Open mike 22/04/2021

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, April 22nd, 2021 - 35 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

35 comments on “Open mike 22/04/2021 ”

  1. Cricklewood 1

    Given we've been assured that "rents have tended to mirror wage growth" just wondering if anyone here has seen a 6 percent wage increase recently?

    https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2104/S00327/rents-show-biggest-annual-increase-in-over-two-years.htm

  2. Jimmy 2

    This person should not be let out of jail early.

    Previous to this he stomped on someone's neck. So its not a one off incident. When he gets angry, he gets the prison guard to lock him in his cell…..what happens when he is released and gets angry?

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/124890747/man-who-fatally-headbutted-victim-over-parking-space-to-serve-less-than-half-his-sentence-in-prison

    Only one and a half years in jail for killing someone looking after a disabled person over a parking space.

  3. Peter 3

    According to the headlines Mike Hosking reckons we're heading for a brain drain to Australia. Means he's staying I guess

    • Sabine 3.1

      well there are others then Mike Hosking who reckon the same. Builder and Nurses first, anyone else who may have a chance at a job (for those not working from home and construction) and an affordable house.

      Why not? Indeed why not?

      • Drowsy M. Kram 3.1.1

        It's a nice place to visit…

        "I will not allow Australia to ever become a country where people say 'it's a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there'." – Julia Gillard (2010)

      • Peter 3.1.2

        People have always left Hokitika for Christchurch or Hokianga for Whangarei or Whangarei for Auckland or Auckland for London.

        This week and next week what would you do to keep people heading off to the streets paved with gold?

        What should other countries do to stop their people leaving their homelands to come here to do the low paid work our economy apparently needs which we can't furnish orders for?

        • Sabine 3.1.2.1

          pay them as much as we do here, cause that is why they are here. Our low paid jobs are still better then theirs, in the same sense as OZ low paid jobs are still better paid then ours here, and their houses are cheaper.

          And economic migrant is an economic migrant, no matter if you call them Ex-pat or Immigrant.

          • Patricia Bremner 3.1.2.1.1

            Sabine, how long is it since you were in Australia? Many homes have

            1. water charges

            2. Bodycorp charges

            3. Rates charges

            4. Surcharges for storm and flood damage.

            They have surging house prices, high unemployment, and good luck getting a work visa, plus needing sufficient funds for your stay, a permanent address, an ABN and an Australian bank account. Not quite as easy as you are saying.

            • Patricia Bremner 3.1.2.1.1.1

              A number of ex-Kiwis are coming here as they see help being offered. This Government did not create Rotorua's drug or gang problem. In Australia, the Centre Link pages offer all sorts, until you get to the bit that says "Except for New Zealanders" They get one time help once only, and do not qualify for anything else except medicare. Go figure.

            • Cricklewood 3.1.2.1.1.2

              Not much different to Auckland then, we also have the bonus that alot of our apartment buildings and townhouses are steaming piles of turd… that includes the new ones… see Stonefields… scaffold and wrap up on new by the quarry in 3 Kings only 3 years old… tearing the guts out of new 'executive' apartments in Grafton and keeping the reasons very very quiet with non disclosure agreements.

              But to be fair I think Aus has its fair share of problems in that regard…

          • Peter 3.1.2.1.2

            So, in Vanuatu and Fiji and wherever they should have minimum wages which are equivalent to ours? And us? We should find out what builders and nurses are paid in Australia and make those the minimum here?

            • Sabine 3.1.2.1.2.1

              What should other countries do to stop their people leaving their homelands to come here to do the low paid work our economy apparently needs which we can't furnish orders for?

              this was your question, my answer is here

              a. increase the wages of our low paid work that no one here wants to do cause they would not earn enough money to pay rent in a n 8 bedroom dorm of a Hostel to something that would afford the median 600 odd dollar now charged for 2 – 3 bedrooms without outgoings and food.

              b. remove any unemployment benefits and other benefits and force people here to do these jobs that they don't want to do because low pay.

              c. accept the fact that we will import low wage workers as NZ has done since ages ago – be they the early chinese communities, the european migrants, refugees etc, and call that cheap labour these guys and i once upon a time had to do to earn their 'right to breathe the good air of NZ' (yes, i was told that) – the 'Kiwi Experience'.
              d. drop our min wage to that of vanuatu to remove any incentives for the guys from vanuatu to come here, or increase their to what we have so that they don’t have an incentive to come here.

              Or else, find some Kiwis that are happy to work in understaffed old folks homes, that clean our hospitals and old folk homes, that pick our food, that do all sorts of jobs that we don't want to do. But you don't get to complain about someone applying to come here for a better live, when all of Pakeha NZ basically is build on Migration.
              .

    • Muttonbird 3.2

      I suspect there will be quite a few Covid refugees who returned home from Europe and the US go to Australia. They believe they are too big for New Zealand. They hate it here and rather than fix the perceived faults they'd rather chip away from places like Brisbane.

      • Sabine 3.2.1

        Why do you think that people are 'too big' for NZ, when all they want mostly is a steady income, a house, and maybe a bit more sun?

        Personally OZ is not for me, but then i live in Rotorua now, and i know quite a few people who are planning to leave. And why not? Seriously why not? No jobs. And i mean that. No houses – not for rent not to buy. Gangs fucking everywhere and no cops in sight, no social workers in sight, no government in sight. Panhandling, Drug dealing, open prostitution. Why not leave to OZ, after all where would you move to in NZ to escape this? Auckland? Wellington? lol. See above the article of a women living in an 8 bedroom dorm in a Hostel while being a student in Wellington. Why not move.

        Maybe its not that those that leave think they are to big for NZ, maybe NZ has no use for them, maybe NZ government has written of whole towns/regions as 'too hard to do anything there', and maybe NZ really does not care for those that have not made it big enough to actually live and eat and be warm in NZ on a standard wage without having to beg Winz for a subsidy.

    • Patricia Bremner 3.3

      Lol He would go well there, He and Jones!!

  4. Sanctuary 4

    Surprise, surprise – Australia continually treating us like a piece of shit stuck on their shoe has consequences for both countries.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/australia/300283352/foreign-minister-nanaia-mahutas-remarks-on-china-blindside-australian-officials

  5. WeTheBleeple 5

    I want to bring this group to the attention of TS. It's a Brash/Newman fan club with accent on fake patriotism and shutting down those pesky darkies.

    Kiwi Frontline.

    No link. Not gonna make it easy for idiots. Journos, I present you this haven for haters. Now do what you do do well.

  6. Stephen D 6

    The establishment of a new Public Health Agency gives me real hope. One of the key things I will be looking for is how much sway with the new agency the alcohol lobby will have.

    Alcohol is a real scourge on all levels of our society. We really do need to start to regulate it’s sale much like we have done, and continue to do, with tobacco.

    Stopping the sale of all alcohol in supermarkets. Regulate the number of liquor stores in any given area on a per head of population basis. These would be two great places to start.

  7. RedBaronCV 7

    Well that didn't take long did it. So much for any labour market resets – talk about ignoring people who vote for you Labour. And relying on continuing immigration despite the headaches that it has given us in every other area.

    Back to importing cheap labour to compete with the local unemployed and our own young people coming onto the employment market. So much for any tourism reset. And given that no tourists doesn't seem to have done much over al, economic harm.

    Plus we look like we are again going to be letting in the families of temporary workers with 12 months left on the visa. Are we again holding out false hope – that temporary visas can be made permanent easily – and at the expense of our own workforce.

    All this in the face of the the study into the fruit industry and local studies that show local labour displaced low productivity and under utilisation – women and maori in oarticular being affected.

    from Monday 19 April, applicants from the 14 uncapped countries who are currently in Australia will be able to apply for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa. INZ is promising to process applications within the standard timeframes.

    The countries concerned are the UK, USA, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.

    “This is great news for tourism and hospitality businesses struggling to find additional staff, especially temporary and part-time roles. There may be up to 45,000 young travellers in Australia although we don’t know how many would be from the 14 eligible countries,” Mr Roberts says.

    https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2104/S00231/tourism-employers-welcome-back-working-holidaymakers.htm

    https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA2104/S00125/border-exceptions-will-see-more-families-reunited.htm

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/300278980/the-underemployed-marlborough-has-too-many-parttimers-who-want-more-work

  8. Putting Private Wealth before Public Health risks both.

    The catalogue of Right Wing administrations, Trump, Bolsanaro, Modi, that have prioritised the economy over fighting the pandemic have ended up damaging both.

    Hopefully Andrew Little’s reforms will reinforce and harden our health system, ready to ramp up against any outbreak, (an outbreak that some have said will be inevitable with the more open borders).

    Let’s hope Little’s reforms are not too late, that the Health Minister can muster the massive health resources our nation will need against an outbreak.

    Victory was declared prematurely and that ebullient mood was communicated across the country, especially by politicians who wanted to get the economy going…….

    Sounds like the braying of our National opposition MPs. Thank goodness they were not in power when the pandemic struck.

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/21/system-has-collapsed-india-descent-into-covid-hell?CMP=fb_gu&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR3p9h4if_OgJdoHuj60wgbE5HmpheEXRk1ZWbZ1b9xI566z3G5ypJpYFZo#Echobox=1619005174

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiations
    Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 hours ago
  • New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to sign
    New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Next stop NASA for New Zealand students
    Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crime
    New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • OECD reinforces need to control spending
    The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-06T20:10:33+00:00