(1)The principal objective of a council-controlled organisation is to—
(a)achieve the objectives of its shareholders, both commercial and non-commercial, as specified in the statement of intent; and
(b)be a good employer; and
(c)exhibit a sense of social and environmental responsibility by having regard to the interests of the community in which it operates and by endeavouring to accommodate or encourage these when able to do so; and
(d)if the council-controlled organisation is a council-controlled trading organisation, conduct its affairs in accordance with sound business practice.
(2)In subsection (1)(b), good employer has the same meaning as in clause 36 of Schedule 7
(My underlining)
2) A formal request for a ‘progress report’ on information about awarded contracts being made available for public scrutiny on the front pages of Auckland Council, and all substantive Auckland Council CCO websites.
a) For Auckland Transport to include ALL contracts awarded, including those under $50,000.
Auckland Transport is committed to ensuring its procurement activities are undertaken in an ethical and transparent manner.
The attached lists detail all of the contracts awarded in the previous six months that are valued over $50,000.00. Details include:
the contract number,
the contract name,
the supplier, and the
award value.
View the latest awarded contracts list (PDF 65KB)
Disclaimer: we endeavour to list all contracts awarded above the value of $50,000.00 in the previous six months. Whilst all possible care and effort has been taken to ensure accuracy in this list, we accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions. Accordingly, this list should be used for reference only.
3) The requirement for Auckland Council CCOs which are ‘Public Benefit Entities’, (including Auckland Council Investments Ltd ( ACIL), to act as such.
It is my considered opinion that ACIL’s stated ‘commercial focus’ , as outlined in the 2014 – 2017 Statement of Intent, conflicts with its function as a Public Benefit Entity.
The role of a Public Benefit Entity (PBE) is clearly outlined as follows:
“reporting entities whose primary objective is to provide goods or services for community or social benefit and where any equity has been provided with a view to supporting that primary objective rather than for a financial return to equity holders”.
(My bolding)
_____________________________________________________________
AUCKLAND COUNCIL INVESTMENTS LTD 2014 – 2017 STATEMENT OF INTENT:
1. INTRODUCTION Auckland Council Investments Limited (ACIL) owns Ports of Auckland Limited (POAL), Auckland Film Studios Limited (AFSL), a large equity holding in Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL); and manages the diversified financial assets portfolio (DFAP) on behalf of the Auckland Council (Council).
The purpose of ACIL is to support the Council’s vision and to bring a strong commercial focus to the ownership and management of the Council’s investments in POAL, AIAL, AFSL and the DFAP and to provide an efficient structure for the ownership of these assets.
Sound commercial governance of these assets, within the parameters set by the Council (while acknowledging that the Council/ACIL will be in a position of some influence, but not control, of AIAL), is important.
ACIL’s role is to endeavour to maximise their contribution to the Auckland economy and provide substantial financial returns, which are financially sustainable in the long term, to the Council.
_______________________________________________
2. STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND STRUCTURE ACIL holds equity interests in POAL, AIAL, AFSL and manages the DFAP for the longterm benefit of the region.
These assets contribute to the council’s delivery of Auckland Plan outcomes by:
Playing an important role in the delivery of the following specific outcomes:
o An Auckland of prosperity and opportunity (POAL, AFSL and AIAL) o A well-connected and accessible Auckland (POAL and AIAL)
Influencing the delivery of other Auckland Plan outcomes (such as those associated with transformation of the Auckland Waterfront)
Providing the Council with a financial return, which is a source of funding for Council activities and investments ACIL acknowledges that it is Auckland Council’s role is to set the overall strategy and determine the outcomes ACIL are to deliver.
ACIL will strive to deliver the set outcomes effectively and efficiently and provide value for money to the Auckland ratepayers.
ACIL will continue to focus on working collaboratively across the council group to deliver Council’s strategies.
ACIL recognizes that working together is particularly important as the group moves from a focus on strategy, policy and plan development, to accelerated implementation and delivery
_______________________________________________________
3. NATURE AND SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES This SOI covers ACIL and its subsidiaries. ACIL is a Public Benefit Entity for financial reporting purposes as it manages key strategic assets of the Council for the long term economic benefit of the Auckland region.
________________________________________________________
3) ACIL / Ports of Auckland Ltd (POAL) in my view, the arguable ‘conflict of interest’ of POAL CEO Tony Gibson, effectively working in the best interests of shipping companies, for whom he used to work.
Tony joined Ports of Auckland as Chief Executive Officer in early 2011.
He joined the Company with 30 years experience in shipping and logistics, first with Seabridge in Wellington, and then with Nedlloyd and P&O Nedlloyd.
He has worked in various roles in Africa, Asia and Europe, including as European Director of Customer Operations, Rotterdam, before being appointed Managing Director, New Zealand and Pacific Islands in 2002.
Following a take-over by Maersk, Tony served as Managing Director of Maersk, New Zealand for three years. Most recently he has pursued his own business interests as a director and then Chairman of ERoad, a road-user charge solution provider. In 2008 he was appointed by the Minister of Transport to the Road User Review Group.
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 ...
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TL;DR:Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
Bob Edlin writes – The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
The Government has accepted Labour’s change to the Road User Charge (RUC) discount for hybrid vehicles, meaning there will still be some incentive for people to buy greener vehicles. ...
Kicking the most vulnerable people out of state housing and pushing them towards homelessness will result in a proliferation of poverty and trauma across our most vulnerable communities. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and MP for Waiariki, Rawiri Waititi has penned a letter asking MPs to support his members bill to remove GST from all food. The bill is expected to go through its first reading in parliament this Wednesday. “I’m calling on all political parties to support my ...
This year is about getting real with Kiwis and discussing the tough issues, as the National Government exacerbates inequality and divides New Zealand, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said ...
The Government adding Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) to its already roaring environmental policy bonfire is an assault on the future of wildlife that makes Aotearoa unique. ...
After 12 years of fighting to protect our moana we are finding ourselves back at square one and back at court. Today, the Environmental Protection Agency is sitting in Hawera to reconsider an application from Trans-Tasman Resources to dig up 50 million tonnes of the seabed in South Taranaki. This ...
Minister Shane Jones’ decision to step away from a seabed mining project is evidence of the murky waters surrounding the Government’s fast-track legislation. ...
The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last government in a bid to get greater coherence in the publicservice on Treaty matters. When ministers first considered the need for tighter oversight in 2021, there ...
The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last government in a bid to get greater coherence in the publicservice on Treaty matters. When ministers first considered the need for tighter oversight in 2021, there ...
The Coalition Government’s miscalculation saga continues as it has forgotten an eyewatering $90 million gap in its interest deductibility cost figures, say Labour Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds and Revenue Spokesperson Deborah Russell. ...
He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission has today released advice that says if the Government doesn’t act now New Zealand is at risk of not meeting its climate goals. ...
The Coalition Government has today confirmed it is abandoning first home buyers who are struggling to get ahead, says Labour Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds. ...
The New Zealand public voted for a change in direction at the 2023 general election and that is exactly what this coalition government has been delivering in its first 100 days. There was an immediate focus on the economy, easing the cost of living, cracking down on law and order ...
The Government has left the health system as an afterthought, announcing half-baked targets at the last minute of their 100-day plan, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
Kiwis are still waiting for their promised cost of living support after 100 days of a National Government that is taking us backwards, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The National Government has spent its first 100 days stopping, cutting and reversing. They have scrapped stuff for stuff for the sake of it, without putting up any solutions of their own – and it’s hardworking New Zealanders who will pay for it. ...
100 days of National taking NZ backwardsThe National Government has spent its first 100 days stopping, cutting and reversing. They have scrapped stuff for stuff for the sake of it, without putting up any solutions of their own – and it’s hardworking New Zealanders who will pay for it. ...
The Government must commit to funding free and healthy school lunches, as thousands of people sign the petition to keep them, education spokesperson Jan Tinetti says. ...
If the Government was serious about moving families into public housing, they would build more houses so there is actually somewhere for people to go. ...
The free and healthy school lunches programme feeds our kids, helps them to learn, and saves families money – but it is at risk under this Government, education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...
The Government’s proposed changes to Firearms Prohibition Orders (FPO) add almost nothing new and are merely an attempt to distract from its plans to loosen gun laws, police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and justice spokesperson Dr Duncan Webb said. ...
The great Victorian era English politician Lord Macauley stood in the British House of Parliament and said, "The gallery in which the reporters sit has become a fourth estate of the realm".He understood and outlined even way back then, the significant role and influence media have in a democracy. ...
"The Government is moving quickly to realise an additional $46 million in tariff savings in the EU market this season for Kiwi exporters,” Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay says. Parliament is set, this week, to complete the final legislative processes required to bring the New Zealand – European ...
New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April. ...
Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand. Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships. “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland Acknowledgements and opening Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says. “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024 Acknowledgements and opening Morena, Nga Mihi Nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country. “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week. “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee. “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today. “The Amendment Paper represents ...
Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level. “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024. “Lower fruit and vege ...
Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all. Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all. Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction. Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness. It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology. It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
Pacific Media Watch Earthwise hosts Lois and Martin Griffiths. Earthwise presenters Lois and Martin Griffiths on Plains FM 96.9 community radio talk to Dr David Robie, a New Zealand author, independent journalist and media educator with a passion for the Asia-Pacific region. David talks about the struggle to raise awareness ...
Pacific Media Watch Ismail al-Ghoul, an Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent who was held for 12 hours at Gaza’s al-Shifa hospital, says Israeli forces rounded up Palestinian journalists at the facility and made them kneel on the ground for hours, while naked and blindfolded. “The occupation forces handcuffed and blindfolded us ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tony Wood, Program Director, Energy, Grattan Institute chinasong, Shutterstock Electricity customers in four Australian states can breathe a sigh of relief. After two years in a row of 20% price increases, power prices have finally stabilised. In many places they’re ...
Chumbawamba have reportedly issued the deputy PM a cease-and-desist notice after he used their song 'Tubthumping' before his state of the nation speech. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Deborah Lupton, SHARP Professor, Vitalities Lab, Centre for Social Research in Health and Social Policy Centre, and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society, UNSW Sydney kitzcorner/Shutterstock The assertion from Queensland’s chief health officer John Gerrard that ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Shutterstock Why are musicians so keen to get played on the radio? It can’t be because of the money. In Australia they are paid at rates so low they ...
"Farmers make a point not to tell our urban cousins how to live, yet Chlöe from central Auckland is hell-bent on having her say about farmers," says ACT Rural Communities spokesman Mark Cameron. “On her first day in the House as Green ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards – Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. It’s been a tumultuous time in politics in recent months, as the new National-led Government has driven through its “First 100 Day programme”. During this period there’s been a handful of opinion polls, which overall just ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Curran, Associate Professor of Ecology, Lincoln University, New Zealand Getty Images/Gerald Corsi In the latest move to reform environmental laws in New Zealand, the coalition government has introduced a bill to fast-track consenting processes for projects deemed to ...
Uber has argued it does not have as much control over drivers as the unions suggest, and wants a judgment ruling that drivers are employees and not contractors set aside and sent back to the Employment Court. The 2022 ruling followed a three-week hearing in which four drivers sought to ...
What can and can’t be purchased by disabled people or their carers has been slashed in an effort by the Ministry of Disabled People Whaikaha to save money. The purchasing guidelines, a set of rules that sets out what can be purchased using the various streams of Government disability funding, ...
The Treasury has published today a new Analytical Note by Tod Wright and Hien Nguyen, Fiscal incidence in New Zealand: The effects of taxes and benefits on household incomes in tax year 2018/19 . Analyses of the distributional impact of taxation and government ...
The Treasury has published today a new Analytical Note by Cory Davis, Boston Hart and Benjamin Stubbing, Household cost-of-living impacts from the Emissions Trading Scheme and using transfers to mitigate regressive outcomes . This Analytical Note ...
A coalition of public transport and climate organisations, united as ‘Transport for All’, is actively opposing the government’s transport proposals. The draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) includes plans for higher fares for public transport, ...
Greater Wellington is inviting feedback on proposed changes to its Revenue and Financing Policy. The Revenue and Financing Policy covers the Council’s various sources of funding, and how the cost of services is shared across the region. This includes ...
Labour has conceded it could have done more to deal with disruptive state housing tenants while in government but says the current coalition is going too far. ...
The band has asked their record label to issue a cease and desist to stop the NZ First leader using their 1997 hit to support his ‘misguided political views’. “I get knocked down, but I get up again,” blared through the speakers on Sunday as Winston Peters took the stage ...
By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist Food rationing is underway in remote areas in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands following torrential rain and flash flooding. More than 20 people have been reported dead in Chimbu Province. In nearby Enga Province, the centre of last month’s massacre, a 15-year-old boy has been ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Hughes, Lecturer, Research School of Management, Australian National University After months of debate and intrigue, the AFL’s 19th and newest team, the Tasmania Devils, finally launched its jumper, logo and colours in Devonport this week. The Devils will wear green, ...
Brannavan Gnanalingam reviews the debut novel by Saraid de Silva.One of the most baffling things for children who move to a new country is what their parents’ (or grandparents’) lives were like prior to moving – for kids in particular, they’re too busy trying to fit in in their ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Gaunson, Associate Professor in Cinema Studies, RMIT University Narelle Portanier/Binge “If you don’t know who your mob are, you don’t know who you are,” Detective Andrea “Andie” Whitford (played by Leah Purcell) is told early into the new crime ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elise Klein, Associate professor, Australian National University It’s commonly accepted that women do the vast majority of caregiving in Australian society. But less appreciated is that Indigenous women do larger amounts of unpaid care than any other group. Working with the Aboriginal ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Joe Biden and Donald Trump have both secured their parties’ nominations for the November 5 United States general election by winning a ...
Comment: There has been a striking contrast in trans-Tasman interest about Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi’s visit to New Zealand and Australia. While the Australian press has been full of articles about the visit – including his curious decision to meet with former prime minister and China booster Paul Keating ...
After years of pressuring banks and other institutions to stop investing in fossil fuels, climate campaigners are making some progress. So how does divestment work?For years, climate activists have been pushing banks and other big institutions to divest from fossil fuels. New research from climate advocacy group 350 Aotearoa ...
For Boba, Ethan and Ashley, K-pop is a place to belong, a way to express themselves, and a bridge to connect with others. The three young Polynesians are part of a K-pop fan community in Tāmaki Makaurau. It’s one of many that have sprung up worldwide as K-pop has gone ...
For Boba, Ethan and Ashley, K-pop is a place to belong, a way to express themselves, and a bridge to connect with others. This one-off documentary presents three intimate portraits of young Polynesians who are pulled into a Korean cultural phenomenon. K-POLYS is directed by Litia Tuiburelevu, Produced by Hex ...
There’s ample evidence demonstrating free school lunch programmes provide wide benefits across schools, households and communities according to public health researchers. ACT Minister David Seymour wants to reduce the spending on Aotearoa New Zealand’s ...
By Wata Shaw in Suva Fiji is facing an exodus of Fijians as many are leaving for overseas seeking employment and education and others are migrating, says Opposition MP Viliame Naupoto. Speaking in Parliament, he said: “His Excellency’s speech (Ratu Wiliame Katonivere) comes after a little over one year of ...
The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming comments from Christopher Luxon this morning recommitting to ‘no new taxes’ as part of Budget 2024. “Mr Luxon’s refusal at the Post-Cabinet press conference yesterday to repeat the ‘no new taxes’ promise ...
SAFE is urgently calling on the Environment Committee to reject the Government’s Fast-Track Approvals Bill, and is urging New Zealanders to rally behind the call. The proposed Bill, currently under consideration with the Environment select committee, ...
Teammates who spend all their time picking fights with spectators are only helpful for the other team, writes Madeleine Chapman. Anyone who has ever played a team sport competitively, particularly as a child and particularly, for some reason, basketball, will know that there’s a lot of politics involved. While there ...
The long-running Wellington music festival is too focused on the Jim Beam-ness and not enough on the Homegrown-ness.There is something about Homegrown that’s difficult to place. A barely perceptible-ness. Like feeling a ghost is watching you from the corner of the room but when you look, there’s nothing there. ...
The latest Ipsos New Zealand Issues Monitor reveals that fewer New Zealanders believe crime / law and order is one of the top issues facing our country. In 2018, Ipsos New Zealand started tracking the key issues facing New Zealand. In this wave ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Griffiths, Deputy Program Director, Budgets and Government, Grattan Institute Australia’s political donations rules are woefully inadequate, but donations reform is finally on the agenda. The federal government has signalled its interest in reform and will soon begin briefing MPs on its ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Patrick Taylor, Chief Environmental Scientist, EPA Victoria; Honorary Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University Naiyana Somchitkaeo/Shutterstock A recent study published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine has linked microplastics with risk to human health. The study ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Albert Van Dijk, Professor, Water and Landscape Dynamics, Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National University Global climate records were shattered in 2023, from air and sea temperatures to sea-level rise and sea-ice extent. Scores of countries recorded their hottest year ...
As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a teacher explains why he and his partner are in frugal mode – and how they’re making it work. Gender: Male Age: 35Ethnicity: Pākehā Role: I am an intermediate school teacher and my partner is ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Bendall, Senior Lecturer, Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences, Australian Catholic University Binge Mary & George, the new British television drama series, depicts the real-life story of Mary Villiers and her son George, and their social climbing at the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jason Nassios, Associate Professor, Centre of Policy Studies, Victoria University This article is part of The Conversation’s series examining the housing crisis. Read the other articles in the series here. Australian state and federal governments spend money in many ways to ...
The finance minister is denying that there’s a $5.6b shortfall in paying for the government’s campaign promises, including tax cuts. At his post-cabinet press conference yesterday, the PM refused to rule out new taxes to pay for the cuts, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s ...
Kāinga Ora tenants abused by their neighbours are doubting the government's crackdown on disruptive tenants will make a difference on their behaviour. ...
Kāinga Ora is New Zealand’s biggest residential landlord, housing more than 180,000 vulnerable people in more than 67,000 properties. Yesterday the government announced a crackdown on its tenants who fall behind on rent. One longtime Kāinga Ora tenant shares her experience.For 18 years I lived in a 1960s standalone ...
Why does this myth persist, and what’s the real reason our skin is suffering?It’s one of the biggest international grievances New Zealanders hold, up there with the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior and 1981’s underarm incident. We’re quick to tell international travellers that the world’s pollution led to the ...
Opinion: We are fast approaching a fundamental change in prisons. As the number of people on custodial remand looks set to overtake the number of sentenced prisoners, the main function of prisons in New Zealand may become incarcerating un-sentenced people who may not be guilty of offending. We have already ...
A huge seven months lies in store for the White Ferns, beginning this week with the visit of England and culminating with the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in September and October. Starting on Tuesday in Dunedin, the world ranked No. 2 visitors will play five T20s and three ODIs, ...
Opinion: In a move that has shocked road safety advocates across the country, the new Minister of Transport, Simeon Brown, is poised to abandon the previous government’s speed limit reduction policy, particularly around schools. Even more alarmingly, he wants school speed limits to be variable rather than full-time, arguing ...
Auckland Council is opposing a fast-track development backed by Sir John Kirwan and Spark NZ, because it doesn’t meet stringent new climate adaptation requirements The post Surf-data centre faces new 3.8C climate warming rules appeared first on Newsroom. ...
When the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act was introduced in 2009 it was firmly targeted at gangs and drugs. The legislation means police no longer need a conviction to seize assets that criminals can’t prove were paid for legitimately, as long as their alleged offences are punishable by more than a ...
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Bob’s relationship with certain members of Lincoln’s academic staff continued to deteriorate in the 1990s. Others supported him publicly, though articles such as Roland Clark’s 1993 piece in Growing Today cannot have pleased the university management. Clark wrote that Bob was selling onions from the Biological Husbandry Unit to a ...
SailGP’s races feature in-your-face action, with agile, hydro-foiling catamarans tacking and jibing for the title over several days. However, public comments ahead of the global series’ return to New Zealand have left this past year’s controversy in the shadows, as a key appointment attracts criticism from dolphin advocates. A year ...
The letters, which were published last week, were addressed to Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Chairperson Megawati Sukarnoputri, National Democrat Party (NasDem) Chairperson Surya Paloh, National Awakening Party (PKB) Chairperson Muhaimin Iskandar, Justice and Prosperity Party (PKS) President Ahmad Syaikhu and United Development Party (PPP) Chairperson Muhammad Mardiono. In ...
Evicting more people from state housing is ignorant to the consequences of poverty, the Greens say, but the Housing Minister says it's a privilege that can be taken away if abused. ...
Evicting more people from state housing is ignorant to the consequences of poverty, the Greens say, but the Housing Minister says it's a privilege that can be taken away if abused. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emerald L King, Lecturer in Humanities, University of Tasmania IMDB Between Netflix’s 2023 live-action version of One Piece, and its latest take on Avatar: The Last Airbender, fans are once again asking: why are live-action anime adaptations so tricky to ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emerald L King, Lecturer in Humanities, University of Tasmania IMDB Between Netflix’s 2023 live-action version of One Piece, and its latest take on Avatar: The Last Airbender, fans are once again asking: why are live-action anime adaptations so tricky to ...
The government says it still intends to deliver tax cuts by July, but will not lock them in until they have got them past their coalition partners. ...
A few minutes ago, petition collection relating to Campbell Live showed:
Action Station 22529
Toko 1104
change.org 8430
with all of them changing as people wake and sign
I like Grant Robertson’s comment that it does show the need for better public broadcasting.
C’mon now. They aren’t going to cut the show just tweak it.
I particularly enjoy hearing about people who are struggling and supporting them with a small donation. The feel good sensation is well worth the average ten bucks I pay. Perhaps they will bring in an App that allows viewers to donate to causes : )
When Steven Joyce handed over $43 million of OUR taxpayer money to Mediaworks he knew he had a great future in bullying and threatening ahead of him. This has his spiteful hand all over it.
Which they paid back…. with interest… so where’s the leverage again?
A multi-million dollar favour given requires that just as large a favour be returned. Even you should understand that.
He who (Dirty Joyce) pays the piper calls the tune.
Good to see ya back cobbah!
Chur for that dude. I felt like I had given Murray Rawshark decent acknowledgement, and look forward to his imminent return to TS.
Hard to believe there are over 100,000 people watching Seven Sharp every night. Guess the dumbing down of the population is working.
George Carlin sums it up perfectly.
“This is the best we can do folks. This is what we have to offer. It’s what our system produces: Garbage in, garbage out. If you have selfish, ignorant citizens, you’re going to get selfish, ignorant leaders.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07w9K2XR3f0
I agree http://thestandard.org.nz/save-campbell-live/#comment-997812 ….fwiw
TVNZ is somewhat immune from the general drift away from conventional TV formats.
Their viewers tend to be older(less likely to source material online) who are very set in their ways –
Paul Holmes found this out when he moved to Prime.
Holmes viewer stats were massive -but they didn’t follow him to Prime.
Hoskings benefits hugely from the fact that these people will not change channels- no matter what.
The same applies to the ZB network
May be time for everyone to boycott .Seven Sharp
… what is Seven Sharp? 🙂
A vehicle for the continual self promotion of loud-mouth, opinionated and complete tool Mike Hosking.
I actually sat down and watched it last night so I could at least have an opinion and spent most of my time shaking my head.
For starters: The set layout – an offset curve with Hosking on the left, nicely positioned so that the camera angle always has him slightly in front of his co-host. Can’t have the midget star on an equal footing with a mere female after all.
Sound – not sure if it is intentional but Hoskings microphone seems louder than his co-host.
Content: Not a patch on Campbell Live although the story on the paraplegic motorcyclist was interesting. The only content I could remember seeing this morning.
Is he sitting on a cushion? Pippa is quite tall. If she is still the one doing it.
This David Farrar character must have a second life as a comedian;
Bryce Edwards: Is the media turning on John Key?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11430113
What can you do but laugh at the sheer absurdity of someone claiming John Roughan is 67% against National.
Ecoterrorists invited into NZ by the National Government!
Namely CHEVRON.
The Government announced 15 new oil and gas permits in its block offer today, with Chevron NZ Exploration being awarded three offshore licences for the Pegasus Basin in a joint venture with Statoil.
http://www.3news.co.nz/business/chevron-gets-nz-oil-and-gas-exploration-permit-2014120913#ixzz3WqNF46HY
And here is the evidence that Chevron cannot be trusted.
“Chevron Whistleblower Leaks ‘Smoking Gun’ in Case of Ecuadorian Oil Spill
Videos sent to Amazon Watch described as ‘a true treasure trove of Chevron misdeeds and corporate malfeasance”
In what is being described as “smoking gun evidence” of Chevron’s complete guilt and corruption in the case of an oil spill in the Ecuadorian Amazon, internal videos leaked to an environmental watchdog show company technicians finding and then mocking the extensive oil contamination in areas that the oil giant told courts had been restored.
http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/04/08/chevron-whistleblower-leaks-smoking-gun-case-ecuadorian-oil-spill
And here is a link to the Chevron Tapes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l618BhvWkz4
So I want to ask Simon Bridges ” What assurances have been given to you by these oil companies regarding consideration for the environment and, in the light of the information just exposed, what possible credence can you give to the integrity and honesty of these assurances?
Still wondering if this is Joyce’s revenge for Northland? As with Seven sharp , the opening show of Henry was graced with his majestyJohn Key’s presence. As people saying, one of the last MSM programmes that ENCOURAGES us to think and be conscious of others.(do people of Christchurch ever get a mention on nice, safe, easy, bland, facile, vacuous Seven sharp?)
Are we now just sheep being herded through a series of opening and closing gates……and Dogs?
No its because the viewing figures are going backwards and the show is probably losing money
I find all of this conspiracy theorising about the government influencing the removal of CL rather childish.
Yup, it’s hilarious to watch.
If people are voting with their remotes, by going elsewhere, it sends a strong message to CL that it no longer has any relevance to the lives of those that switched.
Campbell Live used to be quite reasonable to watch in the early days.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11430494
I thought the best one was the comment that Campbell Live might have more social media friends than actual viewers
Q. How are viewer numbers estimated ROLF ?
Then you are welcome to develop and share more “mature” criticisms that you consider more befitting to your sensibilities. Meanwhile, if it stinks like manure, then there is every chance that it is manure.
“You might very well think that; I couldn’t possibly comment.”
2 days remaining until the scheduled return of; the last of the Rawsharkans.
+100 Parsupal…me old mate…look forward to pu returning and mr…only if they feel so inclined
It may have been mentioned elsewhere but it appears as though “Dirty Politics” has arrived as being mainstream “quotable”. The characters identified are going to, at last, perhaps have to do some explaining. The names of Rich/Slater/Graham for starters
John Drinnan in his piece today … (See section “Overegged”)
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11430252
Richie Benaud has died. A marvellous life.
http://www.theage.com.au/sport/cricket/cricket-great-richie-benaud-dead-20150409-1mhzdy.html
Richie Benaud, Brian Johnson, John Arlott, Jim Laker, Allan McGilvray. They created images with their well chosen words. When commentators were commentators and had something of value to say. When they were commenting on the television they didn’t describe to the viewer what the viewer could plainly see. They added their analysis of offscreen events and anecdotes. Oh for the return to such class and quality.
Wonderful cricketer, broadcaster and gentleman, will be sadly missed by those of us who despair and the crass loudmouths we have to suffer on tv broadcasts these days.
A glimpse of him for those who haven’t come across him commentating before.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIL6KZox6Ao
He was also a staunch advocate for sports such as cricket to be broadcast on free-to-air TV.
Just saw the tv3 news story on this guy. He was a great example of someone who didn’t do manual labour his entire life and thus didn’t need to retire. He worked until 2013.
I suspect that MPs are working on the principle that because they can work until they’re 70+ that everyone can and thus that raising the retirement age doesn’t hurt anyone. Those who do do manual labour type work their entire lives are pretty much fucked by the time that they’re 60. That hasn’t changed at all.
When a man such as Richie Benaud dies, the decent thing to do is acknowledge the great service he has given to his particular field of endeavour and to so many people, without indulging in petty political point scoring on completely unrelated matters. A much loved and respected man has passed away and will be sadly missed throughout the cricketing world and beyond. His contribution in that world is without equal. I have much enjoyed his commentary over many years.
1. Before today I didn’t even know who the fuck he was. I suspect that applies to the majority of people
2. It’s not petty nor is it unrelated – wouldn’t be a good example if it was
3. Life is political and not being able to talk about it because it’s ‘indecent’ is what’s causing the degradation of our society
4. I still don’t give a fuck who he was. I don’t believe in heroes.
How very sad. A society with nothing and no-one to look up to is a society without hope or aspiration.
Got plenty to dream about and reach for. The existence or not of particular people, no matter how respected, doesn’t change that.
How about Mike Hosking and all those who want to recreate society into a libertarian Nirvana, where they can live as they please and never see a peasant again, go and settle on one of these.
Seasteading
What a happy island it would be!
Somalia would be a nicer placer.
Let’s see what a success of life Henry, Hosking, Weldon and Key would make if they had no help along the way as in NZ.
How about Mike Hosking and all those who want to recreate society into a libertarian Nirvana, where they can live as they please and never see a peasant again, go and settle on one of these.
Seasteading
What a happy island it would be!
Sorry that link does not work, try this: http://www.seasteading.org/
Ayn Rand, Patri Friedman and Peter Thiel walk into a bar. Because there are no regulations the barman serves them ethanol. They die.
Caveat emptor!
Repaired original link
We should encourage these people who don’t like taxes or government to do this and then, once they’ve gone, ban offshore ownership. I suspect that they’d quickly learn that being ‘special’ doesn’t feed them, clothe them or keep them healthy.
Thanks DTB. Buggered if i know what happened, but all good now.
James Heartfield is one of Britain’s leading public intellectuals, although not well-known here.
One of his smaller works is on Postmodernism and the ‘Death of the Subject, which he allowed us to put up on Redline in full a couple of years ago.
he tide has gone out somewhat on postmodernism, but there may still be people who are interested:
https://rdln.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/postmodernism-and-the-death-of-the-subject/
Phil
Hidden in the business section of the Herald online, an admission that our economy is not rock star. That surplus so many fools believed in is not going to happen.
‘Weak inflation dims prospects of surplus.
‘The Crown accounts turned to a deficit of $269 million, on an operating balance before gains and losses (Obegal) basis, in the eight months ended Feb. 28..’
Bill English always has an excuse.
And it is always him that delivers the bad news.
Key has almost disappeared from sight.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11430648
Just saw that.
I’m sure we’re all shocked and stunned that the great economic managers can’t achieve even the modest goal they’ve promised for two terms.
And yet, despite dragging the country in a mountain of debt, thanks to a servile media, many people believe English is a competent financial manager.
Q. Allowing for the ‘doctored’ figures what might the actual picture read like ?
Goodness knows
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=nz+politics+s,oke+and+mirrors&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=ZiwnVc2hCIym8AW-y4DQDA#q=nz+politics+smoke+and+mirrors
Look for for the stand out link which was fourth from the top when I searched a few moments ago
Where is key? Rehab?? Getting his skin tightened? Being programmed subliminally? Working out? Gotta look good for all the variety shows he’s going to be on when that is all we will have on the box. Roll on 2017 so we can roll him!!
Waiting for tv1 to bring up subject
I know phil would post this.
‘Cannabis can help slow cancer growth – research
Israeli scientists have found that cannabis can help slow the growth of some cancerous tumours, according to the preliminary results of new research.
Already known for its therapeutic effects on several diseases, researchers at the Technion Institute in Haifa decided to consider whether the plant, in all its forms, could have counteractive properties as well, Haaretz reported on Thursday.
Initial findings show potential for effectiveness in brain tumours and breast cancer, while scientists are still investigating other types.’
Another case for decriminalizing it.
And, at the same time, we should be hammering alcohol…our most damaging drug.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=11430641
I don’t think I did too badly on my prediction of Winston Peter’s win.
On the eve of the election on 27 March, I predicted the following result
here on the Open mike:
“Now, today, on the eve of the election day, on 27 March at 9:33pm, I am guessing:
Winston = 59%
Osborne =32%
WJ Prime =08%
Total Valid Votes 28, 000”
—————–
The actual final results are as follows:
* Winston=16,089=54.5%
* Osborne=11,648=39.4%
* WJ Prime=1,380=4.7%
Total Valid Votes 30,047
———————–
Ah, but when he announced his candidacy did you also say that Winston had zero chance of being elected? If not, you’re more in touch with at least the voters in Northland than John Key was 🙂
Key was being just a smart arse as usual.
Here is the link for my changing predictions over time!
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-27032015/#comment-992004
lol so you are a better weathervane than dunnokeyo… Still, I’m sure he found a dozen political commentators who said his man was a shoe-in.
No, one swallow doesn’t make a summer! I am no weather vane. My general election prediction was way out!
Worth a read this
http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2015/04/09/racial-bias-and-media-coverage-of-violent-crime/
Herald editor Tim Murphy steps down. Unlikely to be an improvement on content and standards, but worth watching to see how this changes the spin.
FYI.
I intend to make some HARD points about ‘Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) at the upcoming Auckland Council Controlled Governance and Monitoring Committee meeting Tuesday 14 April.
____________________________________________________________
10 April 2015
Request for speaking rights at the Auckland Council CCO Governance and Monitoring Committee to be held on Tuesday 14 April 2015 April 2015:
My subject matter will be:
1) A reminder that the underpinning legislation which outlines the aims and objectives of CCOs, is the Local Government Act 2002:
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2002/0084/latest/DLM171881.html
59Principal objective of council-controlled organisation
(1)The principal objective of a council-controlled organisation is to—
(a)achieve the objectives of its shareholders, both commercial and non-commercial, as specified in the statement of intent; and
(b)be a good employer; and
(c)exhibit a sense of social and environmental responsibility by having regard to the interests of the community in which it operates and by endeavouring to accommodate or encourage these when able to do so; and
(d)if the council-controlled organisation is a council-controlled trading organisation, conduct its affairs in accordance with sound business practice.
(2)In subsection (1)(b), good employer has the same meaning as in clause 36 of Schedule 7
(My underlining)
2) A formal request for a ‘progress report’ on information about awarded contracts being made available for public scrutiny on the front pages of Auckland Council, and all substantive Auckland Council CCO websites.
a) For Auckland Transport to include ALL contracts awarded, including those under $50,000.
https://at.govt.nz/about-us/procurement/awarded-contracts/
AWARDED CONTRACTS:
Auckland Transport is committed to ensuring its procurement activities are undertaken in an ethical and transparent manner.
The attached lists detail all of the contracts awarded in the previous six months that are valued over $50,000.00. Details include:
the contract number,
the contract name,
the supplier, and the
award value.
View the latest awarded contracts list (PDF 65KB)
Disclaimer: we endeavour to list all contracts awarded above the value of $50,000.00 in the previous six months. Whilst all possible care and effort has been taken to ensure accuracy in this list, we accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions. Accordingly, this list should be used for reference only.
________________________________________________________
3) The requirement for Auckland Council CCOs which are ‘Public Benefit Entities’, (including Auckland Council Investments Ltd ( ACIL), to act as such.
It is my considered opinion that ACIL’s stated ‘commercial focus’ , as outlined in the 2014 – 2017 Statement of Intent, conflicts with its function as a Public Benefit Entity.
The role of a Public Benefit Entity (PBE) is clearly outlined as follows:
http://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/guidance/reporting/accounting/pbe
“reporting entities whose primary objective is to provide goods or services for community or social benefit and where any equity has been provided with a view to supporting that primary objective rather than for a financial return to equity holders”.
(My bolding)
_____________________________________________________________
AUCKLAND COUNCIL INVESTMENTS LTD 2014 – 2017 STATEMENT OF INTENT:
http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/AboutCouncil/representativesbodies/CCO/Documents/acilstatementofintent20142017.pdf
1. INTRODUCTION Auckland Council Investments Limited (ACIL) owns Ports of Auckland Limited (POAL), Auckland Film Studios Limited (AFSL), a large equity holding in Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL); and manages the diversified financial assets portfolio (DFAP) on behalf of the Auckland Council (Council).
The purpose of ACIL is to support the Council’s vision and to bring a strong commercial focus to the ownership and management of the Council’s investments in POAL, AIAL, AFSL and the DFAP and to provide an efficient structure for the ownership of these assets.
Sound commercial governance of these assets, within the parameters set by the Council (while acknowledging that the Council/ACIL will be in a position of some influence, but not control, of AIAL), is important.
ACIL’s role is to endeavour to maximise their contribution to the Auckland economy and provide substantial financial returns, which are financially sustainable in the long term, to the Council.
_______________________________________________
2. STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND STRUCTURE ACIL holds equity interests in POAL, AIAL, AFSL and manages the DFAP for the longterm benefit of the region.
These assets contribute to the council’s delivery of Auckland Plan outcomes by:
Playing an important role in the delivery of the following specific outcomes:
o An Auckland of prosperity and opportunity (POAL, AFSL and AIAL) o A well-connected and accessible Auckland (POAL and AIAL)
Influencing the delivery of other Auckland Plan outcomes (such as those associated with transformation of the Auckland Waterfront)
Providing the Council with a financial return, which is a source of funding for Council activities and investments ACIL acknowledges that it is Auckland Council’s role is to set the overall strategy and determine the outcomes ACIL are to deliver.
ACIL will strive to deliver the set outcomes effectively and efficiently and provide value for money to the Auckland ratepayers.
ACIL will continue to focus on working collaboratively across the council group to deliver Council’s strategies.
ACIL recognizes that working together is particularly important as the group moves from a focus on strategy, policy and plan development, to accelerated implementation and delivery
_______________________________________________________
3. NATURE AND SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES This SOI covers ACIL and its subsidiaries. ACIL is a Public Benefit Entity for financial reporting purposes as it manages key strategic assets of the Council for the long term economic benefit of the Auckland region.
________________________________________________________
3) ACIL / Ports of Auckland Ltd (POAL) in my view, the arguable ‘conflict of interest’ of POAL CEO Tony Gibson, effectively working in the best interests of shipping companies, for whom he used to work.
http://www.poal.co.nz/about_us/management.htm
Tony Gibson
Chief Executive Officer
Tony joined Ports of Auckland as Chief Executive Officer in early 2011.
He joined the Company with 30 years experience in shipping and logistics, first with Seabridge in Wellington, and then with Nedlloyd and P&O Nedlloyd.
He has worked in various roles in Africa, Asia and Europe, including as European Director of Customer Operations, Rotterdam, before being appointed Managing Director, New Zealand and Pacific Islands in 2002.
Following a take-over by Maersk, Tony served as Managing Director of Maersk, New Zealand for three years. Most recently he has pursued his own business interests as a director and then Chairman of ERoad, a road-user charge solution provider. In 2008 he was appointed by the Minister of Transport to the Road User Review Group.
___________________________
Penny Bright
If anyone has been having problems getting pages today, blame it on some concentrated robots..
It was a bit noisy, so I eliminated two of the three holes they were coming through.