Oram on Nats’ poor record and why we should vote for change
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- Date published:
10:36 am, September 17th, 2017 - 89 comments
Categories: economy, labour, national -
Tags: #ChangeTheGovt, choices, economy, election 2017, nine long years, rod oram
Rod Oram at Newsroom:
Rod Oram: ‘Why new leaders and policies are needed’
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National’s track record:It came to power in November 2008 at the height of the Global Financial Crisis. It was singularly unprepared for the job. It had spent the previous nine years in opposition micro-managing issues and shuffling leaders seeking to regain power. It had failed to develop its policies to respond to the fast-changing world.
A year later, its economic strategy still consisted of only a dozen or so A3 sheets of paper, reported Colin James, the veteran political journalist.
As it promised in the election, National established a tax working party, which later proposed many remedies to the distortions in our tax system. But the government ignored them. Instead it cut the top rate of tax; and it raised GST, which it promised in the election it wouldn’t do.
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National’s third term has benefited from big booms in migration, tourism, housing, and construction. Again, the government has been highly opportunistic, but it has lagged badly on strategic policies and investment to cope. Infrastructure, housing, construction capacity, the environment and climate are just five of the crucial areas.It has managed government finances well. But it has been weak on economic strategy. For example, it offers no views on how rapidly the global economy is changing; or on how to reorient technology, education, skills and other policies New Zealanders need to seize those abundant opportunities.
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Under nine years of National’s governance GDP per capita has grown by barely 1% a year in real terms, which is not much ahead of the OECD average. Wealth inequality has risen, environmental sustainability has fallen and productivity growth, the factor determining our standard of living and economic resilience, remains among the lowest in the OECD.On current trends and policies, we will achieve none of National’s 2025 goals: catching up with Australia’s GDP per capita; lifting exports from 30% of GDP to 40%; and doubling the value of exports.
The near future:
National says there’s no need to change policies. It says current ones and the strong economy will deliver much more, enabling it in a fourth term to make big inroads on the big economic and social challenges outstanding.
But that’s not the future Treasury or the Reserve Bank forecast last month. They said GDP growth will peak next calendar year then decline. The Reserve Bank is the more cautious of the two, forecasting growth of 2.1% in the year to September 2020 – just before the next election.
Treasury forecasts multifactor productivity — the key determinant of improvements in our wages and wealth — will actually decline in the next two years, then grow weakly in the following two years. We will remain near the bottom of the OECD on this vital measure of economic health and competitiveness. As a consequence, wage growth will barely outpace inflation.
Treasury also forecasts the growth of export volumes will ease in the next two years to less than 2% a year, which is below their long-term average; and our current account deficit – the key measure of our trade and investment relationships with the rest of the world — will worsen.
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The choice:National’s top three priorities for business are: “train kids”; continue to grow R&D; and ensuring New Zealand was open to the world, Steven Joyce, its finance spokesman, told business leaders at the Mood of the Boardroom breakfast on Tuesday.
Labour’s are: “A relentless focus on skills and retraining”; lifting R&D; and to give small businesses more access to capital, Grant Robertson, its finance spokesman, told the audience.
Superficially, there’s little difference between the two parties. But in those brief lists, Robertson demonstrated greater understanding of, and ambition for, New Zealand businesses than Joyce.
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National, in contrast, is far too busy defending its record of the past nine years to admit where it has failed, let alone to think about how it might do better.Joyce, for example, denies there is a housing crisis. He says home construction will boom for the next six years. But his own government’s recent construction pipeline report shows it will peak next year then fall back, for example, in Auckland to the previous peak in 2005. The government had done nothing to grow the capacity of the construction sector, nor is it offering any policies to do so.
English says productivity is growing nicely. But his own government’s data and analysis show he is absolutely wrong. He also says wages have grown twice as fast as inflation. But that assertion surprises many voters.
More of the same won’t deliver for New Zealand. Hopefully, new leaders and policies will. ….
These are just a few extracts from a long, balanced, and interesting piece. Go read the whole thing on Newsroom…
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- Significant step forward in fixing cruel and unjust pastA significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...1 week ago
- Missed opportunity but NZ will surely one day recognise the right to a sustainable environmentNew Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...1 week ago
- Release: Don’t cut our lunches – clear message sent to GovernmentTens of thousands of people are demanding the Government commits to fully funding free and healthy school lunches. ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt makes U-turn on Suicide Prevention OfficeLabour welcomes the Government’s U-turn on the closure of the Suicide Prevention Office, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...1 week ago
- CCC issues warning over further climate delayToday’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...2 weeks ago
- Luxon targets lame and lousy example of leadershipIf talk is cheap, Chris Luxon’s “targets” are bankrupt. ...2 weeks ago
- Luxon targets are lousy example of leadershipIf talk is cheap, Chris Luxon’s “targets” are bankrupt. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Commitment to disability communities missing from Govt prioritiesMinister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...2 weeks ago
- Methane target review is dangerous duplicationThe Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government must commit to school building project for disabled studentsThe Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National must take mental health seriouslyMental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...2 weeks ago
- Referendums for Māori wards a racist step backwardsThe Government's imposed referendum on Māori wards is a racist step backwards for Māori representation, and disregards Te Tiriti o Waitangi. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Job losses at Health not worth it for tax cutsNew Zealand will feel the harm of the National Government’s reckless cuts to jobs at the health ministry for generations, says Ayesha Verrall. ...2 weeks ago
- Press release: No Māori initiatives in Government’s nothing planMāori are yet to see anything from this Government except cuts, reversals and taking our people backwards, Māori Development spokesperson Willie Jackson said. ...2 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...3 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...3 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Social housing off Government’s to-do listThe Coalition Government’s refusal to commit to ongoing funding for social housing is seeing the sector pull back on developments and families watch their dreams of securing a home fade away, says Labour Housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Less money in most people’s pockets this AprilChanges to minimum wage and benefit indexation means many New Zealanders will get less this year, as the Government gives a big tax break to landlords instead. ...3 weeks ago
- $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...10 hours ago - Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder listThe Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...12 hours ago
- Judicial appointments announcedAttorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...13 hours ago
- Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in SingaporeEducation Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...13 hours ago
- Value of stopbank project proven during cycloneA stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...14 hours ago
- Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visitForeign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...14 hours ago
- Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac DayScience, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...16 hours ago
- Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the PhilippinesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...1 day ago
- Government commits $20m to Westport flood protectionThe Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...1 day ago
- Taupō takes pole positionThe Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...1 day ago
- Cost of living support for low-income homeownersLocal Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...2 days ago
- Government backing mussel spat projectThe Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...2 days ago
- Government focused on getting people into workBenefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...2 days ago
- Clean energy key driver to reducing emissionsThe Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...2 days ago
- Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forwardThe Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...2 days ago
- Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic PartnershipPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...2 days ago
- Government consults on extending coastal permits for portsRMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...3 days ago
- Inflation coming down, but more work to doToday’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...3 days ago
- School attendance restored as a priority in health adviceRefreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...3 days ago
- Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sectorOceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...3 days ago
- Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International CongressAssociate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...4 days ago
- Removing red tape to help early learners thriveThe Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...4 days ago
- RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tapeChanges to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...4 days ago
- McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationshipTrade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...4 days ago
- Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister LeePrime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...4 days ago
- PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ tiesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...4 days ago
- Antarctica New Zealand Board appointmentsForeign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...4 days ago
- Finance Minister travels to Washington DCFinance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...4 days ago
- Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlordsThe coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...5 days ago
- Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being consideredState Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...5 days ago
- New Zealand condemns Iranian strikesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel. “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says. "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...5 days ago
- Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plansHundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...1 week ago
- Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand ChairHealth Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board. “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti. “I have asked her to ...1 week ago
- Roads of National Significance planning underwayThe NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...1 week ago
- Navigating an unstable global environmentNew Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States. “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...1 week ago
- NZ welcomes Australian Governor-GeneralPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...1 week ago
- Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for WinterAssociate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...1 week ago
- NZ and the US: an ever closer partnershipNew Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...1 week ago
- Joint US and NZ declarationApril 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...1 week ago
- NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperationForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research. “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...1 week ago
- Rousing farewell for Kiwi doctors flying out to Gaza aid flotilla
Kia Ora Gaza A passionate haka reverberated through Auckland International Airport as a medical team of three New Zealand doctors received an emotional farewell from a big crowd of supporters before flying to Turkey to join the international Freedom Flotilla to Gaza. The doctors, who left Auckland yesterday, hope to ...4 hours ago - Communities Against The Fast-track Heartened By ‘Overwhelming’ Public Response; Disgusted By ‘...
With submissions closing today, Macassey-Pickard says groups around the country have been supporting a huge range of people to make their submissions. ...5 hours ago - Renters Rights To Drastically Reduce Under Landlord GovernmentThe Government’s announced changes around tenancy rules set renters’ rights back by nearly a decade. ...6 hours ago
- NZPI Submission on Fast Track Approvals BillOur response to the new legislation is informed by targeted conversations with practitioners working in the system and through an implementation lens. ...6 hours ago
- Fast Track Invite List Includes Most Destructive Industries In New ZealandThe new ‘Fast-track Approvals Bill’ would give just three Ministers the power to approve or deny development projects. They would avoid the usual checks and balances that are in place to protect rivers, land, the ocean, and communities. ...6 hours ago
- Eugene Doyle: Helen Clark on why AUKUS isn’t in New Zealand’s national interestCOMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle Helen Clark, how I miss you. The former New Zealand Prime Minister — the safest pair of hands this country has had in living memory — gave a masterclass on the importance of maintaining an independent foreign policy when she spoke at an AUKUS symposium held ...6 hours ago
- Government releases list of organisations shoulder-tapped for fast-track consents
The government's released the list of organisations provided with information on how to apply - just hours before public submissions on the bill close. ...7 hours ago - The Week in Politics: Job cuts surge and Waitangi Tribunal troubleAnalysis - It's been a grim week for public servants, while trouble is also brewing between the government and Waitangi Tribunal. ...8 hours ago
- It never rains but it pours: intense rain and flash floods have increased inland in eastern Australi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milton Speer, Visiting Fellow, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney Before climate change really got going, eastern Australia’s flash floods tended to concentrate on our coastal regions, east of the Great Dividing Range. But that’s changing. Now ...8 hours ago
- Watch: Christopher Luxon speaks to media in ManilaThe PM has defended how he's talked up NZ trade on his trip to Southeast Asia, after criticism from his own delegation. ...9 hours ago
- ‘It could be the death of the museum’: why research cuts at a South Australian institution have ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Finkel, Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, La Trobe University Sia Duff / South Australian Museum In February, the South Australian Museum “re-imagined” itself. In the face of rising costs and inadequate government funds, CEO David Gaimster, who took the reins last June, declared ...9 hours ago
- Government signs off $41m clean energy deal with Asian Development BankThe government has committed $41 million to clean energy transition at the Asian Development Bank's Energy Transition Mechanism. ...9 hours ago
- Are 2 mid-career AFL retirements a sign Australian athletes are taking brain health more seriously?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Pearce, Professor, School of Allied Heath, Human Services & Sport, La Trobe University, La Trobe University This week, Collingwood AFL player Nathan Murphy announced his retirement, brought on by his concussion history and ongoing issues. The 24-year-old’s seemingly sudden retirement, ...11 hours ago
- Luxon: Waitangi Tribunal comments from coalition parties 'ill considered'Comments from ACT and NZ First ministers about the Tribunal were "ill considered" and "that message will be underscored" to them, the PM says. ...11 hours ago
- Mental Health Foundation Facing Staff Cuts From Govt Funding SqueezeThe Mental Health Foundation provides support and resources for those facing the loss of their job, so it’s wrong in the very week the Government adds another 1000 jobs to its tally of cuts, that this is happening. ...12 hours ago
- I wholeheartedly recommend The President: a brilliant revival of a play of decay, terror and revulsi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Howard, Senior Lecturer, Discipline of English and Writing, University of Sydney Daniel Boud/Sydney Theatre Company Decay, terror, revulsion. These are three of the central themes of Thomas Bernhard’s rarely performed play The President. The Austrian is one of the greatest ...12 hours ago
- How the coolest little capital is shrinkingIt's not the first time a government has targeted public servants for job cuts, but this time Wellington is really feeling it. ...12 hours ago
- Many prisoners go years without touching a smartphone. It means they struggle to navigate life on th...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ye In (Jane) Hwang, Postdoctoral Research Associate at School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Shutterstock You’d be hard pressed to find any aspect of daily life that doesn’t require some form of digital literacy. We need only to look back ten ...12 hours ago
- Ministers accused of Cabinet Manual breach with threats to Waitangi Tribunal
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says threats by ministers Shane Jones and David Seymour to reform or close down the Waitangi Tribunal were “ill-considered”, as legal experts say the ministers may have breached Cabinet Manual conventions. “I think those comments are ill-considered and we expect all ministers to actually exercise good ...12 hours ago - Good news: midlife health is about more than a waist measurement. Here’s whySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Newton, Professor of Exercise Medicine, Edith Cowan University Pexels/RDNE stock project You’re not in your 20s or 30s anymore and you know regular health checks are important. So you go to your GP. During the appointment they measure your waist. ...12 hours ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Mitochondrial Problem’ by Evangeline Riddiford Graham
A new poem by Evangeline Riddiford Graham. Mitochondrial Problem I. It was long drive to Kansas for the man and his dog but you have to understand he said She doesn’t fly. Which calls to mind not carsick shitting barking or whining but a dog who chooses not to as ...12 hours ago - The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending April 18The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38) Hot off the press, this debut ...12 hours ago
- Department of Conservation closing Dunedin centre, but no jobs lostVisitor habits are changing and DOC needs to adapt in a financially sustainable way, its operations director says. ...12 hours ago
- Unions Collaborate With Thousands Of Job CutsWith New Zealand officially in recession, a swathe of mass sackings is currently sending shockwaves through the entire working class. ...12 hours ago
- Watch live: Christopher Luxon speaks to media in ManilaPrime Minister Christopher Luxon is speaking to reporters in Manila after pledging greater defence cooperation with the Philippines. Watch live. ...13 hours ago
- Government sent please explain letter to Wellington City Council over transport disagreementThe contents were revealed in correspondence from Simeon Brown and Chris Bishop to Wellington's Mayor. ...13 hours ago
- Some families push back against journalists who mine social media for photos – they have every rig...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Wajnryb McDonald, PhD candidate in Criminology, University of Sydney Less than 24 hours after Ashlee Good was murdered in Bondi Junction, her family released a statement requesting the media take down photographs they had reproduced of Ashlee and her family without ...13 hours ago
- Mental Health Foundation staff cuts loom, with funding falling behind rising costsChief executive Shaun Robinson said it has not had any government funding cut, but government-funded contracts have not kept pace with rising costs. ...13 hours ago
- The ‘devil comet’ 12P/Pons-Brooks has finally become visible from Australia. What can we expect?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonti Horner, Professor (Astrophysics), University of Southern Queensland Pons–Brooks visible from Utah, March 9 2024. James Peirce/Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND If you’re a fan of all things space, you’ve doubtless heard about the “devil comet”, which has been captivating keen-eyed observers in the ...14 hours ago
- Rugby stadiums are sold as an economic asset – but NZ needs to ask if they’re really worth itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Hamlin, Senior Lecturer in Marketing , University of Otago A multi-billion dollar stadium precinct has been proposed for Auckland, one of three proposals in front of Auckland Council for a new stadium in the city. The council is also considering revamping ...14 hours ago
- Auckland dog attacks: Callouts for attacks on other animals going upRoaming dogs are responsible for more than a thousand attacks on animals each year, and the number is growing. ...14 hours ago
- What access to puberty blockers means for trans young people and their whānauThe Ministry of Health has delayed the release of its evidence brief on the safety, reversibility and mental health and wellbeing outcomes for puberty blockers. While we wait, Julia de Bres speaks to those with firsthand experience. Best practice gender-affirming healthcare is based on trans people’s self-determination and agency. The ...14 hours ago
- NZ and Philippines pledge defence cooperation amid rising tensionsThe commitment came after a sit-down meeting between Christopher Luxon and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr overnight. ...15 hours ago
- How superblocks can help reimagine city lifeBarcelona’s city streets have gone from traffic-clogged to pedestrian-friendly. How? Superblocks. Ellen Rykers explains. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week I read a great interview with renowned urbanist Janette Sadik-Khan by The Spinoff’s Wellington editor Joel MacManus: “You can reimagine streets, ...16 hours ago
- Fire engineering expertise may take a big hit with job cuts at MBIEThe public sector cuts are poised to take out a big chunk of expertise at the country's building regulator. ...16 hours ago
- “Fast-track Law To Kill Kiwi”: Students Say Fight Against Anti-democracy Legislation Is Only Jus...Student groups ‘Climate Action VUW’, Schools Strike 4 Climate and VUWSA will be on the street in Wellington today, the last day for submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Bill, with a message that the fight against the Government’s ‘War on ...17 hours ago
- ‘We have thousands of Modis’: the secret behind the BJP’s enduring success in IndiaSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sofia Ammassari, Research Fellow, Griffith University Since 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity has grown exponentially – and so has the formidable organisational machine of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These two factors will be key to delivering the BJP a ...17 hours ago
- Online schooling is not just for lockdowns. Could it work for your child?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendon Hyndman, Associate Professor of Education (Adjunct) & Senior Manager (BCE), Charles Sturt University During COVID almost all Australian students and their families experienced online learning. But while schools have long since gone back to in-person teaching, online learning has not gone ...17 hours ago
- Hear me out: You can shove your reusable period productsYes, they’re better for the environment. No, that’s not a good enough reason for me to use them. Once every 26 days or so, my period arrives, and if struck by an act of God, I am caught red-crotched without products. How, after 17 years of this, do I still ...17 hours ago
- Rip It Up And Start Over – Fast-Track Approvals Bill Needs To Be Scrapped“It will cause significant harm to our environment and communities. It is completely at odds with New Zealanders’ relationship with nature and our need for a low-carbon, sustainable economic future." ...17 hours ago
- Maori Authority Warns Government On Fast Track LegislationThe Chair of the National Maori Authority, Matthew Tukaki, has warned a Parliamentary Select Committee that fast-tracking legislation is a perilous practice that undermines the core tenets of democracy, transparency, and accountability. ...17 hours ago
- Why the government’s haste in changing the health system could come back to haunt itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Tenbensel, Associate Professor, Health Policy, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Since coming into power, the coalition government has adopted a simple but shrewd see-how-fast-we-can-move political strategy. However, in the health sector this need for speed entails ...17 hours ago
- Many suicides are related to gambling. How can we tackle this problem?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Hronis, Clinical Psychologist, University of Technology Sydney Darya Sannikova/Pexels Whether you’re watching TV, attending a footy game, or eating a meal at your local pub, gambling is hard to escape. Although the rise of gambling is not unique to Australia, ...17 hours ago
- Things that go buzz in the night – our global study found there really are more insects out after ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Wong, Forrest Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia Have you ever wondered if there are more insects out at night than during the day? We set out to answer this question by combing through the scientific ...18 hours ago
- Why don’t Australians talk about their salaries? Pay transparency and fairness go hand-in-handSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carol T Kulik, Research Professor, University of South Australia IR Stone/Shutterstock In Australia, it’s not the done thing to know – let alone ask – what our colleagues are paid. Yet, it’s easy to see how pay transparency can make pay ...18 hours ago
- ‘Character’ And Its Impact On Immigration StatusThe Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is sounding a warning to migrants, that running foul of the law may see them leaving the country prematurely. ...18 hours ago
- 20,000 more on jobseeker benefits than this time last yearThe government’s plan to get 50,000 people off jobseeker support by 2030 has had a rocky start, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Beneficiary numbers are up – and so are ...19 hours ago
- All of the Raglan Roast cafes in Wellington, ranked from worst to bestRaglan Roast is a staple of Wellington coffee culture. But with five branches across the capital, which one is the best? I am a die-hard Raglan Roast fan. It’s consistently the most affordable cafe in Wellington, and one of the only places you can get a coffee after 3pm. So, ...21 hours ago
- Auckland uni students threaten rent strike over rising accommodation feesResidents of University of Auckland halls are being urged to withhold their accommodation fees from May 1, in a bid to force the university to take student concerns over rent hikes seriously. The University of Auckland is facing a strike from students over the cost of on-campus accommodation. The Students ...21 hours ago
- Emissions fall again – now NZ needs to up the paceOfficial figures confirm New Zealand produced less climate pollution in 2022 than in any other year in the 21st century The post Emissions fall again – now NZ needs to up the pace appeared first on Newsroom. ...21 hours ago
- Warning of death from a million cuts as Oceans Secretariat dissolvedShane Jones says people voted for change, but opponents say small cuts such as ending a special oceans secretariat are starting to add up The post Warning of death from a million cuts as Oceans Secretariat dissolved appeared first on Newsroom. ...21 hours ago
- Defence deal to counter Beijing’s aggression in South China SeaNew Zealand and the Philippines have signed a new maritime security agreement and stated their concerns over activity in the South China Sea, as Chinese vessels continue to flout international law. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos committed to signing a Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement by ...21 hours ago
- Wellington’s ebb and flow of public servantsThe thousands of government “back-office” job cuts are causing widespread pain in the capital city. In today’s episode of The Detail, we speak to three journalists and a think tank researcher, looking at the larger picture around the cuts and what effect it will have on Wellington, a city that’s ...21 hours ago
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So, basically, the Nats are conservatives and managerialists, managing in the interests of a few in a fairly ad hoc way, without any real kind of plan.
It’s interesting that Oram, a long time analyst of business-related politics, rates Robertson better than Joyce in his understanding of NZ business and their hopes for the future.
Interesting though not surprising….Joyce may be a devious (and arguably successful) electioneer but as his academic record shows his grasp of economics is woeful
1000% PAT
‘Joyce may be a devious ‘
Yes he is the master devious person of this century, as he has bullsitted his entire life, even when he took over alll former ZB am stations he told lies and in Government.
He bulllshited English to give his new owner $25 million to keep operating the stations he had sold going and stayed o the board of directors?????
Steven ‘perfect face for radio’ Joyce.
… and a voice for mime.
“academic record shows his grasp of economics”.
Please enlighten us. What sort of academic record does Grant Robertson have in the economics discipline? As far as I can see the answer is none.
he certainly doesn’t have a failed first year economics paper in his CV
Shot me in the ass but what about Shaw for Assoc Finance?
which moniker would you like the reply under?
Meaning what?
read the comments under the thread 1.1.2 and it is evident
What is your point?
Be clear.
the thread of comments read to me as being written by the same commenter but with different handles….you are welcome disabuse me of that notion , and while you are doing so you may wish to clarify who the question was for.
They are different people.
The original question, as denoted in the numeral annotation, was to Alwyn.
I will have a look when I get near a larger screen. It is a behaviour that I tend to discourage – strongly. And I can usually tell.
It would be helpful in a diffuse thread to actually put the pseudonym of the person being replied to. Then anyone including the individuals involved can follow the discussion.
I have mentioned this before, and often do it myself. It helps the discussion to evolve, and without it there is often confusion. It’s as easy as using the indicator in your car, even just putting the initials of a name would be good.
It would Greywarshark, but I’m still struggling to understand how Ad’s arse was shot when he wasn’t previously involved in the conversation?……self inflicted wound perhaps?
Pat, you need to follow the numeration because it enables you to see precisely who us being asked what. That was the case this time. It has been increased in the last year precisely to better control threads.
I was replying to Alwyn because he is on record as highly credentialled in the economic sphere and would be well versed with James Shaw’s CV. No idea whether you have any qualifications in that field.
Otherwise, I have but one handle, which is Ad. The site editors wanted me to lengthen it for actual posts, so I went to Advantage. No mystery.
the numeration clearly shows no possibility of previous involvement in the conversation Ad……or Advantage or whatever…..would get the wound attended to.
You do not own this discourse.
You own nothing on this site other than your capacity to express clearly.
And Ad why the different avatars? You tried to explain it as using different devices but no-one else’s seems to change with different devices.
Are you sure you are not two different people?
think you fucked up Ad/Alwyn and forgot which avatar you were posting under…is that clear enough for you?
To Pat @ 3.54pm.
I have only just come back to this site and seen this storm that my simple comment seems to have inspired.
For your information, and anyone else getting as het up as you are.
I am not the person posting under the name of Ad.
I have no idea who Ad is.
I have never posted under any other name than Alwyn (or alwyn if you really want to get picky).
There, is that sufficient for you?
Pat
Barking up the wrong tree, Pat – confusion possibly caused by
(1) You wrongly assuming Ad was replying to you (he was replying to Alwyn)
(2) Ad writing “Shot me in the ass …” when he presumably meant “Shoot me in the ass …”
(ie “Shot me in the ass …”
= criticise me for what I’m about to say if you must but … (“what about Shaw for Assoc Finance?”)
rather than
“Shoot me in the ass …”
= Touché ! You got me on that one Pat)
Dang ! Shoot & Shot illustrative meanings around wrong way in my comment (above)
Should read
ie “Shoot me in the ass …”
= criticise me for what I’m about to say if you must but … (“what about Shaw for Assoc Finance?”)
rather than
“Shot me in the ass …”
= Touché ! You got me on that one Pat)
plausible Swordfish….I withdraw the accusation and apologise to both parties….must be getting paranoid in my old age.
To Pat @ 5.46pm
Thank you.
Interesting analysis though by Oram. Especially the promise to form a tax working group post election…
Historians seem to show that most innovations are produced by Labour Governments and consolidations by National Governments. Some of the changes however by National Governments have been the incremental reduction of worker rights. Hence the drive to eliminate Unions and persist with a low wage economy.
Must go out and deliver more fliers for Labour. Not sure that they do much more than herald that we are here but…
NZ WHISTLE-BLOWER ALERT!
National is NOT delivering housing, especially in Tamaki.
IMO – both National PM Bill English and ‘Mr Fixit’ Steven Joyce have been worse than spectacularly USELESS in ‘delivering’ housing for New Zealanders.
Under this National Government, more houses in Tamaki have gone than new houses have been built.
237 Tamaki State houses have gone – relocated or demolished.
Only 213 new houses have been built in FIVE years – of which only 92 are ‘social’ houses.
The remaining 121 new houses have been for private sale.
39 ‘affordable’ houses for first home buyers.
82 ‘high end’ houses.
PROOF that the Tamaki ‘Regeneration’ has been GENTRIFICATION.
Destroying established communities in Glen Innes, Pt England and Panmure – pushing poorer people off desired real estate.
IMO, Bill English and Steven Joyce, as Crown Shareholding Ministers in Tamaki Regeneration Ltd, have been personally responsible for the ‘housing crisis’ and increased homelessness in Tamaki.
For whom exactly have this National Government – PM Bill English and ‘Mr Fixit’ Steven Joyce been delivering?
Especially in Tamaki?
IMO – private property developer$ and investor$.
THE FACTS!
https://www.facebook.com/penny.bright.104/posts/1796625243683493
https://www.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/5840214/shareholdings
PLEASE SHARE!
These FACTS are not being reported by mainstream media – which IMO – is simply scandalous.
Authorised by Penny Bright, 2017 Independent candidate for Tamaki, 86A School Rd, Kingsland, Auckland 1021.
Good facts to note Penny.
The FACTS about this Tamaki SCAM are revealed in this 5 minute video.
Which has had over 83,000 ‘views’ on Facebook in 3 days.
https://www.facebook.com/penny.bright.104/posts/1796625243683493
Most of Oram’s critique could be applied to Labour.
Tax is the bluntest possible mechanism to direct an economy. Their R&D credits proposed aren’t big, and had limited effect last time.
Labour have plenty of policies, but I’ll be damned if there’s an economic strategy in there.
Did you even bother to look at Labours policies Ad ?
Oh sure.
Fiscal policy may be reasonably blunt but is at least relatively effective at directing the economy. On the other hand National policy is almost exclusively to maintain the existing fiscal balance and rely on monetary policy to direct the economy. This has been so ineffective there is a fresh new single issue party running on reforming this at the election.
Agree with that.
Ad
Why does your identifier have different colours and shapes? Green and light blue. Is it a mood identifier, or indicates the political line?
Samsung phone to MacBook laptop I would presume.
Otherwise ask the site controller.
A very good question, greyrawshark. The light blue one is clearly anti-Labour and the green one is moderately socially conscious.
Oh Jesus go ask LPrent.
Try your sad projections elsewhere.
Do you want me to fix the emails up at the database?
Ad 4.2.1.1.2.1
17 September 2017 at 4:07 pm
… ” Oh Jesus go ask LPrent.
Try your sad projections elsewhere ” …
OI ! , – don’t use the Lords name in vain , please AD , otherwise I would suggest saying :
Oh Muhammad / Buddha go ask LPrent.
Try your sad projections elsewhere.
Hey Muttonbird
You sure know how to stand on everybody’s toes with your caustic wit. Sometimes though ou are a caustic twit.
Gets me thinking of Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa and his multiple personalities or “heteronyms”. All different, all interesting.
Famous Pessoa quote:
““I’d woken up early, and I took a long time getting ready to exist.”
AB
What a pleasure to have some high-class philosophising entering the mosh pit. And I mean this sincerely.
(Modern term to add to those of Samuel Johnson’s 308 year collection and meanings. See google:
Johnson’s Dictionary – A Harmless Drudge. Here Johnson gives an unusual definition for the word lexicographer, describing it as ‘a writer of dictionaries; a harmless drudge, that busies himself in tracing the original, and detailing the signification of words.’
Johnson’s Dictionary – A Harmless Drudge – The British Library
http://www.bl.uk/learning/langlit/dic/johnson/drudge/drudge.html)
Same IP. Looks like a typo on in the email address and that got caught in the cookie used for leaving messages when not logged in.
We see this a lot. Especially when people shift around computers.
I suggest that people get or use a gravator – it makes it way more obvious when leaving messages.
https://thestandard.org.nz/faq/gravatar/#GravatarSignup
Thanks. I enjoy using a gravator because it’s easier to see my comments. It also gives a personality to each user and makes the place more colourful.
Of course that does immediately lead to the question that it couldn’t have been for this site. That is mostly white, grey and black with a bit of beige, blue and green. But the site colours are muted so you can see things like the gravatars and avatars. So what site did you find that made a black on on grey image “colorful”.
Actually don’t answer that. I prefer to keep my eyes intact rather than see yet another garish, blinking, 1990s wonder site. God I remember those things. 😈
Or did you mean something like it makes the site more personalised without the random patterns?
Ha. Yes, I meant colourful as in more personal rather than actual colour.
I agree that less is more with forums for the reason you said – to allow avatars to do their job which is to make it easier to recognise posts.
Wish more people would use them.
That’s actually wrong. Many other countries do that as well – especially the US which uses government departments and institutions to drive innovation in selected ways. The government department/institution is given a budget for R&D and then it chooses how that budget is spent. They’ll possibly have R&D that’s inhouse or outsourced and that outsourcing could be to state/private universities or to state/private enterprises (The Entrepreneurial State). The most well known of these state funded and directed R&D institutions is, of course, NASA. Apple’s Siri was developed through this system although it wasn’t Apple that did it but a small company that got bought up by Apple after they’d done the developing.
The Callaghan system seems to be a failed copy of that system. Our system fails to have that government institution directed funding for specific results resulting in haphazard R&D.
The Greens idea of a Minister for Manufacturing could be morphed into such an institution. A Ministry for Manufacturing which does R&D on manufacturing techniques with findings going to the public so that local business can use it to build local manufacturing that’s on par with the best in the world.
Such a ministry would also be looking into developing our resources. The sustainable extraction and processing of them to then use in that manufacturing.
Considering my idea of state factories founded around 3D printing which anybody can then use to produce any product on demand I’d even have that ministry building and maintaining those factories.
There’s lots of different R&D models, many better suited to small and narrow economies. The old Ministry of Research and Development studied bunches of them – particularly from Denmark, Singapore, Netherlands, and Israel. South Korea’s one is also worth looking at. The literature on the results is not currently massive, although it’s there.
None are perfect, most are more successful than our starving, anachronistic, and timid set of mechanisms.
I really like the Greens’ aim of turning much of our economy towards digital. And I appreciate that Labour wants a specific base for that in Dunedin. There is much to commend.
But if the only mechanisms we can come up with to propel our remaining agrarian base into outstanding sustainable world-beating wealth is yet another set of taxes, then there is a real failure of national thinking and leadership. I would want to see that leadership from either of the major parties.
That’s part and parcel of the neo-liberal system of using payment of money to encourage desired actions while taking money from people to discourage undesirable actions.
It’s not a particularly good way of encouraging people and we really should be looking at other ideas. From what I can make out, simply ensuring people have enough to live and access to the necessary resources would seriously improve our innovation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc
Motivation is one part of it.
National leadership has some part.
Universities another.
Basic good wages, strong unions, infrastructure, public services – all necessary but insufficient conditions.
There’s a whole ecosystem to innovation and productivity.
If there were a perfect recipe, we would have found it. But this current government has done little to strengthen it, and I don’t currently see strong alternatives on offer.
If I were charitable, there are bigger social priorities for the next government to solve – and we have time to do that while the economy is stable.
If immigration is slashed and 5 year bright line imposed, the economy will suffer bumps. I think we need those bumps so dont get me wrong. But your prediction of a stable economy are unlikely to prevail.
Both Treasury and Reserve Bank forecasts released recently show continuous growth and strong employment with a very soft landing into the longer term.
Both National and Labour are signaling no major changes to tax for many years.
So, no.
The bumps to the New Zealand economy – as they have been for the last 20 plus years – will be external.
I keep forgetting. You know everything.
The economy is about to crash.
That’s what the slowing housing bubble will do. As the private banks create less money due to the slowing house turn-over the economy will slow. That will slow the banks lending money even more starting a death spiral that will result in a serious crash.
National didn’t avoid the GFC with their propping up of the housing market – they just delayed it a bit. Of course, when it hits they’ll blame Labour because they won’t be in power any more. Labour will really need to show that it was National’s policies that brought it about.
+10000000
R & D, hell yes, but I think we should be looking in areas where we have a natural headstart. An edge over the rest of the world.
eg: A few strands of flax feel like they will cut my fingers off before breaking. The swamps around my place are full of it, grows like a weed. It’s the fibre used to make linen. I wonder what that fibre can do better than something that is in popular use now? I think we should be R and Ding down paths like this.
Agreed.
Although I would go straight for Fonterra.
Fonterra is the reason dairy farmers maximize volume over all else.
It is a logical crop – especially for riparian and roadside planting (it makes a good soft crash barrier) – but European linen is made from quite a different plant. There are anecdotal accounts of NZ flax being made into linen but most commercial use last century was as sacking and rope.
The reason flax is not routinely made into fine fibre as cotton is, is that it contains a lot of hemicelluloses between the main fibres – which stick them together or tangle them up. Traditional Maori flax preparation involved lengthy working to break these up and soften the end product fibre. Irish linen sometimes used pond retting that would derive some value from bacteria that digest hemicelloses. Other techniques that would probably bear fruit are heat or pressure processes like the steam explosion method used to produce bamboo fibre from a rather less obvious textile source.
Some work has been done on its use in reinforcing: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/app.29863/abstract
A well designed process would aim to recover an antiseptic sap fraction, and the chlorophyll component would probably be suitable for stock feed.
Hi Stuart, yes, R & D into it’s potential as a reinforcing agent or similar, those sort of avenues.
eg: A replacement for the plastic mesh currently used to hold the steep banks beside new motorways cuttings in place until the plantings retain the soil erosion. The NZ market would keep a factory in work for 2 days a year but the global market? Reinforcing in rammed earth walls? In concrete? An organic carbon fibre type product?
Fonterra, I agree Ad, diverse and capable existing R & D infrastructure. The rest of the world is surfing on the rising Chinese household income. Like our logs, we ship bags of milk powder. There are only 4.5 million of us, we don’t even have to be that good at it. A weekly tub of Fonterra dairy food in 10% of Chinese household fridges….the figures are staggering. Farmers making the same $ with herds half the size.
The bottling line at the Chinese owned wine-making operation close to me. I can’t read the labels, Mandarin. Palleted and shipped to a foodstuff distribution centre in China.
Flax is also good for helping minimizing worms in stock to i would plant it all around farms its a pain in the ass if you mow lawns though.
We don’t really have such a thing.
Flax is another plant that is under rated. But I’d look to hemp to start with as it grows faster and we could possibly use it to clean up our over fertilised land. Throw in some cannabis for medical and recreational reasons and we’d be on to a sure fire winner.
Nah, just like people, as a nation we have a best foot to put forward. Hemp can be grown in many places around the world. I’m suggesting we look for solutions that can’t be replicated in third world locations. A viable use for flax has spin-off benefits. If we could develop it into a cash crop we create a financial reason for farmers to keep stock out of boggy/swampy areas, the waterway feeders
Backpacker places are the same the world over. How can we do that like nobody else can? Create a unique experience and create fufilling work for the cash and job strapped? Marae-stay.
So can flax. It’s not unique to us.
No such thing exists.
There’s certainly options available for flax. Using it to help regenerate our wetlands would be great. Would need to develop a market for it’s products. ATM there doesn’t seem to be a lot with only some two and a half million tonnes produced per year.
Flax or hemp may not be it. The Manuka honey thing, it’s niche, but 20 Manuka honey things, a few may runaway succeed. I’m suggesting we look for ways to unearth our next Manuka honey thing rather than bagging up more milk powder.
Kakapo
So Nays and many in the media have been haranging Labour for what Nats did in Election 08 BUT without being hammered by the media…
I still struggle with the fact labour nzf and greens want to tax everything. Why do they want to do that.
We need immigration and a very very simple tax system. I earn 90k a year 3 kids…I will be paying more!!!!
Why why why…what have i done to deserve this
Because lowering taxes has corresponded with total degradation of our Health system.
Because our economy is predicated on low inflation or full employment. We chose low inflation. That means the unemployed have to be paid for to keep inflation low.
The disabled did not choose to be disabled, why do they deserve to life a subsistence life at best?
Populations in rural areas are low but road costs are high, do they deserve poor or no roads?
My brother complained about paying 60k in tax. His tax is higher than what half the population earn.
In 1994 I earned 52k. In 2015 as a Senior Lecturer at a Tertiary I was paid 75k. In the meantime my home went up by over 1.5m. Wages have stayed low and not by accident. English never talks about income and wages during his campaign. His party has no policy on those. Wonder why?
If you think the path we have been on for 30 to 40 years is working well for you, I cannot help you.
We need to do something different to what we have been doing for decades… Look around you at who has becone better off.
Lowering Taxes may have corresponded with systematic under-funding of our health system (and our education system and transport to boot), however its important for the incoming government to understand and recognize that it is not and never has been a cause (the cause here is that the government believes it is spending enough of health). Instead they need to realize the government can always afford to properly fund all of the main public sector parts of the economy.
Overall it is the governments insistence on maintaining a neutral fiscal balance (or even fiscal surplus) which causes the economy to remain in the present state of less than full employment. Ideally the incoming government would understand this well enough to give up on ‘fiscal responsibility’ and allow a deficit to occur by simply adding to their spending (which will allow the savings rate to increase and start to reduce the unemployment rate).
This probably has some implications for what tax policy of the incoming government should be.
Yes they do but they don’t talk about it because their policy is to lower wages even further.
Touche
You voted National who then put in place policies that are destroying our economy and our society.
In fact I suggest that people like UpNorth should not pay more tax, and should pay less. With a total 90k income and 3 children (and 2 adults?) Upnorth is below about 45% of the NZ income distribution.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/80229052/interactive-see-how-your-household-income-compares
Certainly the poorer 80% of the NZ population should not pay a penny more and in fact should receive a large net increase in state funding (via reduced tax and / or increased subsidised services).
We desperately need to increase tax, but on the wealthy – only the top 10% should pay more (much more!). They own 60% of the nation’s wealth (i.e. most of it) and are currently grossly undertaxed. They also will not suffer any hardship whatsoever if their wealth was reduced by 25% or so (so John Key would have to scrape by with $75m instead of $100m, for example)
How will you be paying more, Upnorth? There’s no proposed increase for PAYE or GST. Perhaps you mean that you won’t be getting a tax cut? That’s not “paying more”, and even if it was (which it isn’t) I’d suggest you need to look at this with a bigger lens. It’s not all about you. Do we need more social housing? Yes. Are our hospitals and DHBs coping? No – they’ve been underfunded for years. What about our schools? Ditto… The list goes on. How do we pay for improvements? you guessed it – through our taxes.
As it happens, we already have immigration and a very very simple tax system. That might be fine and dandy for you ($90k a year sounds pretty damn good to me), but there are people in our country who are homeless, hungry and losing hope. Many of them are kids who aren’t lucky enough to have parents earning such a good income. I care about them, do you?
Yes that is why I pay taxes pay my mortgage and only got UE never had any university free education.
So I do care about my kids so don’t be so rude and tell me I need to look after everyone else. I pay my taxes and get no benefits or tax credits.
I state again why does everyone want to tax the hell out of me…I’m do my bit.
We all benefit from the tax take but in different ways. I don’t have children, and never will, but I’m happy for some of state spending to go on state early years and school years education, as well as on WFF, and free GP visits for those under 18 years, etc.
A progressive tax system means those on highest incomes, and the wealthiest pay more – they can afford to pay more and have massively reaped the benefits of state run systems in diverse ways.
I’m happy for more state spending to go on those most in need – those unable to work, the sick and disabled, etc – we all benefit from a society in which everyone has enough to live on.
I do not want to be part of a society where large numbers of people are sleeping in the streets, in cars, in inadequate camp ground facilities, etc, and where the working poor need to choose between paying the rent or buying food or paying for power, etc.
I am similar to you. I have had no kids til I took in a 15 year old abandoned by his parents. I happily pay for schools and healthcare and transport for others. That is what living in a society is.
What are you dribbling about?
Whinging and whinging and whinging about non-existent tax proposals. Are you terrified that there are wolves under your bed too? Poor baby.
On $90k and voting National, like a turkey voting for Xmas. Blaming anyone but yourself for the shitty incompetent policies you support. You’re pathetic.
Upnorth
You are part of a society that provides the things you have been able to use and perhaps part pay for. You talk as if you are some person annointed from heaven and have entitlement to get everything offered to you at a big discount, and bugger everyone else.
You think you should be offered a special deal with someone saying “Belong to this group, and we can get everything for you wholesale”. People who talk openly like this often mean that the ‘everything’ fell off the back of a truck; that it was obtained by hook and by being a crook.
And the truth is this is the path taken by the RWs and their fellow travellers, and the most adept of these are the National Party. So stick with them if you want but don’t come here moaning about the crooks not getting treatment that is not privileged in your favour.
Yes but I do care about society that’s my point…why are we getting hit all the time. .I’m sick of it
What things are you actually being hit with? And how will you be paying more tax under Labour and the GP?
Not sure what you are always being hit with?
I’m sIck of constantly increasing power and rent, the increasing difficulty of finding decent places to rent at a reasonable price.
None of that’s the fault of Labour or the GP. they have policies to try and fix that.
I don’t like that state schools charge parents for a lot of extras. That’s not the fault of Labour or the GP. I don’t like that many put off going to the doctors and the dentist, etc.
You don’t show any signs of that. You only show signs of caring only for yourself.
Everything that you’ve said here is a whinge about how much you’re paying with nothing about how much you’re getting – civil society, low crime, educated populace that improves your living standards – the list goes on and on.
And all you do is whinge about having to pay for the services rendered to you by society.
This “getting hit” “being slammed” “kicked in the teeth” etc. tough-talk is woven through the National Party/Right wing narrative. Such violent thinks and talks. Scary stuff comin’ at ya!
Upnorth – in fact the policies of the National Party are what are hitting you. Low tax for the wealthy and low wages and low services for everyone else. Please see my comment at 7.3.
While I am a strong advocate for tax reform (and a large increase in total tax take) – we should remember that we want less tax (or more government spending) for most people, because most people in NZ are comparatively very poor compared to the very rich, even though we are a wealthy country.
Difficult to deny Oram-ji’s integrity. Him one of the few Christians who take that tack–tho’ we appreciate these ones greatly. Rationalization is religion’s real creed. 2008, National argued for keeping up with OZ as a major plank–except for them sinking, no …And the dire tinkerer English is bringing back another fence-pale of that election, boot camps. Laughter is indeed universal.
About putting the poor right on where they’ve been going wrong, Bill, how about for a start making them not poor? 20% increase in benefits–what your joy-girl, Shipley, took away from US!