WIMP WALLOPING : David Shearer on Larry Williams Drive
NewstalkZB, Wednesday 29 August 2012, 6.18 to 6:24p.m.
Williams is shamelessly partisan and pro-National. Thirty minutes before this debacle, he had Gerry Brownlee on the programme, and treated him with cringing deference, feeding him the sort of patsy questions that someone like Simon Bridges or Chris Tremain serves up for a minister at Question Time in the House.
Toward the Leader of the Opposition, though, his tone was radically different….
Re selling off our state assets, Williams insolently stated: “You see risks, David, because you don’t want them sold.” Shearer let that go, unchallenged.
Williams asked in a querulous tone: “Why SHOULDN’T private investors own umm, ahhh, part of the power company?” Shearer garbled a reply, and Williams condescendingly capped him by quoting something by Steven Joyce. Again, Shearer failed to pick him up on that, failed to challenge him.
And it wasn’t over….
WILLIAMS: Listen, the report on the child poverty…
SHEARER: Uh, we’re still looking THROUGH that…”
WILLIAMS: Do you really think these parents can’t afford to feed these kids some porridge?
SHEARER: Uhhh…
Throughout the interview, Larry Williams was by turn brusque, condescending and insolent.
How long can this go on?
Statistical analysis of Shearer’s performance:
“y’know”…. 11 times
“um”…. 14 times
“uh uh, ahhh”…. 16 times
“and and and and”…. 6 times
“in the in the in the”….. 9 times
“yeah”…… 5 times
Don’t know how you do it Morrissey. This talent you have for listening to antagonistic tosh and dissecting it is kind of admirable. Must admit, I’d need a stockpile of radios and a good plasterer if I tried to emulate your efforts. And although you deserve a medal of some description, I’m afraid you’ll just have to settle for my thanks for making me laugh first thing in the morning. That running total of ‘Shearisms’ is pure gold.
Morrissey, your transcripts do an amazing job of cutting through the bullshit to see exactly what was going on. Your one yesterday I think it was Deaker and some others was brilliant.
I’ve given up paying attention to Morrissey’s transcripts after he twice transcribed interviews I had listened to and his transcription was biased and out of context.
I’ve given up paying attention to Morrissey’s transcripts after he twice transcribed interviews I had listened to and his transcription was biased and out of context.
Nonsense. You were upset because I recorded the inanity and lack of thought in the comments of some pro-nuclear shills on the National Radio.
I didn’t record them verbatim, it was a rush transcript, but the gist of their idiotic comments was correct.
Let’s not forget that even as the Japanese government was seriously considering the evacuation of the city of Tokyo, YOU were blithering on about how SAFE nuclear power is. My transcripts, which underlined the lack of intellectual substance and complete lack moral integrity of pro-nuclear advocates, clearly angered you. Your objections were nothing more than quibbles about a few missing words, and are thus quite spurious.
So not a transcript, then Mozza? Just a precis? Can I suggest you don’t use the word ‘transcript’ in future, now that you’ve acknowleged that they are no such thing.
Hey Morrissey, we never managed to agree on the World Cup final…..went on forever..and we agreed to disagree. I did however send you to metaphorical purgatory for being ideologically impure on referees being innocent until proven guilty…and you then got a ban proving there is a God and I was right. So there. Carry on.
Thats sad, Sad because of the performance of the labour leader. And sadder still that someone actually counted his umms, arrrs, and errs. And saddest of all is the unimpressive totals.
Sorry people but on that performance he has got to go.
Joyce says government can’t legislate for prosperity,
but can take the draw down of charity profits
from pokies, and give them to SkyCity
for a conference center.
Joyce shouts, GFC has made governing to hard, along with Labours
legacy, National is unable to turn the economy around!
Defeatism from Joyce.
Then, Joyce says that tax cuts don’t effect benefitaries,
as we all know Australians don’t pay tax on the first dollar
of income, unlike here in NZ where 10.2% is levied, as
National achieved nothing in reducing this rate from 12.5% to 10.2%!
See National believes that Kiwis aren’t going to OZ for the zero tax income
on the five thousand earned, the capital gains tax that increase the burden
on the non-productive sector, but because there are jobs in OZ.
CV 1 6 1 1 competing visions of NZ out there
This morning on Chris Laidlaw Radionz Jim Dier a very enthusiastic community builder who has found that he and his fellows have made a lot of difference. So he is not an armchair idealist but a thinking down-and-dirty-hands worker who has a good idea that works. Audio should be up by noon.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/sunday
10:06 Ideas: Growing Communities
Epuni Primary School’s Common Unity Project aims to produce enough fruit and vegetables to feed not only the school’s 110 pupils but their families as well. It’s a classic example of what’s been called Asset Based Community Development – or ABC Development. Ideas visits Epuni Primary School in Lower Hutt and talks to the project’s volunteer coordinator Julia Milne; Jim Diers, a proponent of the ABCD movement, tells Jeremy Rose about Seattle’s Strong Communities Initiative; and Denise Bijoux of Inspiring Communities talks to Chris Laidlaw about the proliferation of asset-based community projects in New Zealand.
Presented by Chris Laidlaw
Produced by Jeremy Rose.
… don’t torture yourself by listening to ZB. Listen to Radio NZ “National” Programme instead. That way your stress levels will drop markedly, and you’ll find that bigots like Williams, Smith, Watson et al become irrelevant.
What sort of independence do you think you will get from the commercial network anyway?
That ten minutes or so, plus the earlier interview with Brownlee, was all I listened to on NewstalkZB yesterday. Oh, and a few minutes of gardening expert Simon Farrell and Danny Watson being flippant and unfunny with their elderly callers earlier in the day.
Listen to Radio NZ “National” Programme instead.
I usually do.
That way your stress levels will drop markedly, and you’ll find that bigots like Williams, Smith, Watson et al become irrelevant.
Not correct. Have you listened to Jim Mora’s programme? Have you listened to Geoff Robiinson’s patsy interviews in the morning?
What sort of independence do you think you will get from the commercial network anyway?
Sorry Morrissey, I thought the “National” in quotes might have been a concession there. Yeah, well I’ve let Mora know my feelings on many issues and Robinson… well he is best suited to Births Deaths and Marriages announcements where he can put on his “I’m ever so concerned” voice.
I don’t listen to Radio. Haven’t for 15 years I used to listen to talkback radio when delivering pizza’s, and it wasn’t too bad. But i was somewhere the other day, where they had some honking idiot shouting all over the other person who was trying to make a point. And the 15 years radio less were instantly justified.
I don’t listen to Radio. Haven’t for 15 years I used to listen to talkback radio when delivering pizza’s, and it wasn’t too bad. But i was somewhere the other day, where they had some honking idiot shouting all over the other person who was trying to make a point.
There’s a high likelihood that that honking idiot was one of the following: Leighton Smith, Larry Williams, Michael Laws, Mark Watson. Of course, there are others almost as bad, but they are the worst.
And the 15 years radio less were instantly justified.
Transpower have been painting the pylons supporting the Haywards A & B transmission lines for about the last year (?). As they are coming closer to the pylons near my dwelling I started to look into exactly what they were doing.
Transpower are using a product called Garnet, ignoring the .05% lead in this stuff, it is relatively inert, and is even used in water filters. It is also used, along with high pressure water, to cut steel. Garnet certainly has the ability to lift galvanising off steel.
So my question is what is in the galvanising?
It turns out it contains Cadmium and Zinc, which when hit with high pressure water and Garnet will cause the Cadmium and Zinc to be more or less vaporised.
I rang OSH, they asked how to spell Cadmium? But are now looking into this.
It is kind of hard to see a 100% pure NZ/Kapiti with these heave metals blowing all over the district.
Anyone living near a freshly painted pylon may need a blood test.
And where are the experts, the people that are supposed to know about this shit??? Probably ‘Gone to Aus” But to ask how to spell Cadmium, why does that not leave me with a very warm feeling ?
The only by-product of the sand injected blasting would be zinc from the galvanised tower struts, no heating so no oxides, and the abrasive sand.
With strict compliance conditions regarding recovery of blasting sand and residue, including lead from previous paint jobs, pollution from tower painting is from the transport and compressor emissions.
Cadmium plating is limited to high value components and fasteners so it’s highly unlikely there’ll be any present on transmission tower steel.
If you’re the one doing the blasting/painting you’re compelled to cover up and use a mask because of the nature of the work and as with most industrial poisoning the real risk is hand to mouth ingestion.
If you’re a grazing animal the sand wouldn’t be to good for your teeth and no doubt you’d exceed the daily zinc allowance but in my experience there’s rarely if ever any stock present because the animals do tend to either eat your gear or shit all over it.
So IMO there’s no real risk of being poisoned by zinc, an essential mineral in your diet, the blasting sand is only bad for you if you ingest it and the presence of cadmium is highly unlikely.
One of my chief delights is the English fortnightly magazine Private Eye whose covers are usually a news photo with a satirical caption and speech bubble attached. The latest issue is particularly funny, though Muzza, Mozza and other members of the rapidly dwindling Assange fan club should probably look away.
I think you should give people more credit for having a sense of humour TRP. I’m certainly one of those people who figures it is absolutely unacceptable for a person to be exposed to a somewhat paranoid and vindictive US justice system on the back of some other, unrelated and actual crime they may or may not have committed.
I love Private Eye. It has a go at everyone, even the saintly, and it’s always funny.
Yes, they’re having a go at Assange here, but their coverage of his persecution by the state has been thorough and fair.
Unlike you, the Eye long ago worked out that William Hague is a pathetic little worm and an inveterate liar, qualities that come in useful when mounting a campaign against a dangerous dissenter. Unlike you, they can have a go at Assange while also realizing the attacks on him by scoundrels like Hague are politically motivated.
You say that the Eye is one of your “chief delights”, but it is clear that you just don’t get it.
FFS TR, who gives a flying fekk at a rolling donut about a rapidly dwindling Assange fan club? Are we being told what is politically correct to think again, tow the line or you are going to be show trialled a al Soviet by the blogging ideologues on TS?
Muzza, the intention is to trivialize your arguments. One fool called me a “fan boy” at least three times. If Assange was Jewish, he no doubt would used an antisemitic slur against me.
Remember his support for S59 and how it boosted his public image while the Left got punished for social engineering. Now his open support for the Marriage Bill looks good, but he doesn’t have to speak to it, just leaves his vote, while he is off at some Pacific Forum.
Manufacturers will have to achieve an average of 54.5mpg or 4.36 litres per 100km. How does that compare with current models?
Toyota Prius 4.7 l/100km
Honda Civic hybrid 5.3 l/100km
Mitsi Lancer 7.7 l/100km
Ford Falcon 9.9 l/100km
Bugatti Veyron 29 l/100km
So the new average economy for all models will have to exceed the most efficient currently available.
“Everybody is a winner today,” said Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental group.
“Motorists win because they will have much more fuel-efficient cars to drive, thus saving thousands of dollars at the gas pump every year,” Beinecke said. “The auto industry — and its workers — win because these standards will spur the creation of thousands of new jobs as well as state-of-the-art vehicles that go nearly twice as far on the same gallon of gasoline.”
These standards will flow on to global manufacturing not just US produced models.
Its interesting that they managed to pass this very tough (and actually world leading) legislation – they had help from a lot of Republicans in order to do so. However, they are counting on a lot of sales of electric and semi-electric vehicles in order to meet the overall average requirement. That’s where these regulations are taking a big risk, in terms of technical and commercial feasibility.
The other longstanding trend to bear in mind is that new car sales in the US are slow and that people are holding onto existing cars longer and longer. Average vehicle age in the US is now a record 10.8 years.
In other words, the new mileage standards will take up to a decade before significantly reducing US gasoline consumption.
seti the hybrid figures above are manufactures figures in reality hybrid cars are no more effecient than small petrol cars + the huge energy cost of manufacture.
Reading comments on this on Slashdot, there was one very interesting one. Note that I haven’t verified it’s veracity.
These aren’t actually MPG standards, but are air emissions standards, which can *equate* to MPG standards. However the equation part is actually quite misleading. For example, to improve emissions you can either increase fuel efficiency or invent a better better exhaust / muffler system – either will be sufficient to meet the emissions standards. The commenter also indicated that such things as swapping standard incandescent lamps in headlines/brake lights to LEDs can be counted towards the emissions reductions, which doing absolutely nothing for the fuel efficiency of the car.
Yes mr micky that is refreshing. Ken Shirley had no answers.
Now that approach needs to be applied to other major issues facing us, such as;
How having foreign landlords is a better thing for us.
Why selling the assets is a good thing when it is actually costing us.
Why the taxpayer needs to support big business all the time (NZX, irrigation, etc).
As far as I can see, the right wing free market private business model is lying in tatters on the road. Farmers have woken up and acknowledged their pollution (different issue, but with same attitudes) but it took some time…. and similarly, it will take a bit more time before these other sectors acknowledge their very substantial and fatal flaws.
Thanks for that mickysavage. I found this bit interesting:
Ken Shirley: Bigger but fewer trucks than you would otherwise have, and safer trucks because they are higher technology and you can get up to 20 per cent improved loadings ah in bigger trucks but fewer trucks than you would otherwise need for a given freight task.
There is no “higher technology” being employed… They are simply loading the same old trucks to the maximum weight they can carry. Not only does this cause more wear and tear on the trucks themselves, making them less safe, it damages our roading infrastructure.
Shirley is wrong that there will be less trucks on our roads. National has recently revealed plans to further disestablish our rail network, which will push more heavy freight onto less efficient trucks.
Of course road repairs and things like $45 million for strengthening bridges so heavier vehicles can use them are socialized costs. This ensures that the trucking industry appears on paper to be more cost effective, because they’re simply not paying all their overheads.
Shirley was also completely wrong concerning the Auckland rail link. Even before you account for the benefits from highway decongestion, things like job creation and regional efficiency make the CBD rail link economically viable.
Perhaps the intellectually deficient Ken Shirley was getting confused with the holiday highway, which has completely failed its cost to benefit analysis.
Bahahahahaha at Ken Shirley resorting to a straight party-political diatribe when he lost the argument!
“They don’t like it up ’em, do they captain Mainwaring!”
I must confess I love it when smug right-wing middle aged white men are trounced in public like that, it really rattles their cage and they absolutely hate it.
Jaybus aitch fracking Christmas, Carol, just when you thought you’d plumbed the depths of gormless, racist, arrogant shallowness, out pops another zinger from the Keyster.
Tentacles. Way to burn off decades of hard-wrought good will, kid. With the market that’s propping us up. The burgeoning superpower, and the only one in history that hasn’t invaded another country.
Tentacles. Maybe they won’t notice or take offence.
Fiji-a Chinese Naval Base? hee hee-“Race for the Pacific” (again)
Brendan Horan (now thats a phonetically interesting sir-name) -re CONSCIENCE vote
“hadn’t given ‘it’ much thought”
conscience? what conscience? foolish presenter not ‘present’
but we suffer quite a few ‘presenters’ in our democracy (finger approaching throat, but i just had breakfast)
Assad-” rebels face inevitable death”
Chemical Weapons deployed inevitable?
WINZ could save a couple off million dollars each year, if only they would do a little Synchronization of there clients, a little time management.
Sickness beneficiaries have to go to the GP every 3 months to have there benefit renewed.
And once a year the Sickness beneficiaries also get a full review, which means another GP visit.
The current system means that once a year a Sickness beneficiary will go to the GP for a 3 month renewal and then, go to the GP again (generally within 3 weeks of just getting there medical certificate updated) for another medical certificate, even though they have a valid one on record that’s not due to expire for another couple of months.
This costs each Sickness beneficiary around $40 with is refunded by Winz.
So my point is, if Winz synchronized this Annual medical certificate with the 3 month medical certificate, it would save the state the cost of a medical certificate.
If there are 59,500 people on a Sickness benefit then performing this would save the Government around $2,380,000 each and every year.
Not sure if there is a similar issue with invalid beneficiaries but if there is then that could more than double the $2+ million dollars.
Yes, the GP’s will make less money but will also have less paper to deal with and would be able to cope with an extra 59,500 sick people.
Note: I don’t want my private information by Paula Benefit or any Winz staff or Ministers.
Will cross post this to Red Alert and the Greens blog.
OMG did I just work out a way to save over $2 million dollars a year…
“This costs each Sickness beneficiary around $40 with is refunded by Winz.”
I’m not sure that is true. Maybe the rules have changed, but in the past you had to claim the medical fee back on disability allowance. If your DA is already at the maximum then the only way to claim medical fees is if you get TAS (hardship grant, which is meant to be temporary, capped, and which only pays a proportion of the cost).
I take your point though, and agree there are many inefficiencies in the WINZ system. All the people on SB long term for instance (and being refused Invalid’s), could go on 6 month or even 12 month reviews.
Like me I am a long term (3 years) and not really much chance of going back to work I have been refused the Invalids Benefit on the word of a doctor I have never met, who has never even spoken to me let alone examine me, and he seems to know a hell of a lot more about how to cure me, that all the specialists I have seen and have spoken to me don’t know. My medical expenses are worked out by winz, and then divided by 52 and paid that way, so when I go to the doctor its still hard to pay the bill. It would be better if they also paid you the $40 the week of your appointment (even if you had to show your appointment) or they just put it on the card.
[blockquote]The current system means that once a year a Sickness beneficiary will go to the GP for a 3 month renewal and then, go to the GP again (generally within 3 weeks of just getting there medical certificate updated) for another medical certificate, even though they have a valid one on record that’s not due to expire for another couple of months.[/blockquote]
Seems tidy on paper, one less vist being “better”, but make sure you check the real life experience of a sickness beneficiary visiting a doctor at any given time which may reveal the opposite. A person may only be able to deal with the stress of a short visit, that deals with only one aspect of an illness at a time and need a pause before being additionally reminded of the administration of their affairs. These people don’t just have a bad case of flu, they have a profound health concern that effects all aspects of their lives. Most doctors these days at least have a piece of paper stuck to the wall of their office that says they are officially concerned at the emotional state of their clients as well as any other aspect.
Saving money sounds great, but it should not come at the cost of making vulnerable people feel even more out of control of their affairs, or in an extreme, trampling over their human rights because they are “beneficiaries who owe society” i.e. lower class of person. Treating situations that have inherent fragilities from a dollars-and-cents-first-make-the-people-fit-it approach, makes me nervous.
Saving money sounds great, but it should not come at the cost of making vulnerable people feel even more out of control of their affairs, or in an extreme, trampling over their human rights because they are “beneficiaries who owe society” i.e. lower class of person.
It wouldn’t. In fact, it would make the person feel more in control and less like having to jump through hoops. If they have to go every three months to get a doctors certificate plus another every year then the fourth one just becomes the yearly one meaning that the person only has to go four times per year and not five.
Treating situations that have inherent fragilities from a dollars-and-cents-first-make-the-people-fit-it approach, makes me nervous.
This amounts to what we might call an “irrelevance” defense: Finance theorists cannot be held responsible, since no one in the real world pays attention to them!
Great video from Richard Heinberg at the Post Carbon Institute
DON’T WORRY, DRIVE ON: Fossil Fools & Fracking Lies
“In recent months we’ve seen a spate of articles, reports, and op-eds claiming that peak oil is a worry of the past thanks to so-called “new technologies” that can tap massive amounts of previously inaccessible stores of “unconventional” oil. “Don’t worry, drive on,” we’re told.
But as Post Carbon Institute Senior Fellow Richard Heinberg asks in this short video, what’s really new here? “What’s new is high oil prices and … the economy hates high oil prices.”
WE NEED YOUR HELP SHARING THIS VIDEO
Email the video to everyone you think needs to watch it
Share it through your social networks
Send it to your elected officials
We can fall for the oil industry hype and keep ourselves chained to a resource that’s depleting and comes with ever increasing economic and environmental costs, or we can recognize that the days of cheap and abundant oil (not to mention coal and natural gas) are over.
Unfortunately, the mainstream media and politicians on both sides of the aisle are parroting the hype, claiming — in Obama’s case — that unconventional oil can play a key role in an “all of the above” energy strategy and — in Romney’s — that increased production of tight oil and tar sands can make North America energy independent by the end of his second term.
We need your help: Please share this video and help bring a dose of reality to the energy conversation.”
NZ has reached “peak coal” according to Solid Energy chief executive Don Elder. There is plenty of coal left in the ground, but it is becoming prohibitively expensive to extract. This is illustrated by yesterdays announcement by Solid Energy of hundreds of job losses.
“Underground mining was inefficient and “very hard”.
”It’s becoming harder, it’s becoming problematic,” he said.
“After 110 years of mining in New Zealand, the easy coal has gone.”
New technology was needed to reach the significant amount that was left deep underground, which was why the company was pushing its underground coal gasification and coal seam gas projects, he said.”
Yeah poor guy right. A $141,000 pay cut and he still makes over one million dollars. I’ll be sure to pass the hat around my friends and family to help support this kiwi battler.
Some people around here seem to think I make my transcripts up. I don’t. Often, however, they are not verbatim, but hurried transcripts taken down in longhand as I listen to the source of the inanity, whether it be radio or television. Occasionally, though, I’ll transcribe the whole thing. Here’s a real transcript, laboriously taken from an audiotape…
Larry Williams clashes with Murray Deaker
Friday 4 February 2003
Friday afternoon’s little stoush live on air was not the first time these two have brawled like this. On the day of the launch of the Blackguard organisation just five or so months ago, Williams got a sheepish, evasive Deaker to admit that he’d been at the launch of the super-patriotic organisation. “You’re PATHETIC!” snarled Williams. An indignant Deaker wasn’t going to stand for such insolence: “Larry, you never READ anything, you have no idea of what you’re talking about!” he bellowed, and they proceeded to yell at each other for at least three minutes. Later, on his 7 o’clock show, a still upset Deaker played the tape again, presumably to show what a bastard Larry Williams was.
By the next day, the two pilgarlics had kissed and made up and Deaker was smothering Williams with his legendary flattery: “Larry, THAT is why YOU are the best in the business,” he cooed after Williams had made an unremarkable comment about another matter. But that was then and this is now. Last Friday afternoon, Russell Coutts and Brad Butterworth, the targets of the Blackguard vilification campaign, broke their silence, revealing that it was mainly the shoddy and vacillating management of the trustees that forced them to leave Team New Zealand three years ago. Support for the Alinghi sailors by listeners was swift, indicating widespread suspicion and resentment of the Blackguard organisation and, in particular, of its most strident mouthpiece, Murray Deaker. We present herewith a selection from the last half hour of the Larry Williams
show of Friday 31 January….
5:32 p.m.
LARRY WILLIAMS: I have been involved with Russell and Brad and there’s plenty more there than they released today – that’s all I’m going to say… you’ve just heard jim Farmer QC; you’d have to be a MONKEY, an IDIOT to accept on those terms…
5:32 p.m.
MICHAEL LAWS: [commenting on the failure of TVNZ to show the TV interview from Swiss TV which proves that Team NZ and Blackheart were always very close, and never independent] This should be Broadcasting Authority stuff… Gee, the Americas Cup is a nasty piece of work. I’ve never come across a sport that is so much about lawyers, vindictiveness, money and nastiness.
5:45 p.m.
[A Blackguard supporter rings in to sling off at Coutts and Butterworth…]
WILLIAMS: You’re PATHETIC!
…………………………
CALLER TIM: I’m sick of hearing certain commentators, who look like Kojak, shooting from the mouth – or screaming from the mouth – and I’ve said all along we’ve never heard the other side of this.
WILLIAMS: Well we haven’t heard the other side because they haven’t been allowed to tell the other side and yet you must know – let this be clear – they didn’t actually want to TELL the other side. They NEVER wanted to say anything. They just wanted to go at the time and get out and do what they do best, which is sailing boats. Look it has to be pointed out it was Team New Zealand who wanted this kept secret. Now I must also point out that we’re not talking about Team New
Zealand TODAY, really – we’re talking about Team New Zealand the old trustees, although the new trustees wanted this kept silent. But in the main, we are talking about Coutts and Butterworth’s negotiations with the OLD – let me emphasise that, the OLD – Team New Zealand
trustees, not the ones we’ve got now.
CALLER TIM: Yes I understood that from what you said earlier. I’m just surprised people kept on slaying them when they were silent and you – I understood there must have been reasons why they weren’t speaking and you don’t, if you’re fair, have a go at someone unless you’ve heard the other side.
WILLIAMS: Well, we’ve also got to understand that there will be a lot of people who won’t have a bar of this, they will not believe this, they will NOT want to know, because they’re bigoted. But thanks for your call. Hello, Scott.
SCOTT: Congratulations! I’d just like to add to what the other person put through to you. We had our doubts, and we’re keen yachties down here in Christchurch – but where does Murray Deaker stand on all this? I notice that he’s been perpetuated [sic!] by his silence. What’s going on?
WILLIAMS: Well now, hold on, hold on! To be fair to Murray, he’s been on a week’s leave and frankly I don’t – lookm I don’t care WHAT Murray thinks. Murray’s had – Murray has taken his course and I respect what he’s had to say, I don’t believe a WORD of it but I respect his right to have an opinion.
SCOTT: Fair enough.
WILLIAMS: But what he thinks about it now, I don’t know. Doesn’t worry me, frankly.
SCOTT: Hey, thank you for that.
WILLIAMS: Thanks for your call…. I should point out I’ve only mentioned part of the release and as I said before there is a lot of – no, I’m not going to tease you, we’ll go to a break.
[ADVERTISING BREAK….]
5:56 p.m.
WILLIAMS: Now Murray Deaker is – has called in. I’ve got two minutes Deaks. What’s your main points?
DEAKER: Well, firstly, I’ve been on holiday so I take exception to that chap’s reference that I’m gutless. Huh! That is ONE thing that I’m not!
WILLIAMS: But hold on, I clarified that, so –
DEAKER: The second point that I’d make is this – that you say, and you led Tom – um, the chap Farmer to say that it was an impossible situation –
WILLIAMS: Yup.
DEAKER: Larry, it CAN’T have been impossible. Tom Schnackenburg took on the role WITH THOSE CONDITIONS –
WILLIAMS: No he did NOT!
DEAKER: He did.
WILLIAMS: You are talking ABSOLUTE – you are talking –
DEAKER: He stayed there and –
WILLIAMS: Murray… MURRAY! YOU ARE TALKING CRAP! He did NOT stay there –
DEAKER: He stayed there Larry –
WILLIAMS: Murray! Murray! He did NOT stay there on the same conditions –
DEAKER: He stayed there Larry under the same conditions. And they got them changed didn’t they.
WILLIAMS: Whaddya mean – when Coutts and Butterworth announced –
DEAKER: No, no, they worked those conditions to get them changed because there are two – there are three other people who stayed there as well –
WILLIAMS: He did NOT stay –
DEAKER: Reiseley, who was appointed by Coutts and Butterworth –
WILLIAMS: YOU SEE, YOU DON’T WANT TO LISTEN TO ME. Can… Can I tell you what – have you – have you read the press release? Do you know what a –
DEAKER: Yes, I’ve read the press release.
WILLIAMS: He did not stay under the trust that was offered to Coutts and Butterworth. The trust was changed and it took TWO HOURS for that trust to be changed, when the new trust went to the old trust and said: hand it over under these conditions otherwise we’re outa here. THAT’s what happened. So STOP trying to move the story around, Murray!
DEAKER: But the point is that Schnackenburg stayed. The other guys could have stayed as well Larry and you know that.
WILLIAMS: Well look –
DEAKER: They could have worked it –
WILLIAMS: Hey! –
DEAKER: SURE they were completely frustrated –
WILLIAMS: Hey! –
DEAKER: – and that comes through in their release as well.
WILLIAMS: HEY!!! MURRAY!!! They could NOT have stayed under the deal that was offered –
DEAKER: The guys that they had appointed as trustees, namely Norris and, ah, Reiseley and Menzies who you’ve not interviewed yet, and those are the guys that I’ll have on my program tomorrow.
WILLIAMS: Yeah, GOOD… yeah, GOOD, well I –
DEAKER: Because you NEED to get some balance into this.
WILLIAMS: Absolutely. Hey, just like –
DEAKER: You sounded like a P.R. agent for Alinghi mate.
WILLIAMS: Yeah well I learned that off you with your sycophantic interview with Dave Walden the other day. I’ve goota go, and I respect your opinion even if you’re wrong. Thanks for your call. It’s now, ah, three to six o’clock here at Newstalk ZB…
……………………………………
[TRANSCRIBED BY WALLIE INGRAM FOR RADIO TRANSCRIPTS LTD, A DIVISION OF DAISYCUTTER SPORTS INC.]
Basically no change. So Labour have wasted all the gift-wrapped chances National have offered in the past few weeks, because they were busy going down a dead-end street. It looks like they have slowly backed up the truck (while hoping nobody would notice), and maybe we’ve heard the last of Shearer’s roof-painter.
It would be good if the Labour leadership said “you were right, we were wrong, and we won’t be taking advice from idiots any more”. It would be good, but unlikely.
well nobody is going to take your advice gobsmacked.
you are just here as an agent provocateur and Labour will be the next government no matter what some poll says today.
(Perhaps stinging from all the criticism of late of him being a NAct lackey), Dunne has refused to support ACT’s proposed budget cap, so the bill won’t proceed….. for now.
The Government has shelved a cornerstone of its support deal with ACT that would have capped Budget spending after Revenue Minister Peter Dunne refused to back the move.
Finance Minister Bill English said the planned change had been set aside “at this stage” after consultation with other parties.
”The decision has now been made to introduce the spending limit as a stand alone Bill later this term. This will allow for further consultation and more policy work to be completed.”
But it seems unlikely those talks will be successful, and the move appears to be doomed.
John Key said our troops had the best of equipment – Link
TV3 say otherwise
A private security operative working in Afghanistan says the New Zealand military has to ‘beg for, borrow or steal’ equipment and it’s not just Humvees they’re cutting costs on.
Jack Waldron, who himself survived an IED explosion, says the New Zealand Government and military officials need to supply troops with better gear or more lives will be lost.
Waldron spoke frankly with 3 News earlier in the week about the realities of working in a war-zone, in the wake of the recent deaths of five Kiwi soldiers. – link
Regardless of whether we should be in Afghanistan or not, we owe it to our people to equip them properly. And some PM’s should stop lying.
Is Susan Baldacci a journalist or a shill for illegal killing?
Thursday 30 August 2012
Just heard a clearly outraged Susan Baldacci on “The Panel” discussing the revelation that bin Laden was murdered, unarmed, during that illegal U.S. raid into Pakistan last year. But Susan Baldacci was outraged not at the murder, but at the fact the two men broke the code of omerta and actually told the truth.
Disgusted, I flicked off the following to stand-in host Finlay McDonald….
from: Morrissey Breen, 4:00 PM
to: Afternoons
Dear Finlay,
Susan Baldacci expressed her astonishment that a couple of Navy Seals have revealed what actually happened in Pakistan; that the killing of bin Laden was the assassination of an unarmed man. “I wouldn’t want to be them,” she said, darkly.
Surely, as a journalist, she should be applauding these men for actually telling the truth.
Yours in alarm at the standards at National Radio,
Good post on Auckland Transport Blog about our oil production, importation and use. It shows clearly that if we want to become more competitive then we need to get off using oil for transport, I.E, can the RONS.
Bored 27
Thanks. I was visiting Christchurch and a certain red-haired enchantress aged nearly two. I have been thinking. (Quote from Richard Prebble. And I am about as popular with some as Richard Prebble is with me – not. Also I have been reading Terry Pratchett one of the Discworld which has put any pretensions I had into perspective.)
And I thought I like The Standard but I haven’t time to indulge in lengthy or continual regurgitation of similar thoughts,. I want to find a way to join with others, as I have time and can make time available, who want to work with other good-hearted positive people with standards and also a bit of the skeptic thrown in, to build a better future.
So I won’t waste time entering into comments threads with my opinions but will reap the great benefit of finding access to good links provided from here, and also provide to the Standard any that I think make some point that seems worthwhile to me and hopefully others who want to BABF.
I put the latest Roy Morgan into the electoral seat calculator. Assuming the Maori party get 3 seats, UF, ACT and Mana 1 each, the current government can only muster 59 votes. Labour and the Greens together have 56, Mana 1 and NZF holds the balance of power with 6.
It’s a good thing Winston isn’t interested in the baubles of office, eh?
I do so enjoy it when Socialist policies work out exactly as predicted.
Save the schadenfreude, my bewildered friend. Surely even an ignoramus like you can see that site is irrationally biased against the Venezuelan president, who has committed the grave crime of being a genuinely popular politician.
If only he was a dictator, with a Somoza-sized body count instead of a democrat who has exactly no blood on his hands; then you’d approve of him, no doubt.
Yes I hear that Muslim President of the US’s Socialist policies are causing exactly the carnage that was predicted. Ordinary people are getting healthcare. They are living longer. They are not losing all of their assets to rapacious financiers so they can finance medical treatment.
Rena and Shipley cuts to maritime safety Joyce forgetting to update insurance, pike river scf goldman saching of world governments to the trillions
goose your full of sludge .
Maybe it could be to do with embargo’s on oil equipment from the US
Vi saluto in volo! That means I am in a tearing hurry, and don’t have time to see whether anyone else has covered this – but it’s doing my head in!
The NZ police are madly enthusiastic about using drones here. Apparently, in cahoots with the FBI, they’ve already been playing with them.
It’s horrifying – to say the least!
yeah well the judgement of police bosses in the last year or two have been seriously lacking. There is nothing in the US way of doing things that we want in this country.
New Zealand police have used the drones only once, to canvass the area where the body of Wellington woman Sofia Athanassiou was found in July.
Police used a drone from a commercial company to search Mt Victoria in that case, a spokesman said.
While the machines have been seen as a crime-fighting tool, there are concerns about their pervasive nature.
Drew told TV3 News that New Zealand police were too busy to be monitoring the general public from the sky.
“We don’t have the time to go spy on people for no good reason,” he said.
Well, yes, but they have in the past decided they had “good reasons” for spying on people who were politically active…. was grey power one of those groups?
Or fit them with AI sensors to read number plates, ID faces, warrantlessly track and follow individuals, listen into conversations, spy into bedrooms using far infra red etc.
I think they probably do all of those things already… The smaller and cheaper drones will just allow them to do it on a larger scale. When exactly investigative work ends and invasive voyeurism begins shouldn’t in my opinion be a decision left up to the police.
Over 80% on this stuff poll said that the Search and Surveillance Bill was a worrying invasion of their privacy. That bill pretty much gives the police the right to spy on people in any way they see fit.
Whatever happened to good old fashioned policing and getting the community on your side?
Definitely need some strict rules about their use and, unfortunately, the strict rules that the police operate under have been systematically lessened over time. I think we’ve forgotten that a state where the police have no checks on them is essentially anti-democratic.
Perhaps the leadership of Labour have worked out a successful strategy… head hunt the best of the other parties, hopefully trade a few of theirs in exchange. Next Banksie will be wearing red and calling all of us “brothers” 😉
On Campbell the txt poll was 4 to 1 in favour of raisng the drinking age to 20. A very well meaning man who picks up the peices from alcohol abuse spoke strongly in favour of raising the age. A young man wise beyond his years said all you would do was put off the abuse of alcohol by 2 years and they would get it anyway.
All I heard was the standard Kiwi punative approach to a problem.
It seems that the rich are looking for new areas to expand in:
“What is striking about the recovery, growth, and expansion of the world’s billionaires is how dependent their accumulation of wealth is based on pillage of state resources; how much of their fortunes are based on neo-liberal policies which led to the takeover at bargain prices of privatized public enterprises . . . that the state—not the market—plays the essential role in facilitating the greatest concentration and centralization of wealth in world history . . . The sources of billionaire wealth are, at best, only partially due to ‘entrepreneurial innovations.’ ”
Yep, NZ is definitely being colonised and this government is at the forefront in assisting that colonisation.
This is the unfairness that Shearer should be trying to explain to the populace:
She quotes one woman at a dinner party complaining that though she made $20 million in the prior year, she was disgusted that after taxes it would be only $10 million. It seemed like theft to her.
Unfortunately he, just like the RWNJs, is wailing on the poor.
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
Who likes being sneered at? Nobody. Worse yet, when the sneerer has their facts all wrong, and might well be an idiot.The sneer in question is The adults are in charge now, and it is a sneer offered in retort to criticism of this new Government, no matter how well ...
When in government, Labour pushed to extend the Parliamentary term to four years, to reduce accountability and our ability to vote out a bad government. And now, they're trying to do it through the member's ballot, with a Four-Year Parliamentary Term Legislation Bill. The bill at least requires a referendum ...
A ballot for a single Member's Bill was held today, and the following bill was drawn: Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill (Hūhana Lyndon) The bill would prevent the government from stealing Māori land in breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It ...
Simeon Brown, alongside Wayne Brown, is favouring a political figleaf now in exchange for loading up tens of millions in extra interest costs on Auckland ratepayers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Ratings agency Standard & Poor’s is pushing back hard at suggestions from Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Mayor Wayne Brown ...
Buzz from the Beehive One headline-grabber from the Beehive yesterday was the OECD’s advice that the government must bring the Budget deficit under control or face higher interest rates. Another was the announcement of a $1.9 billion “investment” in Corrections over the next four years. In the best interests of ...
Chris Trotter writes – Had Zheng He’s fleet sailed east, not west, in the early Fifteenth Century, how different our world would be. There is little reason to suppose that the sea-going junks of the Ming Dynasty, among the largest and most sophisticated sailing vessels ever constructed, would have failed ...
David Farrar writes – Two articles give a useful contrast in balance. Both seek to be neutral explainer articles. This one in the Herald on Social Investment covers the pros and cons nicely. It links to critical pieces and talks about aspects that failed and aspects that are more ...
The tikanga regulations will compel law students to be taught that a system which does not conform with the rule of law is nevertheless law which should be observed and applied…Gary Judd KC writes – I have made a complaint to Parliament’s Regulation ...
The future of Te Huia, the train between Hamilton and Auckland, has been getting a lot of attention recently as current funding for it is only in place till the end of June. The government initially agreed to a five year trial, through to April 2026, but that was subject ...
TL;DR: Hamas has just agreed to Israel’s ceasefire plan. Nelson hospital’s rebuild has been cut back to save money. The OECD suggests New Zealand break up network monopolies, including in electricity. PM Christopher Luxon’s news conference on a prison expansion announcement last night was his messiest yet.Here’s my top six ...
A homicide in Ponsonby, a manhunt with a killer on the run. The nation’s leader stands before a press conference reassuring a frightened nation that he’ll sort it out, he’ll keep them safe, he’ll build some new prison spaces.Sorry what? There’s a scary dude on the run with a gun ...
Hi,I know it’s been awhile since there’s been any Webworm merch — and today that all changes!Over the last four months, I’ve been working with New Zealand artist Jess Johnson to create a series of t-shirts, caps and stickers that are infused with Webworm DNA — and as of right ...
The OECD’s chief economist yesterday laid it on the line for the new Government: bring the deficit under control or face higher Reserve Bank interest rates for longer. And to bring the deficit under control, she meant not borrowing for tax cuts. But there was more. Without policy changes—introducing a ...
After a hiatus of over four months Selwyn Manning and I finally got it together to re-start the “A View from Afar” podcast series. We shall see how we go but aim to do 2 episodes per month if possible. … Continue reading → ...
In 2008, the UK Parliament passed the Climate Change Act 2008. The law established a system of targets, budgets, and plans, with inbuilt accountability mechanisms; the aim was to break the cycle of empty promises and replace it with actual progress towards emissions reduction. The law was passed with near-universal ...
Buzz from the Beehive Local Water Done Well – let’s be blunt – is a silly name, but the first big initiative to put it into practice has gone done well. This success is reflected in the headline on an RNZ report:District mayors welcome Auckland’s new water deal with ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate ConnectionsA farmworker cleans the solar panels of a solar water pump in the village of Jagadhri, Haryana Country, India. (Photo credit: Prashanth Vishwanathan/ IWMI) Decisions made in India over the next few years will play a key role in global ...
Lindsay Mitchell writes – The Children’s Minister, Karen Chhour, intends to repeal Section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 because it creates conflict between claimed Crown Treaty obligations and the child’s best interests. In her words, “Oranga Tamariki’s governing principles and its act should be colour ...
Geoffrey Miller writes – The gloves are off. That might seem to be the undertone of surprisingly tough talk from New Zealand’s foreign and trade ministers. Winston Peters, the foreign minister, may be facing legal action after making allegations about former Australian foreign minister Bob Carr on Radio New Zealand. ...
Brian Easton writes – This is about the time that the Treasury will be locking up its economic forecasts to be published in the 2024 Budget Economic and Fiscal Update (BEFU) on budget day, 30 May. I am not privy to what they will be (I will report on them ...
TL;DR:Winston Peters is reported to have won a budget increase for MFAT. David Seymour wanted his Ministry of Regulation to be three times bigger than the Productivity Commission. Simeon Brown is appointing a Crown Monitor to Watercare to protect the Claytons Crown Guarantee he had to give ratings agencies ...
The gloves are off. That might seem to be the undertone of surprisingly tough talk from New Zealand’s foreign and trade ministers. Winston Peters, the foreign minister, may be facing legal action after making allegations about former Australian foreign minister Bob Carr on Radio New Zealand. Carr had made highly ...
I could be a florist'Round the corner from Rye LaneI'll be giving daisies to craziesBut, baby, I'll wrap you up real safe Oh, I can give you flowers At the end of every dayFor the center of your table, a rainbowIn case you have people 'round to stay Depending on ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to May 12 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Finance Minister Nicola Willis will give a pre-budget speech on Thursday.Parliament sits from Question Time at 2pm on ...
The price of the foreign affairs “reset” is now becoming apparent, with Defence set to get a funding boost in the Budget. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed that it will be one of the few votes, apart from Health and Education and possibly Police, which will get an increase ...
A listing of 26 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 28, 2024 thru Sat, May 4, 2024. Story of the week "It’s straight out of Big Tobacco’s playbook. In fact, research by John Cook and his colleagues ...
Yesterday I received come lovely feedback following my Star Wars themed newsletter. A few people mentioned they’d enjoyed reading the personal part at the beginning.I often begin newsletters with some memories, or general thoughts, before commencing the main topic. This hopefully sets the mood and provides some context in which ...
April 30 was going to be the day we’d be calling Mum from London to wish her a happy birthday. Then it became the day we would be going to St. Paul's at Evensong to remember her. The aim of the cathedral builders was to find a way to make their ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – Can’t remember the last book by a Kiwi author you read? Think the NZ government should spend less on the arts in favor of helping the homeless? If so, as far as Newsroom is concerned, you probably deserve to be called a cultural ignoramus ...
Eric Crampton writes – Grudges are bad. Better to move on. But it can be fun to keep a couple of really trivial ones, so you’re not tempted to have other ones. For example, because of the rootkit fiasco of 2005, no Sony products in our household. ...
A new report warns an estimated third of the adult population have unmet need for health care.Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāHere’s the six key things I learned about Aotaroa’s political economy this week around housing, climate and poverty:Politics - Three opinion polls confirmed support for PM Christopher Luxon ...
Today is May the fourth. Which was just a regular day when my mother took me to see the newly released Star Wars at the Odeon in Rotorua. The queue was right around the corner. Some years later this day became known as Star Wars Day, the date being a ...
Buzz from the Beehive Much more media attention is being paid to something Winston Peters said about former Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr than to a speech he delivered to the New Zealand China Council. One word is missing from the speech: AUKUS. But AUKUS loomed large in his considerations ...
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The annual list of who's been bribing our politicians is out, and journalists will no doubt be poring over it to find the juiciest and dirtiest bribes. The government's fast-track invite list is likely to be a particular focus, and we already know of one company on the list which ...
In the weeks after the October 7 Hamas attacks on Southern Israel I wrote about the possible 2nd, 3rd and even 4th order effects of the conflict. These included new fronts being opened in the West Bank (with Hamas), Golan … Continue reading → ...
Peter Dunne writes – It is one of the oldest truisms that there is never a good time for MPs to get a pay rise. This week’s announcement of pay raises of around 2.8% backdated to last October could hardly have come at a worse time, with the ...
David Farrar writes – Newshub reports: Newshub can reveal a fresh allegation of intimidation against Green MP Julie-Anne Genter. Genter is subject to a disciplinary process for aggressively waving a book in the face of National Minister Matt Doocey in the House – but it’s not the first time ...
The Treasury has published a paper today on the global productivity slowdown and how it is playing out in New Zealand: The productivity slowdown: implications for the Treasury’s forecasts and projections. The Treasury Paper examines recent trends in productivity and the potential drivers of the slowdown. Productivity for the whole economy ...
Winston Peters’ comments about former Australian foreign minister look set to be an ongoing headache for both him and Luxon. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for subscribers features co-hosts and , along with regular guests on Gaza and ...
These puppet strings don't pull themselvesYou're thinking thoughts from someone elseHow much time do you think you have?Are you prepared for what comes next?The debating chamber can be a trying place for an opposition MP. What with the person in charge, the speaker, typically being an MP from the governing ...
The land around Lyme Regis, where Meryl Streep once stood, in a hood, on the Cobb, is falling into the sea.MerylThe land around Lyme Regis, around the Cobb that made it rich, has always been falling slowly but surely into the sea. Read more ...
Buzz from the Beehive Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters was bound to win headlines when he set out his thinking about AUKUS in his speech to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. The headlines became bigger when – during an interview on RNZ’s Morning Report today – he criticised ...
The Post reports on how the government is refusing to release its advice on its corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law, instead using the "soon to be publicly available" refusal ground to hide it until after select committee submissions on the bill have closed. Fast-track Minister Chris Bishop's excuse? “It's not ...
As pressure on it grows, the livestock industry’s approach to the transition to Net Zero is increasingly being compared to that of fossil fuel interests. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / Getty ImagesTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above ...
The New Zealand Herald reports – Stats NZ has offered a voluntary redundancy scheme to all of its workers as a way to give staff some control over their “future” amidst widespread job losses in the public sector. In an update to staff this morning, seen by the Herald, Statistics New Zealand ...
On Werewolf/Scoop, I usually do two long form political columns a week. From now on, there will be an extra column each week about music and movies. But first, some late-breaking political events:The rise in unemployment numbers for the March quarter was bigger than expected – and especially sharp ...
David Farrar writes – The Herald reports: TVNZ says it is dealing with about 50 formal complaints over its coverage of the latest 1News-Verian political poll, with some viewers – as well as the Prime Minister and a former senior Labour MP – critical of the tone of the 6pm report. ...
Muriel Newman writes – When Meridian Energy was seeking resource consents for a West Coast hydro dam proposal in 2010, local Maori “strenuously” objected, claiming their mana was inextricably linked to ‘their’ river and could be damaged. After receiving a financial payment from the company, however, the Ngai Tahu ...
Alwyn Poole writes – “An SEP,’ he said, ‘is something that we can’t see, or don’t see, or our brain doesn’t let us see, because we think that it’s somebody else’s problem. That’s what SEP means. Somebody Else’s Problem. The brain just edits it out, it’s like a ...
Our trust in our political institutions is fast eroding, according to a Maxim Institute discussion paper, Shaky Foundations: Why our democracy needs trust. The paper – released today – raises concerns about declining trust in New Zealand’s political institutions and democratic processes, and the role that the overuse of Parliamentary urgency ...
This article was prepared for publication yesterday. More ministerial announcements have been posted on the government’s official website since it was written. We will report on these later today …. Buzz from the BeehiveThere we were, thinking the environment is in trouble, when along came Jones. Shane Jones. ...
New Zealand now has the fourth most depressed construction sector in the world behind China, Qatar and Hong Kong. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 8:46am on Thursday, May 2:The Lead: ...
Hi,I am just going to state something very obvious: American police are fucking crazy.That was a photo gracing the New York Times this morning, showing New York City police “entering Columbia University last night after receiving a request from the school.”Apparently in America, protesting the deaths of tens of thousands ...
Winston Peters’ much anticipated foreign policy speech last night was a work of two halves. Much of it was a standard “boilerplate” Foreign Ministry overview of the state of the world. There was some hardening up of rhetoric with talk of “benign” becoming “malign” and old truths giving way to ...
Graham Adams assesses the fallout of the Cass Review — The press release last Thursday from the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls didn’t make the mainstream news in New Zealand but it really should have. The startling title of Reem Alsalem’s statement — “Implementation of ‘Cass ...
This open-for-business, under-new-management cliché-pockmarked government of Christopher Luxon is not the thing of beauty he imagines it to be. It is not the powerful expression of the will of the people that he asserts it to be. It is not a soaring eagle, it is a malodorous vulture. This newest poll should make ...
The latest labour market statistics, showing a rise in unemployment. There are now 134,000 unemployed - 14,000 more than when the National government took office. Which is I guess what happens when the Reserve Bank causes a recession in an effort to Keep Wages Low. The previous government saw a ...
Three opinion polls have been released in the last two days, all showing that the new government is failing to hold their popular support. The usual honeymoon experienced during the first year of a first term government is entirely absent. The political mood is still gloomy and discontented, mainly due ...
National's Finance Minister once met a poor person.A scornful interview with National's finance guru who knows next to nothing about economics or people.There might have been something a bit familiar if that was the headline I’d gone with today. It would of course have been in tribute to the article ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – Throughout the pandemic, the new Vice-Chancellor-of-Otago-University-on-$629,000 per annum-Can-you-believe-it-and-Former-Finance-Minister Grant Robertson repeated the mantra over and over that he saved “lives and livelihoods”.As we update how this claim is faring over the course of time, the facts are increasingly speaking differently. NZ ...
Chris Trotter writes – IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in acknowledgement of electoral victory: “We’ll govern for all New Zealanders.” On the face of it, the pledge is a strange one. Why would any political leader govern in ways that advantaged the huge ...
Bryce Edwards writes – The list of former National Party Ministers being given plum and important roles got longer this week with the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as the chair of Pharmac. The Christopher Luxon-led Government has now made key appointments to Bill ...
TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 10:06am on Wednesday, May 1:The Lead: Business confidence fell across the board in April, falling in some areas to levels last seen during the lockdowns because of a collapse in ...
Over the past 36 hours, Christopher Luxon has been dong his best to portray the centre-right’s plummeting poll numbers as a mark of virtue. Allegedly, the negative verdicts are the result of hard economic times, and of a government bravely set out on a perilous rescue mission from which not ...
Green Party MP Hūhana Lyndon says her Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill is an opportunity to right some past wrongs around the alienation of Māori land. ...
A senior, highly respected King’s Counsel with decades of experience in our law courts, Gary Judd KC, has filed a complaint about compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law students - highlighting the utter depths of absurdity this woke cultural madness has taken our society. The tikanga regulations will compel law ...
The Government needs to be clear with the people of the Nelson Marlborough region about the changes it is considering for the Nelson Hospital rebuild, Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said. ...
Ministers must front up about which projects it will push through under its Fast Track Approvals legislation, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
The Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...
With Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...
The Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
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A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America. “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says. “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli. ...
The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
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Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
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New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
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The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
By Robin Martin, RNZ News reporter A New Zealand local authority, Whanganui District Council, has passed a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, condemnation of all acts of violence and terror against civilians on both sides of the conflict and the immediate return of hostages. It comes as ...
Asia Pacific Report The Aotearoa chapter of the Women’s International league for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) has appealed to the New Zealand government to call out Israel over the “cruel and barbaric use of force” in Gaza and demand a permanent ceasefire. The league’s open letter was sent to Prime ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government will invest $566 million over a decade on data, maps and other tools to promote exploration and development in Australia’s resources industry. The project will fund “the first comprehensive map of what’s ...
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Claire Mabey reviews the haunting and sexy debut novel from Sinéad Gleeson, who is about to touch down in Aotearoa for a string of live events.When Irish writer Sinéad Gleeson was in Aotearoa in 2018 with her spectacular collection of essays, Constellations, she told me she was working on ...
PNG Post-Courier Bougainville Affairs Minister Manasseh Makiba has described the Post-Courier’s front page story yesterday regarding a meeting between Bougainville and national government leaders as “sensationalised” and without substance. The Autonomous Bougainville Government (AGB) had warned it might use “other avenues to gain its independence” should the PNG government “continue ...
Where some saw the worst press conference given by the government to date, Anna Rawhiti-Connell recognised girl maths game.Nicola Willis, recently exasperated by comparisons to Ruth Richardson, said she was “a bit sick of being compared with every female finance minister that’s ever been out there.”Some think that’s ...
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Jamie Arbuckle, the district councillor who became an MP but decided to keep getting paid for both roles, will instead donate one salary to charity. ...
Adding gender to the Human Rights Act would simply make the implicit explicit. So why is it so controversial? Paul Thistoll explain. At present, Aotearoa’s 1993 Human Rights Act (HRA) includes sex, marital status, religious belief, ethical belief (meaning a lack of religious belief), colour, race, ethnicity or national origin, ...
As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, an 18-year-old who’s studying and working in hospo shares their approach to spending and saving. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here.Gender: Transmasc Age: 18 Ethnicity: Pākehā/Māori Role: Student, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane Kelsey, Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Resources Minister Shane Jones has reportedly asked officials for advice on whether oil and gas companies could be offered “bonds” as compensation if drilling rights offered by ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Gleeson, Associate Professor of Law, Macquarie University Shutterstock The Albanese government is weighing up the costs of delivering an election promise to protect religious people from discrimination in Commonwealth law. Such protections were relatively uncontroversial when included in state anti-discrimination ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yen Ying Lim, Associate Professor, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio Dementia is often described as “the long goodbye”. Although the person is still alive, dementia slowly and irreversibly chips away at their memories and the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Judy Bush, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, The University of Melbourne Adam Calaitzis/Shutterstock I met with a friend for a walk beside Merri Creek, in inner Melbourne. She had lived in the area for a few years, and as we walked ...
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Harm Reduction Coalition Aotearoa, a new incorporated society dedicated to ending harmful drug policies, officially launched today, seeks a new fit-for-purpose drug law for Aotearoa New Zealand, rooted in science, experience and evidence. ...
The Corrections Minister admits he "muddied the water" after he and the Prime Minister repeatedly provided incorrect information about a $1.9 billion prison spend-up. ...
It took a post-post-cabinet statement to confirm that 810 new beds will be built at Waikeria, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...
Lili Tokaduadua was only 15 when she left her family in Fiji to pursue her netball dream in New Zealand. She’d been playing the sport for 10 years and was offered a netball scholarship at Auckland’s Howick College. Now, in her first year out of high school, the 19-year-old defender ...
The beloved local grocers lost a legal challenge to stop a new cycleway outside their store. Joel MacManus reports. In the annals of New Zealand legal history, there are a few brave people who have dared to stand up to the powers that be, no matter how bleak the odds ...
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Professor Jemma Geoghegan, of the University of Otago, Otakou Whakaihu Waka, co-leads a Te Niwha project aimed at understanding how and where avian influenza could affect Aotearoa New Zealand, as the highly infectious H5N1 virus spreads globally. The virus has now spread to all continents except Oceania and was recently ...
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Highly pathogenic avian influenza – H5N1, or bird flu – has been flying around the world since the late 1990s. New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands are so far free of it, but now it’s been discovered in mainland Antarctica and scientists say it’s only a matter of time ...
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question?Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 7 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...
The following interview with auto electrician and former caver Stu Berendt, 68, of Charleston on the West Coast, came about because he was part of the caving team that found the rare and amazing fossil remains of the giant Haast eagle, the subject of one of the year’s best books, ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Eric Stokan, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore County If you live in one of the most economically deprived neighborhoods in your city, you might think the government is directing a smaller share of public funds to your community. ...
Wansolwara The news media’s crucial role in climate change and environment journalism was the focus of The University of the South Pacific’s Journalism Programme 2024 World Press Freedom Day celebrations. The European Union Ambassador to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert, and Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna were the chief ...
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This episode of A View From Afar was recorded LIVE on May 6, 2024 (NZST) which is Sunday evening, May 5, 2024 at 8:30pm (USEST). In an analytical essay titled ‘A moment of friction’ political scientist Dr Paul Buchanan wrote how we are living within a decisive moment ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jenny Stewart, Professor of Public Policy, ADFA Canberra, UNSW Sydney For years, First Nations people have been telling governments they want to be listened to. In particular, they want more ownership of the programs and services that are supposed to help them. ...
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WIMP WALLOPING : David Shearer on Larry Williams Drive
NewstalkZB, Wednesday 29 August 2012, 6.18 to 6:24p.m.
Williams is shamelessly partisan and pro-National. Thirty minutes before this debacle, he had Gerry Brownlee on the programme, and treated him with cringing deference, feeding him the sort of patsy questions that someone like Simon Bridges or Chris Tremain serves up for a minister at Question Time in the House.
Toward the Leader of the Opposition, though, his tone was radically different….
Re selling off our state assets, Williams insolently stated: “You see risks, David, because you don’t want them sold.” Shearer let that go, unchallenged.
Williams asked in a querulous tone: “Why SHOULDN’T private investors own umm, ahhh, part of the power company?” Shearer garbled a reply, and Williams condescendingly capped him by quoting something by Steven Joyce. Again, Shearer failed to pick him up on that, failed to challenge him.
And it wasn’t over….
WILLIAMS: Listen, the report on the child poverty…
SHEARER: Uh, we’re still looking THROUGH that…”
WILLIAMS: Do you really think these parents can’t afford to feed these kids some porridge?
SHEARER: Uhhh…
Throughout the interview, Larry Williams was by turn brusque, condescending and insolent.
How long can this go on?
Statistical analysis of Shearer’s performance:
“y’know”…. 11 times
“um”…. 14 times
“uh uh, ahhh”…. 16 times
“and and and and”…. 6 times
“in the in the in the”….. 9 times
“yeah”…… 5 times
Don’t know how you do it Morrissey. This talent you have for listening to antagonistic tosh and dissecting it is kind of admirable. Must admit, I’d need a stockpile of radios and a good plasterer if I tried to emulate your efforts. And although you deserve a medal of some description, I’m afraid you’ll just have to settle for my thanks for making me laugh first thing in the morning. That running total of ‘Shearisms’ is pure gold.
Morrissey, your transcripts do an amazing job of cutting through the bullshit to see exactly what was going on. Your one yesterday I think it was Deaker and some others was brilliant.
They should be made to listen to themselves.
I’ve given up paying attention to Morrissey’s transcripts after he twice transcribed interviews I had listened to and his transcription was biased and out of context.
I’ve given up paying attention to Morrissey’s transcripts after he twice transcribed interviews I had listened to and his transcription was biased and out of context.
Nonsense. You were upset because I recorded the inanity and lack of thought in the comments of some pro-nuclear shills on the National Radio.
I didn’t record them verbatim, it was a rush transcript, but the gist of their idiotic comments was correct.
Let’s not forget that even as the Japanese government was seriously considering the evacuation of the city of Tokyo, YOU were blithering on about how SAFE nuclear power is. My transcripts, which underlined the lack of intellectual substance and complete lack moral integrity of pro-nuclear advocates, clearly angered you. Your objections were nothing more than quibbles about a few missing words, and are thus quite spurious.
“I didn’t record them verbatim, it was a rush transcript, but the gist of their idiotic comments was correct.”
If you didn’t record them verbatim, why did you present it as if you had, and then defended it when I challenged you on it?
The topic really isn’t relevant.
So not a transcript, then Mozza? Just a precis? Can I suggest you don’t use the word ‘transcript’ in future, now that you’ve acknowleged that they are no such thing.
Hey Morrissey, we never managed to agree on the World Cup final…..went on forever..and we agreed to disagree. I did however send you to metaphorical purgatory for being ideologically impure on referees being innocent until proven guilty…and you then got a ban proving there is a God and I was right. So there. Carry on.
and you then got a ban proving there is a God and I was right. So there. Carry on.
Yes, my friend, I’m sorry to say I was in purgatory for a month after that one.
Your one yesterday I think it was Deaker and some others was brilliant.
Actually, it was Larry (Pravda) Williams again….
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-29082012/comment-page-1/#comment-514451
yup
Epic fail again, wtf is he even doing on the right wing rant radio channel anyway. Another own goal.
Play the game in a way you can be effective…..what a media dunce DS is.
Thats sad, Sad because of the performance of the labour leader. And sadder still that someone actually counted his umms, arrrs, and errs. And saddest of all is the unimpressive totals.
Sorry people but on that performance he has got to go.
Joyce says government can’t legislate for prosperity,
but can take the draw down of charity profits
from pokies, and give them to SkyCity
for a conference center.
Joyce shouts, GFC has made governing to hard, along with Labours
legacy, National is unable to turn the economy around!
Defeatism from Joyce.
Then, Joyce says that tax cuts don’t effect benefitaries,
as we all know Australians don’t pay tax on the first dollar
of income, unlike here in NZ where 10.2% is levied, as
National achieved nothing in reducing this rate from 12.5% to 10.2%!
See National believes that Kiwis aren’t going to OZ for the zero tax income
on the five thousand earned, the capital gains tax that increase the burden
on the non-productive sector, but because there are jobs in OZ.
So joyce is saying the brighter future was a con
Which we knew all along. Too bad there are no competing visions of NZ out there to show the public.
CV 1 6 1 1
competing visions of NZ out there
This morning on Chris Laidlaw Radionz Jim Dier a very enthusiastic community builder who has found that he and his fellows have made a lot of difference. So he is not an armchair idealist but a thinking down-and-dirty-hands worker who has a good idea that works. Audio should be up by noon.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/sunday
10:06 Ideas: Growing Communities
Epuni Primary School’s Common Unity Project aims to produce enough fruit and vegetables to feed not only the school’s 110 pupils but their families as well. It’s a classic example of what’s been called Asset Based Community Development – or ABC Development. Ideas visits Epuni Primary School in Lower Hutt and talks to the project’s volunteer coordinator Julia Milne; Jim Diers, a proponent of the ABCD movement, tells Jeremy Rose about Seattle’s Strong Communities Initiative; and Denise Bijoux of Inspiring Communities talks to Chris Laidlaw about the proliferation of asset-based community projects in New Zealand.
Presented by Chris Laidlaw
Produced by Jeremy Rose.
Shearers eloquence evokes passion in the hearts of listeners. He is umm, ah the best best possible leader for umm New Zealand , yeah.
… don’t torture yourself by listening to ZB. Listen to Radio NZ “National” Programme instead. That way your stress levels will drop markedly, and you’ll find that bigots like Williams, Smith, Watson et al become irrelevant.
What sort of independence do you think you will get from the commercial network anyway?
… don’t torture yourself by listening to ZB.
That ten minutes or so, plus the earlier interview with Brownlee, was all I listened to on NewstalkZB yesterday. Oh, and a few minutes of gardening expert Simon Farrell and Danny Watson being flippant and unfunny with their elderly callers earlier in the day.
Listen to Radio NZ “National” Programme instead.
I usually do.
That way your stress levels will drop markedly, and you’ll find that bigots like Williams, Smith, Watson et al become irrelevant.
Not correct. Have you listened to Jim Mora’s programme? Have you listened to Geoff Robiinson’s patsy interviews in the morning?
What sort of independence do you think you will get from the commercial network anyway?
Fair comment.
Sorry Morrissey, I thought the “National” in quotes might have been a concession there. Yeah, well I’ve let Mora know my feelings on many issues and Robinson… well he is best suited to Births Deaths and Marriages announcements where he can put on his “I’m ever so concerned” voice.
Yup morrissey, Robinson is a complete suckup, Mora belongs on ZB more that RNZ.
Another clever subtle tweak by the CT folk with nat boy Griffin pulling the strings at RNZ.
I don’t listen to Radio. Haven’t for 15 years I used to listen to talkback radio when delivering pizza’s, and it wasn’t too bad. But i was somewhere the other day, where they had some honking idiot shouting all over the other person who was trying to make a point. And the 15 years radio less were instantly justified.
I don’t listen to Radio. Haven’t for 15 years I used to listen to talkback radio when delivering pizza’s, and it wasn’t too bad. But i was somewhere the other day, where they had some honking idiot shouting all over the other person who was trying to make a point.
There’s a high likelihood that that honking idiot was one of the following: Leighton Smith, Larry Williams, Michael Laws, Mark Watson. Of course, there are others almost as bad, but they are the worst.
And the 15 years radio less were instantly justified.
Books are best. I agree.
Yes I agree books are best. In fact I am just re reading Joe Haldemans The Forever War and Forever Peace. Just as valid now as when it was written.
Health warning, and NZ 100% pure bullshit.
Transpower have been painting the pylons supporting the Haywards A & B transmission lines for about the last year (?). As they are coming closer to the pylons near my dwelling I started to look into exactly what they were doing.
Transpower are using a product called Garnet, ignoring the .05% lead in this stuff, it is relatively inert, and is even used in water filters. It is also used, along with high pressure water, to cut steel. Garnet certainly has the ability to lift galvanising off steel.
So my question is what is in the galvanising?
It turns out it contains Cadmium and Zinc, which when hit with high pressure water and Garnet will cause the Cadmium and Zinc to be more or less vaporised.
I rang OSH, they asked how to spell Cadmium? But are now looking into this.
It is kind of hard to see a 100% pure NZ/Kapiti with these heave metals blowing all over the district.
Anyone living near a freshly painted pylon may need a blood test.
Out of sight, out of mind. Tourists don’t arrive with heavy metal testing capabilities 😉
Maybe you should notify the Ministry of Health, they’re not too keen on heavy metals.
And where are the experts, the people that are supposed to know about this shit??? Probably ‘Gone to Aus” But to ask how to spell Cadmium, why does that not leave me with a very warm feeling ?
Robert, zinc galvanising isn’t cadmium plating, garnet injected water blasting isn’t garnet injected water jet cutting, mechanically sloughed particles aren’t vapourised oxides and hand to mouth ingestion isn’t metal fume fever.
Are you saying there are no pollution issues?
The only by-product of the sand injected blasting would be zinc from the galvanised tower struts, no heating so no oxides, and the abrasive sand.
With strict compliance conditions regarding recovery of blasting sand and residue, including lead from previous paint jobs, pollution from tower painting is from the transport and compressor emissions.
Cadmium plating is limited to high value components and fasteners so it’s highly unlikely there’ll be any present on transmission tower steel.
If you’re the one doing the blasting/painting you’re compelled to cover up and use a mask because of the nature of the work and as with most industrial poisoning the real risk is hand to mouth ingestion.
If you’re a grazing animal the sand wouldn’t be to good for your teeth and no doubt you’d exceed the daily zinc allowance but in my experience there’s rarely if ever any stock present because the animals do tend to either eat your gear or shit all over it.
So IMO there’s no real risk of being poisoned by zinc, an essential mineral in your diet, the blasting sand is only bad for you if you ingest it and the presence of cadmium is highly unlikely.
Transpower guidelines.
One of my chief delights is the English fortnightly magazine Private Eye whose covers are usually a news photo with a satirical caption and speech bubble attached. The latest issue is particularly funny, though Muzza, Mozza and other members of the rapidly dwindling Assange fan club should probably look away.
Assange Taunts Hague.
The cover when the Queen met former IRA man Martin McGuiness earlier this year wasn’t bad either!
I think you should give people more credit for having a sense of humour TRP. I’m certainly one of those people who figures it is absolutely unacceptable for a person to be exposed to a somewhat paranoid and vindictive US justice system on the back of some other, unrelated and actual crime they may or may not have committed.
The PE cover is genuinely humourous.
I love Private Eye. It has a go at everyone, even the saintly, and it’s always funny.
Yes, they’re having a go at Assange here, but their coverage of his persecution by the state has been thorough and fair.
Unlike you, the Eye long ago worked out that William Hague is a pathetic little worm and an inveterate liar, qualities that come in useful when mounting a campaign against a dangerous dissenter. Unlike you, they can have a go at Assange while also realizing the attacks on him by scoundrels like Hague are politically motivated.
You say that the Eye is one of your “chief delights”, but it is clear that you just don’t get it.
Ho ho, very satirical! I do get it, by the way. Every fortnight, by airmail.
I do get it, by the way. Every fortnight, by airmail.
No, you don’t “get it”.
I see your humour bypass has kicked in again, Mozza!
I see your humour bypass has kicked in again, Mozza!
My “humour bypass”? I did get the joke, in case you were wondering.
FFS TR, who gives a flying fekk at a rolling donut about a rapidly dwindling Assange fan club? Are we being told what is politically correct to think again, tow the line or you are going to be show trialled a al Soviet by the blogging ideologues on TS?
When did I ever indicate I was part of the Assange “fan club” in my posts on the topic?
Whoops, my mistake. It was another poster altogether I was thinking of, Muzza, humble apologies.
Muzza, the intention is to trivialize your arguments. One fool called me a “fan boy” at least three times. If Assange was Jewish, he no doubt would used an antisemitic slur against me.
Key gets lucky again.
Remember his support for S59 and how it boosted his public image while the Left got punished for social engineering. Now his open support for the Marriage Bill looks good, but he doesn’t have to speak to it, just leaves his vote, while he is off at some Pacific Forum.
… have a look at the Herald’s photo of Louisa Wall – illustrates the point. Can’t imagine they would publish that sort of picture of our PM.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10830418
The US government has established a new vehicle fuel economy standard for all cars and light trucks by 2025, which will nearly double the current regulation.
http://bottomline.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/28/13527985-obama-raising-fuel-standard-to-average-545-mpg-by-2025?lite
Manufacturers will have to achieve an average of 54.5mpg or 4.36 litres per 100km. How does that compare with current models?
Toyota Prius 4.7 l/100km
Honda Civic hybrid 5.3 l/100km
Mitsi Lancer 7.7 l/100km
Ford Falcon 9.9 l/100km
Bugatti Veyron 29 l/100km
So the new average economy for all models will have to exceed the most efficient currently available.
These standards will flow on to global manufacturing not just US produced models.
Its interesting that they managed to pass this very tough (and actually world leading) legislation – they had help from a lot of Republicans in order to do so. However, they are counting on a lot of sales of electric and semi-electric vehicles in order to meet the overall average requirement. That’s where these regulations are taking a big risk, in terms of technical and commercial feasibility.
The other longstanding trend to bear in mind is that new car sales in the US are slow and that people are holding onto existing cars longer and longer. Average vehicle age in the US is now a record 10.8 years.
In other words, the new mileage standards will take up to a decade before significantly reducing US gasoline consumption.
seti the hybrid figures above are manufactures figures in reality hybrid cars are no more effecient than small petrol cars + the huge energy cost of manufacture.
Reading comments on this on Slashdot, there was one very interesting one. Note that I haven’t verified it’s veracity.
These aren’t actually MPG standards, but are air emissions standards, which can *equate* to MPG standards. However the equation part is actually quite misleading. For example, to improve emissions you can either increase fuel efficiency or invent a better better exhaust / muffler system – either will be sufficient to meet the emissions standards. The commenter also indicated that such things as swapping standard incandescent lamps in headlines/brake lights to LEDs can be counted towards the emissions reductions, which doing absolutely nothing for the fuel efficiency of the car.
Well, Julie Anne Genter handed ex labour party MP and rogernome /hiss/ Ken Shirley his arse on Morning Report this morning.
How refreshing to have a fact based presentation of transport issues as opposed to the wooly headed rhetoric we normally get.
Yes mr micky that is refreshing. Ken Shirley had no answers.
Now that approach needs to be applied to other major issues facing us, such as;
How having foreign landlords is a better thing for us.
Why selling the assets is a good thing when it is actually costing us.
Why the taxpayer needs to support big business all the time (NZX, irrigation, etc).
As far as I can see, the right wing free market private business model is lying in tatters on the road. Farmers have woken up and acknowledged their pollution (different issue, but with same attitudes) but it took some time…. and similarly, it will take a bit more time before these other sectors acknowledge their very substantial and fatal flaws.
Thanks for that mickysavage. I found this bit interesting:
There is no “higher technology” being employed… They are simply loading the same old trucks to the maximum weight they can carry. Not only does this cause more wear and tear on the trucks themselves, making them less safe, it damages our roading infrastructure.
Shirley is wrong that there will be less trucks on our roads. National has recently revealed plans to further disestablish our rail network, which will push more heavy freight onto less efficient trucks.
Of course road repairs and things like $45 million for strengthening bridges so heavier vehicles can use them are socialized costs. This ensures that the trucking industry appears on paper to be more cost effective, because they’re simply not paying all their overheads.
Shirley was also completely wrong concerning the Auckland rail link. Even before you account for the benefits from highway decongestion, things like job creation and regional efficiency make the CBD rail link economically viable.
Perhaps the intellectually deficient Ken Shirley was getting confused with the holiday highway, which has completely failed its cost to benefit analysis.
Bahahahahaha at Ken Shirley resorting to a straight party-political diatribe when he lost the argument!
“They don’t like it up ’em, do they captain Mainwaring!”
I must confess I love it when smug right-wing middle aged white men are trounced in public like that, it really rattles their cage and they absolutely hate it.
Tentacles.
Jaybus aitch fracking Christmas, Carol, just when you thought you’d plumbed the depths of gormless, racist, arrogant shallowness, out pops another zinger from the Keyster.
Tentacles. Way to burn off decades of hard-wrought good will, kid. With the market that’s propping us up. The burgeoning superpower, and the only one in history that hasn’t invaded another country.
Tentacles. Maybe they won’t notice or take offence.
J-A G: excellent
Fiji-a Chinese Naval Base? hee hee-“Race for the Pacific” (again)
Brendan Horan (now thats a phonetically interesting sir-name) -re CONSCIENCE vote
“hadn’t given ‘it’ much thought”
conscience? what conscience? foolish presenter not ‘present’
but we suffer quite a few ‘presenters’ in our democracy (finger approaching throat, but i just had breakfast)
Assad-” rebels face inevitable death”
Chemical Weapons deployed inevitable?
Motorways-borrow borrow borrow burrow
Track-maintenance worker redundencies-MADNESS
Weasel Watch
Thursday 30 August 2012
Okay, everybody, listen carefully and do exactly as I say.
1.) Pick up your copy of the New Zealand Herald.
2.) Open it and look at page A16.
3.) Look at the advertisement on the bottom half of the page.
4.) Now ask yourself this question: is it or is it not the most blackly humorous, unintentionally funny advertisement you have ever seen?
I would never PAY for NZ Herald. Looked at it on Press Display.
:sigh:
Apt that the headline above it is It’s all downhill from here
Fitting for one of those beer billboards:
YOU FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE AGAINST SPIN DOCTORS
Williams, Watson, Hosking, Smith, Woodham [images of] Newstalk ZB
Yeah, right!
I liked a comment the other day which applies to ZB’s
‘the upper class telling the middle class it’s the lower class’s fault’
Shock jocks and dog whistlers.
‘the upper class telling the middle class it’s the lower class’s fault’
Actually, in the case of NewstalkZB, it’s more a case of “the Ignorant telling the Bewildered that it’s the Liberals’ fault.”
WINZ could save a couple off million dollars each year, if only they would do a little Synchronization of there clients, a little time management.
Sickness beneficiaries have to go to the GP every 3 months to have there benefit renewed.
And once a year the Sickness beneficiaries also get a full review, which means another GP visit.
The current system means that once a year a Sickness beneficiary will go to the GP for a 3 month renewal and then, go to the GP again (generally within 3 weeks of just getting there medical certificate updated) for another medical certificate, even though they have a valid one on record that’s not due to expire for another couple of months.
This costs each Sickness beneficiary around $40 with is refunded by Winz.
So my point is, if Winz synchronized this Annual medical certificate with the 3 month medical certificate, it would save the state the cost of a medical certificate.
If there are 59,500 people on a Sickness benefit then performing this would save the Government around $2,380,000 each and every year.
Not sure if there is a similar issue with invalid beneficiaries but if there is then that could more than double the $2+ million dollars.
Yes, the GP’s will make less money but will also have less paper to deal with and would be able to cope with an extra 59,500 sick people.
Note: I don’t want my private information by Paula Benefit or any Winz staff or Ministers.
Will cross post this to Red Alert and the Greens blog.
OMG did I just work out a way to save over $2 million dollars a year…
“This costs each Sickness beneficiary around $40 with is refunded by Winz.”
I’m not sure that is true. Maybe the rules have changed, but in the past you had to claim the medical fee back on disability allowance. If your DA is already at the maximum then the only way to claim medical fees is if you get TAS (hardship grant, which is meant to be temporary, capped, and which only pays a proportion of the cost).
I take your point though, and agree there are many inefficiencies in the WINZ system. All the people on SB long term for instance (and being refused Invalid’s), could go on 6 month or even 12 month reviews.
Like me I am a long term (3 years) and not really much chance of going back to work I have been refused the Invalids Benefit on the word of a doctor I have never met, who has never even spoken to me let alone examine me, and he seems to know a hell of a lot more about how to cure me, that all the specialists I have seen and have spoken to me don’t know. My medical expenses are worked out by winz, and then divided by 52 and paid that way, so when I go to the doctor its still hard to pay the bill. It would be better if they also paid you the $40 the week of your appointment (even if you had to show your appointment) or they just put it on the card.
[blockquote]The current system means that once a year a Sickness beneficiary will go to the GP for a 3 month renewal and then, go to the GP again (generally within 3 weeks of just getting there medical certificate updated) for another medical certificate, even though they have a valid one on record that’s not due to expire for another couple of months.[/blockquote]
Seems tidy on paper, one less vist being “better”, but make sure you check the real life experience of a sickness beneficiary visiting a doctor at any given time which may reveal the opposite. A person may only be able to deal with the stress of a short visit, that deals with only one aspect of an illness at a time and need a pause before being additionally reminded of the administration of their affairs. These people don’t just have a bad case of flu, they have a profound health concern that effects all aspects of their lives. Most doctors these days at least have a piece of paper stuck to the wall of their office that says they are officially concerned at the emotional state of their clients as well as any other aspect.
Saving money sounds great, but it should not come at the cost of making vulnerable people feel even more out of control of their affairs, or in an extreme, trampling over their human rights because they are “beneficiaries who owe society” i.e. lower class of person. Treating situations that have inherent fragilities from a dollars-and-cents-first-make-the-people-fit-it approach, makes me nervous.
It wouldn’t. In fact, it would make the person feel more in control and less like having to jump through hoops. If they have to go every three months to get a doctors certificate plus another every year then the fourth one just becomes the yearly one meaning that the person only has to go four times per year and not five.
Um, what? Where’d you get that idea from?
BTW, HTML for formatting here, not PHP.
Yes you’re right, it wouldn’t, or possibly it would. At least that is now cleared up. I get ideas from understanding the meaning of words.
The UK solution, if you won’t work for free you’ll be subjected to a work test which in some instances appears to have been fatal.
…
Isaac: MSM-Seven years to the day since Katrina
7 years, to the day! pretty ‘hairy’
Neil Armstrong and the decay of late capitalism
http://www.readingthemaps.blogspot.co.nz/2012/08/neil-armstrong-and-other-relics-of.html
Fracking, denial and tin..
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/feature/id/343202/title/The_Facts_Behind_the_Frack
http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/economics-in-denial-by-howard-davies
http://www.businessweek.com/printer/articles/67884-the-deadly-tin-inside-your-smartphone
From your second link:
Which made me giggle 😈
Thanks for the links
Great video from Richard Heinberg at the Post Carbon Institute
DON’T WORRY, DRIVE ON: Fossil Fools & Fracking Lies
“In recent months we’ve seen a spate of articles, reports, and op-eds claiming that peak oil is a worry of the past thanks to so-called “new technologies” that can tap massive amounts of previously inaccessible stores of “unconventional” oil. “Don’t worry, drive on,” we’re told.
But as Post Carbon Institute Senior Fellow Richard Heinberg asks in this short video, what’s really new here? “What’s new is high oil prices and … the economy hates high oil prices.”
WE NEED YOUR HELP SHARING THIS VIDEO
Email the video to everyone you think needs to watch it
Share it through your social networks
Send it to your elected officials
We can fall for the oil industry hype and keep ourselves chained to a resource that’s depleting and comes with ever increasing economic and environmental costs, or we can recognize that the days of cheap and abundant oil (not to mention coal and natural gas) are over.
Unfortunately, the mainstream media and politicians on both sides of the aisle are parroting the hype, claiming — in Obama’s case — that unconventional oil can play a key role in an “all of the above” energy strategy and — in Romney’s — that increased production of tight oil and tar sands can make North America energy independent by the end of his second term.
We need your help: Please share this video and help bring a dose of reality to the energy conversation.”
http://www.energybulletin.net/stories/2012-08-28/dont-worry-theres-plenty-oil
Hahaha, North America!
Americans will hear that and think “America”. Really it’s Canada, possibly with Mexico thrown in for good obfuscation.
NZ has reached “peak coal” according to Solid Energy chief executive Don Elder. There is plenty of coal left in the ground, but it is becoming prohibitively expensive to extract. This is illustrated by yesterdays announcement by Solid Energy of hundreds of job losses.
“Underground mining was inefficient and “very hard”.
”It’s becoming harder, it’s becoming problematic,” he said.
“After 110 years of mining in New Zealand, the easy coal has gone.”
New technology was needed to reach the significant amount that was left deep underground, which was why the company was pushing its underground coal gasification and coal seam gas projects, he said.”
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/7575543/Coast-reels-as-mine-closes
So now would be the time to prioritise all coal extraction to projects that build post-carbon resiliency. In NZ.
“Elder said he was refusing a short-term incentive payment and had taken a 10 per cent reduction in his $1.41 million salary.”
🙁
Yeah poor guy right. A $141,000 pay cut and he still makes over one million dollars. I’ll be sure to pass the hat around my friends and family to help support this kiwi battler.
if they know so much why the hell did they buy pike river.
Some people around here seem to think I make my transcripts up. I don’t. Often, however, they are not verbatim, but hurried transcripts taken down in longhand as I listen to the source of the inanity, whether it be radio or television. Occasionally, though, I’ll transcribe the whole thing. Here’s a real transcript, laboriously taken from an audiotape…
Larry Williams clashes with Murray Deaker
Friday 4 February 2003
Friday afternoon’s little stoush live on air was not the first time these two have brawled like this. On the day of the launch of the Blackguard organisation just five or so months ago, Williams got a sheepish, evasive Deaker to admit that he’d been at the launch of the super-patriotic organisation. “You’re PATHETIC!” snarled Williams. An indignant Deaker wasn’t going to stand for such insolence: “Larry, you never READ anything, you have no idea of what you’re talking about!” he bellowed, and they proceeded to yell at each other for at least three minutes. Later, on his 7 o’clock show, a still upset Deaker played the tape again, presumably to show what a bastard Larry Williams was.
By the next day, the two pilgarlics had kissed and made up and Deaker was smothering Williams with his legendary flattery: “Larry, THAT is why YOU are the best in the business,” he cooed after Williams had made an unremarkable comment about another matter. But that was then and this is now. Last Friday afternoon, Russell Coutts and Brad Butterworth, the targets of the Blackguard vilification campaign, broke their silence, revealing that it was mainly the shoddy and vacillating management of the trustees that forced them to leave Team New Zealand three years ago. Support for the Alinghi sailors by listeners was swift, indicating widespread suspicion and resentment of the Blackguard organisation and, in particular, of its most strident mouthpiece, Murray Deaker. We present herewith a selection from the last half hour of the Larry Williams
show of Friday 31 January….
5:32 p.m.
LARRY WILLIAMS: I have been involved with Russell and Brad and there’s plenty more there than they released today – that’s all I’m going to say… you’ve just heard jim Farmer QC; you’d have to be a MONKEY, an IDIOT to accept on those terms…
5:32 p.m.
MICHAEL LAWS: [commenting on the failure of TVNZ to show the TV interview from Swiss TV which proves that Team NZ and Blackheart were always very close, and never independent] This should be Broadcasting Authority stuff… Gee, the Americas Cup is a nasty piece of work. I’ve never come across a sport that is so much about lawyers, vindictiveness, money and nastiness.
5:45 p.m.
[A Blackguard supporter rings in to sling off at Coutts and Butterworth…]
WILLIAMS: You’re PATHETIC!
…………………………
CALLER TIM: I’m sick of hearing certain commentators, who look like Kojak, shooting from the mouth – or screaming from the mouth – and I’ve said all along we’ve never heard the other side of this.
WILLIAMS: Well we haven’t heard the other side because they haven’t been allowed to tell the other side and yet you must know – let this be clear – they didn’t actually want to TELL the other side. They NEVER wanted to say anything. They just wanted to go at the time and get out and do what they do best, which is sailing boats. Look it has to be pointed out it was Team New Zealand who wanted this kept secret. Now I must also point out that we’re not talking about Team New
Zealand TODAY, really – we’re talking about Team New Zealand the old trustees, although the new trustees wanted this kept silent. But in the main, we are talking about Coutts and Butterworth’s negotiations with the OLD – let me emphasise that, the OLD – Team New Zealand
trustees, not the ones we’ve got now.
CALLER TIM: Yes I understood that from what you said earlier. I’m just surprised people kept on slaying them when they were silent and you – I understood there must have been reasons why they weren’t speaking and you don’t, if you’re fair, have a go at someone unless you’ve heard the other side.
WILLIAMS: Well, we’ve also got to understand that there will be a lot of people who won’t have a bar of this, they will not believe this, they will NOT want to know, because they’re bigoted. But thanks for your call. Hello, Scott.
SCOTT: Congratulations! I’d just like to add to what the other person put through to you. We had our doubts, and we’re keen yachties down here in Christchurch – but where does Murray Deaker stand on all this? I notice that he’s been perpetuated [sic!] by his silence. What’s going on?
WILLIAMS: Well now, hold on, hold on! To be fair to Murray, he’s been on a week’s leave and frankly I don’t – lookm I don’t care WHAT Murray thinks. Murray’s had – Murray has taken his course and I respect what he’s had to say, I don’t believe a WORD of it but I respect his right to have an opinion.
SCOTT: Fair enough.
WILLIAMS: But what he thinks about it now, I don’t know. Doesn’t worry me, frankly.
SCOTT: Hey, thank you for that.
WILLIAMS: Thanks for your call…. I should point out I’ve only mentioned part of the release and as I said before there is a lot of – no, I’m not going to tease you, we’ll go to a break.
[ADVERTISING BREAK….]
5:56 p.m.
WILLIAMS: Now Murray Deaker is – has called in. I’ve got two minutes Deaks. What’s your main points?
DEAKER: Well, firstly, I’ve been on holiday so I take exception to that chap’s reference that I’m gutless. Huh! That is ONE thing that I’m not!
WILLIAMS: But hold on, I clarified that, so –
DEAKER: The second point that I’d make is this – that you say, and you led Tom – um, the chap Farmer to say that it was an impossible situation –
WILLIAMS: Yup.
DEAKER: Larry, it CAN’T have been impossible. Tom Schnackenburg took on the role WITH THOSE CONDITIONS –
WILLIAMS: No he did NOT!
DEAKER: He did.
WILLIAMS: You are talking ABSOLUTE – you are talking –
DEAKER: He stayed there and –
WILLIAMS: Murray… MURRAY! YOU ARE TALKING CRAP! He did NOT stay there –
DEAKER: He stayed there Larry –
WILLIAMS: Murray! Murray! He did NOT stay there on the same conditions –
DEAKER: He stayed there Larry under the same conditions. And they got them changed didn’t they.
WILLIAMS: Whaddya mean – when Coutts and Butterworth announced –
DEAKER: No, no, they worked those conditions to get them changed because there are two – there are three other people who stayed there as well –
WILLIAMS: He did NOT stay –
DEAKER: Reiseley, who was appointed by Coutts and Butterworth –
WILLIAMS: YOU SEE, YOU DON’T WANT TO LISTEN TO ME. Can… Can I tell you what – have you – have you read the press release? Do you know what a –
DEAKER: Yes, I’ve read the press release.
WILLIAMS: He did not stay under the trust that was offered to Coutts and Butterworth. The trust was changed and it took TWO HOURS for that trust to be changed, when the new trust went to the old trust and said: hand it over under these conditions otherwise we’re outa here. THAT’s what happened. So STOP trying to move the story around, Murray!
DEAKER: But the point is that Schnackenburg stayed. The other guys could have stayed as well Larry and you know that.
WILLIAMS: Well look –
DEAKER: They could have worked it –
WILLIAMS: Hey! –
DEAKER: SURE they were completely frustrated –
WILLIAMS: Hey! –
DEAKER: – and that comes through in their release as well.
WILLIAMS: HEY!!! MURRAY!!! They could NOT have stayed under the deal that was offered –
DEAKER: The guys that they had appointed as trustees, namely Norris and, ah, Reiseley and Menzies who you’ve not interviewed yet, and those are the guys that I’ll have on my program tomorrow.
WILLIAMS: Yeah, GOOD… yeah, GOOD, well I –
DEAKER: Because you NEED to get some balance into this.
WILLIAMS: Absolutely. Hey, just like –
DEAKER: You sounded like a P.R. agent for Alinghi mate.
WILLIAMS: Yeah well I learned that off you with your sycophantic interview with Dave Walden the other day. I’ve goota go, and I respect your opinion even if you’re wrong. Thanks for your call. It’s now, ah, three to six o’clock here at Newstalk ZB…
……………………………………
[TRANSCRIBED BY WALLIE INGRAM FOR RADIO TRANSCRIPTS LTD, A DIVISION OF DAISYCUTTER SPORTS INC.]
Latest Morgan poll out:
http://www.roymorgan.com/news/polls/2012/4815/
Basically no change. So Labour have wasted all the gift-wrapped chances National have offered in the past few weeks, because they were busy going down a dead-end street. It looks like they have slowly backed up the truck (while hoping nobody would notice), and maybe we’ve heard the last of Shearer’s roof-painter.
It would be good if the Labour leadership said “you were right, we were wrong, and we won’t be taking advice from idiots any more”. It would be good, but unlikely.
The boy stood on the burning deck……
well nobody is going to take your advice gobsmacked.
you are just here as an agent provocateur and Labour will be the next government no matter what some poll says today.
I expect Labour will be (part of) the next government, because they will follow my advice.
Or do you want Shearer to talk more about his mythical roof-painter? If so, why?
(Perhaps stinging from all the criticism of late of him being a NAct lackey), Dunne has refused to support ACT’s proposed budget cap, so the bill won’t proceed….. for now.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/7581311/Budget-spending-cap-shelved
Funny how little Mr Key knew about the Dotcom affair when such high level Cabinet discussions were happening. No briefing to a PM at all?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10830413
John Key said our troops had the best of equipment – Link
TV3 say otherwise
Regardless of whether we should be in Afghanistan or not, we owe it to our people to equip them properly. And some PM’s should stop lying.
Is Susan Baldacci a journalist or a shill for illegal killing?
Thursday 30 August 2012
Just heard a clearly outraged Susan Baldacci on “The Panel” discussing the revelation that bin Laden was murdered, unarmed, during that illegal U.S. raid into Pakistan last year. But Susan Baldacci was outraged not at the murder, but at the fact the two men broke the code of omerta and actually told the truth.
Disgusted, I flicked off the following to stand-in host Finlay McDonald….
from: Morrissey Breen, 4:00 PM
to: Afternoons
Dear Finlay,
Susan Baldacci expressed her astonishment that a couple of Navy Seals have revealed what actually happened in Pakistan; that the killing of bin Laden was the assassination of an unarmed man. “I wouldn’t want to be them,” she said, darkly.
Surely, as a journalist, she should be applauding these men for actually telling the truth.
Yours in alarm at the standards at National Radio,
Morrissey Breen
Northcote Point
Good on you, Morrissey! Baldacci sounds like a truly horrible woman…
Miss Vicky, please see your messages.
A MUST-read … David Shearer talks (at last) about the roof-painter.
These are his own words. Not the MSM twisting them. This is the Labour leader speaking, explaining, justifying – or trying to.
Scroll down to the Shearer transcript at the bottom, and draw your own conclusions …
http://bat-bean-beam.blogspot.co.nz/2012/08/the-man-on-roof.html#addendum
(Hat-tip: Giovanni Tiso, Bryce Edwards)
So does Shearer have an actual point? I couldn’t see it.
QoT covered this as well
http://ideologicallyimpure.wordpress.com/2012/08/29/david-shearer-lies-about-his-own-dogwhistle/
Good post on Auckland Transport Blog about our oil production, importation and use. It shows clearly that if we want to become more competitive then we need to get off using oil for transport, I.E, can the RONS.
A short while ago Prism indicated he was going off the Standard…he has not been here today. I would welcome his presence and wise words. Come back.
+1
Bored 27
Thanks. I was visiting Christchurch and a certain red-haired enchantress aged nearly two. I have been thinking. (Quote from Richard Prebble. And I am about as popular with some as Richard Prebble is with me – not. Also I have been reading Terry Pratchett one of the Discworld which has put any pretensions I had into perspective.)
And I thought I like The Standard but I haven’t time to indulge in lengthy or continual regurgitation of similar thoughts,. I want to find a way to join with others, as I have time and can make time available, who want to work with other good-hearted positive people with standards and also a bit of the skeptic thrown in, to build a better future.
So I won’t waste time entering into comments threads with my opinions but will reap the great benefit of finding access to good links provided from here, and also provide to the Standard any that I think make some point that seems worthwhile to me and hopefully others who want to BABF.
I put the latest Roy Morgan into the electoral seat calculator. Assuming the Maori party get 3 seats, UF, ACT and Mana 1 each, the current government can only muster 59 votes. Labour and the Greens together have 56, Mana 1 and NZF holds the balance of power with 6.
It’s a good thing Winston isn’t interested in the baubles of office, eh?
I do so enjoy it when Socialist policies work out exactly as predicted.
http://www.economist.com/blogs/americasview/2012/08/venezuelas-oil-industry?fsrc=scn/fb/wl/bl/upinsmoke
Meanwhile, in Communist California:
I do so enjoy it when Socialist policies work out exactly as predicted.
Save the schadenfreude, my bewildered friend. Surely even an ignoramus like you can see that site is irrationally biased against the Venezuelan president, who has committed the grave crime of being a genuinely popular politician.
If only he was a dictator, with a Somoza-sized body count instead of a democrat who has exactly no blood on his hands; then you’d approve of him, no doubt.
Yes I hear that Muslim President of the US’s Socialist policies are causing exactly the carnage that was predicted. Ordinary people are getting healthcare. They are living longer. They are not losing all of their assets to rapacious financiers so they can finance medical treatment.
There is something very wrong with the US.
goose sounds similar to bp horizon or exxon valdez such cynicism frakin cynicism goose.
Rena and Shipley cuts to maritime safety Joyce forgetting to update insurance, pike river scf goldman saching of world governments to the trillions
goose your full of sludge .
Maybe it could be to do with embargo’s on oil equipment from the US
“Goose” is simply an ignoramus. End of story.
Vi saluto in volo! That means I am in a tearing hurry, and don’t have time to see whether anyone else has covered this – but it’s doing my head in!
The NZ police are madly enthusiastic about using drones here. Apparently, in cahoots with the FBI, they’ve already been playing with them.
It’s horrifying – to say the least!
yeah well the judgement of police bosses in the last year or two have been seriously lacking. There is nothing in the US way of doing things that we want in this country.
All depends upon how they are used. Probably cheaper run than a helicopter and no worse from a legal/moral standpoint.
They claim it’ll just be used for some searches…. but once they have those machines/
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/7582496/Police-mull-eyes-in-the-sky
Well, yes, but they have in the past decided they had “good reasons” for spying on people who were politically active…. was grey power one of those groups?
Thanks, Carol!
Very informative…
yeah until they weaponise the drones.
http://rt.com/usa/news/us-domestic-drones-armed-090/
Or fit them with AI sensors to read number plates, ID faces, warrantlessly track and follow individuals, listen into conversations, spy into bedrooms using far infra red etc.
I think they probably do all of those things already… The smaller and cheaper drones will just allow them to do it on a larger scale. When exactly investigative work ends and invasive voyeurism begins shouldn’t in my opinion be a decision left up to the police.
Over 80% on this stuff poll said that the Search and Surveillance Bill was a worrying invasion of their privacy. That bill pretty much gives the police the right to spy on people in any way they see fit.
Whatever happened to good old fashioned policing and getting the community on your side?
Definitely need some strict rules about their use and, unfortunately, the strict rules that the police operate under have been systematically lessened over time. I think we’ve forgotten that a state where the police have no checks on them is essentially anti-democratic.
Technology & the Future of Violence
How should our defense strategy evolve in a world of easily accessible mini-drones, lethal nanobots, and DIY warfare?
They’ve adopted this tactic.
Related: http://www.snitching.org/
Who’s adopted that tactic?
great links Joe thankyou
It appears we have another Waka jumper within parliament
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/7579040/MPs-poised-to-vote-on-alcohol-bill
im Groser (N)
Nathan Guy (N)
Kevin Hague (L)
Tau Henare (N)
Chris Hipkins (L)
Parekura Horomia (L)
Perhaps the leadership of Labour have worked out a successful strategy… head hunt the best of the other parties, hopefully trade a few of theirs in exchange. Next Banksie will be wearing red and calling all of us “brothers” 😉
On Campbell the txt poll was 4 to 1 in favour of raisng the drinking age to 20. A very well meaning man who picks up the peices from alcohol abuse spoke strongly in favour of raising the age. A young man wise beyond his years said all you would do was put off the abuse of alcohol by 2 years and they would get it anyway.
All I heard was the standard Kiwi punative approach to a problem.
The Post and Post-script on “how they voted” was densely packed full of revealing information
re politics of change: mercy triumphs over judgement with the NT
or for those who prefer gold and Jewels-compassion moderation humility
Welcome the PRC on the Way round
(though there will be much wailing and gnashing)(u knew gnashing was coming did u)
Let no one deceive you with Empty words
Good news — the government has dropped the spending cap.
grosser being put forward for top job at WTO what a dopey idea.
It seems that the rich are looking for new areas to expand in:
Yep, NZ is definitely being colonised and this government is at the forefront in assisting that colonisation.
This is the unfairness that Shearer should be trying to explain to the populace:
Unfortunately he, just like the RWNJs, is wailing on the poor.
If she paid $10M in taxes out of $20M income she really needs to fire her accountants. Because they are the ones stealing from her.
your right CV top company rate is 28% that means $5.6 million
personal tax 33% $6.6million.