Xox
Wallace Chapman’s first program on National Radio. Covered the Government axing of funding Problem Gambling Foundation. The mechanics of how the Government managed this is similar in MO to the axing of TVNZ7. Dirty doo doos. The tone of the program is light with plenty of giggling, chuckling and froth. Early days but it’s looking/sounding more like breakfast tvnz. Yuck. Has ‘serious’ treatment disappeared from NZ public media? Dumbing down.
Disagree Philj-thought the programme between 7-10 covered hard issues with good questions asked and discussions held. Afghanistan, Problem Gambling Foundation, Housing. Of course Mediawatch was as good as ever, especially on the polls.
Chapman has the great ability to ask really tough questions in what appears to be a lighhearted manner and then follow-up the answers given with tough questions in the same way. Superficially it sounds frothy, but its not.
+1, BG. The first hour I thought he was finding his feet, but have been quite impressed, Actually finding him easier to follow/listen to than Laidlaw. Particularly agree with your last para.
In an election year, we should demand that any government will decriminalise abortion. I and many others are not criminals. This is a healthcare matter. And for Lent we should give up judgment.
I agree. It’s a pity the Herald on Sunday has gone with that snide “out of leftfield” label for these opinion pieces – it’s actually not radical at all to talk about how dysfunctional and condescending our abortion laws are.
Edited to add: and it pigeonholes abortion law reform as a leftwing issue. It’s not at all!
Media National Radio just did the accuracy of polls item. Interesting.
The Herald poll re voting chances of Brown (67% of elderly voters rubbished) critically examined. NBR fellow checking every poll since 1999 shows a plus bias for National and minus bias for Labour Greens.
Waiting for it online.
For those that didn’t see it, Norman was great yesterday too. What phil is referring to is the fact that Norman and the GP have chosen to be part of a NZ govt rather than taking bottom line stands on issues that are dear to phil and staying out of govt. But Norman’s handling of Gower being a dick was pretty good – he came across as relaxed, clear, not bothered by the political bullshit games etc.
I’ll just say it again – the only reason you think Norman was a disaster is because you want the GP to have bottom lines that will keep them out of govt. That is agin what the party wants, and seeing as how Norman works for the party not you, he did just fine. It certainly wasn’t anything close to a ‘disaster’.
I didn’t say you were an enemy of the GP (though it’s certainly interesting that you went there yourself). I said that what you propose (taking bottom line stances on certain issues) is akin to saying the GP is better outside of govt. Because that is what would happen if they did what you are proposing. If that’s not true, how about you describe the alternate strategy and how it would play out differently.
but thinking more on yr original contention..you may be correct in one way..
..in that..
given option A..greens..(if unable to get their bottom lines post-election from labour)..offering support for confidence and supply..and promised key roles that are ministers in all but name..(as referred to by fitzsimon..)..from the cross-benches..
..and able to vote for or against labour policies based on their merits/greeness..
..and option B..greens ministers in formal coalition..
..and subsumed by the majority party..
..and because of cabinet collective-responsibility..unable to even speak out against bad lab/govt policy..
It’s not about what I would do. It’s about what the GP as a whole wants. I agree with their general strategy, that gaining more power in parliament at this point in time is the right thing to do. How they manage that remains to be seen. I’m sure I will have some criticism at the time, but I don’t believe at this point in time the GP will be more effective out of govt than in.
But I do believe that this is what you are suggesting. See my comment further down, where I’m curious about how you see bottom lines playing out.
“cabinet collective-responsibility”
Why is this sacrosanct? Why can we not all be adults and say where we agree and where we disagree?
So on the one hand the GP can tell Labour what to do, and on the other hand they have to accept all the rules that Labour demands? I know logic isn’t your strong suit, but even so that’s pretty bizarre.
Let’s say what you suggest is true – that if the GP came out with some bottom lines, non-negotiables, now, they would pick up more votes. Let’s say that at this point their bottom lines are fracking, deep sea drilling, and cannabis law reform. On election day they get 15% of the vote, this gives them 18 MPs out of 120. What do you think will happen next? Bearing in mind that Labour don’t support any of those 3 bottoms lines.
What if Labour and NZF can govern without the GP/Mana? (I don’t think it’s realistic to expect the GP to plan election strategy around a party that has no candidates yet. Although I fully expect them to be thinking hard about the possible outcomes).
“a non-question really..’cos if that happens..and that happens..there will be nothing to be done about it..”
It’s not a non-question, it’s a central reality of this election. If Labour have a choice between NZF and the GP, do you think they will choose the party that has bottom lines against its own policy and that is trying to force them to do their will? Or will they go with the party that wants to build a stable relationship based on mutual respect and overlaps of policy that are negotiated? In the past I would have said that Labour will do whatever, but if Cunliffe is genuine about wanting to shift the country left again, then an opportunity to work with the GP looks more likely to be attractive. If Labour choose NZF, that’s their funeral, but the GP will still have it’s policies intact and be able to work outside govt.
Besides which, the whole ethos of the GP is about building good relationship. One of the things I am most interested in is how the GP will manage this this time round during post-election negotiations. I still hold some hope that they will influence the culture of government formation, although I won’t be surprised if I am disappointed either.
I commend your patience, weka. I can’t be bothered with the accusations every time I disagree with the latest rave. Funnily enough, I remember weka when I was young, darting in and stealing shiny stuff, yet you’re not the one being distracted here by all that glitters.
You were the only one shocked by Norman’s Nation interview yesterday.
Yes – cannabis legalisation is not a priority for him. I think the party policy is still to appoint a public inquiry ASAP (but probably not quickly enough for you). Rather than cursing one co-leader for allowing Gower to portray him as proTPP on the same day that the other coleader was addressing the country’s largest anti-TPPA rally, perhaps you could say; what party, who will have MPs after the election (ie not the ALCP), do you think offers better a policy on cannabis?
The “pot-vote” is electoral suicide for the Greens. They have gone to great lengths to develop excellent Green policies without giving the MSM a free hit on this issue.
I’m just asking you for some substance. If you think that the IP will achieve more for cannabis law reform than the GP, then vote for them (assuming that’s all you care about). But don’t be suprised if you get challenged when you state that the GP should make it one of it’s main election policies.
A suite of concerns, just like the GP has. You just seem pretty light on how to actually achieve your aims. The GP have huge experience in how to advance their aims. I’m good with criticism of the GP, but I don’t see much substance to your criticism, other than that you are disappointed in them.
I would add that the GP has also been a main player in shifting the consciousness and understanding within NZ of environmental issues. Simply having them in parliament and speaking up has changed the agenda on green issues. That is not to be underestimated, because it’s those cultural shifts that enable real change.
I am a huge fan of Mr Norman, but I did not agree with his statements today. NZ does not have the capacity to be first in the world paying carbon tax without increasing poverty at the same time. Instead of giving the money to a carbon exchange bank it would be better to have a look at infrastructure and alternative energy supply (electric buses running at frequency, sun collectors etc). Right now, NZ needs to act on issues such as cattle grazing and pollution of waterways. Drinking water, fracking proposals and consequences. This needs to be done in conjunction, agreed – but not at the same time. Its like cutting the nose despite the face. Please tell me that Mr Norman has not lost touch with ordinary people living ordinary lives with less then ordinary incomes but disproportional stress of holding their lives together.
Given that the GP say that this election will be fought on child poverty, I don’t think he’s lost touch. I think the answer to what you raise is in how the GP suggest changes to economic management ie emission solutions don’t equate to poverty.
Cunliffe could take note- in fact he should go round to Norman’s house for a few brewskis or whatever and have a bit of a chill out and a think about the things Labour and the Greens could do together…so that when he gets surrounded by the douche squad he can just do a bit of method acting, recall his chill place and be supremely not bothered about it whatever they’re flinging at him this week…
body language is important- a bit more chill could be worth a few poll points. Be like a golfer- positive imaging…
Just watched Norman’s “shocker” previously recorded. Disagree strongly with you Mr. Ure-thought he answered and argued his corner well, did not give away policy at all.
It’s Gower’s interpretation of the interview later that is the problem-putting words into Norman’s mouth.
Similarly later in the programme Gower stuck his ore in at the end of the panel discussion saying he thought the issue of asset sales is now a non-issue. Rubbish. Credit the electorate with some brains-they will remember this issue 5 months down the track, especially after Lab/Gr/Mana reminders.
Cantabs have become pretty good seismic scale predictors. I can remember lazing about the lounge when there would come a bit of a rumble from the east followed microseconds later by a bit of a shake. My partner would casually remark, “3.8.” I’d say, “I reckon it was 3.9.” The daughter would pop up with, “You’re both wrong, it was a 4.0!” Geonet would reveal that the reading was somewhere thereabouts.
Xox
PU. Did you notice Walace’s proud admission that he lives in an ex state house, and that they were well built and don’t leak. Ha ha ha. It shows that the government ‘back then, was capable of initiating and implementing effective policy! Wow, if only they acted progressively now!
A message to Paddy Gower:
Stephen Sakur or Tim Sebastian you’re NOT!
For that, you’ll need a few additional ‘learnings’
1. At least allow the interviewee to finish their point
2. A bit more intellectual rigour and probably quite a few more brain cells
3. Shedding yourself of your ideological biases for a few minutes at a time
Ure correct – it might well have been one of his better efforts – which says a helluva lot about his previous.
He cut Norman off/over-talked a couple of times when we may well/would have got more detail.
He also had a number of ‘examples’ he wanted to put to Norman – all of which would have been met with the same reply (which, hw didn’t get through0.
He had an agenda from the start.
Try watching it again maybe – and count the number of minutes/seconds down to Gower versus Norman. There really should be a huge imbalance in Norman’s favour IF it was his intent to get genuine answers
Edit: if it was his genuine intent to get answers
It’s not really an interview or a conversation that is nice to watch on the weekend- it’s Patrick Gower’s shooting gallery- where he has to hit three targets for the 6pm news. He just keeps shooting until he gives up, or gets something which he thinks he can paraphrase into what he wants to say.
It’s really deeply unsatisfying weekend viewing. It also focuses a lot on the horse trading aspect of politics.
Last week Leighton Smith made much of this piece published by Nate Silver’s FiveThirtyEight as a body blow to climate science and more importantly, the left.
Yeah great stuff from Hone, an excellent outline of the 3 main planks that Mana will fight the upcoming election on and a good indication of where Mana is at vis a vis the Internet Party,
(1), Feed the kids, in this land of milk and money there is no reason for ANY kid to miss out on ANY meal for ANY reason,
(2), House the people, in the same land of milk and money there is no reason why anyone should not be living in a warm dry comfortable home that suits the size of both their family and their income,
(3), Jobs for everyone capable of working,
i cannot see anything there that the Internet Party could not agree upon, so, it comes down to the IP’s main policies, who they would front as proposed MP’s and the ‘biggy’ as far as a negotiation goes how the carve up of the % of vote at the election would go with regards to positions for each party,
Hone pointed out that His view on Marijuana is not necessarily that of the whole party, he did tho point out with regards to kids accessing it in the Far North He has seen up close and personal the damage done,
My view on the dope laws is perhaps we need manage a staged liberalization of the Law, decriminalize the penalties for possession and growing for personal use down to an instant fine like a traffic ticket while putting in place a system to measure the outcomes in terms of hospital admissions/crime statistics while intensifying penalties around supplying minors in the vein of even having kids raid your stash in an act of theft might see you in jail,(in other words no matter how a kid got hold of your dope its your responsibility),
Yes, Hone has become a credible and articulate politician. Nice to see. Very impressive.
I was also much impressed with the forthright interview with Kim Dot Com. It was a pleasure to see and hear that interview. He comes across as very honest and very sincere, a hundred times more so than what I feel about Key or Banks for example!
He is new to politics but displays a huge intellect and great sincerity. A breath of fresh air!
Wish I had two party votes! One for Labour and one for IP.
Yes .Com was surprisingly impressively sensible and Hone too.
Winston wasn’t bad either, telling Gower to behave himself.
John Key seems even less sincere compared to these three.
Those stupid ‘quick fire shot gun’ type of questions are very unfair, particularly for someone who is an amateur new politician. Some political questions can not simply get a blunt yes or no answer as there are subtle issues involved that need careful consideration. Nevertheless, KDC did quite well here though he did not have enough time to think things through.
‘Regulation or deregulation ‘ for example. Some things need regulation or more regulation while some other things need deregulation. Mathew Hooten, the right mouth piece interpreted his answer, ‘deregulation’ to state Kim is right wing! What a stupid commentator! Kim was probably thinking of dope deregulation or something else! As I said, stupid Y or N questions. I suspect Hooten probably gave that list to the interviewer!
My gut feeling is that this Internet party will easily cross the 5% threshold and Mana too will do quite well during this election.
It’s almost possible to get swept up in that. He seems to be intimidatingly shrewd, capable, fun-loving, motivated, charismatic with the gift of the gab, an entirely novel and interesting shake-up for our small wee country-town of a country.
Would you say- calculating? He doesn’t appear to have that kind of careful weighing of each statement before he says it the way many politicians do. But I wonder what would happen if he didn’t get his way. Or if he was angry with something.
We have seen many of his faces and they are refreshing and engaging. But…
I find it a bit weird that Hone talks about the damage done by electric puha in the north without putting it in context of the social and economic devastation wrought by successive governments, both national and local. I’d blame the environment in this case long before I’d blame the drug. In fact, many things might be worse up there without it.
Murray O, Hone tho addresses a big part of the problem you highlight with the 3 planks of the Mana election campaign,
Two other points spring to mind, in a short sharp time slot on TV it’s pretty much impossible to be laying out such a large speech on the impoverishment of sections of New Zealand society, there’s just not the time, better to lay out the short sharp planks the Party plans on campaigning upon, simple bread and butter statements,
The second point, Hone was talking about school kids getting hold of dope and the effect this has on their learning, i think most of us here would agree that its not good for kidsa to be smoking the stuff which is why i proposed above a staged decriminalization where the penalties for smoking and growing yer own are minimal but extra penalties would accrue to those who for any reason under-age kids get into and smoke up large on their stash…
Some good listening this morning. Good is used facetiously. Dunne rumbling away about the Gambling Foundation trick – how you pull the rug from under something substantial and it doesn’t matter! Because the government is not paying a charity for advocating against gambling – only for treatment of the destroyed. And they probably haven’t been doing a good job at it either. And it seems that some zealous government officials let the Problem Gambling Foundation know that they were not wanted.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/240195/'threats'-to-former-anti-gambling-chair Peter Adams, associate professor of Auckland University’s Centre of Addiction Research, was involved in setting up the Problem Gambling Foundation 20 years ago and worked with the organisation for the following decade.
He said government has a vested interest in profits from gambling and that during his time with the foundation there were many attempts to break it up. “We got very used to hostility from government officials,” he said. “I was threatened personally at one stage … one official said that he would work at ruining my career….
Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne told the programme he has never heard of that, and suggestions by Mr Adams that the government has a vested interest in the gambling industry are not correct either….
He said it was likely the foundation was not doing that good a job in helping problem gamblers. He said it is not up to the Government to pay for an advocacy service opposed to the gambling industry.”
And this is the thing – the government does not want to hear a squeak out of the organisations it funds. It was back in them ol’ days of the 90’s when government stopped funding charities and started buying services from them. And why should it buy criticism or good advice from them. Talk about blighting, biting, the hand that feeds you.
In NZ it is no longer possible for people to attempt to help those in need of help in the community, and ask the government for some cash to assist the unpaid volunteer work done. No you might appeal but narrow criteria must be met. That doesn’t include helping people manage in life. For foodbanks, people must have budget advice. For budget advice, that would include some hurdle they had to achieve. For children it had to be for education, it couldn’t be to take them to the seaside in a bus once a month, so they could have some joy and good times in the outside environment and outside their neighbourhood, as others take for granted. And so on.
If you are dependent on the government, you’ve got to touch your forelock, because they are now your patron, not to be questioned about their sly and destructive behaviours. Thinking here of juggling pokie numbers, massaging the liquor industry, and refusing to attempt re-education of errant drivers. Keeping marijuana as a dangerous drug involving $millions of police time, and fun helicopter rides.
(TPPA will be like this but on a massive scale. Probably a citizen that criticises any business will be sued. In fact in 1998 Oprah Winfrey was sued under food libel laws by Texan meat producers when she said something negative about meat.)
A titbit from The Press Tuesday 25/Mar/2014. Two Nat MPs less than 6 months from their retirement, are on a 10-day taxpayer-funded tip to China costing $15,000 a head. Now this actually is probably not very expensive for the length of the trip, objectively. It could have been worse. We judge such expenditures differently now in this exciting free-wheeling world of international commerce. But why doesn’t National just make it clear to us all out there in Electorate-land, that China is a VIC and is ‘the new big thing’ and they’re off like greyhounds after a rabbit.
And that there is a trip to China as a sweetener to any MPs they would like to stand down to make way for those who have passed the poise, pose and personality test and been done-over good by the PR, and human resource, and clothes and wardrobe and make-up – to the voters department?
They have been included in an Mfat funded group building links in new areas (No province left behind thrust). It includes senior members of parties – political ones that is – Phil Goff, David Shearer and Winston Peters, I don’t know how many. (No mention of Russel Norman!)
It appears that in the past all retiring MPs get to go on a retirement joint.
But as there are no Labour MPs quitting they are not included on this one.
New Zealand’s farm debt mountain is back on its way upwards…neighbour just purchased their 10th dairy farm for $50 per KG…expect bad things again in the dairy farming sector once dairy payout falls under long term average of $6.50 per KG MS…munting our little community…
I think MS stands for Milk Solids – basis of dairy payout. Is that correct Saarbo?
10th dairy farm. Borrowed on farm with 10-20% deposit? What sort of deposit would be required to buy at $50 per kg. Is it all done on leverage? Till farm prices rise as high as Mt Aoraki? If there is a crash, how will the taxpayer step up and help out a la SCF? We’ll have to bankroll these high rollers to stop the country washing away into the sewage drain.
I was just reading the Transport Blog on the HOP system. The difficulties with paying cash and how people don’t try to be ready with the cash. (One man was observed to check all pockets before bringing out a note, then pay with a note again the next day.) But everyone can’t afford a HOP card. What could be done is issue them with instructions on how to pay in cash effectively and charge them an extra 50% when they don’t pay with the right money, the nearest sized note, and have it ready when they approach the driver. Otherwise instant fine.
Other people waiting with cards cannot get on bus till cash customer is dealt with. Perhaps card carriers go first? In some European countries the payment is made before getting on the bus, as with parking meter systems. You would be issued with a receipt for your cash and hardly any cash transactions on bus would be needed. But having only one entrance is a real bottleneck with that system.
But systems like these are often designed by people who are a long way away from having only enough cash to last for the next few days. Their problems are at a different level than those who are au fait with the systems and have the wherewithal to match them to the profile of the perfect customer.
That sounds like so much hogwash, intended to increase the pressure on people to buy hop cards. For heaven’s sake – you cold hold up the by queue reaching into every pocket for your hop card. Admittedly, the driver doesn’t have to give you change, but you could still obstruct everyone else who was waiting to get on.
Olwyn
I am sure that this situation has been observed, there are reasons for it, those reasons for holding up the bus another 1 minute at each stop mean that some people have trouble getting to work on time. And too much sympathy stops the effort to try and improve so the mass of people can be moved efficiently. In a big city people don’t expect others to go into a dream, or be constantly unprepared when their turn to perform some small everyday function happens.
In some countries they have a driver and a cashier. As long as you don’t think profit is the motor of public transport, it has some real benefits. It helps employ people, and means that there are two on the bus in case of any problems, such as Tories like Aaron Gilmore misbehaving and needing to be forcibly evicted. The bus can also drive off while people are still paying.
I’m not even sure that taxes would need to be increased. There might be enough savings from less road construction, freeing up of land used for parking, etc.
Some TVNZ jonolists are tweeting right now that ‘there’s one big winner in the latest colmar-Brunton poll””, I guess it’s 110% for national. The more corrupt they get, the more (stoopid) people love”em.
Nah it was the usual stupid preferred Prime Minster rubbish, apparently David Cunliffe has slipped to 9% which isn’t quite where Helen Clark was when She became Prime Minister, so, if Cunliffe loses another 3% in that particular segment of the poll my opinion says He is ready to become the next Prime Minister,
A pretty nothing poll that has Labour/Green going down where the Roy Morgan last week had Labour/Green gong up…
Good practice should have had the number in the poll and the number of undecided. If undecided still on 11% then that is significant.
Internet Party registered for the first time.
Doesn’t Paddy hype up his version of figures let alone his version of what Greens, Labour said in interviews?
Based on recent polls including the two today, my estimate/calculation is that if an election was held today, the party votes would be close to the following figures:
National……………..42.9
Labour……………….31.8
Greens………………10.6
NZ First………………8.5
Maori Party…………..1.1
Mana…………………..1.0
ACT……………………0.6
Conservatives………..1.9
Internet Party………..0.5
United Future…………0.1
Others…………………1.0
Does Labour not understand by announcing a blunt “we’re going to raise the age to 67” they are committing political suicide? Has it not occurred to them that is probably the underlying cause of their current lack of traction? It doesn’t matter how many provisos they add it makes not one tot of difference. All people pick up is “they’re gonna raise it to 67… I’m not voting for them then”.
It may be sensible but you have to do it over time and by stealth for God’s sake.
Who in their right mind believes the latest TV3 political poll – do we really believe that the Judith Collins disgrace has not had ANY impact on people? Literally UNBELIEVABLE!!
Gives us something to discuss tho, the big laugh was the item on RadioNZ National this morning discussing the fact that polling companies have signed up to a ‘new’ code of conduct which when outlined hollered vary loudly ”Business As Usual”
i would suggest that the situation is really as close as it was three years ago, except, take out the Maori Party, the last rites for them have more or less already been performed…
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Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Retiring former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson said in an exit interview with Q+A yesterday the Government can and should sustain more debt to invest in infrastructure for future generations. Elsewhere in the news in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 6:36am: Read more ...
Timing is everything. And from China’s perspective, this week’s visit by its foreign minister to New Zealand could be coming at just the right moment. The visit by Wang Yi to Wellington will be his first since 2017. Anniversaries are important to Beijing. It is more than just a happy ...
TL;DR: The key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to March 18 include:China’s Foreign Minister visiting Wellington today;A post-cabinet news conference this afternoon; the resumption of Parliament on Tuesday for two weeks before Easter;retiring former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson gives his valedictory speech in Parliament; ...
New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters’s state-of-the-nation speech on Sunday was really a state-of-Winston-First speech. He barely mentioned any of the Government’s key policies and could not even wholly endorse its signature income tax cuts. Instead, he rehearsed all of his complaints about the Ardern Government, including an extraordinary claim ...
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 ...
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 ...
“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 ...
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, ...
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, ...
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, ...
.“$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 ...
“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. ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 HeraldThomas CoughlanSimeon Brown has rejected a plea from Westport ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 → ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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. ...
Buzz from the BeehiveThe 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Questions need to be asked on both sides of the worldPeter 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
TL;DR:Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
Bob Edlin writes – The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
The Government has accepted Labour’s change to the Road User Charge (RUC) discount for hybrid vehicles, meaning there will still be some incentive for people to buy greener vehicles. ...
Kicking the most vulnerable people out of state housing and pushing them towards homelessness will result in a proliferation of poverty and trauma across our most vulnerable communities. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and MP for Waiariki, Rawiri Waititi has penned a letter asking MPs to support his members bill to remove GST from all food. The bill is expected to go through its first reading in parliament this Wednesday. “I’m calling on all political parties to support my ...
This year is about getting real with Kiwis and discussing the tough issues, as the National Government exacerbates inequality and divides New Zealand, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said ...
The Government adding Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) to its already roaring environmental policy bonfire is an assault on the future of wildlife that makes Aotearoa unique. ...
After 12 years of fighting to protect our moana we are finding ourselves back at square one and back at court. Today, the Environmental Protection Agency is sitting in Hawera to reconsider an application from Trans-Tasman Resources to dig up 50 million tonnes of the seabed in South Taranaki. This ...
Minister Shane Jones’ decision to step away from a seabed mining project is evidence of the murky waters surrounding the Government’s fast-track legislation. ...
The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last government in a bid to get greater coherence in the publicservice on Treaty matters. When ministers first considered the need for tighter oversight in 2021, there ...
The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last government in a bid to get greater coherence in the publicservice on Treaty matters. When ministers first considered the need for tighter oversight in 2021, there ...
The Coalition Government’s miscalculation saga continues as it has forgotten an eyewatering $90 million gap in its interest deductibility cost figures, say Labour Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds and Revenue Spokesperson Deborah Russell. ...
He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission has today released advice that says if the Government doesn’t act now New Zealand is at risk of not meeting its climate goals. ...
The Coalition Government has today confirmed it is abandoning first home buyers who are struggling to get ahead, says Labour Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds. ...
The New Zealand public voted for a change in direction at the 2023 general election and that is exactly what this coalition government has been delivering in its first 100 days. There was an immediate focus on the economy, easing the cost of living, cracking down on law and order ...
The Government has left the health system as an afterthought, announcing half-baked targets at the last minute of their 100-day plan, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
Kiwis are still waiting for their promised cost of living support after 100 days of a National Government that is taking us backwards, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The National Government has spent its first 100 days stopping, cutting and reversing. They have scrapped stuff for stuff for the sake of it, without putting up any solutions of their own – and it’s hardworking New Zealanders who will pay for it. ...
100 days of National taking NZ backwardsThe National Government has spent its first 100 days stopping, cutting and reversing. They have scrapped stuff for stuff for the sake of it, without putting up any solutions of their own – and it’s hardworking New Zealanders who will pay for it. ...
The Government must commit to funding free and healthy school lunches, as thousands of people sign the petition to keep them, education spokesperson Jan Tinetti says. ...
If the Government was serious about moving families into public housing, they would build more houses so there is actually somewhere for people to go. ...
The free and healthy school lunches programme feeds our kids, helps them to learn, and saves families money – but it is at risk under this Government, education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...
The Government’s proposed changes to Firearms Prohibition Orders (FPO) add almost nothing new and are merely an attempt to distract from its plans to loosen gun laws, police spokesperson Ginny Andersen and justice spokesperson Dr Duncan Webb said. ...
The great Victorian era English politician Lord Macauley stood in the British House of Parliament and said, "The gallery in which the reporters sit has become a fourth estate of the realm".He understood and outlined even way back then, the significant role and influence media have in a democracy. ...
"The Government is moving quickly to realise an additional $46 million in tariff savings in the EU market this season for Kiwi exporters,” Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay says. Parliament is set, this week, to complete the final legislative processes required to bring the New Zealand – European ...
New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April. ...
Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand. Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships. “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland Acknowledgements and opening Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says. “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024 Acknowledgements and opening Morena, Nga Mihi Nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country. “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week. “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee. “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today. “The Amendment Paper represents ...
Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level. “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024. “Lower fruit and vege ...
Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all. Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all. Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction. Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness. It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology. It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
Pacific Media Watch Earthwise hosts Lois and Martin Griffiths. Earthwise presenters Lois and Martin Griffiths on Plains FM 96.9 community radio talk to Dr David Robie, a New Zealand author, independent journalist and media educator with a passion for the Asia-Pacific region. David talks about the struggle to raise awareness ...
Pacific Media Watch Ismail al-Ghoul, an Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent who was held for 12 hours at Gaza’s al-Shifa hospital, says Israeli forces rounded up Palestinian journalists at the facility and made them kneel on the ground for hours, while naked and blindfolded. “The occupation forces handcuffed and blindfolded us ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tony Wood, Program Director, Energy, Grattan Institute chinasong, Shutterstock Electricity customers in four Australian states can breathe a sigh of relief. After two years in a row of 20% price increases, power prices have finally stabilised. In many places they’re ...
Chumbawamba have reportedly issued the deputy PM a cease-and-desist notice after he used their song 'Tubthumping' before his state of the nation speech. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Deborah Lupton, SHARP Professor, Vitalities Lab, Centre for Social Research in Health and Social Policy Centre, and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society, UNSW Sydney kitzcorner/Shutterstock The assertion from Queensland’s chief health officer John Gerrard that ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Shutterstock Why are musicians so keen to get played on the radio? It can’t be because of the money. In Australia they are paid at rates so low they ...
"Farmers make a point not to tell our urban cousins how to live, yet Chlöe from central Auckland is hell-bent on having her say about farmers," says ACT Rural Communities spokesman Mark Cameron. “On her first day in the House as Green ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards – Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. It’s been a tumultuous time in politics in recent months, as the new National-led Government has driven through its “First 100 Day programme”. During this period there’s been a handful of opinion polls, which overall just ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Curran, Associate Professor of Ecology, Lincoln University, New Zealand Getty Images/Gerald Corsi In the latest move to reform environmental laws in New Zealand, the coalition government has introduced a bill to fast-track consenting processes for projects deemed to ...
Uber has argued it does not have as much control over drivers as the unions suggest, and wants a judgment ruling that drivers are employees and not contractors set aside and sent back to the Employment Court. The 2022 ruling followed a three-week hearing in which four drivers sought to ...
What can and can’t be purchased by disabled people or their carers has been slashed in an effort by the Ministry of Disabled People Whaikaha to save money. The purchasing guidelines, a set of rules that sets out what can be purchased using the various streams of Government disability funding, ...
The Treasury has published today a new Analytical Note by Tod Wright and Hien Nguyen, Fiscal incidence in New Zealand: The effects of taxes and benefits on household incomes in tax year 2018/19 . Analyses of the distributional impact of taxation and government ...
The Treasury has published today a new Analytical Note by Cory Davis, Boston Hart and Benjamin Stubbing, Household cost-of-living impacts from the Emissions Trading Scheme and using transfers to mitigate regressive outcomes . This Analytical Note ...
A coalition of public transport and climate organisations, united as ‘Transport for All’, is actively opposing the government’s transport proposals. The draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) includes plans for higher fares for public transport, ...
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Xox
Wallace Chapman’s first program on National Radio. Covered the Government axing of funding Problem Gambling Foundation. The mechanics of how the Government managed this is similar in MO to the axing of TVNZ7. Dirty doo doos. The tone of the program is light with plenty of giggling, chuckling and froth. Early days but it’s looking/sounding more like breakfast tvnz. Yuck. Has ‘serious’ treatment disappeared from NZ public media? Dumbing down.
yr rush-to-judgement is premature..
..chapman is now doing a considered take/interview on the origins of the state house..
..well worth the time/listen..
Disagree Philj-thought the programme between 7-10 covered hard issues with good questions asked and discussions held. Afghanistan, Problem Gambling Foundation, Housing. Of course Mediawatch was as good as ever, especially on the polls.
Chapman has the great ability to ask really tough questions in what appears to be a lighhearted manner and then follow-up the answers given with tough questions in the same way. Superficially it sounds frothy, but its not.
+1, BG. The first hour I thought he was finding his feet, but have been quite impressed, Actually finding him easier to follow/listen to than Laidlaw. Particularly agree with your last para.
Wallace Chapman is a great media guy- really rate him.
In an election year, we should demand that any government will decriminalise abortion. I and many others are not criminals. This is a healthcare matter. And for Lent we should give up judgment.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11228832
It’s time.
This would be a referendum worth our time^^^
Should abortion be decriminalised?
Should have been done a long time ago.
I agree. It’s a pity the Herald on Sunday has gone with that snide “out of leftfield” label for these opinion pieces – it’s actually not radical at all to talk about how dysfunctional and condescending our abortion laws are.
Edited to add: and it pigeonholes abortion law reform as a leftwing issue. It’s not at all!
braunias has done a funny one..
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/9880151/The-secret-diary-of-Kim-Dotcom
both hone and dotcom just totally kicked arse on q & a..
..i’m picking a possible 8-9% support jump for the alliance-lite..
and the only thing that wasn’t absolute shite from the panelists..
..was their agreement on what a masterful-performance it was from hone..
Media National Radio just did the accuracy of polls item. Interesting.
The Herald poll re voting chances of Brown (67% of elderly voters rubbished) critically examined. NBR fellow checking every poll since 1999 shows a plus bias for National and minus bias for Labour Greens.
Waiting for it online.
Discussion on the accuracy of Polls on Media Watch:
http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/2590766
and it’s night and day for norman..
..after his shocker yesterday..
..he is now demolishing the clown from act..
..who is just coming across as an arrogant/ignorant prick..
For those that didn’t see it, Norman was great yesterday too. What phil is referring to is the fact that Norman and the GP have chosen to be part of a NZ govt rather than taking bottom line stands on issues that are dear to phil and staying out of govt. But Norman’s handling of Gower being a dick was pretty good – he came across as relaxed, clear, not bothered by the political bullshit games etc.
shine on..!..you craaa-zeey dia-mond..!..(pow-pow-pow..!..)
..you come here a lot..but all you can see..
..is the sun shining out – from normans’ where we can’t see..
..yr myopic vision..is a sight to see..
..but really..how can we believe – in thee..?
..so..!..(repeat chorus..)
..eh..?..eh..?
..by any view with more that one eye..
..yesterday was a disaster..
..today was ok..
..it was nite and day..
..mm-kay..?
I’ll just say it again – the only reason you think Norman was a disaster is because you want the GP to have bottom lines that will keep them out of govt. That is agin what the party wants, and seeing as how Norman works for the party not you, he did just fine. It certainly wasn’t anything close to a ‘disaster’.
u think i want the green party/movement to not gain power..?
..that wd b yr biggest lie/misrepresentation of me to date..eh..?
..in the 2005 election-campaign i worked 12-15 hr a day..for 3-4 months..
..on the green party campaign..(on the practical side of things..)..
..trying to paint me as some enemy of the greens..wishing them bad..
..is an utter fucken lie..
..unlike you..i look at things with two eyes..
..and if (in my opinion) i see could-do-better..i say so..
..if i see that-was-good..i say so..
..whereas you..?..
..i doubt you have a ‘critical’ bone in yr body..eh..?
..and by (whatever deity)..!..i hope you never climb the green party greasy-pole enough to ever be an mp in parliament..
..you would be a total disaster..
..wouldn’t you..?
..capable of mindless-parroting of official lines is pretty much it..
..eh..?..
..that and the mind/imagination of a bureaucrat..
..(shudder..!..)
ad hominems, that the best you can do?
I didn’t say you were an enemy of the GP (though it’s certainly interesting that you went there yourself). I said that what you propose (taking bottom line stances on certain issues) is akin to saying the GP is better outside of govt. Because that is what would happen if they did what you are proposing. If that’s not true, how about you describe the alternate strategy and how it would play out differently.
have some bottom lines..
..how do/can you expect to inspire/appeal to the voters..
..(especially new voters..let alone retain yr own..)
..if there is nothing you really wouldn’t negotiate away..?
..and the green party is seriously underestimating the appeal out there for some sane/rational pot-laws..
..have they forgotten their own history..?
..and seeing as you asked..what dismays me about the greens..is how they so desire/strive to appeal to everyman/woman..
..there is political power/voter support to be had from stating yr position clearly..
..and holding that line..
..so the voters won’t see their reasons to vote/support you..
..just turn to dust..
..compromised right out the exit door..
..(or is that into the door of the bmw..?)
..what was it shakespeare wrote about ‘that lean and hungry man’..?
..who comes to mind..?
but thinking more on yr original contention..you may be correct in one way..
..in that..
given option A..greens..(if unable to get their bottom lines post-election from labour)..offering support for confidence and supply..and promised key roles that are ministers in all but name..(as referred to by fitzsimon..)..from the cross-benches..
..and able to vote for or against labour policies based on their merits/greeness..
..and option B..greens ministers in formal coalition..
..and subsumed by the majority party..
..and because of cabinet collective-responsibility..unable to even speak out against bad lab/govt policy..
..let alone vote against it..
..i wd go for option A..(heh..!..)
..wouldn’t you..?
..and if you wouldn’t..why not..?
..
It’s not about what I would do. It’s about what the GP as a whole wants. I agree with their general strategy, that gaining more power in parliament at this point in time is the right thing to do. How they manage that remains to be seen. I’m sure I will have some criticism at the time, but I don’t believe at this point in time the GP will be more effective out of govt than in.
But I do believe that this is what you are suggesting. See my comment further down, where I’m curious about how you see bottom lines playing out.
“cabinet collective-responsibility”
Why is this sacrosanct? Why can we not all be adults and say where we agree and where we disagree?
“..“cabinet collective-responsibility”
Why is this sacrosanct?..”
um..!..that’s the way they work..?
..it’s part of the deal the greens wd be signing up for..
..r u saying u didn’t know that..?
..whoar..!
So on the one hand the GP can tell Labour what to do, and on the other hand they have to accept all the rules that Labour demands? I know logic isn’t your strong suit, but even so that’s pretty bizarre.
Let’s say what you suggest is true – that if the GP came out with some bottom lines, non-negotiables, now, they would pick up more votes. Let’s say that at this point their bottom lines are fracking, deep sea drilling, and cannabis law reform. On election day they get 15% of the vote, this gives them 18 MPs out of 120. What do you think will happen next? Bearing in mind that Labour don’t support any of those 3 bottoms lines.
well..the answer to that is obvious..
..they turn to the mana/internet party bloc..
..and together..you all force labour to bend to yr will..
..(leave them only a grand coalition with national option..
..which would be their death-knell..)
..unity is strength..
..you are more powerful than you currently think you are..
..and you must stop just marching towards ministerial bmws..
..(speaking of german-baubles..)
..each step you take..
..lessens yr/our power…
How would they force Labour to do their will?
What if Labour and NZF can govern without the GP/Mana? (I don’t think it’s realistic to expect the GP to plan election strategy around a party that has no candidates yet. Although I fully expect them to be thinking hard about the possible outcomes).
“..What if Labour and NZF can govern without the GP/Mana? ..”
a non-question really..’cos if that happens..and that happens..there will be nothing to be done about it..
..it will be labours’ funeral..tho’..
..and no..how those chips will fall won’t be known ’till post-election..
..but to the outside eye..
..the green party seems on a forced-march down into that garage..
..where lurk those german-baubles…
..and funny story..!.
..bill maher has something relevant to say on the matter..
..something to say to both the green party and the labour party..
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/29/bill-maher-blasts-democrats_n_5055452.html?ref=topbar
“a non-question really..’cos if that happens..and that happens..there will be nothing to be done about it..”
It’s not a non-question, it’s a central reality of this election. If Labour have a choice between NZF and the GP, do you think they will choose the party that has bottom lines against its own policy and that is trying to force them to do their will? Or will they go with the party that wants to build a stable relationship based on mutual respect and overlaps of policy that are negotiated? In the past I would have said that Labour will do whatever, but if Cunliffe is genuine about wanting to shift the country left again, then an opportunity to work with the GP looks more likely to be attractive. If Labour choose NZF, that’s their funeral, but the GP will still have it’s policies intact and be able to work outside govt.
Besides which, the whole ethos of the GP is about building good relationship. One of the things I am most interested in is how the GP will manage this this time round during post-election negotiations. I still hold some hope that they will influence the culture of government formation, although I won’t be surprised if I am disappointed either.
I commend your patience, weka. I can’t be bothered with the accusations every time I disagree with the latest rave. Funnily enough, I remember weka when I was young, darting in and stealing shiny stuff, yet you’re not the one being distracted here by all that glitters.
in the words of weka..
“..ad hominems, that the best you can do?..”
I seldom get past ad vermes
“I commend your patience, weka”
I had the comparison of discourse with Pete George 😉
phillip..
You were the only one shocked by Norman’s Nation interview yesterday.
Yes – cannabis legalisation is not a priority for him. I think the party policy is still to appoint a public inquiry ASAP (but probably not quickly enough for you). Rather than cursing one co-leader for allowing Gower to portray him as proTPP on the same day that the other coleader was addressing the country’s largest anti-TPPA rally, perhaps you could say; what party, who will have MPs after the election (ie not the ALCP), do you think offers better a policy on cannabis?
dotcom said on q&a that the internet party will have a decriminalisation-policy..
..if they are smart/clever they will take it to the logical-conclusion of legalise/regulate/tax pot..)
..and do keep in mind it was the pot-vote that got the greens into parliament..
..in the first place..
..the pot-vote and young voters..
..(remember nandor/dreads/skateboards..?..)
..those same that the internet party is appealing to..
(..and oh..!..how the media/pundits scoffed/scorned then..eh..?)
..history does have its’ lessons..eh..?
The “pot-vote” is electoral suicide for the Greens. They have gone to great lengths to develop excellent Green policies without giving the MSM a free hit on this issue.
bearded git..
..u do know that a couple of days ago..the most conservative southern state in america..
..passed unamimously..and to a combined chant from all members of ‘pass the bill!..pass the bill!’..
..a medical-marijuana bill..?
..did you know that..?
..it is you who is wildly out of step..
“dotcom said on q&a that the internet party will have a decriminalisation-policy..”
Just like the GP does. What’s your point?
they will push for that policy..?
..and not just bury it..
..and c’mon..!..how can we forget tureis’ shameful neglect of that medical marijuana bill..?
..she lifted not a finger/voice to advance that cause..
..and as i’ve already said..if the internet party comes out with a legalise/regulate/tax/colorado-model policy..
..they will hoover up all those young votes..
..and will take yr pot-support component too..
..i think you have been the only game in town for too long..
..and you have treated that constituency much the same way labour treat you..
..and at the moment they are like meerkats..
..up and looking where next to run..
..and it ain’t/won’t be towards you..
..it is away from you…
..and it is/will be all your own work..eh..?
..(or lack of it..)
How will they push for that policy? (the one they haven’t written yet, that we don’t know the details of).
y’know..yr getting more and more like pete george..
I’m just asking you for some substance. If you think that the IP will achieve more for cannabis law reform than the GP, then vote for them (assuming that’s all you care about). But don’t be suprised if you get challenged when you state that the GP should make it one of it’s main election policies.
i’m a mana guy..i vote mana..(as you well know/i have stated..)
..but i welcome the arrival of the internet party..
..and the focus on the issues they will raise..
..i hope that clarifies that for you..
..and no..ending the madness that is cannabis prohibition is not ‘my only concern’..
..it is part of a suite of ‘concerns’….(as you well know..)
..as i noted above..you are becoming more and more like pete george..
..q.e.d..eh..?
A suite of concerns, just like the GP has. You just seem pretty light on how to actually achieve your aims. The GP have huge experience in how to advance their aims. I’m good with criticism of the GP, but I don’t see much substance to your criticism, other than that you are disappointed in them.
oh weka..!
..you are opening a can of worms there..aren’t you..?
“..The GP have huge experience in how to advance their aims..”
..ok..how about you list for us..
..(alphabetically wd b easiest..eh..?)
..the ‘aims’ the green party have actually achieved in their 17 yrs in parliament..?
(and wd you cite the efforts metiria turei put into the medical marijuana bill that was her care/responsibility..
..as an example of that expertise in ‘advancing their aims’..?
..and if so..
..could you detail that for us..?
..what she actually did..?
..(i await yr response/’list’..with bated-breath..)
Weka’s nickname should be Cadbury, ’cause she sure knows how to handle a flake 😆
and how about you..?
..i reckon yr name should be condom..
..’cos yr a dick..eh..?
I prefer Kernel Hook, ’cause I’m good at baiting nut jobs 😉
Here you go phil – https://www.greens.org.nz/history-green-party
I would add that the GP has also been a main player in shifting the consciousness and understanding within NZ of environmental issues. Simply having them in parliament and speaking up has changed the agenda on green issues. That is not to be underestimated, because it’s those cultural shifts that enable real change.
no-one is going to wade thru that mountain of self-serving spin..
..bullet-points will do..
..c’mon..!
..list them..(in yr own words..)
..(the touchy-feely/aspirational-bullshit stuff to one side..eh..?
..just the practical/real/able to be evaluated achievements..eh..?)
..i’ll get you started..
..there was the pink batts..
..and..?
..(and now the green master-plan is to sell out all yr bottom-lines..
..in exchange for bottoms in bmw’s..eh..?..
..it doesn’t inspire confidence..
..on any level..
..the greens seem to have finally achieved what they have strove for for so long..
..to be accepted as part of the establishment..
..well done..!
..shame about all those bottom-lines you have shed like dandruff..
..along the way..eh..?..)
Go fuck yourself phil 🙂
I am a huge fan of Mr Norman, but I did not agree with his statements today. NZ does not have the capacity to be first in the world paying carbon tax without increasing poverty at the same time. Instead of giving the money to a carbon exchange bank it would be better to have a look at infrastructure and alternative energy supply (electric buses running at frequency, sun collectors etc). Right now, NZ needs to act on issues such as cattle grazing and pollution of waterways. Drinking water, fracking proposals and consequences. This needs to be done in conjunction, agreed – but not at the same time. Its like cutting the nose despite the face. Please tell me that Mr Norman has not lost touch with ordinary people living ordinary lives with less then ordinary incomes but disproportional stress of holding their lives together.
Given that the GP say that this election will be fought on child poverty, I don’t think he’s lost touch. I think the answer to what you raise is in how the GP suggest changes to economic management ie emission solutions don’t equate to poverty.
Cunliffe could take note- in fact he should go round to Norman’s house for a few brewskis or whatever and have a bit of a chill out and a think about the things Labour and the Greens could do together…so that when he gets surrounded by the douche squad he can just do a bit of method acting, recall his chill place and be supremely not bothered about it whatever they’re flinging at him this week…
body language is important- a bit more chill could be worth a few poll points. Be like a golfer- positive imaging…
Just watched Norman’s “shocker” previously recorded. Disagree strongly with you Mr. Ure-thought he answered and argued his corner well, did not give away policy at all.
It’s Gower’s interpretation of the interview later that is the problem-putting words into Norman’s mouth.
Similarly later in the programme Gower stuck his ore in at the end of the panel discussion saying he thought the issue of asset sales is now a non-issue. Rubbish. Credit the electorate with some brains-they will remember this issue 5 months down the track, especially after Lab/Gr/Mana reminders.
Nice little 4.0M rumbler in CHCH just now. That’s my guess on the size, lets see what Geonet says…
Edit: Initial Geonet readings say between 4.2 and 4.4. I’m a little rusty it seems.
Edit 2: Latest reading marked as Good for quality is 4.0. I win!
Cantabs have become pretty good seismic scale predictors. I can remember lazing about the lounge when there would come a bit of a rumble from the east followed microseconds later by a bit of a shake. My partner would casually remark, “3.8.” I’d say, “I reckon it was 3.9.” The daughter would pop up with, “You’re both wrong, it was a 4.0!” Geonet would reveal that the reading was somewhere thereabouts.
You’ve rumbled it okay L. I’m due there soon. Probably saving the 4.5 one for me.
Xox
PU. Did you notice Walace’s proud admission that he lives in an ex state house, and that they were well built and don’t leak. Ha ha ha. It shows that the government ‘back then, was capable of initiating and implementing effective policy! Wow, if only they acted progressively now!
@ philj..
..aye..!..
..listening to it engendered a ‘let’s do a smart/green version of that again..!..
..what are we waiting for..?
..(and i want more of the tiny-house movement threaded thru it..
..their claimed lowest-cost for the current low-cost..is bullshit..)
..and the takeaway stat for me..was that at the peak of state-housing building way back then..
..they built 35,000 houses in a year..
..so the current figure of 10,000 a year is modest at best..
..and should be at least doubled..
A message to Paddy Gower:
Stephen Sakur or Tim Sebastian you’re NOT!
For that, you’ll need a few additional ‘learnings’
1. At least allow the interviewee to finish their point
2. A bit more intellectual rigour and probably quite a few more brain cells
3. Shedding yourself of your ideological biases for a few minutes at a time
i thought that was one of gowers’ better efforts..
..he systematicaly got answers to questions we wanted answering..
..surely that is the journalists’ role..?
..(however un-nerving those answers may be..)
..also..after those awkward questions..norman hit his stride..
..and was fine..
Ure correct – it might well have been one of his better efforts – which says a helluva lot about his previous.
He cut Norman off/over-talked a couple of times when we may well/would have got more detail.
He also had a number of ‘examples’ he wanted to put to Norman – all of which would have been met with the same reply (which, hw didn’t get through0.
He had an agenda from the start.
Try watching it again maybe – and count the number of minutes/seconds down to Gower versus Norman. There really should be a huge imbalance in Norman’s favour IF it was his intent to get genuine answers
Edit: if it was his genuine intent to get answers
It’s not really an interview or a conversation that is nice to watch on the weekend- it’s Patrick Gower’s shooting gallery- where he has to hit three targets for the 6pm news. He just keeps shooting until he gives up, or gets something which he thinks he can paraphrase into what he wants to say.
It’s really deeply unsatisfying weekend viewing. It also focuses a lot on the horse trading aspect of politics.
Last week Leighton Smith made much of this piece published by Nate Silver’s FiveThirtyEight as a body blow to climate science and more importantly, the left.
Well Leighton, Nate Silver has apologised to his readers for using deeply misleading data.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/28/fivethirtyeight-climate-change-dispute_n_5049279.html
Excellent Q and A interviews with Kim Dot Com and Hone Harawira this morning:
If you are interested, here are the video links:
http://tvnz.co.nz/q-and-a-news/watch-extended-kim-dotcom-interview-video-5879189
http://tvnz.co.nz/q-and-a-news/harawira-mana-internet-party-video-5879206
Yeah great stuff from Hone, an excellent outline of the 3 main planks that Mana will fight the upcoming election on and a good indication of where Mana is at vis a vis the Internet Party,
(1), Feed the kids, in this land of milk and money there is no reason for ANY kid to miss out on ANY meal for ANY reason,
(2), House the people, in the same land of milk and money there is no reason why anyone should not be living in a warm dry comfortable home that suits the size of both their family and their income,
(3), Jobs for everyone capable of working,
i cannot see anything there that the Internet Party could not agree upon, so, it comes down to the IP’s main policies, who they would front as proposed MP’s and the ‘biggy’ as far as a negotiation goes how the carve up of the % of vote at the election would go with regards to positions for each party,
Hone pointed out that His view on Marijuana is not necessarily that of the whole party, he did tho point out with regards to kids accessing it in the Far North He has seen up close and personal the damage done,
My view on the dope laws is perhaps we need manage a staged liberalization of the Law, decriminalize the penalties for possession and growing for personal use down to an instant fine like a traffic ticket while putting in place a system to measure the outcomes in terms of hospital admissions/crime statistics while intensifying penalties around supplying minors in the vein of even having kids raid your stash in an act of theft might see you in jail,(in other words no matter how a kid got hold of your dope its your responsibility),
Food for thought Phillip Ure…
Yes, Hone has become a credible and articulate politician. Nice to see. Very impressive.
I was also much impressed with the forthright interview with Kim Dot Com. It was a pleasure to see and hear that interview. He comes across as very honest and very sincere, a hundred times more so than what I feel about Key or Banks for example!
He is new to politics but displays a huge intellect and great sincerity. A breath of fresh air!
Wish I had two party votes! One for Labour and one for IP.
Yes .Com was surprisingly impressively sensible and Hone too.
Winston wasn’t bad either, telling Gower to behave himself.
John Key seems even less sincere compared to these three.
Those stupid ‘quick fire shot gun’ type of questions are very unfair, particularly for someone who is an amateur new politician. Some political questions can not simply get a blunt yes or no answer as there are subtle issues involved that need careful consideration. Nevertheless, KDC did quite well here though he did not have enough time to think things through.
‘Regulation or deregulation ‘ for example. Some things need regulation or more regulation while some other things need deregulation. Mathew Hooten, the right mouth piece interpreted his answer, ‘deregulation’ to state Kim is right wing! What a stupid commentator! Kim was probably thinking of dope deregulation or something else! As I said, stupid Y or N questions. I suspect Hooten probably gave that list to the interviewer!
My gut feeling is that this Internet party will easily cross the 5% threshold and Mana too will do quite well during this election.
e.g.
“Where were you on the night of the 14th March?…Answer yes or no!
It’s almost possible to get swept up in that. He seems to be intimidatingly shrewd, capable, fun-loving, motivated, charismatic with the gift of the gab, an entirely novel and interesting shake-up for our small wee country-town of a country.
Would you say- calculating? He doesn’t appear to have that kind of careful weighing of each statement before he says it the way many politicians do. But I wonder what would happen if he didn’t get his way. Or if he was angry with something.
We have seen many of his faces and they are refreshing and engaging. But…
re pot-plan..
..decrim wd be better than continued prohibition..
..but i think the internet party will scoop up a decent bong-full of votes..
..if they come out with a colorado-model..
..but decrim as a way-station to full legalisation/regulation/taxation..
..is a compromise i cd live with..
(btw..as each day passes..i am more and more proud/certain of being a foundation member of the mana party..
..they are the party for real/serious change..
..and i am pleased to see a complementary-party like the internet party come along to stand alongside..
..and the cherry on this cake wd be the greens staunching up..and saying:
.. ‘fuck the bmw’s!..let’s rock and roll..!”
I find it a bit weird that Hone talks about the damage done by electric puha in the north without putting it in context of the social and economic devastation wrought by successive governments, both national and local. I’d blame the environment in this case long before I’d blame the drug. In fact, many things might be worse up there without it.
..i think he is sincere with his stand..
..my guess wd be that he is also talking to his conservative voting-pool/base..
..gathering maori party votes..?
“..In fact, many things might be worse up there without it..”
..+ 1..
..especially compared to the damage alcohol does..
..you can’t go past the fact that young men/women use intoxicants..in most cultures..(esp. men..)
..and that cannabis is the safest intoxicant of all..
..it’s a no-brainer..really..
and yet you use cannabis too early and you damage your brain. And many kids are exposed to it early
yes newsense..of course kids shouldn’t use dope..
..and regulation/licenced-growers/suppliers with id-age-restrictions wd help with that –
to a degree..
..and if you are citing easy access as a reason not to legalise/regulate/tax..
..the reality/fact of life under prohibition..
..is that if you want to find out where the tinny-houses are..anywhere..
..you ask the kids/young-teens..
..they know where they are..
..and..no..those tinny-houses couldn’t care less how old their customers are..
..(and thank you for highlighting reason number 53 why cannabis should be legalised/regulated/taxed..
..a leaf-pin is on its way to you..)
Murray O, Hone tho addresses a big part of the problem you highlight with the 3 planks of the Mana election campaign,
Two other points spring to mind, in a short sharp time slot on TV it’s pretty much impossible to be laying out such a large speech on the impoverishment of sections of New Zealand society, there’s just not the time, better to lay out the short sharp planks the Party plans on campaigning upon, simple bread and butter statements,
The second point, Hone was talking about school kids getting hold of dope and the effect this has on their learning, i think most of us here would agree that its not good for kidsa to be smoking the stuff which is why i proposed above a staged decriminalization where the penalties for smoking and growing yer own are minimal but extra penalties would accrue to those who for any reason under-age kids get into and smoke up large on their stash…
FYI folks
Some mainstream media coverage of the nation-wide rallies / protests against the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), Saturday 29 March 2014
TVNZ
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/protesters-demand-facts-trade-agreement-5878784
TV3
http://www.3news.co.nz/Protest-rallies-held-against-TPP/tabid/423/articleID/337868/Default.aspx
RADIO NZ
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/240196/rallies-in-protest-at-tpp-deal
RADIO LIVE
http://www.3news.co.nz/Protest-rallies-held-against-TPP/tabid/423/articleID/337868/Default.aspx
NEWSTALK ZB
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/auckland/news/nbnat/1318811200-thousands-march-against-tppa
Non-mainstream media coverage of some banners I rather like 😉
(Well – I would say that – wouldn’t I! 🙂
(Auckland)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151947721971790&set=a.435980066789.221068.727511789&type=1&theater
(Hamilton)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152027525238848&set=gm.231034497101371&type=1&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=752043414829478&set=gm.231048037100017&type=1&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152027534058848&set=gm.231035497101271&type=1&theater
Penny Bright
Some good listening this morning. Good is used facetiously. Dunne rumbling away about the Gambling Foundation trick – how you pull the rug from under something substantial and it doesn’t matter! Because the government is not paying a charity for advocating against gambling – only for treatment of the destroyed. And they probably haven’t been doing a good job at it either. And it seems that some zealous government officials let the Problem Gambling Foundation know that they were not wanted.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/240195/'threats'-to-former-anti-gambling-chair
Peter Adams, associate professor of Auckland University’s Centre of Addiction Research, was involved in setting up the Problem Gambling Foundation 20 years ago and worked with the organisation for the following decade.
He said government has a vested interest in profits from gambling and that during his time with the foundation there were many attempts to break it up. “We got very used to hostility from government officials,” he said. “I was threatened personally at one stage … one official said that he would work at ruining my career….
Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne told the programme he has never heard of that, and suggestions by Mr Adams that the government has a vested interest in the gambling industry are not correct either….
He said it was likely the foundation was not doing that good a job in helping problem gamblers. He said it is not up to the Government to pay for an advocacy service opposed to the gambling industry.”
And this is the thing – the government does not want to hear a squeak out of the organisations it funds. It was back in them ol’ days of the 90’s when government stopped funding charities and started buying services from them. And why should it buy criticism or good advice from them. Talk about blighting, biting, the hand that feeds you.
In NZ it is no longer possible for people to attempt to help those in need of help in the community, and ask the government for some cash to assist the unpaid volunteer work done. No you might appeal but narrow criteria must be met. That doesn’t include helping people manage in life. For foodbanks, people must have budget advice. For budget advice, that would include some hurdle they had to achieve. For children it had to be for education, it couldn’t be to take them to the seaside in a bus once a month, so they could have some joy and good times in the outside environment and outside their neighbourhood, as others take for granted. And so on.
If you are dependent on the government, you’ve got to touch your forelock, because they are now your patron, not to be questioned about their sly and destructive behaviours. Thinking here of juggling pokie numbers, massaging the liquor industry, and refusing to attempt re-education of errant drivers. Keeping marijuana as a dangerous drug involving $millions of police time, and fun helicopter rides.
(TPPA will be like this but on a massive scale. Probably a citizen that criticises any business will be sued. In fact in 1998 Oprah Winfrey was sued under food libel laws by Texan meat producers when she said something negative about meat.)
A titbit from The Press Tuesday 25/Mar/2014. Two Nat MPs less than 6 months from their retirement, are on a 10-day taxpayer-funded tip to China costing $15,000 a head. Now this actually is probably not very expensive for the length of the trip, objectively. It could have been worse. We judge such expenditures differently now in this exciting free-wheeling world of international commerce. But why doesn’t National just make it clear to us all out there in Electorate-land, that China is a VIC and is ‘the new big thing’ and they’re off like greyhounds after a rabbit.
And that there is a trip to China as a sweetener to any MPs they would like to stand down to make way for those who have passed the poise, pose and personality test and been done-over good by the PR, and human resource, and clothes and wardrobe and make-up – to the voters department?
They have been included in an Mfat funded group building links in new areas (No province left behind thrust). It includes senior members of parties – political ones that is – Phil Goff, David Shearer and Winston Peters, I don’t know how many. (No mention of Russel Norman!)
It appears that in the past all retiring MPs get to go on a retirement joint.
But as there are no Labour MPs quitting they are not included on this one.
You forgot the teeth test.
New Zealand’s farm debt mountain is back on its way upwards…neighbour just purchased their 10th dairy farm for $50 per KG…expect bad things again in the dairy farming sector once dairy payout falls under long term average of $6.50 per KG MS…munting our little community…
I think MS stands for Milk Solids – basis of dairy payout. Is that correct Saarbo?
10th dairy farm. Borrowed on farm with 10-20% deposit? What sort of deposit would be required to buy at $50 per kg. Is it all done on leverage? Till farm prices rise as high as Mt Aoraki? If there is a crash, how will the taxpayer step up and help out a la SCF? We’ll have to bankroll these high rollers to stop the country washing away into the sewage drain.
I was just reading the Transport Blog on the HOP system. The difficulties with paying cash and how people don’t try to be ready with the cash. (One man was observed to check all pockets before bringing out a note, then pay with a note again the next day.) But everyone can’t afford a HOP card. What could be done is issue them with instructions on how to pay in cash effectively and charge them an extra 50% when they don’t pay with the right money, the nearest sized note, and have it ready when they approach the driver. Otherwise instant fine.
Other people waiting with cards cannot get on bus till cash customer is dealt with. Perhaps card carriers go first? In some European countries the payment is made before getting on the bus, as with parking meter systems. You would be issued with a receipt for your cash and hardly any cash transactions on bus would be needed. But having only one entrance is a real bottleneck with that system.
But systems like these are often designed by people who are a long way away from having only enough cash to last for the next few days. Their problems are at a different level than those who are au fait with the systems and have the wherewithal to match them to the profile of the perfect customer.
That sounds like so much hogwash, intended to increase the pressure on people to buy hop cards. For heaven’s sake – you cold hold up the by queue reaching into every pocket for your hop card. Admittedly, the driver doesn’t have to give you change, but you could still obstruct everyone else who was waiting to get on.
Olwyn
I am sure that this situation has been observed, there are reasons for it, those reasons for holding up the bus another 1 minute at each stop mean that some people have trouble getting to work on time. And too much sympathy stops the effort to try and improve so the mass of people can be moved efficiently. In a big city people don’t expect others to go into a dream, or be constantly unprepared when their turn to perform some small everyday function happens.
It’s a once off $5, 25 cents for topping up and saves a minimum 28 cents every trip. It’s more correct to say that you can’t afford to pay cash.
It’s more correct to say that DTB always knows the answer and knows it is correct.
Ah, yes, can’t deny the facts and so revert to ad hominem.
In some countries they have a driver and a cashier. As long as you don’t think profit is the motor of public transport, it has some real benefits. It helps employ people, and means that there are two on the bus in case of any problems, such as Tories like Aaron Gilmore misbehaving and needing to be forcibly evicted. The bus can also drive off while people are still paying.
Up taxes and make public transport free.
Solves the problem immediately.
I’m not even sure that taxes would need to be increased. There might be enough savings from less road construction, freeing up of land used for parking, etc.
Some TVNZ jonolists are tweeting right now that ‘there’s one big winner in the latest colmar-Brunton poll””, I guess it’s 110% for national. The more corrupt they get, the more (stoopid) people love”em.
I am guessing that it is the Internet Party.
Nah it was the usual stupid preferred Prime Minster rubbish, apparently David Cunliffe has slipped to 9% which isn’t quite where Helen Clark was when She became Prime Minister, so, if Cunliffe loses another 3% in that particular segment of the poll my opinion says He is ready to become the next Prime Minister,
A pretty nothing poll that has Labour/Green going down where the Roy Morgan last week had Labour/Green gong up…
Good practice should have had the number in the poll and the number of undecided. If undecided still on 11% then that is significant.
Internet Party registered for the first time.
Doesn’t Paddy hype up his version of figures let alone his version of what Greens, Labour said in interviews?
Based on recent polls including the two today, my estimate/calculation is that if an election was held today, the party votes would be close to the following figures:
National……………..42.9
Labour……………….31.8
Greens………………10.6
NZ First………………8.5
Maori Party…………..1.1
Mana…………………..1.0
ACT……………………0.6
Conservatives………..1.9
Internet Party………..0.5
United Future…………0.1
Others…………………1.0
I think the Greens have a decent shot at breaking through 13% this year.
The Internet Party won’t be in the polls released today.
Internet Party did register today. Can’t get back into TV3 but was .3 I think.
Probably Winston First up 4% to 7%. Mind you TV3 has him on 4.9% down 0.8% so maybe they polled the outskirts of Tauranga a little too much?
Winston may well be the obvious and clear party providing protection against Labour’s (and the National’s tacit) age rise for superannuation ?
Good point Jim Nald.
Does Labour not understand by announcing a blunt “we’re going to raise the age to 67” they are committing political suicide? Has it not occurred to them that is probably the underlying cause of their current lack of traction? It doesn’t matter how many provisos they add it makes not one tot of difference. All people pick up is “they’re gonna raise it to 67… I’m not voting for them then”.
It may be sensible but you have to do it over time and by stealth for God’s sake.
Who in their right mind believes the latest TV3 political poll – do we really believe that the Judith Collins disgrace has not had ANY impact on people? Literally UNBELIEVABLE!!
Gives us something to discuss tho, the big laugh was the item on RadioNZ National this morning discussing the fact that polling companies have signed up to a ‘new’ code of conduct which when outlined hollered vary loudly ”Business As Usual”
i would suggest that the situation is really as close as it was three years ago, except, take out the Maori Party, the last rites for them have more or less already been performed…
What disgrace would that be?
Your a disgrace SSLands, that’s all you need to know…
One of the recent problems that may emerge,and is overlooked in the MSM is the withdraw of support for windows xp on the 8th April.
It seems that 95% of ATM run on XP and I suspect a substantive number of SME along with a lot of home users etc.
http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/texting-atms-cash-shows-cybercriminals-increasing-sophistication