Open mike 28/06/2012

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, June 28th, 2012 - 73 comments
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Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

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Step right up to the mike…

73 comments on “Open mike 28/06/2012 ”

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  1. Jenny 1
    28 June 2012 at 6:19 am

    The Greens led campaign really seems to have spooked the government and Key in particular.

    Leading from a back foot position, it is heartening to see what an parliamentary opposition party can do, when they get stuck in.

    http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=24458

    Let us hope to see much more of this from all the opposition MPs.

    If the mass public campaign being waged by the opposition parties creates enough pressure it will squeeze that political pimple Dunne, and remove Key’s razor thin majority in favor of asset sales.

    Congratulations to all those involved in this campaign.

    Kia kaha keep up the good work.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/7175222/Asset-sales-fight-not-over-vows-Opposition

    • tc 1.1
      28 June 2012 at 6:42 am

      I’d love to believe that Dunne can see sense and modify his stance but let’s face it he sold out to whoever would give him some power and isn’t coming back.

      Weasels like Petey G put the position out there for all to see, morality and equity sold to the highest bidder which in this case was shonkey offering the revenue minister position from which Dunne has presided over tax cuts, abolishing duty etc…..see where this is going.

      • Bored 1.1.1
        28 June 2012 at 8:18 am

        Dunne was student Pres when I started Uni. He was well known to bribe the clubs with funding from the Studass fee, bit here bit there in return for votes. When he eventually lost it was off to a ALAC as CEO, another political sinecure where his well known wowserism fit only too well. Then to Labour as an MP. The rest is history, we have all been well and truly hoodwinked by this ratbag. It has only ever been about Peter, attending events around Karori has only ever been about Peter and votes. The guy is the ultimate chameleon, but under it all he is merely Peter, a charlatan, for sale to the highest bidder, scumbag.

    • prism 1.2
      28 June 2012 at 12:29 pm

      Oh Jenny, ‘squeeze that political pimple Dunne’ – what a funny analogy.

  2. RedLogix 2
    28 June 2012 at 7:20 am

    Given that the entire banking system is based on trust… is this the end of trust?

    • Bored 2.1
      28 June 2012 at 8:21 am

      Mere petty cash compared to the larcenous Jamie Dimond and the big boy banksters on Wall St. Trust? They get lauded as they thumb their noses at deposit holders, the whole facade of trust upheld because the big deposit holders are also busy ripping off you and me.

  3. just saying 3
    28 June 2012 at 8:26 am

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10815932

    This comes as no surprise to me, and makes a lie of the government’s mantra about wanting to make every potential worker, including the sick and disabled, apply for, and take up (primarily shit work for shit pay) as part of a reserve army of casual employees on call for potential employers for their own wellbing. The mantra goes that any paid employment is always better for all individuals in all circumstances, than not undertaking paid work, even where the person is recuperating from illness or injury.

    Unemployed Kiwis have a better overall level of wellbeing than “disengaged” employees, according to consulting company Gallup’s global wellbeing finder.

    Some 72 per cent of New Zealanders are actively disengaged in the workforce, with 59 per cent of disengaged employees behaving poorly with family and friends after a stressful day’s work, the survey found. That compared with 34 per cent of engaged employees who behaved badly…

  4. BLiP 4
    28 June 2012 at 8:32 am

    .

    Some good news . . .

    Sea Shepherd, Sea Shepherd U.K. and Captain Paul Watson have won the lawsuit filed by Maltese fish brokerage firm, Fish & Fish, that was filed in response to the release of 800 illegally caught Bluefin tuna in June 2010 off the coast of Libya . . .

    • grumpy 4.1
      28 June 2012 at 11:46 am

      Very good news, Watson may have faults – arguable, but he gets the job done. An activist you can respect.

  5. Ed 5
    28 June 2012 at 8:46 am

    Does anyone else find this article a little bizarre?
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/7182650/New-contract-to-rebalance-ACC-targets

    “ACC Minister Judith Collins will set out tough new expectations in a new contract with the troubled corporation – to be tabled in Parliament today.

    The document is a rolling three-year service and purchase agreement between the Government and the state insurer. ”

    ACC is of course not an “insurer” in the normally used meaning of the term – it is an arm of government charged with administering aspects of an Act of Parliament. If they need instruction, surely the place to start is with the legislation. Will we see a “rolling three year service and purchase agreement” with Inland Revenue? Will they be tasked with bring in more taxation revenue than can be derived from the basis set out in relevant legislation? Are there plans to contract tax collection to Ernst and Young if IRD don’t provide “value for money”? What about Ministerial services and other government bodies? Does any other part of government have a service and purchase agreement? This appears to be the privatisation agenda being pushed again!

    Parliament has been told that Dispute Resolution Services upheld almost half of the appeals lodged by long-term claimants kicked off ACC’s books in 2012, and that the district court had also overturned half of ACC decisions upheld by Dispute Resolution Services. That is a high proportion of disputed claims being determined against ACC – reinforced by the Prime Minister’s statement that over the past six years the average percentage of disputed decisions found in the corporation’s favour is 71.8 per cent”. Surely the extreme turnaround in results of disputed decisions should have been questioned by the reporter – getting the equivalent figures for the other 5 of those six years would be a suitable information request.

    • Carol 5.1
      28 June 2012 at 9:06 am

      Hmm… but this:

      Parliament has been told that Dispute Resolution Services upheld almost half of the appeals lodged by long-term claimants kicked off ACC’s books in 2012, and that the district court had also overturned half of ACC decisions upheld by Dispute Resolution Services. That is a high proportion of disputed claims being determined against ACC – reinforced by the Prime Minister’s statement that over the past six years the average percentage of disputed decisions found in the corporation’s favour is 71.8 per cent”.

      I wonder how many deals were negotiated to avoid going to the Dispute Resolution Service, as with me over physio? I had some physio, but then was rejected for further physio treatment. I launched a formal process to dispute. 1st stage is it goes to some ACC managers. I then got a phone call to say the managers had upheld the rejection decision.

      However, the person on the phone expressed a willingness to negotiate with me and the physio, some way of getting me some more physio. The main reason for this seemed to be to avoid me taking it to the next stage, which would be going to the Dispute Resolution Service. The person on the phone mentioned how expensive it would be for ACC to go to the resolution service. Result, some more physio, but to be used sparingly over a reasonably long period.

      i.e. if you’re articulate, persistent, and clearly show ACC people you know your rights, they are more likely to bend a little.

    • Carol 5.2
      28 June 2012 at 9:08 am

      And I was puzzled by the reference to ACC as an insurer, also. Also, Collins willingness to renegotiate with ACC according to this rolling agreement, implies that the last agreement with government was too nasty to claimants – i.e. it ultimately puts the blame onto the government for the policy of dis-entitlement, by assuming claimants are fraudsters.

    • just saying 5.3
      28 June 2012 at 9:16 am

      Parliament has been told that Dispute Resolution Services upheld almost half of the appeals lodged by long-term claimants kicked off ACC’s books in 2012, and that the district court had also overturned half of ACC decisions upheld by Dispute Resolution Services…

      So ACC’s own dispute service has found that half of the long-term claimants who appealed being dumped from weekly compensation in the lastest government-directed cull, were unlwafully disentitled. A few wrong decisions are, I suppose, to be expected. But if this were a private company they would be investigated for systematic fraud.

    • Treetop 5.4
      28 June 2012 at 3:26 pm

      The Dispute Resolution Service has become a battle ground between claimants and ACC. I would like to know what the issues are which claimants are taking to the Dispute Resolution Service.

      Yesterday I heard on RNZ that a woman has been trying to get five counselling sessions from ACC and that she will have to pay a $50 surcharge per session. This woman is a sensitive claimant and her privacy was breached, she has told ACC to shove the pathetic $250 offer for having her privacy breached.

      When it comes to Bennett settling claims for children who were harmed while in Social Welfare care, she is actually being constructive, I note that she is not revictimising claimants, this cannot be said for Collins and the way that she is handling sensitive claimants at ACC.

      What Collins needs to get into her brain is that when a person has PTSD there are three essential stages for recovery:
      1. Establishing safety
      2. Reconstructing the traumatic story
      3. Restoring the connection between the survivor and the community.

      http://anjperez.hubpages.com/hub/Stages-of-Recovery-in-PTSD

      There is no room for error when it comes to ACC processing sensitive claimants because, no one would wish it apon themself to contact ACC with a sensitive claim and not be able to get the help that they are entitled to from ACC.

  6. Kotahi Tane Huna 6
    28 June 2012 at 8:53 am

    Got to love those Greens. Eat it and smile.

    Shonkey caught being Shonkey. Again. Another set of dismal figures from ACC provide evidence of right wing incompetence. Again.

    I’m being charitable by describing it as incompetence, because if it’s deliberate it’s despicable.

  7. Carol 7
    28 June 2012 at 9:35 am

    This news about Kiwirail went public yesterday afternoon. I’ve just been re-visiting it, as I didn’t understand what “write down” meant. But it seems now the opposition parties are claiming it means the government is setting up Kiwirail for privatisation…. again!

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/business/109320/kiwirail%27s-balance-sheet-restructured

    KiwiRail’s assets have been written down by more than $6 billion as part of a major restructure, but the Prime Minister insists the move isn’t being done with a view to selling the rail company.
    […]
    KiwiRail’s assets have been written down by more than $6 billion as part of a major restructure, but the Prime Minister insists the move isn’t being done with a view to selling the rail company.

    http://www.3news.co.nz/KiwiRail-will-be-sold-opposition-says/tabid/423/articleID/259356/Default.aspx

    Labour says the Government is setting it up to fail.

    “KiwiRail is being lined up as the next asset to go on the auction block, just 24 hours after a law was passed allowing it to sell off our power companies,” state-owned enterprises spokesman Clayton Cosgrove said.

    “It has no intention of turning the company around, it is simply softening up New Zealand for the news that KiwiRail is part of the asset sales agenda.”

    NZ First leader Winston Peters says KiwiRail is being deliberately devalued so it can be “flicked off cheap” to a private investor.

    “Given our disastrous history of rail infrastructure when it was sold to private owners by National in the 1990s, this latest threat needs to be taken seriously,” he said.

    “The rail network is a critical part of our transport infrastructure, not a financial bauble to be parcelled around to National’s financial friends.”

    • Dv 7.1
      28 June 2012 at 10:33 am

      And in 2 years NACTs will be able to crow that they have doubled the return on assets base.
      Ha

    • Woody 7.2
      28 June 2012 at 7:55 pm

      Kiwirail are to shed 300 jobs. What a pity the workers are bearing the burden of recent poor spending decisions. One may have thought that Management would have mopped up the over paid contractors and consultants before the cuts. How can one justify General Managers on 40k/month (evidence available) especially when they are in these positions for years at a time.

  8. Carol 8
    28 June 2012 at 11:52 am

    Coming up on Question time today, Clayton Cosgrove on KiwiRail, Cunliffe on NZ’s clean green image, Clare Curran on public broadcasting, Gareth Hughes on conservation and oil exploration n marine areas.

    http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QOA/2/f/3/00HOH_OralQuestions-List-of-questions-for-oral-answer.htm

    • Dv 8.1
      28 June 2012 at 12:23 pm

      How about this one?
      MAGGIE BARRY to the Minister of Finance: How will the Better Public Services results targets announced this week contribute to a stronger economy?

    • Carol 8.2
      28 June 2012 at 2:15 pm

      Joyce just danced around trying not to directly answer the question asking for an assurance that the government wouldn’t try to sell KiwiRail. He said he wanted to give context first, showing why it wouldn’t be possible to sell KiwiRail.

  9. prism 9
    28 June 2012 at 12:28 pm

    When well paid (Brit) bank functionaries manipulated a system meant to give clear and transparent signals guiding interest rates (and were found out) they lost their bonuses. Oh dear, a slap on the wrist with a wet bus ticket. While not well-paid people hardly able to function at all – their misdemeanours involve court cases and confinement and obloquy (a word that emerged from the recesses of my mind – I wonder what else is lurking down there?)

    Also on banks – see Red Logix at No.2 today. Wow cybercrime.

  10. prism 10
    28 June 2012 at 12:49 pm

    Brownlee and Heatley coldly put the dampers on Dr Pita Sharples pragmatic suggestion of using houses in the red zones for shelter by people sleeping in cars and less sheltered places in Christchurch during snow, sleet, hail, and bloody cold times.

    Brownlee is disgusting, uncommitted to working for all Christchurch’s wellbeing. He is horribly filling my low expectations of his work level and concern for Christchurch people. Heatley, and all Housing Ministers that don’t try to cope fairly and make concrete efforts to meet the needs of the low income housing sector are just t..ds that should be properly swept away so a smart and humane politician can get in and tackle the job.

    • mike e 11.1
      28 June 2012 at 5:36 pm

      freedom don,t get carried away Michelle Ghee is on her way a right wing con artist who has found away of making lots of money denigrating teachers.

  12. Penny Bright 12
    28 June 2012 at 4:53 pm

    VICTORY FOR OCCUPY AUCKLAND!

    CIV 2011 004 2497, Auckland Council v The occupiers of Aotea Square

    ‘Contempt’ proceedings against Occupy Auckland by Auckland Council have been discontinued.

    Email received from Auckland District Registry Officer 26/6/2012

    “Dear All,

    Please note that the counsel for the plaintiff has filed a Notice of Discontinuance, hence fixture scheduled for 29th June 2012 is vacated.

    Regards

    ……………….
    Court Registry Officer
    Civil and Family Services – Case Management Team
    Auckland District Court
    Ministry of Justice | Tahu o te Ture ”
    ____________________________________________________________________________

    Penny Bright
    ‘Anti-corruption campaigner’

    Named Party in the above-mentioned (now discontinued) proceedings.

    • dd 12.1
      28 June 2012 at 5:06 pm

      Good news.

      I see the DOTCOM search warrants were illegal to. Interesting times.

      • Vicky32 12.1.1
        28 June 2012 at 5:09 pm

        I see the DOTCOM search warrants were illegal to. Interesting times.

        Indeed!

      • Kotahi Tane Huna 12.1.2
        28 June 2012 at 5:22 pm

        Mr.com may walk free from court, and good on the courts for refusing to countenance the craven poodle-hood of the crown, but he will forever be tainted by the stink of John Banks.

        • Reality Bytes 12.1.2.1
          28 June 2012 at 9:57 pm

          The guy hadn’t been here long, and I really doubt with all the exciting stuff he has going on that he would care much about NZ politics. You can’t expect him to understand the politics and history of the likes of Banks on the level a local would. I recon it was far more likely Banks was chasing after the likes of Dotcom anyway. The German guy probably thought ok a former local mayor want’s to hang with me, cool, why not have an ally like this on my side. And then Banks turned out to be a rather fair weather friend, and the rest is history. If anything the whole charade gives quite a good illustration of Banks character, and I thank Mr Dotcom for his contributions on that subject for us all the share.

      • just saying 12.1.3
        28 June 2012 at 5:43 pm

        In a case like this the police must have been more careful than usual. It makes me wonder how many illegal warrants are served on ordinary shmucks who don’t have unlimited resources to pay for top legal teams.

        • Colonial Viper 12.1.3.1
          28 June 2012 at 6:28 pm

          What’s almost of more concern is the NZ Police going after a very high profile, highly resourced target with guns drawn…not having dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s.

          Appalling judgement and preparation, costing the NZ tax payer hugely.

          • RedLogix 12.1.3.1.1
            28 June 2012 at 6:35 pm

            What happens when the case totally falls over and Mr Dotcom sues the NZ govt for the billions of dollars of damage to his business?

            • vto 12.1.3.1.1.1
              28 June 2012 at 10:09 pm

              This National government …

              slapped over Crafar I
              slapped over Akaroa Marine Reserve
              Slapped over dotcom.
              Soon to be slapped over Casino.
              Soon to be slapped over Crafar II
              .
              .
              .
              I guess that’s what you get when you’re simple and slap happy.

              feel free to add more

      • ianmac 12.1.4
        28 June 2012 at 7:35 pm

        Good news true. Lucky away back then, Mr John Key knew absolutely nothing about Dotcom before the raid. The PM wisely kept right out of the months of events leading up to the arrest. Or so says Mr Key?????
        Suppose his minders might have told Key to keep right away because he had nothing to gain. But really! The PM of NZ knew nothing of a mega millionaire who lived in his Electorate? Yeah right!

        • Logie97 12.1.4.1
          28 June 2012 at 9:42 pm

          …particularly when an organisation like the FBI were seeking extradition.
          Time for a Tui add.
          Key and his mates must have been kept very well informed of all stages of this one.
          It’s time for another one of those Fran Mold interviews like the one over the Tranzrail shares. John Campbell was getting there but let the “snake” go.
          Pinnochio’s nose keeps getting longer.

        • Reality Bytes 12.1.4.2
          28 June 2012 at 10:20 pm

          Yeah and a team of FBI arriving, and one of the biggest militarised raids by the police in many a year. And this guy is supposed to be absolute head of internal security or something. So whoever the 2nd in chain of command is, seems to think it’s a brilliant idea to only inform Mr key about such a major raid 24hrs before hand.

          Tui ad right there.

      • Murray Olsen 12.1.5
        28 June 2012 at 9:50 pm

        The police involved should be charged with home invasion.

  13. Vicky32 13
    28 June 2012 at 6:04 pm

    This just in (3News)..
    Bull English lets go his latest brainfart… mandatory drug testing for all beneficiaries!
    The Americans have already suggested that, so we know where his idea comes from…
    (Interesting. The line about Ewen McDonald’s ‘intense personal hatred’ that Stuff has had up all day, comes from the Prosecution it seems.)

    • Vicky32 13.1
      28 June 2012 at 6:07 pm

      Interesting. The line about Ewen McDonald’s ‘intense personal hatred’ that Stuff has had up all day, comes from the Prosecution it seems

      Unbiased media? Probably not…
      They do keep banging on about the public obsession about the case! (I suppose it justifies their 24/7 coverage.)

      • Te Reo Putake 13.1.1
        28 June 2012 at 7:31 pm

        Intense personal hatred seems a good description given the things McDonald has admitted already. Y’know, the poison pen letters, the graffiti. The burning down the house.
         
        I think the big interest comes from the nature of the crime and the relationships of the people involved. Plus the long time before the arrest which led to tons of idle gossip. There’s a Shakespearean element to it, I guess. Or maybe it’s more Kane and Abel?

    • TheContrarian 13.2
      28 June 2012 at 6:39 pm

      While I don’t support mandatory drug testing (for anyone) I don’t want tax dollars meant for life’s necessities being spent on drugs. Though on how to stop it I’d offer few solutions.

      • North 13.2.1
        28 June 2012 at 8:39 pm

        And then of course we could go outside the WINZ office and check their cars for warrants and regos. Not up to scratch…….fuck this underclass ! They’re not getting |”our” money.

        Ridiculous……..of course. Equally ridiculous to suggest denying the benefit for a positive drugs test. At the very worst, the very worst ……..if a former beneficiary comes along to WINZ asking for reinstatement because he lost his job on failing a drug test……..say no. Until you turn up with a negative test.

        You’re discriminating otherwise and you’re a mongrel. Especially when that particular lark, that fomenting of hatred against beneficiaries, is not because you really hate them. It’s simply, in the case of Blinglish et al, to keep their fat undeserving arses in parliamentary seats with ready access to all the baubles that come with that.

        In the case of the non-parliametarians it reflects the pathological need to have someone “below” to kick. And those with that need are weak people who hide from their own secret sense of inadequacy.

        I repeat my advice…….everybody who’s seen a National Party MP sucking on a joint, whenever it happened, come right out and say it. Make these hypoctrites live with the shit they’re so happy to heap on the “despicable poor” they’re so happy to identify and demonise. There’d be quite a few Tory aresholes sweating just a bit I reckon. Do it. Fuck their hypocrisy !

      • mickysavage 13.2.2
        28 June 2012 at 8:55 pm

        I agree.  Politicians should be randomly drug tested to make sure that they are not spending public money on drugs.  No exceptions.  All of them.

  14. TheContrarian 14
    28 June 2012 at 6:23 pm

    I think we can all relate….

    We have probably all been there…

    (Edit: Fixed broken link)

  15. Treetop 15
    28 June 2012 at 6:34 pm

    I see on 3 news that the Royal NZ Navy is turning into ghost ships. May be instead of Aussie mining recruitment going to the Devon Port Base, the NZ Navy should just sail over to Aussie and unload.

    • Ed 15.1
      28 June 2012 at 11:52 pm

      Was that where I thought I saw some comment about the Government having more value in Ministerial cars than in the Airforce – or something like that.

  16. North 16
    28 June 2012 at 6:43 pm

    Blinglish on TV One News tonight musing about denying the benefit to those who don’t pass drug tests. Loud cheering from his Federated Farmers audience.

    How I would love to know the name of everyone of those cheering aresholes……and have the capacity to go through the backgrounds of every single one of them, and their kids.

    We edge inexorably towards a nation utterly without morals while these bastards use any vile tactic to keep their fat arses in parliamentary seats.

    How about every member of their caucus sit down and tell me the truth about what they’ve done in their lives ? I wanna hear Blinglish truthfully tell me about his university days. Also Paula When I Was On The Bennie……..everything about herself.

    Or maybe people who’ve known any number of them in the course of their lives should just make a call to the old talkback tonight. Make no accusations…….just mention a name.

  17. William Joyce 17
    28 June 2012 at 7:55 pm

    The FBI were under pressure from the powerful movie and music industry to send a chilling effect through the world of cyber lockers/file hosts.
     
    So who do they go after?
    – The hosts housed in the US? – no.
    – The hosts in Switzerland? – no.
    – The hosts in Russia? – no.
    – The hosts in Germany? – no.
    Panama, Hong Kong, Canada, Ukraine, China, Italy, Spain?
    No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
     
    The went after someone in NZ. – Why? Because they could.
    What an ideal situation for them.
    A German guy. A fat guy. A larger than life character who could be portrayed as an ostentatious rich guy who is fleecing people of their money and rights. Living in a country do far away that US journalist would not travel to.
    And best of all – a compliant NZ Police ready and waiting with barrels of K.J. – who are far too “aroused” at the thought of partying with the Americans.
     
    The only thing that would have made it a perfect story for the American media would be if the guy was a funder of terrorism, a terrorist himself and he was in fact French!
     
    The raids in the Urewera and Wellington.
    The raid on Kim Dotcom.
    The speeding ticket I got the other day.
    There’s something rotten in the state police.

    • North 17.1
      28 June 2012 at 9:04 pm

      Ain’t it sad for NZ that the only guy who could fuck Botox Banks was the fellow you call the “fat German” ?

      It’s beautiful in the consummation though so Rah Rah Rah Sir Kiwi Dotcom. Even if you were a Tory arse-lick. I’m not even gonna complain about the no-balls of the media or the aspirational wannabe wankers who voted for Smile and Wave…….currently looking like an impatient little bully who reallly can’t be fucked with it all.

      Choice !!!

  18. rosy 18
    28 June 2012 at 8:19 pm

    Happy birthday Jean-Jacques Rousseau. A lot to argue with (which apparently is why he’s encrypted facing Voltaire in the Pantheon in Paris – so they can argue through eternity) but he did theorise the idea of egalitarianism. Something to be remembered for. Also:

    His greatest work, The Social Contract, speaks up for the rights of the citizenry in the teeth of private interests. He would also be struck by the way the democracy he cherished so dearly is under siege from corporate power and a manipulative media. Society, he taught, was a matter of common bonds, not just a commercial transaction. In true republican fashion, it was a place where men and women could flourish as ends in themselves, not as a set of devices for promoting their selfish interests.

    The same, he thought, should be true of education. Rousseau ranks among the great educational theorists of the modern era, even if he was the last man to put in charge of a classroom. Young adults, he thought, should be allowed to develop their capabilities in their distinctive way. They should also delight in doing so as an end in itself.

    • TheContrarian 18.1
      28 June 2012 at 8:27 pm

      Indeed, I did enjoy the works of Rousseau as I did other enlightenment figures. Hume was also particularly interesting

    • prism 18.2
      28 June 2012 at 9:08 pm

      “Young adults, he thought, should be allowed to develop their capabilities in their distinctive way. They should also delight in doing so as an end in itself.”
      Sounds like Neill’s type of education practice.

  19. captain hook 19
    28 June 2012 at 9:30 pm

    Anyway the civil society is very civil these days. No one at Barclays bank is going to lose their jobs after they were found to have manipulated the Libor rate.
    fined 290 millions pounds but the boss only lost his 1.7 million pound bonus.
    nice work if you can get it in the FREE market.

  20. Paul 20
    28 June 2012 at 9:32 pm

    I think people are gradually understanding this government’s agenda. Over 100 000 people have signed the petition for a referendum on assets sales.
    How can we further increase the ripple effect to ensure ‘Mum and Dad investors’ wake up and realise that John Key and his government does not care about them – they are only interested in the 1% investors?
    Ideas please

  21. captain hook 21
    28 June 2012 at 9:34 pm

    So who owns the river bed and does the Supreme Court have the power to make case law.
    These are vital questions especially after the Supreme Court decided it could do away with the supervision of the Privy Council.
    Now they too are just doing what they like.
    I guess Kweewee just gave them a mandate out of his mandate bag?

  22. Dave Kennedy 22
    28 June 2012 at 10:34 pm

    Judging by the numbers in the room, the passion and the quality of those leading the protest…the government should be worried. This could be the “Save Manapouri” for this generation:
    http://localbodies-bsprout.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/te-anau-turmoil-and-tunnel.html

    • vto 22.1
      28 June 2012 at 11:06 pm

      That s very well written, well expressed, knowledgeable and accurate.

      I recommend everyone reads this and takes note.

      • Colonial Viper 22.1.1
        28 June 2012 at 11:24 pm

        Mate of mine was there. There was talk from farmers about protesting the proposed construction of the tunnel using tractors to block progress.

        And where was English?

        • Dave Kennedy 22.1.1.1
          29 June 2012 at 1:49 am

          Bill English has privately stated, apparently, that he doesn’t think the projects will get final approval and Eric Roy has been heard saying that he doesn’t personally agree with them. Why doesn’t the Government come out and stop this waste of time and energy from both sides and declare the projects incompatible with the values of conservation environments. We could then concentrate on initiatives that bring real value to our country. Turning Fiordland into some sort of theme park is one big “fail”.

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    1 day 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
    2 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 ...
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    2 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 ...
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    2 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’ ...
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    2 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 ...
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    2 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 ...
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    2 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 ...
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    3 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.  ...
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    3 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 ...
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    3 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
    3 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. ...
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    3 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 ...
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    3 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    5 days 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 ...
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    5 days 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). ...
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    5 days 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 ...
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    5 days 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
    5 days 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 ...
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    5 days 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 ...
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    5 days 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. ...
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    6 days 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, ...
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    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 ...
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    1 week 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
    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, TĂźrkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
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    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
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    1 week ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

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