Open mike 22/08/2015

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, August 22nd, 2015 - 129 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

openmikeOpen 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 …

129 comments on “Open mike 22/08/2015 ”

    • Morrissey 1.1

      Excellent! I heard the fascinating report about your place on Radio New Zealand a year or so ago. Look forward to seeing this one.

    • maui 1.2

      Awesome, I’ll be checking it out too, not tonight though but when they upload it onto the Country Calendar website. Much more interesting than the shows on standard farming.

    • Prickles 1.3

      Thanks – both for letting us know and for the great work you’re doing. Was definitely worth catching.

  1. Paul 2

    The Archdruid explaining why the Left has been losing to the Right.


    There are at least two reasons why a strategy of pure reaction, without any coherent attempt to advance an agenda of its own or even a clear idea of what that agenda might be, has been a fruitful source of humiliation and defeat for the American left. The first is that this approach violates one of the most basic rules of strategy: you win when you seize the initiative and force the other side to respond to your actions, and you lose by passively responding to whatever the other side comes up with. In any contest, without exception, if you surrender the initiative and let the other side set the terms of the conflict, you’re begging to be beaten, and will normally get your wish in short order.

    That in itself is bad enough. A movement that defines itself in purely negative terms, though, and attempts solely to prevent someone else’s agenda from being enacted rather than pursuing a concrete agenda of its own, suffers from another massive problem: the best such a movement can hope for is a continuation of the status quo, because the only choice it offers is the one between business as usual and something worse. That’s fine if most people are satisfied with the way things are, and are willing to fling themselves into the struggle for the sake of a set of political, economic, and social arrangements that they consider worth fighting for.

    http://thearchdruidreport.blogspot.co.nz/2015/08/the-suicide-of-american-left.html?m=1

    • Paul 2.1

      From the same article.
      What a perfect description of many compromised Labour MPs in the UK and NZ.

      ‘I’m not sure why so many people on the leftward end of American politics haven’t noticed that this is not the case today. One hypothesis that comes to mind is that by and large, the leftward end of the American political landscape is dominated by middle class and upper middle class white people from the comparatively prosperous coastal states. Many of them belong to the upper 20% by income of the American population, and the rest aren’t far below that threshold. The grand bargain of the Reagan years, by which the middle classes bought a guarantee of their wealth and privilege by letting their former allies in the working classes get thrown under the bus, has profited them hugely, and holding onto what they gained by that maneuver doubtless ranks high on their unstated list of motives—much higher, certainly, than pushing for a different future that might put their privileges in jeopardy.’

    • Ad 2.2

      He is just so wrong.
      The monolithic left failed in the 1980s, and won. It won because “the left” split into a series of highly successful liberative movements in the late 1960s, which continued and established themselves throughout the media, academia, and education systems.

      It failed because conservative governments could smash the post-WW11 Labour-capital-consumerism world while the Soviet empire remained the boogeyman of strong-state redistributive economies.

      we forget the continuing successes of the former too easily, as if we are in a world of perpetual progressive regret. we are not.

      • Colonial Viper 2.2.1

        Yet the basic premise of the the Archdruid Report’s latest post rings true: the Left has been losing to the Right for several decades now, and continues to lose.

        It continues to lose because the Right sets the agenda and the Left reacts to it, all in an environment where the Right now has massively more institutional power than the Left.

        On this, Greer, the Archdruid is spot on.

        The monolithic left failed in the 1980s, and won. It won because “the left” split into a series of highly successful liberative movements in the late 1960s,

        Please clarify. Where in the world did the political economic left win.

        • Ad 2.2.1.1

          The political economic left didn’t always win.
          But the importance of the economic can be overstated.

          The political left found ways to recapture power elsewhere than electoral politics.

          In most big-state countries, the social welfare state hasn’t been dismantled – hell even National hasn’t touched Working for Families, Kiwisaver, the unemployment benefit, or NZSuper.

          Also, even National was perfectly happy to push through Gay Marriage, not repeal the Anti-Smacking Law, pushed on with Waitangi settlements, and can’t even pull someone’s hair without a smackdown. NZ is far more socially liberal than it ever used to be – and that’s a set of victories caused by the left.

          Not defending this government. Just pointing out that many of the left’s victories have been banked, even built on, by National.

        • Ad 2.2.1.2

          Plus, Archdruid is at base a misanthropist.
          He can’t see the point of people existing anymore – it’s life through a glass, half darkly.

          • Colonial Viper 2.2.1.2.1

            Druids aren’t misanthropes. But they can see when the seasons are changing.

            • Ad 2.2.1.2.1.1

              That particular Druid is a misanthrope.
              A really simple way to keep any movement alive, or indeed any patient, is to tell them what is working, and do more of it. That writer is just a cheerleader for the Global Movement Of Told You So’s.

    • adam 2.3

      I posted this last night Paul. I think this will help you understand that the left is very much alive. I’ve been saying on here that labour is not the left. I know the activist who write here think it is, but they need to realise they have a real problem with hard right wing members in the labour party, who distort and twist a strong social democratic message.

      http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/08/19/bernie-sanders-gives-wall-street-journal-reporter-the-best-tongue-lashing-youve-ever-seen-video/

      • Colonial Viper 2.3.1

        The Left is very much alive, but it lacks institutional power and it lacks funding and resources.

        • Draco T Bastard 2.3.1.1

          And is undermined by hard right wing members in the labour party.

          • Clemgeopin 2.3.1.1.1

            “undermined by hard right wing members in the labour party”

            What are you talking about?

            • Draco T Bastard 2.3.1.1.1.1

              This may be more accurate:

              And if that sounds like the manifesto of your average political party, then you’re right on the money. The endless pursuit of the Centrist voter has reduced our politicians to the equivalent of those journalistic low-lifes who go scavenging through the garbage of the rich and famous. In much the same way, the carelessly discarded detritus of the men and women “in the middle” gets picked over by political rubbish men, cleaned up, and re-cycled into party policy.

              Labour isn’t truly working as a Left wing party.

          • Vicky32 2.3.1.1.2

            Yes, to quote Clemgeopin, what are you talking about?

  2. The Chairman 3

    Another poor performance from Little on the Nation today.

    • Colonial Viper 3.1

      More detail please.

      • greywarshark 3.1.1

        I think the Chairman is one who demands a citation when presented with a commenters’ opinion here, so it is only right to request details of a criticism from him about a media event.

        can’t understand why citations should be asked for on opinions. Perhaps the question response should be – why do you think that?

    • Hami Shearlie 3.2

      I felt exactly the same, the loss of David Cunliffe’s ability to front the hard issues on television in his calm, cool and articulate way, is very apparent these days in my opinion. The Labour caucus have a lot to be ashamed of, they gave David Cunliffe a very short amount of time to establish himself before the election and then forced him out . He won every debate on television and would have been so good right now, with everything turning to custard on the economic front. Thanks Phil Goff, David Shearer, Clayton Cosgrove, Annette King, Grant Robertson, Jacinda Adern, Phil Twyford, etc etc etc.

      • Colonial Viper 3.2.1

        In reality, Little is a relatively new backbencher and certainly has had no Ministerial experience.

        Cunliffe certainly had room to improve but also had the potential to be the outstanding Labour Leader of our era, given a little bit more time.

        Which was exactly what many in his caucus did not want to give him.

        • greywarshark 3.2.1.1

          The business of tossing out a new leader after a loss in the polls is uncannily like what happens in the sporting community. Cunliffe lost so out he goes like an unsuccessful coach.

          This backs up an idea I have that politics today is not being addressed as an idealistic and practical way of attempting better conditions, fair and peaceful actions that produce good for individuals and the whole population. It is a competitive game like a sport, with great commitment to one’s team to see them win. In sport, winning is the name of the game (s.d that business about losing honourably). And these days money and perks will follow, and overseas travel. Sounds like many modern politicians’ dream wouldn’t you say.

          So in politics the leader is a servant of the caucus and needs to help them win or else, and the caucus are servants of whom?

          • Colonial Viper 3.2.1.1.1

            Caucus serves itself, and despite what is said is effectively accountable to no one else.

            • greywarshark 3.2.1.1.1.1

              Who is behind caucus though? If the defining object for the membership is not to serve the people’s good, and they are not operating on cultural and social ethical ideas, then who and what presses their buttons, pulls their strings.

              Is it now the ideology of wealthy people advancing their profit through efficiency and global opportunities. Are politicians seduced by views of them striding the world stage and talking up our importance in the financial and political world. In NZ I guess is it the 1-10% as seen behind the NZ Initiative. the Concentric Table?

              • Colonial Viper

                Who is behind caucus though?

                Not so much, who, but what.

                Careerism is the driving force. The details of how this is expressed varies according to the personality and ability of the individual.

                • greywarshark

                  CV
                  I think you have hit the target. That would explain their risk aversion in pursuing meaningful policies. They want to ensure that they offer enough to attract punters and keep Labour MPs in their jobs in caucus, but not ones that might be right but the voters are not ready to receive. What to do? Cut the career line to the placenta of goodies? How? I think we would get less monkeys wanting more peanuts.

                  And thanks for the disingenuous Matthew Hooton for doing his shapeshifter thing and derailing the thought line.

                  It’s Hotel California stuff.
                  Last thing I remember, I was
                  Running for the door
                  I had to find the passage back
                  To the place I was before

                  “Relax, ” said the night man,
                  “We are programmed to receive.
                  You can check-out any time you like,
                  But you can never leave! ”

                  The whole song is quite apt for the scenario we are thinking of.
                  AZ Lyrics present the lines well.
                  http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/eagles/hotelcalifornia.html
                  and for those who love the music.
                  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yyy4yaVwsv0)

          • Matthew Hooton 3.2.1.1.2

            Sir Graham Henry was kept on as All Blacks coach after the 2007 Rugby World Cup debacle.

            • Morrissey 3.2.1.1.2.1

              “Debacle”? They were beaten by France. Did you think it was going to be a gimme?

        • Jilly Bee 3.2.1.2

          + 1000 C V – I’m still a party member but my energy levels have waned somewhat since DC was replaced. He’s keeping a very low profile – not sure whether it’s self imposed (I do know his mother is most unwell and in hospital) or forced upon him.

          • Hami Shearlie 3.2.1.2.1

            I feel his low profile may be imposed by caucus wanting the likes of Grant Robertson etc to “shine” – good luck with that one! Who in the caucus is actually making a huge impact lately? Jacinda? Dream on! David Cunliffe doesn’t even seem to be allowed to ask a question in Question Time these days. I miss his articulate manner, grasp of the big picture and the curly questions he might pose if given the chance!

            • Karen 3.2.1.2.1.1

              +1 Hami

              I really miss David Cunliffe’s intellect and his ability to communicate complex issues clearly.

              Little started well, but really hasn’t impressed fora number of months now.It seems to me that he is so busy trying to appease everybody that nobody knows what he stands for any more. On radio he sounds offhand and unconvincing. His main achievement is that the caucus do look more united, but IMO Little really needs to inject a bit of passion into his performance.

              • Clemgeopin

                Putting some more boots in? Do you even realise what the hell you are actually ending up doing?

                • b waghorn

                  Exactly the left is its own worst enemy as much as I despise national I have to admire the tight ship they run.

                  • Colonial Viper

                    They run a tight ship because they have money and positions to move their deadwood and unwanted MPs on to when their due time comes, nice and smooth like.

                    • b waghorn

                      I realize that but from what I’m aware of in you’re case is that you have been on the inside and now you are on the outs a bit so I just see you’re behaviour as sour grapes.
                      I caught most of the nation this am and apart from a lack of clarity around the ninety day he did OK with as clemgeopin says some poor gotcha attempts.

                    • greywarshark

                      That’s jumping to conclusions bwaghorn. Presumably CV knows more about caucus and the interior view of Labour than you and therefore has something real to critique. Whereas you know how you feel at any given moment. So your opinion is interesting, whereas CV’s may be enlightening.

                    • Colonial Viper

                      Sour grapes, yes indeed: the exact feeling when you realise that you have been sold a false bill of goods.

              • Bearded Git

                @Karen Agree about the the passion.

                But please forget about Cunliffe as leader-he will make a fine minister if Labour wins the election, but going on about his demise gets us nowhere. (I will never forget John Armstrong’s disgusting article calling for him to resign over the 10 year old pro-forma letter.)

                In the meantime Little will lead Labour to the next election so he needs constructive criticism to keep improving his performance. I think Labour have been performing well recently-Twyford, Parker and King especially.

                • adam

                  AH the voice of reason.

                  Nothing to inspire – just keep calm, trust us – we have not done working folk any harm (Of late).

                  Look we will just cut you off at the knees, is that not better than being cut off at the hip.

                  Why are working class people so bloody demanding!!!

                  My sarcasm is a bit lame tonight. How about this

                  The Radical Peasant: We’ve got to get rid of this Feudal system, it’s killing us! Are you with us?

                  The Liberal Peasant: No, no, just wait till we get a new Lord. I hear his son has some good views on crop rotation.

  3. The Chairman 4

    I was going to post a link (to let commentators judge for themselves) but its not up yet.

    • Weepus beard 4.1

      Use your words then.

      • The Chairman 4.1.1

        His position on the 90 day trial law was far from clear.

        In fact, clear answers weren’t forthcoming. Too much waffle.

        Little reaffirmed Nationals rowing boat campaign, with the opposition rowing in all different directions.

        See for yourself:
        http://www.3news.co.nz/tvshows/thenation/interview-labour-leader-andrew-little-2015082210#axzz3jUXymhOn

        • Reality 4.1.1.1

          Andrew Little’s responses were perfectly fine. He talks sense and rightly highlighted the worm farm and lavender growing nonsense.

          • Colonial Viper 4.1.1.1.1

            First 90s:

            Little goes off track, barely answers to the question about Serco, misses an opportunity to deride the concept of private prisons; seems like Little wouldn’t have Serco do state housing because Serco did a bad job at Mt Eden. (So if Serco improves at Mt Eden, Little would be open to them being involved in state housing?). Overall, mediocre to poor.

            Then up to 5:00:

            Average to mediocre on health and safety. Started off well, and then declined as he got bogged down in detail and not principles. Ended up sounding like a health and safety consultant, not the Leader of the Opposition. Even praised some National Party MPs. Didn’t effectively push back against Owen’s claim that Labour was advocating for more red tape for small businesses.

            Up to 7:45:

            Mediocre to poor on the claim that Labour has changed its position on the right to fire legislation. This resulted from Little not being clear who he was addressing – workers, Labour supporters or business owners. So the message was very mixed sounding.

            Little should have said – Labour will definitely abolish the right to fire legislation as we have always said – but we will also ensure that employers have the right to use trial periods for staff where there are safeguards of fairness to all.

            Up to 9:00

            OK on the TPPA but he could have landed some better hits on the Government’s broken promises on its negotiations. At this point Little seems to not be able to pull out the short sharp meaningful one liner which has a big impact.

            Up to 11:30

            OK to mediocre on Climate Change, but Little didn’t really give a concise coherent explanation of why he thinks Climate Change is such a big moral issue of this century – yet Labour is still going to support coal mining and oil drilling. Most people against climate change won’t find the position sensible; most people who don’t care about climate change will wonder if Labour is just all talk.

            to the finish:

            Not good. Little seemed to give some disingenuous answers with regards to NZF as a coalition partner, and then the clip ends at an awkward moment where Little seems a bit frustrated with Lisa Own.

            • Clemgeopin 4.1.1.1.1.1

              Your ‘put the boot into Andrew and Labour’ at every opportunity you get is just like Hooton’s ‘analysis’.

              Did it occur to you that apart from the H& S, ‘most’ questions were
              hypothetical ‘gotcha’ type of questions that could not be answered definitively with certainty without the yet to be known details and were designed to trip him up for possible sensational headlines?

              • Colonial Viper

                Not good enough, I’m afraid. Cunliffe, Peters, Clark, Key would have all pushed back more effectively.

                • Clemgeopin

                  Andrew is a different person and a different type of leader. He is not the ‘usual’ type of politician that you are looking/longing for.

                  Among the four names you mentioned, Peters and Key are still there for you to choose between.

                  • Colonial Viper

                    yeah well Corbyn is not the usual smoothy politician type either and he seems to do just fine in tough interviews.

                    • Clemgeopin

                      Corbyn isn’t the leader of a political party YET. Did you forget that?

                      Once he becomes the leader, he will HAVE to reconsider some or many of his policies and bluster that happens during an internal party leadership campaign, and give more seriously measured responses in media interviews with the responsibility of knowing that he is the potential Prime Minister who will need to make sensible, workable and pragmatic decisions which will not only have the support of most of the voters but will also be good for the people and the country.

                      There is a big difference in pitching oneself to the faithful for party leadership and actually being the leader and potential PM for the entire country.

                    • Colonial Viper

                      All I know is that Little has work to do.

                    • Clemgeopin

                      Of course he has worked to do. He is yet to gain more experience in the job and has to tread with care and caution. That is elementary Dr Watson. Do you remember the sweet talking Key in his early days as the opposition leader and the PM in his early days?

                      Would you prefer a thoughtful honest leader who tries to give honest answers or a leader who smiles, easy going but seems quite untrustworthy?
                      Take a look at this clip:
                      http://www.3news.co.nz/politics/highlights-from-keys-2008-no-job-cuts-speech-2012031418#axzz3jV9pfRhh

                      But some of us have been very impatient and too harsh on Little and parroting the RW statements and agenda, when he has been in the job for just about nine months, while the Labour party policies are under review and the election is still more than two years away.

                      Sure, criticise him, but do so constructively and not in a way to demean and harm him and the Labour party. Only enemies of the left do that.

                      Also, it would be useful to email him or the party with ideas and suggestions if they are useful and made with good intentions.

                    • Colonial Rawshark

                      Fuck off a centrist establishmentarian like you Clemgeopin having the audacity to call me an enemy of the left; further Little ran out of grace period with me when he signed off on the Chinese house buyers gambit.

                      He wanted Cunliffe’s job now he better start doing a better job. Or shall we give Little another 6 months to get it together.

                    • Clemgeopin

                      “Fuck off a centrist establishmentarian like you Clemgeopin”

                      You are funny!

                      I am not a centrist establishmentarian, nor an anti centre-right-disestablishmentarian.

                      What I am is a pragmatic socialist democrat for the modern times and I take the pragmatic ‘electable’ view that a modern socialist party such as Labour should be a party (1) of the left, (2) of the left-of-centre and (3) the centre, (and not foolishly be just the party of the left and die a permanent death).

                      That is exactly the positions that Sanders has taken if you watch many of his speech videos. He advocates for the sick, the poor, the students and primarily for the care of the middle classes. I do too!

                      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFAq-4Vv5c0&feature=youtu.be

                      Not sure if Corbyn says the same thing about the vast majority of the middle classes. Probably does.

                    • Colonial Viper

                      Labour will be electable when it stands in solidarity with the bottom 80% in society. Currently it is too concerned with what the top 5% think of it.

                    • Clemgeopin

                      “Labour will be electable when it stands in solidarity with the bottom 80% in society”

                      I certainly think they do!

                      “Currently it is too concerned with what the top 5% think of it”

                      I doubt that and hope not.

                      Now go to bed and have happy peaceful dreams. 晚安

                • Weepus beard

                  If you loved Cunliffe’s delivery so much why did your people oust him?

                  I know you’re going to say “they’re not my people”, but the truth is CV, you are so all over the place that an observer has no idea what you actually stand for.

              • Karen

                Actually I think CV has given some good examples of how Little could have done better. It is far more constructive criticism than “putting the boot in.”

                Pretending that Little is performing really well in media interviews (when it is obvious that he is not) is not helpful if you want Labour to win the next election. My big worry is that Little isn’t getting any better at communication, and he really does need to.

            • Draco T Bastard 4.1.1.1.1.2

              yet Labour is still going to support coal mining and oil drilling.

              So do I. I just say that we should ban burning it or selling it to people who are going to burn it.

              • wot??? YOU support coal mining and oil drilling? say it ain’t so – you will dig it up at great cost to many areas including the environment, emissions and so on, and then not burn it or sell it??? Wot you gonna do with it? Why not just not dig it up or suck it out? bloody/facedesk

                • Draco T Bastard

                  As per usual, your ignorance is showing. You can do more with the hydrocarbons than just burn them.

                  http://science.howstuffworks.com/plastic5.htm
                  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrochemical

                  • answer the questions

                    • Draco T Bastard

                      I did.

                    • Please show where you answered this question – why not just not dig it up or suck it out?

                    • adam

                      I thought Draco T Bastard gave a couple of great introduction links – you can expand from there marty mars – try google.

                      Here’s a heads up.

                      NZ has quite a substantial reserve of high grade coal – which should not be burnt as it is awesome for many other things – ever heard of carbon fibre?

                    • that’s nice adam

                      I did read the links.

                      so you and draco want to continue to dig, drill and suck – just like the gnats as it happens, and you want to use the high grade coal dug out through your eyesore, destructive, open cast mines, to make carbon fibre. Perchance why??? It doesn’t really matter what fancy you come up with be it space ships or alien cricket bats btw.

                      Well guess what – I oppose that. I don’t want you the gnats to dig any more shit up

                      No more exploitation of Papatūānuku for bullshit western lavish lifestyles and fake futures.

                      so now I’ve answered my own question I’ll go beddy byes.

                    • adam

                      Carbon is a very useful element.

                      We just been stupid enough to burn it.

                      Not sure what you expect to use if not carbon for quite a few things – please if you have a solution, I’m all for reading about it.

                    • weka

                      can you give some examples of the things you think are important?

                    • further down this page a solution!!!

                      http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-22082015/#comment-1061769

                      so we don’t have to dig it, drill it or suck it after all – certainly not if we want carbon fibre for use in the ” aerospace, construction, and electronics industry” (from Grey’s post below)

                      this is the beauty of the net

                      problem – marty don’t want holes dug, draco do want them dug because he and adam want the carbon fibre to build stuff

                      solution – create operation to get carbon out of atmosphere thus reducing it in the atmosphere and making it (by turning it into carbon fibre) available to build spaceships and toasters.

                      result – less carbon in atmosphere, spaceships built of carbon fibre, and the process is likely, after development and testing to be potentially less expensive than existing methods – ahem yay!

                      They have even tested this new method and they were able to “generate the large amount of heat needed to run the desired reaction.” – okay yay again to that I think

                    • weka

                      What are the potential pollution problems arising from that? Manufacture, disposal at end of life, etc.

                      How many fossil fuels are needed to create that industry? To keep it running?

                    • Draco T Bastard

                      problem – marty don’t want holes dug, draco do want them dug because he and adam want the carbon fibre to build stuff

                      I want more than the carbon fibre. I want the life saving drugs that come from the use of the hydro carbons. I want the advanced recyclable plastics that can be made from them. And hundreds if not thousands of other products that are essential to a good and healthy living.

                      Now, here’s a thing: Digging holes in the ground isn’t really a problem – Papatūānuku will just fill them again and often with a marvellous new ecosystem. The problem comes if we poison that hole so we don’t do that. That is going to need strong regulation and you’ll get lots of whinging from the capitalists saying that it will cost too much to keep clean but we should have learned by now that we simply shouldn’t be listening to the capitalists.

                      result – less carbon in atmosphere, spaceships built of carbon fibre, and the process is likely, after development and testing to be potentially less expensive than existing methods – ahem yay!

                      Have you considered the problem with that? To give you a hint, it’s the exact opposite of the one we have now.

                      How many fossil fuels are needed to create that industry? To keep it running?

                      None. Again, you misunderstand the nature of fossil fuels and their use and how they’re simply not needed.

                      It will require more mining though.

          • Bearded Git 4.1.1.1.2

            @Reality +1 Little did just fine in this interview. He is smart and the Nats are having trouble knocking his solid, common-sense image after the pathetic Angry-Andy smear failed.

  4. Jilly Bee 5

    Reading Audrey Young’s column in Granny Herald today was a fairly interesting read about Michael Woodhouse’s absolutely pathetic handling of the Health and Safety legislation. I thought she was being fairly reasonable in her criticism of the Government, but then at the end, the boot went into Andrew Little for demanding that several Ministers should have been stood down/resigned over several botch ups. It’s all his fault/Labour did it too/it’s Labour’s fault etc etc. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11500944

  5. Morrissey 6

    Hats off to Neil Miller.*
    Not many people would be so magnanimous after being made to look so foolish.

    The Panel, Radio NZ National, Friday 21 August 2015
    Jim Mora, Andrew “Dire” Clay, Neil Miller

    Should the police be armed or not? Neil Miller opined that New Zealand is an “out-lier” on this issue, but that nothing will change until not only policemen, but members of the public start getting shot. Of course, members of the public are getting shot—by the police. Sadly, however, neither Jim Mora nor Andrew “Dire” Clay had the presence of mind to remind him of this.

    Miller then announced how much of a fan he is of police using tasers. Clay, who often refers to himself as a “liberal”, endorsed Miller’s view, burbling: “I’m a big fan of tasers.”

    To introduce some informed comment on to the program, the producers had arranged for Mora to cross to Deakin University Associate Professor in Criminology Dr Darren Palmer, who quickly and eloquently showed that neither Clay nor Miller had a clue what they were talking about. Politely but devastatingly, he showed that every single point that they had made was fallacious.

    Neil Miller had nothing at all to offer by way of counter-argument. However, once Dr Palmer had departed, Miller said sportingly: “Very sensible comments from an academic, I must say.”

    If only Neil Miller’s sportsmanship and honour could be emulated by the likes of Cameron Slater or Jordan Williams or David Farrar or Barry Corbett or Stephen Franks or Michelle Boag or Denise L’Estrange-Corbet or Nevil “Breivik” Gibson.

    * Yesterday this writer, i.e., moi, misheard Neil Miller’s generous comment and posted that he had called Dr Palmer’s comments “cynical”. Thanks to our vigilant friend Gabby for pointing out my grievous error. Here’s the original post….
    http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-21082015/#comment-1061375

    • Tautoko Mangō Mata 6.1

      Here is an interesting article on policing in USA.

      “More than one thousand people are killed by police every year in America,” the group states on its website. “Nearly sixty percent of victims did not have a gun or were involved in activities that should not require police intervention such as harmless ‘quality of life’ behaviors or mental health crises.”http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/taskforce/Interim_TF_Report.pdf
      http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/08/21/campaign-zero-blueprint-ending-police-violence

      The article refers to an Interim report from the task force on policing in USA and this paragraph caught my attention.

      “In 2012, we began asking the question, “Why are we training police officers like
      soldiers?” Although police officers wear uniforms and carry weapons, the similarity
      ends there. The missions and rules of engagement are completely different. The
      soldier’s mission is that of a warrior: to conquer. The rules of engagement are decided before the battle. The police officer’s mission is that of a guardian: to protect. The rules of engagement evolve as the incident unfolds. Soldiers must follow orders. Police officers must make independent decisions. Soldiers come into communities as an outside, occupying force. Guardians are members of the community, protecting from within.”

      This makes sense to me and I wonder what path Greg O’Connor is wanting to take our police down?

      • Morrissey 6.1.1

        Thanks for that, my friend. I share your concerns about Greg O’Connor. Whenever he appears on television or radio, his views seem poorly thought out and reflexively right wing.

        It just goes to show that not every union rep is of the calibre of Helen Kelly or Richard Wagstaff. O’Connor is a union rep more in the mould of Tau Henare, who sneered at cleaning women at a select committee hearing and reduced them to tears.

      • Kevin 6.1.2

        This looks like an interesting movie about this topic:

        http://www.peaceofficerfilm.com

  6. weka 7

    I see John Pilger is being interviewed on RNZ in the morning about Assange. Whatever other interesting and useful things he has to say, I’ll also be listening to see if he has learnt how not to support rape culture in his support for Assange.

    9.30 Sunday http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/sunday/20150823

    He’s also going to be talking about Corbyn.

    • Morrissey 7.1

      If someone in the British secret services concocts a fantastic case against Jeremy Corbyn, you’ll no doubt be repeating those lies enthusiastically.

      • weka 7.1.1

        Only if the person who writes about it misuses rape culture as part of their argument. In which case it won’t be lie, will it.

        • Morrissey 7.1.1.1

          Your answer is totally confusing. Could you write in plain English please?

          • weka 7.1.1.1.1

            Your answer was confusing too, but I assumed you meant I was lying about something (calling Pilger a rape apologist?). So if a govt attacks Corbyn and people defending Corbyn use rape culture in their defense in the way that Pilger has, I will name that. But it won’t be a lie because it’s just happened and I’m just making an observation about it.

            Of course I am guessing because you were obscure. How about you write in plain English?

            • Morrissey 7.1.1.1.1.1

              Your answer was confusing too,

              No it was not. You know exactly what I meant.

              but I assumed you meant I was lying about something (calling Pilger a rape apologist?).

              Good. You do understand that I was calling you on your absurd lie.

              …..use rape culture in their defense in the way that Pilger has

              Could you expand on this bizarre claim, please? I suspect you’re already way out of your depth, but I’m willing for you to show us otherwise.

              I’m just making an observation about it

              You’re not making an “observation” about anything. You are simply reiterating one of the most brutal lies about a human rights activist that has been propagated in living memory. The viciousness of your mindless activity is not mitigated by the fact you write so poorly.

              • weka

                There’s nothing vicious in what I said, unless you are suggesting that a feminist having a political analysis of rape culture is vicious. Which is not an uncommon assertion, but that doesn’t make it any less absurd.

                If you want the detail, search ts for weka +pilger, I’ve commented on it before. That Pilger is so good in other ways is precisely the point that feminists have been making for a long time now. Left wing men still have large blind spots when it comes to the oppressions they take part in.

                Interestingly, if you want an example of how to write about Assange without promoting rape culture, look at CV’s post from the other day. He got his points across without using rape myths or undermining women who routinely get caught up in the politics of rape. That’s a very good sign.

                • Morrissey

                  unless you are suggesting that a feminist having a political analysis of rape culture is vicious.

                  There is not a shred of analysis in what you have said. You have merely recycled the black propaganda of the British and U.S. regimes. You might see such behaviour as virtuous, I see it as the very opposite.

                  I have read what you said about Pilger, and it is as vacuous now as when it was first published on this mostly excellent forum.

                  • weka

                    “There is not a shred of analysis in what you have said”

                    Not on this page, because all I did was name something.

                    “You have merely recycled the black propaganda of the British and U.S. regimes.”

                    Please link to where the British and US regimes have named Pilger as promoting rape culture. A couple of examples will suffice.

                    “You might see such behaviour as virtuous, I see it as the very opposite.”

                    I’d be very surprised if the British and US regimes had even considered the idea.

                    “I have read what you said about Pilger, and it is as vacuous now as when it was first published on this mostly excellent forum.”

                    That doesn’t match what you said before when you asked me to explain. I’m getting the sense of disingenuous here. I notice that you haven’t put up a single thing to refute my claim other than that Pilger is Great.

                    • Morrissey

                      Every one of the ridiculous, completely discredited accusations made against this dangerous, truth-telling, dissenting journalist is the result of deliberate lies orchestrated by the British secret services.

                      You need to seriously do some reading. Your naiveté is alarming, to say the least.

                      You might like to start by listening to someone else who was targeted in the same way as Assange, except the agents of his intended destruction were a little more ham-fisted and vulnerable than the likes of the odious Marianne Ny….

                      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Tvmi14pzto

                    • weka

                      oh right, silly little feminists couldn’t come up with an argument of their own, they’re just parrotting the evil British SS.

                      You have failed to provide any evidence that the US or Brits have named Pilger as a rape apologist. Get a grip Morrisey, and put up an actual proper argument or fuck off. I can’t be bothered with a Pilger fanboy who just wants to spout florid rhetoric and move goal posts instead of discussing actual issues.

                    • Morrissey

                      “silly little feminists couldn’t come up with an argument of their own, they’re just parrotting the evil British SS.”

                      You’re trying to argue that the persecution of this dissenter is being organized by feminists? That’s about as foolish a thing as you’ve written here. And that’s saying something.

                      I note that Women Against Rape almost immediately denounced this ridiculous campaign, as did the young women who had been bullied and manipulated into complying with this obscene business.

                      Everything you have said about Pilger lacks even a hint of credibility.

                    • weka

                      I can’t tell if you are being extremely thick or just trying to wind me up. I think I’ll go for the latter.

                      To be clear, what I have said today has nothing to do with the persecution of Assange (or Pilger) by the US or UK.

                      You seem to think I am talking about the rape charges against Assange. I’m not.

                    • Morrissey

                      Then why are you making these nutty allegations about Pilger?

                    • weka

                      the only thing I’ve said about Pilger is that I hope he’s changed and doesn’t talking about Assange tomorrow in ways that promote rape culture. If you don’t understand what I mean by that, it’s up to you to ask.

                      All the other stuff about persecution by the state etc is what you’ve brought up, nothing to do with my point.

                    • greywarshark

                      Weka – Morrissey on Assange. Can anyone give me the result of the contest without me having to read it. I am guessing its nil all.

                    • weka

                      there is no contest. Morrissey went off on a mission of his own making that had nothing to do with my comment. Last time I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.

                      Please don’t make his mistake. I wasn’t talking about Assange.

  7. Blue Horsehoe 8

    http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2109855

    Objectives To identify published clinical trials in which an FDA inspection found significant evidence of objectionable conditions or practices, to describe violations, and to determine whether the violations are mentioned in the peer-reviewed literature

    Conclusions and Relevance When the FDA finds significant departures from good clinical practice, those findings are seldom reflected in the peer-reviewed literature, even when there is evidence of data fabrication or other forms of research misconduct.

    http://charlesseife.com/fdadocuments.html

  8. Clemgeopin 9

    Andrew Little’s well considered answers for difficult questions, in spite of cachya type of questions in this morning’s The Nation’s interview.

    http://www.3news.co.nz/tvshows/thenation/interview-labour-leader-andrew-little-2015082210#axzz3jV9pfRhh

  9. Morrissey 10

    Meet the next British prime minister

    The Blairites that dominate the Labour Party and the media are running scared of this bloke. He’s the MP for Islington North. His majority at the last election was 21,194, but Blair’s cronies insist on calling him “unelectable”….

    Jeremy Corbyn – Leeds 8th August 2015
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhhYnEYnM9A

    • James 10.1

      Corbyn will never be Prime Minister.

      I believe that the guy is unelectable. What real “Labour” voters and the wider public believe are worlds apart.

      • Morrissey 10.1.1

        Someone who must be an ACT voter writes….

        I believe that the guy is unelectable.

        Clearly not, as his 21,194 majority demonstrates only too clearly.

        What real “Labour” voters and the wider public believe are worlds apart.

        So the huge majority of Labour voters who back Corbyn, and the majority of the British population that agree with his views, are not real voters. Got it.

        • greywarshark 10.1.1.1

          Yes Morrissey I too believe that James is an ACT voter. He regularly comes over as a RW twit.

    • greywarshark 10.2

      I notice the young people in the meeting. Few grey older people to be seen. Very responsive meeting for Corbyn.

  10. Draco T Bastard 11

    Guatemala prosecutors seek to impeach president after ex-VP’s arrest

    Perez’s conservative administration has spent much of this year mired in public protests and scandals over corruption allegations against senior officials, several of whom the retired general fired during a cabinet purge in May.

    I remember when conservatives actually had some moral fortitude…

    Oh, wait, no I don’t.

  11. Brett Dale 13

    First off.

    1: Im not religious
    2: I believe in the right to Protest and Counter Protest.
    3: I Like America.
    4: I have no idea if the TPPA will be good or not.
    5: Told ya Hoverboards will be invented.

    So walking down the street in Nelson today, I heard a lone protester screaming “The TPPA is awful” he looked really angry, his eyes were popping out his head, his fists were clenched, he looked like he wanted to punch someone.

    He then yelled “Jesus Hates the TPPA, even Jesus hates the TPPA”

    he walked straight past me, I said “Seriously even Jesus hates it?”

    He got in my face yelled rather loudly said “Yes, everybody hates it” and walked off.

    He is my friendly advice to future protesters.

    1: Just because your angry, that doesnt make you right.

    2: I can be turned around on any issue, if you provided facts/data/stats and are very analytical in how you present them.

    3: If you attend a lot of protests where you burn the American flag, I will believe that your more about political ideology than whether a certain law is good or not.

    4: Please dont scream in my face or poke your finger in my eye.

    5: You may believe if New Zealand was a socialist country, we will all be on seven figure salaries, I dont believe this.

    6: The people who make the most noise, don’t come across as Rhode Scholars or people I would trust with any economic law.

    7: Please know that there are people who are just as passionate about a issue and may be on the Opposite side of that issue.

    Again, I think you will get a lot further with your protests if you take this advice.

    • marty mars 13.1

      I cannot understand why you didn’t outline your 7 step plan to the ACTUAL protester you wrote the plan for.

      • weka 13.1.1

        indeed, hard to see what that advice has to do with anyone here.

      • Brett Dale 13.1.2

        It all happened to quickly, I guess I can now, if someone else starts screaming in my face.

        • Morrissey 13.1.2.1

          Did you outline to this person—assuming he exists and you’re not fantasizing—your carefully thought out view on the plight of the Palestinians?

          (i,e. “They deserve everything that happens to them.”)

        • marty mars 13.1.2.2

          and yes I was expecting you back – you said when hoverboards happen you will return and apparently they are happening but for me I’m still not convinced yet.

          • Brett Dale 13.1.2.2.1

            I believe they will. In October. Maybe really expensive, but theres two companies that have working prototypes.

    • greywarshark 13.2

      I thank you Brett Dale for your detailed exposition on behalf of all protesters, who are all individuals not a collective of yellow-eyed children into groupthink as in Wyndhams book The Midwich Cuckoos,

      The politics of TPPA are enough to drive sensitive people nutty. Thank goodness you are not sensitive, nutty or shy of advising everyone on how to avoid such states.

    • Gabby 13.3

      Cool story bro.

  12. Draco T Bastard 14

    With National your ‘Brighter Future’ involves:

    “My GP says until I actually crawl up his driveway to his surgery, don’t bother asking him again.”

    Yeah, crawling up driveways because you can no longer walk to get the treatment that would allow you to walk.

    • whateva next? 14.1

      yep, they cooked the booked for a shiter future, as we knew they would

    • marty mars 14.2

      yep the absurd asking for the impossible – “Male gnats often assemble in large mating swarms or ghosts, particularly at dusk.” We’ve all seen them milling around in the late afternoon light – bet they don’t have to crawl to the doctor.

  13. Weepus beard 15

    The little guy from the embarrassing MasterCard ads…

    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CM9hxiMUkAAFYgT.png

  14. joe90 16

    M’urica

    https://twitter.com/julito77/status/634932196776759296/photo/1

    edit: the source

    Still, others said they had plenty of advice for the man they regularly identified in conversation as “Mr. Trump.”

    “Hopefully, he’s going to sit there and say, ‘When I become elected president, what we’re going to do is we’re going to make the border a vacation spot, it’s going to cost you $25 for a permit, and then you get $50 for every confirmed kill,’ ” said Jim Sherota, 53, who works for a landscaping company. “That’d be one nice thing.”

    http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/08/22/us/donald-trump-fails-to-fill-alabama-stadium-but-fans-zeal-is-undiminished.html

  15. adam 17

    Good news on workers solidarity from.

    http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Brazil-Hundreds-of-Thousands-Protest-Against-Coup-Attempts-20150820-0033.html

    And some bad news from the Ukraine. It seem to getting worse not better there. Worth watching the vice video if you have not yet.

    http://sputniknews.com/europe/20150820/1025986430/ukraine-right-sector-child-soldiers.html

    One more piece – depressing – when they go so hard after social democrat’s.

    http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20150821/1026006091.html

    • joe90 17.1

      And some bad news from the Ukraine. It seem to getting worse not better there. Worth watching the vice video if you have not yet.

      Dutch blogger Dajey Petros tells a rather different story.

      http://ukraineatwar.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/nazis-are-core-of-russias-hybrid-army.html

      • adam 17.1.1

        I think there are neo-nazis on both sides. That said, right-sector is a ultra right wing group who are fubar.

    • Clemgeopin 17.2

      Thanks for the links. The article on Corbyn and the dirty politics was very intertesting. Fascinating elections coming up with Corbyn on IK and Sanders in USA!

      “Maybe sometime in the past the British establishment could succeed in destroying an alternative voice, as they did with Labour’s Michael Foot and Tony Benn during the 1980s. But, today, the public no longer rely on the media mouthpieces of the establishment. They can make their own minds up with abundant alternative information sources.

      The surging popular support for Corbyn is proof of that. The British people have had it with the rich getting richer and the vast majority getting poorer. They have had it with war, state-sponsored lawlessness and “professional” politician-puppets like Tony Blair and his New Labour ilk.

      Corbyn is showing that socialism is a real alternative, no matter what the establishment says’

      Great to hear that! Fingers crossed.

  16. dv 18

    This is an interesting development

    http://www.technologyreview.com/news/540706/researcher-demonstrates-how-to-suck-carbon-from-the-air-make-stuff-from-it/

    A new method for taking carbon dioxide directly from the air and converting it to oxygen and nanoscale fibers made of carbon could lead to an inexpensive way to make a valuable building material—and may even serve as a weapon against climate change.
    Licht says his group’s newly demonstrated technology, which both captures the carbon dioxide from the air and employs an electrochemical process to convert it to carbon nanofibers and oxygen, is more efficient and potentially a lot cheaper than existing methods
    But it’s more than just a simpler, less expensive way of making a high value product. It’s also a “means of storing and sequestering carbon dioxide in a useful manner, a stable manner, and in a compact manner,” says Licht. He points out that if the process is powered by renewable energy, the result is a net removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In a recent demonstration, his group used a unique concentrated solar power system, which makes use of infrared sunlight as well as visible light to generate the large amount of heat needed to run the desired reaction..

    • greywarshark 18.1

      Our own Rdion is up to dte with this. Plese note – I hve spilt some wter on my keybord, now the left side keys including the first lphbet letter don’t work. In the opinion of people who know, will it dry out nd the function return?

      http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/201767441
      http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/201767441/a-groundbreaking-co2-strategy-that-pays-for-itself

      9:21 AM. Researchers invent a process that turns polluting carbon dioxide into carbon nanofibers, a highly sought-after manufacturing material with the potential to be used in the aerospace, construction, and electronics industry. Stuart Licht, Professor of Chemistry at George Washington University.

      • dv 18.1.1

        Yes I had heard it on the radio, but I couldn’t recall where, so I went hunting for the “original” article.

        It sound really interesting.

        Aha rdion = radionz!!!
        May be a hairdryer might help?

        • greywarshark 18.1.1.1

          Thanks I lifted and angled keyboard overnight. More keys down. Have a spare and the old one was due to move on. Maybe my head is a bit wet – will use the hairdryer on that.

          I thought the article was really good too, it’s hard to pull yourself up by your bootstraps when you’re already small but we must try.

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    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 10, 2024 thru Sat, March 16, 2024. Story of the week This week we'll give you a little glimpse into how we collect links to share and ...
    2 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11
    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 10, 2024 thru Sat, March 16, 2024. Story of the week This week we'll give you a little glimpse into how we collect links to share and ...
    2 days ago
  • Out of Touch.
    “I’ve been internalising a really complicated situation in my head.”When they kept telling us we should wait until we get to know him, were they taking the piss? Was it a case of, if you think this is bad, wait till you get to know the real Christopher, after the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The bewildering world of Chris Luxon – Guns for all, not no lunch for kids
    .“$10 and a target that bleeds” - Bleeding Targets for Under $10!.Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.This government appears hell-bent on either scrapping life-saving legislation or reintroducing things that - frustrated critics insist - will be dangerous and likely ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    3 days ago
  • Expert Opinion: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    It hardly strikes me as fair to criticise a government for doing exactly what it said it was going to do. For actually keeping its promises.”THUNDER WAS PLAYING TAG with lightning flashes amongst the distant peaks. Its rolling cadences interrupted by the here-I-come-here-I-go Doppler effect of the occasional passing car. ...
    3 days ago
  • Manufacturing The Truth.
    Subversive & Disruptive Technologies: Just as happened with that other great regulator of the masses, the Medieval Church, the advent of a new and hard-to-control technology – the Internet –  is weakening the ties that bind. Then, and now, those who enjoy a monopoly on the dissemination of lies, cannot and will ...
    3 days ago
  • A Powerful Sensation of Déjà Vu.
    Been Here Before: To find the precedents for what this Coalition Government is proposing, it is necessary to return to the “glory days” of Muldoonism.THE COALITION GOVERNMENT has celebrated its first 100 days in office by checking-off the last of its listed commitments. It remains, however, an angry government. It ...
    3 days ago
  • Can you guess where world attention is focussed (according to Greenpeace)? It’s focussed on an EPA...
    Bob Edlin writes –  And what is the world watching today…? The email newsletter from Associated Press which landed in our mailbox early this morning advised: In the news today: The father of a school shooter has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter; prosecutors in Trump’s hush-money case ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Further integrity problems for the Greens in suspending MP Darleen Tana
    Bryce Edwards writes – Is another Green MP on their way out? And are the Greens severely tarnished by another integrity scandal? For the second time in three months, the Green Party has secretly suspended an MP over integrity issues. Mystery is surrounding the party’s decision to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Greens’ transparency missing in action
    For the last few years, the Green Party has been the party that has managed to avoid the plague of multiple scandals that have beleaguered other political parties. It appears that their luck has run out with a second scandal which, unfortunately for them, coincided with Golraz Ghahraman, the focus ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s Dawn Chorus with six newsey things at 6:46am for Saturday, March 16
    TL;DR: The six newsey things that stood out to me as of 6:46am on Saturday, March 16.Andy Foster has accidentally allowed a Labour/Green amendment to cut road user chargers for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which the Government might accept; NZ Herald Thomas Coughlan Simeon Brown has rejected a plea from Westport ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • How Did FTX Crash?
    What seemed a booming success a couple of years ago has collapsed into fraud convictions.I looked at the crash of FTX (short for ‘Futures Exchange’) in November 2022 to see whether it would impact on the financial system as a whole. Fortunately there was barely a ripple, probably because it ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago
  • Elections in Russia and Ukraine
    Anybody following the situation in Ukraine and Russia would probably have been amused by a recent Tweet on X NATO seems to be putting in an awful lot of effort to influence what is, at least according to them, a sham election in an autocracy.When do the Ukrainians go to ...
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s six stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15
    TL;DR: Shaun Baker on Wynyard Quarter's transformation. Magdalene Taylor on the problem with smart phones. How private equity are now all over reinsurance. Dylan Cleaver on rugby and CTE. Emily Atkin on ‘Big Meat’ looking like ‘Big Oil’.Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15Photo by Jeppe Hove Jensen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Buzz from the Beehive Finance Minister Nicola Willis had plenty to say when addressing the Auckland Business Chamber on the economic growth that (she tells us) is flagging more than we thought. But the government intends to put new life into it:  We want our country to be a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • National’s clean car tax advances
    The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has reported back on the Road User Charges (Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Amendment Bill, basicly rubberstamping it. While there was widespread support among submitters for the principle that EV and PHEV drivers should pay their fair share for the roads, they also overwhelmingly disagreed with ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Government funding bailouts
    Peter Dunne writes – This week’s government bailout – the fifth in the last eighteen months – of the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts company would have pleased many in the central North Island ski industry. The government’s stated rationale for the $7 million funding was that it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Two offenders, different treatments.
    See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago
  • Treaty references omitted
    Ele Ludemann writes  – The government is omitting general Treaty references from 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 public service on Treaty ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Ghahraman Conflict
    What was that judge thinking? Peter Williams writes –  That Golriz Ghahraman and District Court Judge Maria Pecotic were once lawyer colleagues is incontrovertible. There is published evidence that they took at least one case to the Court of Appeal together. There was a report on ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop: Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
    Wellington’s massively upzoned District Plan adds the opportunity for tens of thousands of new homes not just in the central city (such as these Webb St new builds) but also close to the CBD and public transport links. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Wellington gave itself the chance of ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
    It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    5 days ago
  • That Word.
    Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
    It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
    Open access notables A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society: In the year 2023, we have seen extraordinary extrema in high sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic and in ...
    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
    For forty years, Robert Muldoon has been a dirty word in our politics. His style of government was so repulsive and authoritarian that the backlash to it helped set and entrench our constitutional norms. His pig-headedness over forcing through Think Big eventually gave us the RMA, with its participation and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
    Bryce Edwards writes –  Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
    Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
    Questions need to be asked on both sides of the world Peter Williams writes –   The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
    Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
    Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    5 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    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, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    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 ...
    6 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    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 ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    6 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    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 ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    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 ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    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 ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
    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 ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    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, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Government moves to quickly ratify the NZ-EU FTA
    "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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 hours ago
  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    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.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    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, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    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. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    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, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    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, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    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,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    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. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
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