The Feral Rich Are Destroying Our Civilised Society

Written By: - Date published: 3:27 pm, January 29th, 2013 - 87 comments
Categories: capitalism, class war - Tags: , ,

Reprinted with permission, from Dave Kennedy (bsprout) at Local Bodies.

The Feral Rich Are Destroying Our Civilised Society

The latest New Internationlist has published statistics regarding the world’s wealthy and the increasing divide between rich and poor. They refer to the “Feral Rich” and ask, “what can we do to stop them?”

  • 8% of the world’s population own 82% of its wealth.
  • There are now 180 more billionaires than before the global financial crash.
  • The world’s richest man is Carlos Slim and his total wealth is $69 billion (the New Zealand Government’s annual income is 70 billion).
  • The world’s richest woman is Australian mining heiress Gina Rinehart. She is worth $28 billion and she has $52 million a day to survive on.
  • The average household wealth in the world declined by 5.2% over the last year.
  • The 400 richest Americans have a combined wealth of $1.7 trillion
  • In 1980 the average US CEO earned 42 times as much as the average worker and by 2012 this had skyrocketed to 380 times.
  • The top rate of US income tax in 1980 was 70% and in 2012 it was 35%.
  • Mitt Romney and his wife pay 14.1% of their income in tax, while the average worker pays 30%.
  • $21 trillion is stashed away in tax havens which is the equivalent of the entire US and Chinese economies combined.
  • In the US 47% of the members of Congress are millionaires.
  • 62% of British cabinet ministers are millionaires.

New Zealand reflects what is happening in the rest of the world but our income inequality is growing faster than most.

  • Our 100 richest New Zealanders have a combined wealth of $52 billion.
  • Our richest saw their incomes increase by an average of 20% in 2011
  • Over the past four years the median income for Maori families has dropped by $40 a week and Pasifika families have seen a drop of $65.
  • The median weekly income in New Zealand (from all sources) is $550, many obviously live on much less.
  • The median rent for a 3 bedroom house in Auckland is $370 a week and rents across the country increased by $10 over the past year.
  • Tax evasion cost the Government $6 billion while benefit fraud cost around $39 million.

While the rich have got richer around the world, most are paying far less in tax and most governments are struggling to pay for core government services and infrastructure. Many rich, including writer J K Rowling are happy to pay tax because of the support they received from the state early in their careers. They also believe that tax is the price to pay for a civilised society. Would a truly civilised society stand back and watch 25% of their children live in poverty? Would a civilized society have their elderly live in rest homes that can’t pass minimum standards of care and pay the minimum rate for their workers (one of our wealthiest New Zealanders, Kevin Hickman owns rest homes and his personal wealth increased by $15 million last year)?

The fact that Governments and most people of the world struggle to manage on their incomes is not because there isn’t enough money in the world, it’s because the world’s wealth has been captured by a few and they refuse to share. Many Governments are guilty of perpetuating this wealth capture by lowering taxes and not standing firm to lobbyists.

87 comments on “The Feral Rich Are Destroying Our Civilised Society ”

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  1. PlanetOrphan 1
    29 January 2013 at 3:32 pm

    They wont stop until the RIOTS Start M8!
    (Sorry … Peacefull Protests)

  2. King Kong 2
    29 January 2013 at 3:38 pm

    Thank you for that truly inspirational posting.

    You are right, accumulating massive wealth should be the goal for everyone.

    [RL: On warning as a troll. Your such a pitiful one as a rule it’s hardly worth the effort, but no more.]

    • PlanetOrphan 2.1
      29 January 2013 at 3:44 pm

      Slave labour and a High Mortality rate being the Modus Operandi ?
      Thinnking of starting a sweat shop in NZ KK ?, you should try Burma first maybe.

    • Tim 2.2
      29 January 2013 at 3:44 pm

      For what purpose exactly? I’m quite happy to have accumulated enough to live modestly and give my children an adequate start.
      Are you a believer in the protestant work ethic by any chance?

    • Mr Burns 2.3
      29 January 2013 at 4:00 pm

      accumulating massive wealth should be the goal for everyone

      But if everyone received more the truly deserving rich would have less. Are you a communist or something?

  3. ad 3
    29 January 2013 at 3:53 pm

    It’s not impossible to reimagine a new version of Dick Seddon breaking up the great landholding runs and redistributing far smaller parcels to the many. I mean, the entire mezzanine finance industry was able to redistribute vast chunks of New Zealand’s savings in to thin air within 1 year after the GFC!

    Possibly the coldest, hardest impact on people’s lives about wealth distribution is: how impossible it is to own a house here.

    • just saying 3.1
      29 January 2013 at 4:25 pm

      Well no.
      The coldest, hardest impact on people’s lives is the inability to be able to afford healthy food, health and dental care, clothing, warmth (when it is cold) shelter…..

      Many people are doing without a hell of a lot more than home-ownership.

    • outofworkkiwi 3.2
      29 January 2013 at 8:27 pm

      Hi ad
      I agree. When I arrived in NZ in 1979 and 1980 it was really easy to buy a house. I was on $10,000 a year the house on a large double section overlooking central Johnsonville with 3 bedrooms and built only 19 years before on a back section was a mere $32,000 ! 🙂 Paradise for young couples starting out and a great country to live in. Now all ruined by speculator greed by the baby boomers with 3 or 4 “investment properties” each and banks that cash in on the interest and capital gain and governments who won’t stop this with a hefty capital gains tax. Makes me sick, a once great place to live buggered by selfishness and greed, pity our young people who are paying for their elder’s smug selfish greed. 🙁

      • anthony bull 3.2.1
        29 January 2013 at 11:20 pm

        dude, you’ll find that people with investment properties aren’t speculators – its the complete opposite of the definition of investing.

        I’m 35 and have three times as many properties as my boomer parents do (they only have one). Including one in your beloved Johnsonville – what you probably don’t realise is that its still easy to own property. Nothing has changed since 1979 – it still just takes work ethic, drive and managing your spending levels.

        • blue leopard 3.2.1.1
          29 January 2013 at 11:26 pm

          anthony bull,
          House prices only 3x the yearly wage is a pretty big change,

        • CV - Real Labour 3.2.1.2
          30 January 2013 at 12:01 am

          Nothing has changed since 1979 – it still just takes work ethic, drive and managing your spending levels.

          “Nothing has changed since 1979” seriously mate? You were in kindergarten then, WTF would you know.

        • Draco T Bastard 3.2.1.3
          30 January 2013 at 10:28 am

          You failed to notice the difference in house prices from 3 times the average wage to 6 times?

      • RedLogix 3.2.2
        30 January 2013 at 7:08 am

        Sighs.

        You’ve been told to blame greedy ‘investors’ as a distraction from the real greedies .. the banks.

        There always was and is a perfectly sane rental market, it exists for good reasons because there are always many people who are not in a position to buy. Historically it was about 30-35% of households. That number has crept up towards about 40% in Auckland, but that is for other related reasons.

        The State used to be a very large provider, and there used to be some very big slumlords who in our grandparents generation owned large swaths of very, very substandard buildings. What’s happened in the last 30 years is that the ownership of this business has been diversified into the middle-class.

        The middle class look at Superannuation and realise that if they are going to need to be educated until they are 25 and then dumped on the employment scrap-heap at 50 … but might well live until they are 80 or 90 (as my father is) … then something more than $300 per week is going to be necessary. The share and financial market in this country is a path to ruination unless you are a well-connected insider. The ONLY and safest option was property.

        Of course the real beneficiaries of this has been the banks. They are the ones who pocket most of your rent money each week … not your landlord. He or she is usually just hanging on hoping that they’ll eventually reach retirement with the mortgage mostly paid, the house not wrecked and their health still allows them to manage the work involved.

        Investors make money from cash flow and never intend to sell. We hate price inflation because it only makes it harder to buy again with rental incomes that don’t keep up; speculators are completely different operators and if the IRD deals with them properly they are taxed anyhow.

        It is the banks pumping credit into the market who inflate it and are the prime beneficiaries … everyone else loses.

        Oh and if you want a nice house I’ve just purchased a forty year old villa, solid native timbers, fully insulated, 160 m2, 4 beds, 2 bath, wood burner, decks, 1500m2 section, double garage, well planted, 1 km from town and schools, train…. for $187,000. Just wasn’t in Auckland or Christchurch.

        • Slartibartfast 3.2.2.1
          30 January 2013 at 8:31 am

          Well said RL, a spot of reason at last.

        • blue leopard 3.2.2.2
          31 January 2013 at 11:24 pm

          Having lived next to an empty property that was bought and sold numerous times over the years, each time for more even though the owners did minimal work on it, I’m sorry, Redlogix, but there are people who are buying property and profit on price rises, infact appear to be part of the reason prices go up. There is a seemingly limitless market of people from overseas who are ready to buy property off people conducting this activity and I view this activity as very much contributing to prices going up.

          • CV - Real Labour 3.2.2.2.1
            31 January 2013 at 11:33 pm

            I think the element that you have left out BL, and which RL has mentioned is that each of those buy/resell cycles you mentioned would have been totally underwritten by increasing bank debt. OK, perhaps rich overseas buyers can pay increasing amounts of cash (printed by their home reserve banks), but for most people, an increasing house price just means an increasing mortgage debt on essentially the same underlying property asset. The banks never lose. but they do fuel that price escalation with their willingness to lend more and more.

            Do people who “flip” these properties get rich on the way? Yes they do. Unless you are the person at the end of the buy/sell cycle who has finally paid way over the odds for the property, taken out a mortgage which is way too big (expecting that it would be OK as you would just flip the property on for more in 12 months time), when finally, the asset price bubble music stops and you find that there aren’t enough chairs to go around.

            • burt 3.2.2.2.1.1
              31 January 2013 at 11:45 pm

              CV – Real Labour

              Unless you are the person at the end of the buy/sell cycle who has finally paid way over the odds for the property, taken out a mortgage which is way too big (expecting that it would be OK as you would just flip the property on for more in 12 months time), when finally, the asset price bubble music stops and you find that there aren’t enough chairs to go around.

              This behaviour is not predicated by political party affiliation, it’s human nature to join the wave, it’s human nature that some are better players in a particular market than others; there will be winners and losers.

              But you can’t legislate against this behaviour without completely regulating prices. People will speculate, some do it with houses, some with postage stamps, coins, jewelery, cars, [anything tradable].

              Arguably a capital gains tax on property could help here, but you could also argue it just punishes the guy at the end even more as the price he/she paid was sufficient to cover that cost for the last seller.

              Still the capital loses tax rebate would be helpful if the value fell – that fair point is in Labour’s proposed capital gains tax policy isn’t it?

              • Colonial Viper …
                1 February 2013 at 12:07 am

                it’s human nature to join the wave

                This is the assumption you make where your whole argument falls apart. Ponzi speculation is no part of human nature, only a perversion of a tiny element of it.

                • burt …
                  1 February 2013 at 12:12 am

                  So you’ve never looked at something being sold cheaply and though – I could sell it for more than that? – or are you also one of this tiny element of society that might have thought that or even acted on that thought.

              • blue leopard …
                1 February 2013 at 11:26 pm

                I think you have a point here, Burt. Regardless of whether one debates as to whether its human nature, (I might be inclined to say that is what we have been told to think)

                The situation on house-selling is such that one is almost impelled to act in this way. I have thought seriously on this subject; would have liked to think that if I had property and was selling it, I wouldn’t slavishly agree to the very wealthy offers that we have around where I live, (so that I don’t take part in inflating the prices for everyone else) however, having been painfully honest with myself, I have realized there is a number of factors that make accepting a lower offer a bit pointless and heads toward the self mutilating end of the scale.

                For example: I could accept a lower offer and find out in a few months time that the person has on-sold for the higher price it could command (in fact this happened to my father when he sold the family house), and having sold it for the lower price, I might also find I couldn’t buy something of a similar quality (would have to down-grade).

                This type of predicament points to the area that I think governments are very much there to address. Most people speculating on houses wouldn’t be intentionally pushing prices up, probably wouldn’t think that far out of their agenda; I want a Government to be thinking of the negative unintended consequences of people’s unthinking actions and organize things so that these are mitigated. I thought that was what a Government was there for.

            • blue leopard 3.2.2.2.1.2
              1 February 2013 at 7:58 pm

              Thanks for explaining the point RL was making, CV. I guess at least some of what I witnessed was “supported” by the banking industry, although one of the worst examples was someone who had inherited millions from America and was buying up much property and businesses locally and sold it all later on for a tidy profit. That person drove a hard bargain, I know someone who bought property off them.

              I note the other difference in what I was talking about is people who are speculating on property.

              RL talks about people investing for a pension.

              The thing is, if policies and people are going to argue the point to cater to those buying houses for a pension and ignoring the speculators, then those speculating are going to keep on pushing up the prices of houses.

              I haven’t thought this through thoroughly, however, if there was a capital gains tax, I am suspecting this wouldn’t stop people investing in land for their retirement, yet it would curb those out to make a quick buck in speculating.

              • RedLogix …
                1 February 2013 at 10:59 pm

                I am suspecting this wouldn’t stop people investing in land for their retirement, yet it would curb those out to make a quick buck in speculating.

                Exactly. In the ideal world of course if the banks were regulated to prevent them pumping excess credit into the housing market (limiting LVR’s is one of the simplest ways to do this)… then in real terms (ie adjusted for the background CPI) there would be no housing price inflation, no speculators and no capital gains …. and thus no real need for a CGT either.

                I guess that was always my reservation about CGT’s. If they worked they way that many people think they do … they would be inherently self-limiting. ie a CGT may act as an incentive to dampen the extremes of asset inflation, but can never by itself reduce it to zero.

                But otherwise yes, you’re right about the distinction between investors and speculators.

                • blue leopard …
                  1 February 2013 at 11:13 pm

                  Genuine question here (i.e. not simply rhetorical): Would regulating the banks in the way you are suggesting stop the very wealthy from speculating, or only the less than very wealthy?

                  I have a nasty feeling it wouldn’t curb the very wealthy? If so, this would give them the opportunity to gain even more of a monopoly.

                  I’m all for regulating banks(!), seems like you are suggesting something that curbs the problem at the source, which seems sensible, as long as it didn’t create the above-mentioned effect.

                  My thoughts are that perhaps inflation doesn’t have to be reduced to zero, and that this might be a bit of an argument originating from speculator-types to stop the CGT from being introduced? (Not hugely informed on this subject, so apologies if I am saying something terribly misguided!)

                  • CV - Real Labour …
                    1 February 2013 at 11:41 pm

                    I think you need a straight asset tax to prevent extraordinarily large holdings of land and property from falling into individual hands.

                    Imagine a 0.25% pa land tax added to rates, for properties above $1M. Every additional $1M in property would attract a $2500 annual tax.

                    It would certainly discourage individuals from “land banking”.

                    • blue leopard …
                      2 February 2013 at 10:58 pm

                      It seems like something like that would be appropriate. Just a wonder that this issue hasn’t been addressed and the speculation on something as profoundly important for people’s lives as land is, has been allowed to continue unabated. Yet another failure of successive governments.

      • Fortran 3.2.3
        30 January 2013 at 1:30 pm

        Can anybody please enlighten me on the proposed Labour/Green’s CGT
        – some ideas as to where it is to be targeted, over what years, and to which adminstration direction and % costs.
        Plus of course the budgetted tax take and where it is to go.
        The idea has great merit but I cnnot find any outline details, or is it still just media buzz words.

    • geoff 3.3
      29 January 2013 at 9:47 pm

      Nicely said, ad.

    • John 3.4
      1 February 2013 at 3:22 am

      How can it be impossible to own a house, when so many do actually own houses…

  4. Mr Burns 4
    29 January 2013 at 3:58 pm

    What is wrong with the obsessive collecting of excessive wealth? I was called a psychopathic kleptomaniac the other day. It is a description that I will wear with pride.

    • PlanetOrphan 4.1
      29 January 2013 at 4:05 pm

      And when the worm turns who ya gonna call Monty ?

      Free stuff at Monties place, just walk right in and load it up M8s!

      • Mr Burns 4.1.1
        29 January 2013 at 4:07 pm

        What do you think I have hounds for PlanetOrphan? Companionship?

        Go ahead, make my day …

        • PlanetOrphan 4.1.1.1
          29 January 2013 at 4:15 pm

          Lol, I eat hounds for breakfast Monty you’ll have to pay someone that’s qualified.
          I’m available for the right price M8! 😀

    • the Al1en 4.2
      29 January 2013 at 4:06 pm

      I was called an arachnoclaustropyrophobic once, but who wouldn’t be freaked at being locked in a cupboard with a burning spider.

    • blue leopard 4.3
      29 January 2013 at 4:16 pm

      What is wrong with the obsessive collecting of excessive wealth?

      The nuisance of finding places to hide it, so that you don’t have to pay those bothersome taxes, perhaps?

    • outofworkkiwi 4.4
      29 January 2013 at 8:29 pm

      F.O. Mr Burns Asshole.

      [RL: Settle… Mr Burns is purest irony. He’s been doing this sort of inverse perverseness for ages now.]

  5. the Al1en 5
    29 January 2013 at 4:04 pm

    I like topics like these.
    Get the right apologist posting later on and it’ll be better than freeview.

    I don’t care if the rich man can afford two sausages with his breakfast and I only one. Good on him.
    Tell me I can’t have a sausage because he wants three and has more right to it than I and I’ll take lot of them.
    Sausages for everyone.

  6. zanemvula 6
    29 January 2013 at 4:12 pm

    They won’t give it up willingly, for the most part. And, notwithstanding the fickleness of fortune (or stupidity) that allows some with loads of money to lose lots of it, in general the rich get richer because they have more opportunity to control things.

    So there are two, nay three, possible paths:
    1. Over a long time, the complaining masses get louder and closer to the middle class, so the wealthy grudgingly leave a little more on the table. The middle class are appeased again and fall back to their old ways. The poor, as always, get shafted.
    2. We keep down this road and arrive in nouveau feudalism. Oops, maybe a bit late for that forecast.
    3. There is a revolution that (temporarily) restores balance to the force.

    • RedLogix 6.1
      30 January 2013 at 7:28 am

      You may want to contemplate that it is the ‘middle class’ who comprise perhaps 60% or more of New Zealand’s population. And it’s a pretty fuzzy boundary between them and the ‘working class’. The main economic distinction is that the middle class pay tax, while the ‘working poor’ class pay little to no tax. I’ve no problem with that, because there will always be some gradation between people, but ultimately if we’re all going to be part of a civilised society … some form of sharing and redistribution of prosperity is essential.

      This article however is about a tiny, tiny minority of obscenely wealthy who’ve no intention of sharing, merely grabbing as much from everyone else as possible. Feral is the most polite word we should have for these despicable parasites.

      • Draco T Bastard 6.1.1
        30 January 2013 at 10:35 am

        You may want to contemplate that it is the ‘middle class’ who comprise perhaps 60% or more of New Zealand’s population.

        No, the middle class makes up about 25%. I know that there’s a lot more who believe themselves to be in the middles class but, as with most beliefs, they’re wrong.

      • Fortran 6.1.2
        30 January 2013 at 1:33 pm

        Please define for me once again? who are the so called 60% Middle Class.
        What makes them so ?

  7. The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 7
    29 January 2013 at 4:23 pm

    I was interested in how someone could reduce their tax to 13%. So I googled it.

    “There are two reasons that the Romneys’ tax bill is below 15%. According to their 2010 tax return (the latest available), Mr. and Mrs. Romney reduced their taxable income by the $3 million they gave to charities.

    The second and most important reason is the majority of the Romneys’ income is taxed twice – first at the corporate level, and a second time when they report it on their personal income tax return.”

    http://www.forbes.com/sites/charleskadlec/2012/08/20/mitt-romney-paid-30-not-13-in-federal-income-taxes/

    He comes out rather well, if you ask me.

  8. CV - Real Labour 8
    29 January 2013 at 4:25 pm

    Both money and debt represents a claim on future material goods and labour.

    But there isn’t enough actual value of either future material goods or labour to deliver the level of wealth these “billionaires” think they have stored as worthless electronic ones and zeros in their investment accounts.

  9. Draco T Bastard 9
    29 January 2013 at 5:51 pm

    The fact that Governments and most people of the world struggle to manage on their incomes is not because there isn’t enough money in the world, it’s because the world’s wealth has been captured by a few and they refuse to share. Many Governments are guilty of perpetuating this wealth capture by lowering taxes and not standing firm to lobbyists.

    The one thing that we cannot afford is the rich.

  10. Afewknowthetruth 10
    29 January 2013 at 7:34 pm

    Governments throughout the western world have encouraged sociopathy and facilitated looting of the commons for the past 30 years, so none of what we are seeing now is at all surprising.

    Once other methods fail, the elites impose ‘austerity’ on the masses to maintain the flow or money and resources upwards,

    Once the masses are REALLY SUFFERING there is revolt, which the elites put down ruthlessly: this always happens. After a few hundred or a few thousand ordinary people have been killed by ‘security forces’ the ‘security forces’ then turn on the elites.

    We are a long way from that stage right now. But the elites are working on it.

  11. RJLC 11
    29 January 2013 at 7:40 pm

    We have been given LOTTO, TVNZ news, Reality TV and Casinos.
    Ergo : There will never be a revolution.

  12. outofworkkiwi 12
    29 January 2013 at 8:40 pm

    The Feral Rich Are Destroying Our Civilised Society

    Key fits the bill completely: If you mentioned the Common Good as a reason not to sell off our assets he’d look at you as if you were from another Planet: He’s that selfinterestedly ignorant for his own greedy class.

    • rosy 12.1
      29 January 2013 at 11:16 pm

      George Monbiot gives his take on why the rich have a total disconnect from the people who the are nominally to be governing for…

      former Republican staffer Mike Lofgren wrote something very similar about the dominant classes of the US: “the rich elites of this country have far more in common with their counterparts in London, Paris, and Tokyo than with their fellow American citizens … the rich disconnect themselves from the civic life of the nation and from any concern about its well being except as a place to extract loot. Our plutocracy now lives like the British in colonial India: in the place and ruling it, but not of it.”

      Secession from the concerns and norms of the rest of society characterises any well established elite. Our own ruling caste, schooled separately, brought up to believe in justifying fairytales, lives in a world of its own, from which it can project power without understanding or even noticing the consequences. A removal from the life of the rest of the nation is no barrier to the desire to dominate it. In fact, it appears to be associated with a powerful sense of entitlement.

      Hence they govern for those who are culturally similar, not just in their own countries, but across the world and don’t even see what is happening in the countries where they are citizens.

      Citizens… seems to be such an outdated concept.

      • Murray Olsen 12.1.1
        30 January 2013 at 1:47 am

        I can’t wait for the day when the workers realise that they have more in common with the workers of London, Paris, Tokyo, and India than with the rich of their own country. Nationalism is bullshit used by those who don’t believe in it to suppress those who do.

      • Draco T Bastard 12.1.2
        30 January 2013 at 10:46 am

        That’s a good column. I especially liked this bit:

        My second boarding school was a kinder, more liberal place. But we remained as detached from the rest of society as Carthusian monks. The world, when we were released into it, was unrecognisable. It bore no relationship to our learning or experience. The result was cognitive dissonance: a highly uncomfortable state from which human beings will do almost anything to escape. There were two principal means. One – the more painful – was to question everything you held to be true. This process took me years: in fact, it has not ended. It was, at first, highly disruptive to my peace of mind and sense of self.

        The other, as US Republicans did during the Bush presidency, is to create your own reality. If the world does not fit your worldview, you either shore up your worldview with selectivity and denial, or (if you have power) you try to bend the world to fit the shape it takes in your mind. Much of the effort of conservative columnists and editors, and of certain politicians and historians, appears to be devoted to these tasks.

        This is exactly what we’re seeing from right wing politicians and economists – people trying to force the world into their own, delusional, world view and it just isn’t working.

  13. bad12 13
    29 January 2013 at 9:15 pm

    SMASH the Neo-liberal political/economic consensus, ‘the market’ is there to serve the people, forcing the people to serve the market is the path to slavery…

  14. Lloyd 14
    29 January 2013 at 10:57 pm

    How many of our MPs are millionaires?

    How does the split in millionaires between parties fall?

    • Dave Kennedy (bsprout) 14.1
      30 January 2013 at 2:19 am

      John Key is worth $50 million and he is the only MP who is listed in the top 200.

      • muzza 14.1.1
        30 January 2013 at 8:35 am

        What year was the 50m figure from?

        That number has been used around Key since around the day he *arrived* in NZ politics, and his background, and positions he has held (roles played) would have accrued significantly higher numbers than the 50m he had when we first were told, *the story of Key*

  15. Descendant Of Sssmith 15
    30 January 2013 at 6:55 am

    Sort of liked the cartoon in this story though the story itself just shows another way to keep other peoples money.

    http://jessescrossroadscafe.blogspot.co.nz/2011/12/attempt-to-seize-and-liquidate-customer.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+JessesCafeAmericain+(Jesse's+Caf%C3%A9+Am%C3%A9ricain)

    And people worry about paying tax when they are forking out billions of dollars to thieves and charlatans who call themselves businessmen.

  16. tsmithfield 16
    30 January 2013 at 7:22 am

    It could be argued that extreme wealth is green. If the money is tucked away in a bank account its not circulating causing greenhouse gasses.

    • rosy 16.1
      30 January 2013 at 7:42 am

      Pfft no it couldn’t. They don’t tuck it away until after the jets, and yachts and the cars and the entourage ….

    • RedLogix 16.2
      30 January 2013 at 7:42 am

      But most of that money was accumulated by greenhouse gas creating activity in the first place, so I’m not sure all that much is gained?

      How about spending it on research, development and rolling out new sustainable carbon-neutral ways of living?

      If I had $52m a day to spend that’s were a big portion of it would go.

      Someone last year made an estimate of some $30 trillion is cash hoarded in tax havens around the world. That was just cash, not assets and probably didn’t capture it all. Think of the problems and challenges we face which that much money could go a long way towards resolving. The right has long and loudly told us that a going carbon neutral would be hugely, cripplingly expensive … yet remain mute on how a vastly larger mountain of cash is already lying around doing nothing.

      Hoarding is always despised.

      • tsmithfield 16.2.1
        30 January 2013 at 8:02 am

        Maybe.

        However, it has always seemed to me to be a point of conflict between ideals for the left and the Greens especially. If income was distributed more equally, then surely it would be worse for the environment. Even though I accept that some of that wealth would be spent on more efficient energy technologies, surely the net effect would be more greenhouse gasses and more plundering of the environment.

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    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 hours ago

  • Photos from the road
    Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 hours ago

  • RMA reforms aim to ease stock-grazing rules and reduce farmers’ costs – but Taxpayers’ Union w...
    Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough.  Greenpeace says ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 hours ago

  • Luxon Strikes Out.
    I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 hours ago

  • In many ways the media that the experts wanted, turned out to be the media they have got
    Chris Trotter writes –  Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 hours ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal Summons; or the more things stay the same
    Graeme Edgeler writes –  This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    8 hours ago

  • Both Parliamentary watchdogs hammer Fast-track bill
    Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General, John Ryan, has joined the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    8 hours ago

  • India makes a big bet on electric buses
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah Spengeman People wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
    Skeptical Science
    10 hours ago

  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 6:36am on Tuesday, April 23
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 6:36am on Tuesday, April 22:Scoop & Deep Dive: How Sir Peter Jackson got to have his billion-dollar exit cake and eat Hollywood too NZ Herald-$$$ Matt NippertFast Track Approval Bill: Watchdogs seek substantial curbs on ministers' powers ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    12 hours ago

  • What is really holding up infrastructure
    The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    14 hours ago

  • “Pure Unadulterated Charge”
    Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    14 hours ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks for Monday, April 22
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: writes via his substack that’s he’s sceptical about the IPSOS poll last week suggesting a slide into authoritarianism here, writing: Kiwis seem to want their cake and eat it too Tal Aster writes for about How Israel turned homeowners into YIMBYs. writes via his ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    24 hours ago

  • The media were given a little list and hastened to pick out Fast Track prospects – but the Treaty ...
     Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • Just trying to stay upright
    It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • “Unprecedented”
    Today, former Port of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson went on trial on health and safety charges for the death of one of his workers. The Herald calls the trial "unprecedented". Firstly, it's only "unprecedented" because WorkSafe struck a corrupt and unlawful deal to drop charges against Peter Whittall over Pike ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Time for “Fast-Track Watch”
    Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Gordon Campbell on fast track powers, media woes and the Tiktok ban
    Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    1 day ago

  • The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    Bryce Edwards writes-  The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    1 day ago

  • Maori push for parallel government structures
    Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • An announcement about an announcement
    Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • All the Green Tech in China.
    Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago

  • Western Express Success
    In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    1 day ago

  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 7:16am on Monday, April 22
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 7:16am on Monday, April 22:Labour says Kiwis at greater risk from loan sharks as Govt plans to remove borrowing regulations NZ Herald Jenee TibshraenyHow did the cost of moving two schools blow out to more than $400m?A ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to April 29 and beyond
    TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #16
    A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago

  • Thank you
    This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Determining the Engine Type in Your Car
    Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Become a Race Car Driver: A Comprehensive Guide
    Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Many Cars Are There in the World in 2023? An Exploration of Global Automotive Statistics
    Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take for Car Inspection?
    Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Who Makes Mazda Cars?
    Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Often to Replace Your Car Battery A Comprehensive Guide
    Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Can You Register a Car Without a License?
    In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the Rule If you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Mazda: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Reliability, Value, and Performance
    Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What Are Struts on a Car?
    Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What Does Car Registration Look Like: A Comprehensive Guide
    Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
    Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take to Build a Computer?
    Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Put Your Computer to Sleep
    Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
    Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
    In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Are Computers Made?
    A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
    Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
    Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
    Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
    Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
    Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
    Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
    In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
    A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    “You talking about me?”  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    4 days ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    4 days ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

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

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

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

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
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  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
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