Open mike 30/05/2014
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7:00 am, May 30th, 2014 - 378 comments
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- EU and UK FTAs top of list for first ministerial trip since COVID-19Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor today announced details of his planned visit to the United Kingdom and European Union next week, where he will hold trade and agriculture discussions to further New Zealand’s economic recovery from COVID-19. The visit will add political weight to ongoing negotiations with both the EU ...2 days ago
- Arihia Bennett to chair Royal Commission Ministerial Advisory GroupTe Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu chief executive Arihia Bennett MNZM has been appointed chair of the newly appointed Ministerial Advisory Group on the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch mosques. “Twenty-eight people from diverse backgrounds across Aotearoa have been selected for the ...2 days ago
- Speech to the New Zealand Medical Association General Practitioners' Conference, RotoruaKi ngā pou maha o te whare hauora o Aotearoa, kei te mihiTo the pillars of our health system I acknowledge/thank you Ki te ope hapai hauora o roto o tēnei rūma, kei te mihi To our health force here in the room today, I acknowledge/thank you He taura tangata, ...3 days ago
- Karangahape Road upgrades are streets aheadThe upgrades to Karangahape Road makes the iconic street more pedestrian and cycle-friendly, attractive and environmentally sustainable, Transport Minister Michael Wood and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said at the formal celebration of the completion of the Karangahape Road Enhancements project. The project included widening footpaths supporting a better outdoor dining ...3 days ago
- Speech to APEC business eventE ngā tumu herenga waka, ākina ā ngaru, ākina ā tai ka whakatere ngā waka ki te whakapapa pounamu, otirā, ki Tamaki o ngā waka Tena koutou katoa… To the great leaders assembled, who guided your waka through turbulent times, challenging waters and you continue to navigate your respective waka ...4 days ago
- Pause on Quarantine Free Travel with Victoria extendedFollowing an assessment of the COVID-19 outbreak in greater Melbourne, New Zealand’s Quarantine Free Travel pause with Victoria will continue for a further seven days, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says. There are now 93 cases associated with the outbreak in greater Melbourne, spread over four clusters. Contact tracing efforts ...4 days ago
- Supplier Diversity Aotearoa Summit: Navigate 2021*** Check with delivery *** A mihi to all who have contributed to making today a success – starting with you! As you have explored and navigated government procurement today you will hopefully have reflected on the journey of our people so far – and how you can make a ...4 days ago
- Pukemiro School to closePukemiro Primary School near Huntly will close following years of declining roll numbers, Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced today. “I’ve consulted with the School Commissioner, and this decision acknowledges the fact that the few remaining students from last term are now settled at other nearby schools. “I want to thank ...4 days ago
- Govt acts to protect NZers from harmful contentNew Zealanders will be better protected from harmful or illegal content as a result of work to design a modern, flexible and coherent regulatory framework, Minister of Internal Affairs Jan Tinetti announced today. New Zealand currently has a content regulatory system that is comprised of six different arrangements covering some ...4 days ago
- Consultation on exemption of new builds from proposed tax rulesThe Government has today confirmed new builds will be exempt from planned changes to the tax treatment of residential investment property. Public consultation is now open on details of the proposals, which stop interest deductions being claimed for residential investment properties other than new builds. “The Government’s goal is to ...4 days ago
- Speech for Predator Free 2050 ConferenceIntroduction E ngā mana E ngā reo E ngā iwi Tēnā koutou katoa Ka huri ki ngā mana whenua o te rohe nei. Tēnā koutou He mihi hoki ki a tatou kua tau mai nei i raro i te kaupapa o te rā Ko Ayesha Verrall toku ingoa No ...4 days ago
- New stock exchange to help grow small businessesA new share trading market, designed as a gateway to the NZX for small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has been granted a licence by the Government. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister, David Clark said Catalist Markets Ltd will provide a simpler and more affordable ‘stepping stone’ for SMEs to raise capital. “This ...4 days ago
- Visa extensions provide certainty to employers and 10,000 visa holdersChanges to onshore visas will provide employers and visa holders with more certainty, Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi has announced. Around 10,000 Working Holiday visas and Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) work visas due to expire between 21 June 2021 and 31 December 2021 will be extended for another six months to ...4 days ago
- Border class exceptions approved for more farm workers and vetsThe Government has approved border class exceptions for an additional 200 dairy workers and 50 veterinarians to enter New Zealand, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. “It is clear from conversations with the dairy and veterinarian sectors that they are facing workforce pressures. These border exceptions will go a long ...4 days ago
- More freezers and South Island hub to support vaccine roll-outA South Island hub and 17 new ultra-low temperature freezers will help further prepare New Zealand for the ramp up of the vaccination programme in the second half of this year, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says. The new freezers arrived in New Zealand on 27 May. They’re currently being ...5 days ago
- Speech at the release of Climate Change Commission's final adviceGood morning – and thank you Prime Minister. Over the last three and half years we have been putting in place the foundations for a low-carbon Aotearoa that will be a catalyst for job creation, innovation, and prosperity for decades to come. In that future, many of our everyday tasks ...5 days ago
- Achievable blueprint for addressing climate change releasedReport says Government making good progress on emissions reduction, but more action required Meeting climate targets achievable and affordable with existing technology Economic cost of delaying action higher than taking action now Benefits from climate action include health improvements and lower energy bills All Ministers to help meet climate targets ...5 days ago
- Speech to release of Climate Commission final reportA few years ago in a speech in Auckland, I compared climate change to the nuclear free movement of roughly four decades ago. And I did so for a few reasons. Firstly, because the movement of the 1980s represented a life or death situation for the Pacific, and so does ...5 days ago
- Appointment of Judge of the High CourtAuckland Barrister Michael Robinson has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today. Justice Robinson graduated with a BA and an LLB (Hons) from the University of Auckland in 1996, and commenced practice as a solicitor with Brookfields in Auckland. In 1998 he travelled to London ...5 days ago
- Government takes action to improve protections for subcontractorsThe Construction Contracts (Retention Money) Amendment Bill – which provides greater financial protection for subcontractors, has passed its first reading today. The Bill amends the retention provisions in the Construction Contracts Act 2002 (CCA) to provide increased confidence and transparency for subcontractors that retention money they are owed is safe. ...6 days ago
- 1 million more Pfizer doses to arrive in JulyPfizer has scheduled delivery of an estimated 1 million doses of vaccine to New Zealand during July, COVID1-9 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said today. “These consignments will double the total number of Pfizer doses we have received this year to more than 1,900,000 – enough to fully vaccinate almost 1 ...6 days ago
- Long-term home of the Independent Children’s Monitor identifiedThe Independent Children’s Monitor (Te Mana Whakamaru Tamariki Motuhake), which is currently located within the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), will become its own departmental agency within Government. “Following the recommendations of several reviews, Cabinet agreed in 2019 to build a significantly expanded independent monitor for children in care,” Carmel ...6 days ago
- Racing Integrity Board members announcedThe new Racing Integrity Board will be up and running from July 1 to ensure high standards of animal welfare, integrity and professionalism in the racing industry. Racing Minister Grant Robertson today announced the appointments to the new Board: Sir Bruce Robertson KNZM – Chair Kristy McDonald ONZM QC Penelope ...6 days ago
- Govt crackdown on organised crime continuesA major operation against multiple organised crime groups with international links will make a significant dent in drug harm and violent offending linked to organised crime networks, Police Minister Poto Williams says. “I want to take an opportunity to congratulate the Police for their role in Operation Trojan Shield. This ...6 days ago
- Farm planning framework supports farmers into the futureA new framework, agreed between Government and industry, will make it easier for farmers and growers to integrate future greenhouse gas emissions and freshwater regulatory requirements into their farm planning, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said. “The Good Farm Planning Principles Guide out today, provides guidance for how farmers can organise ...6 days ago
- Enhanced Task Force Green Approved for CanterburyThe Government has activated Enhanced Taskforce Green (ETFG) in response to the Canterbury floods. The Minister of Social Development and Employment, Hon Carmel Sepuloni says $500,000 will be made available to help with the clean-up. The flooding in Canterbury has been a significant and adverse event damaging farmland, homes, roads ...6 days ago
- Connecting rangatahi to the soilA Jobs for Nature project to raise 480,000 native plants in nurseries across South Auckland will provide work for communities disproportionately affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19, Acting Conservation Minister Ayesha Verrall says. The Mana in Kaimahi project is being run by Te Whāngai Trust Board and will establish ...6 days ago
- Roll out of high-resolution elevation mapping beginsThe first tranche of mapping data from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF)-LiDAR project is now available to the public from Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand. LiDAR data, which creates 3D baseline elevation information, will deliver multiple uses over the coming decades to councils and regional industries. “This mapping ...1 week ago
- Champions of Pacific education rewarded in Queen’s Birthday HonoursMinister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio said the Queen’s Birthday 2021 Honours list show that across Aotearoa New Zealand there were many champions of Pacific education. “Education is so vital to the success of Pacific people that it’s truly fitting that a number of educators have been honoured this ...1 week ago
- PM congratulates Queen’s Birthday Honours recipientsPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern has added her congratulations to the New Zealanders recognised for their contributions to their communities and the country in the Queen’s Birthday 2021 Honours List. “This group represents decades of services across many areas, and those honoured highlight how many New Zealanders are going above and ...1 week ago
- Change of status for Rangiriri kuraA change of status for Te Kura o Rangiriri sees it become a designated character school within the Māori-medium network, Associate Minister of Education Kelvin Davis announced today. “This kura has been providing Māori immersion learning since 2003 in the historic town of Rangiriri, so I’m delighted that it is ...1 week ago
- APEC trade ministers’ unite on COVID-19 vaccine steps and rejuvenating the WTOAPEC trade ministers today committed to speeding up the cross-border flow of vaccines and related goods to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. This followed the completion of the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting chaired by Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor early this morning. “As we face the ...1 week ago
- Further consultation for Melville schoolsFormal consultation is set to begin on specific options for the future of schooling in South West Hamilton, Education Minister Chris Hipkins says. “Recent engagement has shown that the schools and community want a change to Year 7-13 schooling for the area. “I am now asking the Boards of Melville ...1 week ago
- Primary schoolkids dig trees for Arbor DayA new Arbor Day initiative announced by Forestry Minister Stuart Nash will see thousands of primary school children get the chance to plant native trees in their communities. The initiative is open to more than 2,400 primary schools. It is a partnership between Te Uru Rākau/NZ Forest Service and the ...1 week ago
- NZ Upgrade Programme kept on trackThe Government is increasing its investment in the New Zealand Upgrade Programme (NZUP) to support New Zealand’s economic recovery. Over two thirds of the projects will proceed as announced despite increased costs due to COVID, with modifications being made to others. “NZUP is already supporting over 1,000 jobs with 13 ...1 week ago
- 105 more covid cases in Fiji – 98 linked to existing clusters
By Arieta Vakasukawaqa in Suva Fiji’s Health Ministry has announced 105 new covid-19 cases as the pandemic crisis worsens. Health Secretary Dr James Fong said 98 of the cases recorded yesterday were linked to existing clusters, while links to seven more cases were still under investigation. He said new cases ...2 hours ago - ‘Deeply misleading’ NZ covid-19 leaflets cause distress to at-risk residentBy Katie Doyle, RNZ News reporter A Christchurch woman is furious a flyer from the New Zealand disinformation group Voices For Freedom ended up in her letterbox. It contains nine false or misleading claims about covid-19 and the vaccine, and asks readers “are you fed up with covid yet?” The ...2 hours ago
- NFP leader Prasad warns against Fiji ‘catastrophe’ by stubborn governmentAsia Pacific Report newsdesk The leader of Fiji’s opposition National Federation Party has condemned the government’s strategy for dealing with the coronavirus pandemic as having “failed” and warns it will lead to “catastrophic results”. “The government plan is complacent and short-sighted,” said Professor Biman Prasad in a statement tonight in ...2 hours ago
- High profile lawyer faces fresh fraud, money laundering charges in PNGRNZ Pacific A prominent Australian lawyer, Greg Sheppard, has been arrested by Papua New Guinean police and is facing a range of fraud charges. Sheppard, a principal of Young & Williams Lawyers, was arrested on Tuesday in Port Moresby. He was charged with two counts of misappropriation and another two ...2 hours ago
- Nine reasons why Jakarta has branded Papuan armed rebels as ‘terrorists’By Benny Mawel in Jayapura The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) believes that the Indonesian government has nine motives behind the branding of National Liberation Army of West Papua as terrorists. Executive director Markus Haluk of ULMWP said this during a seminar and book discussion about Demanding Dignity, ...2 hours ago
- Fiji disaster unfolds as nation breaks daily covid record with 94 new casesBy Barbara Dreaver, 1 NEWS Pacific correspondent A disaster is unfolding in Fiji as covid-19 cases continue to escalate – 94 cases in the last 24 hours, the highest recorded daily number to date. That is the highest ever daily total for the country, and health experts have told 1 ...2 hours ago
- Marape tells PNG police they should be ‘doing their job’ over sorcery killingsBy Miriam Zarriga in Port Moresby Prime Minister James Marape says Papua New Guineans who continue to commit crimes under the pretext of “sorcery” must be arrested and charged by police. Marape was responding to questions asked by The National in relation to the death of Mary Kopari who was ...2 hours ago
- They are (using) us: ‘How is it okay for others to profit off our pain?’COMMENT: By Saziah Bashir It was announced yesterday that Australian actress Rose Byrne will star as New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in an upcoming movie about the response to the Christchurch mosque terror attacks of 15 March 2019, titled They Are Us. The movie will be directed by New ...2 hours ago
- International Migration: April 2021 – Infoshare Tables
International migration statistics give the latest outcomes-based measure of migration, which includes estimates of migrants entering or leaving New Zealand. Key facts The comparisons between the April 2021 and 2020 months and years use the latest provisional ...3 hours ago - A glossary of New Zealand gossip
Gossip Week: Need a refresher on the who, what and why of local gossip? We’re here to help. All week The Spinoff is taking a look at the role of gossip in Aotearoa’s past, present and future – read our Gossip Week content here. Ali Mau In the late 2000s, broadcaster Ali ...4 hours ago - Housing tax rules: Govt urged to delay bringing in new legislation
A tax expert says the law should come into force at the start of April next year - six months later than it is due to come into effect. ...4 hours ago - More, faster: How NZ Post is learning, growing and evolvingAfter a year like no other, NZ Post is preparing to move its brand firmly into the future. Russell Brown met a few of the organisation’s key decision makers to find out how and why.This content was created in paid partnership with NZ Post. It might seem like stating the ...5 hours ago
- National: EV scheme 'takes from the poor to give to the rich'The government is being accused by National of acting like a "reverse Robin Hood" with its latest electric vehicle rebate scheme. ...5 hours ago
- New Zealand Walking Summit – 25 – 25 June 2021We are pleased to let you know that the programme for our third New Zealand Walking Summit to be held in Wellington on 24 – 25 June 2021 is online. The Summit will focus on some of the key issues for 2021 and beyond, including the Climate Change ...5 hours ago
- Do aliens exist? We asked five expertsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Noor Gillani, Deputy Editor, Science and Technology Shutterstock Speculation has been rife about the contents of an unclassified report set to be released later this month from the Pentagon’s Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) task force. The document, expected to ...6 hours ago
- Forget Charles — an Australian republic hinges on the model we adopt, not the monarchSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Benjamin T. Jones, Lecturer in History, CQUniversity Australia Mark Marlow/ EPA/AAP Today, many Australians are enjoying a public holiday. For republicans, days off are great, but celebrating the queen’s birthday rather than an Australian achievement is bizarre. Without constitutional change, ...6 hours ago
- Is it worth selling my house if I’m going into aged care?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Colin Zhang, Lecturer, Department of Actuarial Studies and Business Analytics, Macquarie University Shutterstock For senior Australians who cannot live independently at home, residential aged care can provide accommodation, personal care and general health care. People usually think this is expensive. ...6 hours ago
- Even without new fossil fuel projects, global warming will still exceed 1.5℃. But renewables might...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sven Teske, Research Director, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney Shutterstock The International Energy Agency (IEA) last month made global headlines when it declared there is no room for new fossil fuel investment if we’re to avoid catastrophic ...6 hours ago
- From 13 unis to 1: why Australia needs to reverse the loss of South Asian studiesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Craig Jeffrey, Professor of Geography, The University of Melbourne Wikipedia South Asia is crucial to the future of Australia. But Australia has just one (small) program focused on South Asian studies across its many universities. This has not always been ...6 hours ago
- Can Bitcoin become a real currency? Here’s what’s wrong with El Salvador’s crypto planSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society and NATSEM, University of Canberra Salvador Melendez/AP Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador, has got himself a pair of laser eyes – on his Twitter profile at least. ...6 hours ago
- Book review: Farmers or Hunter-gatherers? The Dark Emu Debate rigorously critiques Bruce Pascoe’s ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christine Judith Nicholls, Honorary Senior Lecturer, ANU, Australian National University Reconstruction of traditional dwelling, Lake Condah, 2020. Photo: Peter Sutton Eminent Australian anthropologist Peter Sutton and respected field archaeologist Keryn Walshe have co-authored a meticulously researched new book, Farmers or Hunter-gatherers? ...6 hours ago
- Live updates, June 14: ‘Very soon’ – PM not involved in mosque attack movie, but won’t sign ...Welcome to The Spinoff’s live updates for June 14, bringing you the latest news updated throughout the day. Get in touch at stewart@thespinoff.co.nz 7.55am: ‘Very soon’ – PM not involved in mosque attack movie, but won’t sign petition ...6 hours ago
- The Bulletin: Emissions levy or new tax by stealth?Good morning and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: A rebate scheme for electric vehicles has been labelled a ‘new tax’ by the Opposition, the backlash to a film about the Christchurch mosque attack continues, and concern Melbourne’s Covid outbreak could still get worse. ...6 hours ago
- Ban Live Exports International Awareness Day Marred As Live Export Ships Make Their Way To AotearoaToday for Ban Live Exports International Awareness Day, people around the world are pressuring their governments to end the live export trade. While the export of livestock by sea is ending in Aotearoa, the Government has yet to announce the date ...8 hours ago
- Inflation fears stall markets worldwide
Business & Investing: Investors' nerves over inflation risks hold many markets flat, Plus NZ GDP figures out this week ...8 hours ago - Millions mount up in public media revamp
Close to six million dollars is being spent this year on designing the future of Radio NZ and TVNZ and the culture ministry is staffing up with contractors to advance the project ...8 hours ago - Kamo Black Sticks factory turns out a bright new star
Just 19, Katie Doar has grabbed the attention of the hockey world with her silky skills, and is on her way to her first Olympics in Tokyo alongside her childhood idol, Stacey Michelsen. The latest Olympian to come out of Kamo’s Black Sticks factory, Katie Doar is already a bit of a legend. To ...9 hours ago - Newsroom's daily sudoku, Monday 14 June
...9 hours ago - NZ on track for predator-free targets
A new report is giving hope to conservationists hoping to stem New Zealand's biodiversity crisis It’s been five years since the Government launched its ambitious goal of ridding the country of rats, possums, and mustelids by 2050. The programme aimed to move from piecemeal local projects to a strategic nationwide ...9 hours ago - Sir Russell Coutts’ water take goes to hearing
An English aristocrat, worth more than $1 billion, is among the opponents of a high-profile water consent. David Williams reports The battle over a water-take consent involving yachting great Sir Russell Coutts enters a critical phase this week. An Otago Regional Council hearing starts tomorrow in Queenstown to consider whether ...9 hours ago - Rehoming greyhounds no sure bet for animal welfare issues
Greyhound ‘rehoming’ has become a critical component of the racing industry’s social licence, but what we don't know is how poorly equipped many ex-racing greyhounds are to cope with the expectations placed on them as pets Negative reports of greyhound racing in New Zealand have prompted Sport and Racing Minister Grant Robertson to launch a review into ...9 hours ago - Newsroom daily crossword, Monday 14 June
...9 hours ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 14 June
Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. ...9 hours ago - A brief history of Lorde, Tayi and Dylan (Thomas)
A definitive and sometimes desperate top 10 listicle of New Zealand authors who have in some which way crossed over into popular music 1. Tayi Tibble. The world woke up on Friday morning to the freshly dropped music video Solar Power, the first new song from Lorde in three years ...9 hours ago - Stop Labour’s Car Tax: New Campaign Launching 14 JuneThe Taxpayers’ Union is set to launch a new campaign to stop Labour’s unfair, uneconomic, and unenvironmental tax scheme on family cars and utes to fund electric vehicles and the wealthy elite for zero environmental benefit. The campaign’s petition, ...9 hours ago
- Why we’re talking about gossip all week on The SpinoffFeatures editor Alex Casey introduces Gossip Week, a week-long content series exploring the role of gossip in Aotearoa’s past, present and future. “Gossip is a plague worse than Covid. Worse. Let’s make a big effort: no gossiping!” – Pope Francis, 2020A thousand apologies to this Pope, but all week long The ...9 hours ago
- Police alcohol advice amounts to victim blaming, say criticsWhile women push back against victim-blaming narratives, NZ Police promote outdated and harmful alcohol messaging. New Zealand has come a long way since a university suggested women wear running shoes and carry whistles to evade rapists in 2014. It’s been more than a decade since the Louise Nicholas case, which sparked a ...9 hours ago
- The cycling debate is not about lycra. It’s about powerLabelling cyclists as ‘rats’ and ‘cockroaches’ is giving environmental sociologist and cycleway user Kirsty Wild deja vu.When white men start using a bike, I often think they experience a sort of status shock. They see what marginalisation feels like: the dehumanisation, the fear, the threat of violence. If you ride ...9 hours ago
- The green move that cuts deep
Moves to protect New Zealand's biodiversity have West Coast farmers feeling under attack as they're dictated to over what they can do with their land. Are they carrying the can for the rest of us? Katie Milne looks over eight hectares of precious native forest from her lounge room on ...9 hours ago - Slow medicinal cannabis growth dims investor excitement
After bullish enthusiasm for medicinal cannabis stocks, expectations lower for the sunrise industry. ...9 hours ago - Government lagging on review of proactive releases
Transparency assessment and one-stop-shop are more than 18 months behind schedule. ...9 hours ago - Govt imposes a bugger of a levy on new diesel and petrol utes
New clean car scheme will raise more in levies from New Zealanders who buy petrol and diesel cars than it will pay out in subsidies for electric vehicles. Bugger! Kiwis who buy a Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger or other petrol and diesel vehicles next year are projected to pay $125 to ...9 hours ago - The future is 15-minute neighbourhoods not $150m ghost airports
Fifteen-minute neighbourhoods can be great places to live, testing our will to solve the housing crisis ahead of developing transport infrastructure for the wealthy. ...9 hours ago - The Masked Singer NZ finale: Give it a hoon, broWas it Sheep, Tuatara or Medusa who was unmasked as the winner of tonight’s grand final? Tara Ward recaps the action. All good things must come to an end, including the most bonkers show on television. After six weeks of astonishing costumes and surprising celebrities, tonight the final three masked ...17 hours ago
- Rebate scheme announced for buyers of new and used electric and hybrid vehiclesBuyers of new electric and hybrid vehicles will be eligible for government rebates of up to $8625, in a scheme announced today. ...1 day ago
- Mobility scooter seizure, verdicts of insanity and waka jumping before ParliamentThe House: Non-government bills changing laws around mobility device seizures, the wording of verdicts for insane offenders, and waka-jumping MPs have been worked on at Parliament. ...1 day ago
- A farewell to Brokenwood detective Sam Breen, from the man who plays himNic Sampson has played beloved detective constable Sam Breen on The Brokenwood Mysteries for seven seasons, but it’s time to say goodbye.Due to a little incident called the global pandemic, I had to leave The Brokenwood Mysteries this season for the green pastures of my new home in the UK. ...1 day ago
- An ode for .. Paul Goldsmith
New Zealand's demi-official poet laureate Victor Billot composes an ode for National's colonial affairs spokesman Paul Goldsmith The Best of All Possible Worlds When I was quite young and small for my size I met this strange fellow who gave me a surprise. He popped up ...1 day ago - The 'grandfather' of Wellington's homeless
*Content warning: this article discusses themes of sexual assault* Koro is one of the hundreds of homeless people living on the street of Wellington. What can the populace learn from his story? Federico Magrin spends some time with him. It’s dusk of an autumnal day in Wellington. The harbour ...1 day ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Sunday 13 June
Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. ...1 day ago - Newsroom's daily sudoku, Sunday 13 June
...1 day ago - Newsroom daily crossword, Sunday 13 June
...1 day ago - The Sunday Essay: What it means to miss Hong KongOn leaving one home for another, and lamenting a loss. By Sharon Lam. The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New ZealandOriginal illustrations by Renée Jacobi.I have left Hong Kong many times. The day of departure was always the same, arriving at the check-in counter praying ...1 day ago
- Drag Race Down Under power rankings: Welcome to the talent-free talent showThis week’s episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under yanks a challenge from All Stars, with middling results.It may not always have been clear from my recaps, but I’ve generally enjoyed this season of Drag Race. Putting aside the issues with casting, this has been a refreshing set of queens ...2 days ago
- Not enough GPs: Our Health Minister is on the case but we will have to wait to hear what he intends...
The latest Beehive news of most interest to business people is the detail of Trade Minister Damien O’Connor’s trip to London, Paris and Brussels to try to hasten progress on free trade negotiations. But the matter of concern to everybody – at least, it’s a matter that is likely to ...2 days ago - The story of March 15 needs to be told on the big screen. But not like thisA film on the Christchurch mosque attacks that has Jacinda at its centre is not the film the moment demands. The director and producers have the skills to make the right movie. The question is whether or not they have the courage to do it, writes Anjum Rahman.The director and ...2 days ago
- Review: Netflix’s Sweet Tooth is a slower, gentler sort of apocalypse thrillerThe New Zealand-shot show about a hybrid-human child journeying through a post-pandemic world hits some familiar plot beats – but its optimistic sweetness is all its own, writes Casey Lucas.The first responses to the trailer for new Netflix series Sweet Tooth often tended to include a dubious note: Do we ...2 days ago
- Hey Boba, Hi tea: A comic explainer on the joy of bubble teaDon’t know your 50% sugar hazelnut milk teas from your double Oreo cake cream with cheese foam? Liliana Mañetto Quick takes us on a tour of the wonderful world of bubble tea with a love letter to Wellington’s Hi Tea. ...2 days ago
- Learning to live by the maramataka: Pipiri – Māori New YearNau mai haere ki ngā whetū o te tau hou, kia Matariki me Pūanga. Click here to learn how to set the maramataka dial, and you’re on your way to setting the New Year dates!The bright tohu stars Matariki (Pleiades) and Pūanga (Rigel) will soon rise to indicate the New ...2 days ago
- Short story: The flying rats, by Michaela Keeble
"This must be how it feels to play professional sport": a story of colonialism and netball by Wellington writer Michaela Keeble We play netball every Wednesday in the lower grades of Wellington’s lunchtime league. We have a name but no team uniform, unless you count saggy leggings and stained t-shirts ...2 days ago - Newsroom's daily sudoku, Saturday 12 June
...2 days ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Saturday 12 June
Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. ...2 days ago - Universities must 'indigenise' to meet Māori agendas
The University of Auckland's Te Kawehau Hoskins writes on the challenge faced by universities to ‘indigenise’ in order to be relevant for contemporary Māori agendas Our people have always valued higher learning and operated sophisticated systems of formal learning prior to, and beyond contact with the outside world. Māori were keenly ...2 days ago - Newsroom daily crossword, Saturday 12 June
...2 days ago - How Heath Franklin became ChopperThe Australian comedy character has been a mainstay of New Zealand screens and stages for more than a decade – but who is the man under the mo’? Alex Casey meets him. We haven’t even started the interview and he’s already said he will throw my phone in a nearby cup ...2 days ago
- Mr O'Connor goes to London (and Brussels)
Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O'Connor is about to make the first overseas trip by a minister since the Covid-19 pandemic - will his effort be justified by gains in free trade talks with the UK and EU? Let it not be said that Damien O’Connor is unwilling to ...2 days ago - 51 new covid cases confirmed in Fiji with fast-growing Nadi clusterRNZ Pacific Fifty-one cases of covid-19 have been confirmed in Fiji tonight, with 35 of them from the fastest-growing cluster at Nadi. This takes the total number of infections since the outbreak started in April to 900, with 684 active cases currently in isolation. The Health Ministry said two cases ...3 days ago
- Former USP academic and author of Fiji coup books Robbie Robertson diesPacific Media Watch newsdesk Retired politics professor and historian Robert “Robbie” Robertson, 69, co-author of the book Shattered Coups about the 1987 coups led by then Lieutenant-Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka, has died in Melbourne, his family has confirmed. Dr Robertson wrote the book with his partner Akosita Tamanisau, then a Fiji ...3 days ago
- ‘It gives us nightmares,’ says PNG police officer dealing with domestic violenceAsia Pacific Report newsdesk “We take the pain and problems of victims home and it gives us nightmares many times.” A police woman serving at the Family Sexual Violence Unit (FSVU) of the Papua New Guinea’s Waigani police station in the capital Port Moresby has shared her experience of how ...3 days ago
- Five police officers among 39 new covid cases in Fiji as strategy unveiledBy Lice Movono, RNZ Pacific correspondent in Suva Five police officers are among 39 new cases of covid-19 in Fiji while the government announced late last night that 32 of the latest cases are from existing clusters. Another 11 cases were reported from the country’s main hospital in the capital ...3 days ago
- Media Council condemns ‘mob rule’ to intimidate female students, media at UPNGPacific Media Watch newsdesk The Media Council of Papua New Guinea has condemned an attack by male students at the University of Papua New Guinea on a media team covering a protest staged by female students on Tuesday, reports the PNG Post-Courier. The council said that the actions of these ...3 days ago
- Protect women accused of ‘sorcery’ and punish attackers, watchdog tells PNGAsia Pacific Report newsdesk The Papua New Guinean government should protect women accused of practicing “sorcery” from violence and hold the attackers to account, says the advocacy group Human Rights Watch. At least five women have been attacked in the past three months since March 2021 — one of whom ...3 days ago
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I read in the Dimpost an article
http://dimpost.wordpress.com/2014/05/29/all-in-the-game/
which looked at a dreadful and typically biased Patrick Gower diatribe.
http://www.3news.co.nz/Opinion-Hone-and-Dotcoms-grubby-deal/tabid/1382/articleID/346334/Default.aspx#ixzz334w9zpnH
The comments below the article showed a lot of people’s disdain for the corporate media personified by Gower. This comment by Nick Taylor is worth publishing here.
“I think it’s time you lost your job mate.
NZ has a huge problem – nobody bothers to vote… and it’s not because it doesn’t matter, it does… it’s because you useless, worthless, pathetically inadequate people from “the media”, report politics as though it is a type of celebrity gossip.
Here’s an idea: The purpose of the 4th Estate is to create an informed voting public.
If after a year fewer than 50% of people can name more than 2 policies from the major parties, you lose your job.
Fewer than 20%, and you go to prison – for criminal negligence.
Reckon that might change your “reporting” style slightly?
I think it might.”
Brilliant.
what i took from that rant from gower..
..is what a lousy writer he is..
..it is political-opinion as adhd..
..a staccato machine-gunning assault of words..
..no cohesion..no flow..
..read it out loud..
..a 10 yr old could do better..
..were it a university-exercise..
..you’d give him an ‘f’..
Sadly though this F grade writer gets air time.
If you really want to spend 16 minutes learning, well nothing really, there’s a video on the Herald online of Sue Bradford explaining, well nothing much really…
+1
The problem is it seems that most in the msm have lost all concept of what that 4th Estate is, or that ‘quaint old idea’ of a public sphere – they certainly don’t deserve the label 4th Estate any longer.
They trot out the usual clap trap of ‘we’re just giving the audience what they want – usually based on viewing nummbers and ‘most populars’ ….. except that people don’t know what they don’t know, AND most popular doesn’t mean most important or even most beneficial.
Great reply.
Paul, you should’ve seen the Twitter backlash yesterday. If I was Gower, I’d take stresss leave.
that opinion-writer in the herald..trevett..
..has written a load of unadulterated-drivel…
..re mana/internet hook-up..
..i won’t insult you by linking to it..
..and only read it if you feel like getting agitated..
..and/or marking trevetts’ card.. as one to studiously ignore..
No thanks …. at the mo I’m too busy preparing myself for TV3’s ‘political’ panel of hacks about to grace the screen. I lost Gluon and Susie a week after they came to air
Another dreadful interview this morning on Morning Report, this time by Suzie Ferguson with the lawyer of Kim Dotcom.
Sounds like Key supplied the questions for her.
A disgrace our tax payer money being used for National propaganda.
Jordan Williams and tax payer union need to act.
Why would the lawyer be speaking to media at all? Was it paul dale?
Ira Rothken, .com’s US lawyer. Different rules apply there!
Ah, thanks Mickey. Still i do wonder about it cos within two days of announcing the alliance, one day of laila harre and the anticipated barbs of buying a bar to extradiction, theres his lawyer in the media
Thanks, paul dale presented wayne tempora and i confused him with paul davidson.
Interesting that despite glucinas article in march about howdisgruntled tempora is he didnt change his original statement to the police of the banks donation.
Thought that was the case, Tracey – ie confusing Dale with Davidson. Easily done.
Re Wayne Tempero, my take is that he could probably not change his original statement without possible reprecussions if it was an affidavit for example. Hence Banks’ lawyer trying to run the “KDC is controlling Tempero, Mona etc”.
If he was being coerced he could recant. It happens, and if it undermined his credibility that would serve banks.
Unlike politicians, Tempero probably doesn’t change the truth depending on his relationship with someone. I can see how that would confuse Banks, Key, and WhaleSpew.
No, not Paul Dale, who is not acting for Kim Dotcom in any capacity as far as I am aware. Or did you mean Paul Davidson QC, KDC’s main NZ lawyer?
It was Ira Rothken, KDC’s US Lawyer talking about the Hollywood moguls’ attempts to freeze KDC’s assets.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2597873/hollywood-wants-to-freeze-dotcom's-assets
Snap – MS!
Thanks
Soooo, Slippery the Prime Minister makes the accusation that Kim DotCom is simply ”buying influence” with the alliance of InternetMana,
i really have to concede the point to Slippery on this one, my knowledge of ”influence buying” being minimal in the extreme,
The Prime Minister after all is an Expert in the peddling of ”influence” having turned the Office of the Prime Minister of New Zealand into what looks like from here to be a simple whore-house,
Such expertise in trading ”influence” for money is inherent in every ”charity event” the Prime Minister has ever prostituted Himself and the Office of the Prime Minister in where the beneficiary has been the National Party,
If DotCom is ”buying influence” then it is Slippery the Prime Minister who provided the template and the lesson of just how this is accomplished
I laughed at the tuxedoed keysaying he would feel dirty if a donor was trying to buy him…
He just moves his lips and out comes the hypocrisy and deception…
Does maurice feel dirty, judith, oh an d john key the chief prostitue and pimp rolled into one for the nats
Two words. Cabinet Club(s).
Fell a bit sorry for Dave doesn’t matter what he does or says he’s going to be crippled by
Norman
Turei
Harawira
Dotcom
Minto
Skyes
Peters
etc
That’s some serious drag factor there.
You wish. They all believe that government should do things, remember? And there’s plenty to do 😈
The horses are going do be nervous wrecks and addicted to prozac by the time the election rolls around.
There’s only really two options at this years election for voters
National outright and a continuation of good economic times and prosperity.
or
This motley crew of communists, crooks and nut bars which will cause money to flee the country faster than water going down a plug hole.
My money is on number one.
Look at the polls fool. National have dropped 3-14 points since 2011 and they have no mates. You really don’t get MMP do you?
I will expect the media to really start ramping up the negativity about the far left coalition.
Every crazy arsed muttering by Harawira, Minto etc will be on the front page, there will be endless stories about how businesses confidence will crumble, the dollar will crash and mass unemployment is a certainty if the coalition of the crazies get their hands on the levers of power.
Any working/thinking/house owning person won’t be voting left, that’s for sure
Ramping up the negativity? Have you been sleeping for the past two years, or is there a two year lag in your brain?
“Any working/thinking/house owning person won’t be voting left, that’s for sure”
My partner and I are all those things. We also have kids and want them and their peers to have a half decent life – you know – like have a home, an environment, enough to live on and a fair chance of having their worth recognised as citizens, workers and valued members of whichever community they wish to be included in.
We’re voting left.
Don’t you live overseas?
We do for now (it’s where the jobs are). It’s given us a really good insight into how ‘left’ NZ isn’t and how crazy the NActs are in building a not-so-bright future.
Luckily we’re home often enough to keep our right to vote.
Funnily enough, the right to vote extends to citizens who live in other countries too, depending on when they last were in NZ.
Isn’t it naughty that we let our citizens experience the great-wide-world and let that inform their views on how NZ should be run?
Dont you live in la-la land?
As opposed to your motley crew of facists, crooks and nut bars
Tracey, your problem is that, apart from being constantly drunk or hungover, we already have a socialist government in New Zealand.
The choice is a competent socialist government, presiding over a giant social welfare safety net, and a huge system of income redistribution, and a giant, interventionist government, or…
an incompetent coalition that will burn through money, and (in the case of the Greens) are barking mad and have no understanding of markets. I mean none. At all.
sixty billion plus of new debt , sixty billion srylands
oh look it’s rainbow mat time, you’re runniing late
better go hang your bag up and get to class
SSLands, you are constantly proven here at the Standard to be a Coward and a Liar, if you get the feeling that you are not in any way welcome here, you are correct, you’re not…
Certainly appears your another upset rightwing lunatic, after the coup Harre is appointed TIP leader. Her sole ambition is to unseat your great leader Shrillands. Has Ipredict got the guts to post odds on Mana/TIP getting triple the party votes ACT get? If so the odds will be skinny. From what I am reading on social media Laila is well on her main mission to getting a good slice of the missing million out to vote.
Looks like an early Xmas for the Left 🙂
National and friends aren’t even competent in their corruption.
Meanwhile, the left have proven themselves competent in running the country.
“your problem is that, apart from being constantly drunk or hungover”
Prick
Ignore S Rylands and his nasty comments about you , Tracey. He is just a sad case stuck in his one eyed neoliberal Right wing past. Not worth bothering with.
Simply ignore srylands. A troll.
+1
Talk about the mother of assumptions (e.g. “Tracey …. your problem” …. etc.)
What a fucking pratt of the first order.
Troll
Ideologue
Rehearsed Lines (talking points)
Diversion specialist (not a very good one)
‘End of Story!” Beep Bop Aloola…”that’s it – don’t mean maybe”
Closed Mind
Stereotypical used car sales spin merchant
Fuckwit extra-ordinaire
Wimp
Coward
The rulz of engagement prevent my saying more.
Backbenchers sometime maybe Sry?
Thanks veuto. He doesnt bother me. He has told so many lies on here…
His bottom line is two things
His personal wealth and the market
Both of which are imaginary…
Touche
BM, 🙄 my money is on you being ejected way befor then, 🙄 …
This motley crew of communists crooks and nut bars…
We may lack communists at the helm, but we have no shortage of crooks and nut bars now. The difference is, they’re batting for your team, not ours.
The money is fleeing the country already. That’s all a housing boom does – send money to Aussie banks. Then there’s the interest paid on money borrowed for tax cuts…..I could go on, but there are none so blind as those who didn’t stop wanking as soon as they needed glasses.
God you’re a laugh BM.
It is a bit rich for Key to accuse .com of buying influence when he has been bought and paid for by the Chinese Politburo.
+1
Quite.
Key can talk! Journalists and people can ask Key to release the full bank details of donors to the Waitemata and Ruahine Trusts, plus other trusts that he and the Nats are hiding. He might even feel cleaner after that!
And Hollywood
He is kind of the donor prostitue and pimp rolled into one
I thought he was bought and paid for by Washington DC? Do please make up your mind.
I suspect that they’ve both got dibs on him.
If it hasn’t already been enough with Plunket, Henry and James Cameron screaming ‘MONEY’ as Laila Harre’s only motivation for popping her head back above the political parapet – Radio Live allowing Richard Low’s early morning ‘On the field’ slot to become a political analysis segment has to be the limit. This morning we had the erudite Mr Low discuss with a somewhat reluctant Paddy Gower Harre’s new role as leader of the Internet party. ‘Interesting to see Laila Harre back in politics after so long an absence and joining up with the Internet party’, bumbled Richard, ‘I bet that won’t be politically motivated, Paddy’. Poor old Paddy did his best to not get too wordy with Richard and kept things to a sort of training run joke session as best he could. Embarrassing to say the least.
“..Heartwrenching TV Ads Urge New York’s Government to Support the New Medical Marijuana Bill..”
http://www.alternet.org/drugs/heartwrenching-tv-ads-urge-new-yorks-government-support-new-medical-marijuana-bill
(link has vid of ads..)
I’m no fan of National but I do admire their contempt for Peter Dunne.
Oh look, its those highest ethical standards of the Minister for Oravida again, and “i would feel dirty doing that” Key.
Wow, things must really be bad at the GCSB if Key doesn’t even want some BS review to go ahead. Peter Dunne gets to be all spluttery with indignation, and gets his prize hairdo in front of some camera or other.
“Justice Minister Judith Collins said the issues listed by Dunne were on hold until work was complete and new privacy legislation was drafted.”
I.e. we’ll be making sure the people we need to shaft are well shafted before anyone gets to actually look at anything. Or maybe their waiting for something in particular perhaps? The NSA has already drafted the legislation for them after all…
Or maybe the conversation at the time of Dunne’s “willing buyer, willing seller” deal went a bit like this:
Dunne: So John, you want my vote for this spy bill thing yeah?
Key: That’s right Peter, we’ve got Al Qaeda all over the show. Keeping New Zealanders safe from terrorism is top priority. We have to accept that ackshully, the reality is…
Dunne: Fuckin’ Jesus is the GCSB recording this John? Why are you talking to me like I’m an idiot?
Key: Ha yeah sorry, just habit, it’s been a rough week. So what do you want mate?
Dunne: I told you already, I expect to be taken care of like we talked about.
Key: Yeah we can do that bro.
Dunne: Nice. So just for the munters then, shall we say that I made you agree to, uh, a review or some shit?
Key: Review, um, a review’s no good.
Dunne: Well just a sham one obviously.
Key: hiss
Dunne: Ok ok. How about this, we say you made us agree to a review, and you get my vote. But later on you back out and make some excuse so there’s no review. I’ll be mildly upset about it, I can go with that.
Key: Sure that works.
Dunne: But I still get mine later on right John?
Key: Of course, of course. You’ll get yours. I’m into murders and executions. You’ll get yours.
Dunne: Come again?
Key: I said I have to return some videotapes.
Dunne: Right. So, Dunne deal?
Key: Always a pleasure mate.
Good on Nick Smith for rejecting the Fiordland National Park monorail!
The next thing to be rejected is the road along the Hollyford….the sooner developers realise that pristine wilderness is the attraction and that inroads spoil wilderness the better
….but developers are crass creatures and anything to make a buck for themselves over-rides the very thing that is most precious to us all…the unspoiled nature wilderness!
Look for an ulterior motive chooky. He said they would look at alternatives…
The project is undercapitalised. That translates as “Hey, Oravida, get your proposal in, pronto.”
Nick Smith made the right call – again. The vast majority of people in the area will be pleased.
Internal polling must have been bad or a nat donor has a more profitable idea in the pipeline
Yes, that too. But as someone who is knowledgeable, understands the issues, and listens, Nick Smith also has a good reputation amongst conservation groups – better than any on the Labour side.
But he still has to get past cabinet, which means joyce and key
I feel sorry for Nick Smith – I genuinely do believe he cares passionately about and lobbies for his Environment portfolio, but he’s up against an entirely unsympathetic caucus for whom it’s growth at all costs.
Populuxe1, Sympathy for the devil???, Nick Smith is the Minister for unHousingNZ and is currently involved in unhousing 1000’s of the poorest most vulnerable New Zelander’s and the selling off of at least 20% of the States Housing stock to private interests,
That sell off so as to enable this National Government to declare a ”budget surplus” is as large in dollar terms as any of the electricity generators previously sold in the asset sales program,
Smith deserves sympathy for nothing, had the proposed mono-rail been ensconced within a safe Labour seat Smith would have probably given it the go ahead…
5000+10,000
[5000 was the number of state houses built by Michel Joseph Savage’s government in 1935 and 10,000 was the number of state houses built each year around the country after the war]
Nick Smith is a wolf in sheep’s clothing shedding crocodile tears for the environment, the less wealthy and the poor. But he does advocate for his close accidental puller pals.
The same idea, backed with more money, and the original investor cut out of the deal completely. That’s how it’s done.
I actually thought the mono rail was quite a good idea.
I’d be more likely to go on the mono rail than hike.
Another reason not to build the monorail.
As Mike Hosking said, not everyone wants to spend days hiking through bush in the rain, chewing on scroggin while getting eaten alive by mosquitoes.
I can see why that may appeal to all the hair shirters on the left but that’s not really my thing, I’d prefer to sit back and take it all in via a comfy chair, glass of wine/beer and an air conditioned cabin
It would also be great for disabled people.
Oh give me a break, this isnt about the disabled. The disabled this govt is shutting out of heaps of the chch commercial rebuild.
If you or hoskings want to “think of the disabled” start rallying for their everyday needs, sufficient payments, access to buildings, xarers and so forth.
Choice, so Mike Hosking won’t be there either.
Well both you and Hosking are mad. The alternative on offer was (1) a bus trip – what happens now or (2) a combination boat ride, monorail, ATV trip.
i.e (2) (which was rejected) was replacing a bus trip.
Did you look at the map of the area? Have you been to Milford Sound?
I fucking hate monorails, and I think this thing looked dumb, but it was not going through the national park, and it was replacing buses – you know the things that emit GHG and run bikes off the road.
DOC advised the Minister that there were no material adverse impacts on the conservation estate.
So I think it should have been allowed to be built (and probably fail, but that is the role of the market, not a Minister.)
But I still hate monorails.
So I am not too fussed.
“DOC advised the Minister that there were no material adverse impacts on the conservation estate.”
Sorry, but DOC can no longer be trusted in these matters. Weirdly, they have a commercial imperative/conflict of interest, AND are now prevented from taking stances against projects. Don’t know about the monorail, but DOC’s reports for the Dart/Hollyford tunnel proposal were done by outside consultants who appeared to not know what they were talking about.
BM re monorail : “, I’d prefer to sit back and take it all in via a comfy chair, glass of wine/beer and an air conditioned cabin. It would also be great for disabled people.”
It always astounds me how little thinking goes on in the right sphere of the brain….
You do realise BM that the vast majority of tourist ventures and businesses and excursions into the Fiordland wilderness do provide exactly this already., don’t you … Do you?
You can sit in a comfy chair travelling through Fiordland.
You can drink piss travelling through Fiordland (in same comfy chair no less).
You can drink piss in a comfy chair and in an airconditioned cabin travelling through Fiordland
You can already do all of those things, and more BM. There are heaps of them, trust me.
And same exactly for disabled.
So sharpen up or ship out with your brainless and undeveloped ideas, you are a dangerous waste of space …..
You’re like the bloody moronic loons from the 1800’s promoting the Haast-Hollyford highway – one of their main arguments is exactly yours above and it is total bunkum.
Useless
edit: and Mike Hosking is clearly a shit-for-brains too
Good points vto. For years they have also wanted to connect Golden Bay to the Westcoast via a highway (across the Heaphy aroundabouts) – straight through the beautiful wilderness and significant ecosystems. These people have no morals and few brains and luckily their ideas are ash.
Yep they clearly lack a decent pile of brains. But they need to be kept right on top of lest some government comes in and lets them do these things. This government is one such and I am surprised again at Nick Smiths wisdom in this…… must be an election year
And just so we are completely clear about what the monorail (and tunnel) is about: Queenstown business interests want to get their customers to Milford Sound and back much more quickly so that they can spend more money in Queenstown rather than sitting on a bus. This is ALL about greed. Tourism is a form of mining in the conservation estate. Suck up as much as you can, while you can, until the thing is ruined.
Queenstown business interests want to get their customers to Milford Sound and back much more quickly so that they can spend more money in New Zealand’s third world economy rather than sitting on a bus.
FIFY
You wouldn’t be taking it all in though, you’d be missing it completely.
And it’s all about you isnt it BM.
By your reasining their should be a cable carto the top of mt cook.
Not a bad idea, maybe we could do a deal with the Chinese.
Restaurant up the top, luge track, mini putt….
I like the way you’re thinking Tracey.
You’re.
Nah, BM would rather Aoraki got the top couple of 1000 feet blown off in a act of drill it mine it, with the addition of an escalator capable of carrying Him, His walking frame and His incontinence bag to the top,
That would make BM a happy camper…
BM the great survivalist if i remember correctly – chuck him in the bush and let him find his own way out – if it is meant to be, it will be.
You’re welcome to take a hike BM.
It was a no-brainer to reject that ridiculous scheme Chooky. It should never have got as far as it did. Presumably the Nats leant on DOC so that it wasn’t strangled at birth, so no credit to this government.
Federated Mountain Clubs estimates the Hollyford Road will cost a billion. Wanaka and Queenstown will fight this tooth and nail as should the rest of NZ.
I agree. Good on Smith. Wait and see if National wins the election for a backtrack on that decision
Well, they won’t but National will probably win Clutha Southland, where the monorail was to be situated 😈
Kelvin Davis on rnz just now. Labour out to beat Hone.
Fucking. Idiots.
Yup. Would rather lose the election than share.
Yep. Silly labour and silly davis – the left will just have to win in spite of the silliness.
Kelvin “Mr Nice Bloke” Davis is also a bit of a lunkhead. His deserved rep as a trouble shooting principal sorting out Far North “zoo” schools has just about used up its currency now. It pays too to watch out for Māori in the Far North who are well regarded by conservative pākehā.
This election is different to the last, Mana and Hone have adapted to the new situation. National adapted years ago with their use of social media–think Trade Me discussion boards, Whalefail and the sewer. That is how they circulate their memes and vitriol that infect so many.
Davis has lost three times in Te Tai Tokerau, why make it four? He will be a shoe in for parliament with a suitable list ranking. Hopefully Matt McCarten will earn his money and a quiet adjustment will be made despite Davis’ Dover Samuelsesque media blatherings.
But it gets rather more serious if anyone else in Labour really believes they are going to take back all the Māori seats as Davis ejaculated this morning on RNZ.
Stuart Nash made similar noises when Davis was named as contender for the seat. I think Laila hit a few nails on the head with one strike when she noted on Morning Report that KDC might be rich, but he was against the establishment.
The difficulty with both the media and the established parties of the left is that both in different ways are meant to hold the establishment to account. And they more or less did so during the Keynsian years, when a rough equilibrium existed. But as life grows more precarious, both are readily transformed into vehicles for preserving one’s place in the establishment rather than challenging it. A party like IMP with money in its pocket challenges that attitude and embarrasses those who hold it.
Yeah i just heard a re-run of Kelvin Davis on RadioNZ National news, ”i am the most intelligent, most sensible, most blah blah blah for Te Tai Tokerau,
i first thought Wanker, secondly Peter Dunne’s long lost son, then thought that such expressions are a little unkind to direct at a probable coalition partner and i have obviously and foolishly ascribed to Kelvin Davis a level of intelligence that He obviously does not possess…
For the number crunchers…
If Labour swept the Maori seats, or at least took the Maori party held seats, then got 35% on poll day, with the greens getting 15%, would that not be enough to form a government?
Big IF there (and they need more than 50%. Better to use the calculator because it takes into account overhangs). You can use the elections result calculator to see what will happen if L/GP don’t get an outright win. In that situation IMP matters, so if L for instance take TTT and IMP don’t get any electorate seats and don’t reach 5%, the left loses MPs, and thus the election.
This is why Labour are being complete fuckwits, they are willing to risk losing the election rather than sharing govt with more than the GP (and then there is Peters).
http://www.elections.org.nz/voting-system/mmp-voting-system/mmp-seat-allocation-calculator
I’m hoping to do some maths when the next Roy Morgan comes out, but it kind of astounds me that none of the left wing bloggers are doing this.
A big if, sure, but just as big an if surrounding dotcon getting 3 or 4 seats without having to sell out the principles of the left in order to get them, or convince soft blue votes to get out and keep the ultra left at bay, which is conveniently for the nats, the party line being peddled.
I say go hard Labour and the Green party and use the bought party as last cab of the rank as a last resort. I certainly wouldn’t be conceding anything at this point, no matter how convenient or dream fulfilling it may be for the very vocal but equally very small minority.
I think you missed the point. Irrespective of feelings about KDC, if Labour/GP don’t get over 50% AND they’ve campaigned against IMP and not allowed them to get seats, then the left loses the election (or Labour does a deal with Peters). On the other hand, if L/GP doesn’t get over 50% but IMP get some seats, then the left can for govt.
This has nothing to do with KDC at all. If he had been extradicted already, we would be in exactly the same position with Mana and the Māori seats. I suggest you get set aside your antipathy towards KDC and look at the actual maths, unless like Labour you would prefer to risk losing the election than risk having a KDC funded party in parliament.
I think you missed the bit in the first post where I said if Labour get 35% and the Greens 15%. Dumb as I am, that’s 50% right? My maths isn’t that bad, maybe not as suspect as your reading/comprehension 😉
As for “unless like Labour you would prefer to risk losing the election than risk having a KDC funded party in parliament.”
I’d rather deal with Winston that any vehicle of dotcon, which begs the point from an electorate wide perspective and the apparent line of the nat’s attack, who would scare voters away more?
I’m quite content to use the ‘new deal’ as a last resort, but I’m hoping it won’t come to that.
Last week of the election campaign and it looks dire for the reds and greens then yes, if it’s the only way, Kelvin should have a cuppa with Hone, so be it. But with it all still to play for and too close to call, as it is, it’ll take a lot more than a few serial posters dictating what should happen to convince me it’s a call they should make now.
Damn right Labour should be fighting for every electorate seat, and hopefully DC sees it that way too.
“I think you missed the bit in the first post where I said if Labour get 35% and the Greens 15%. Dumb as I am, that’s 50% right? My maths isn’t that bad, maybe not as suspect as your reading/comprehension”
No need to be mean. You are still missing my point. Obviously if L/GP get over 50% then they can form a govt. But the point is whether they are likely to and what are the other option.
You are ok with risking NACT getting another term rather than allowing IMP to gain seats. Fair enough, all clear now.
“Kelvin should have a cuppa with Hone, so be it.”
Should have a cuppa and what? You think that enough voters are going to be following the election campaign to change their vote strategically? Or are you suggesting that Kelvin should step down the week before the election? You seriously think Labour would do that?
I’m never mean, that’s why I winked. It wasn’t a come on 😉
“You are ok with risking NACT getting another term rather than allowing IMP to gain seats. Fair enough, all clear now.”
I don’t think you have it clear. I said I’d rather Labour and the Greens went with NZ1st than dotcoms investment. That’s not the same thing at all, certainly not risking another nat term.
Plus you should factor in the fact that as long as Key thinks he can use Winston, he’ll continue to attack the ultra left, as he is doing, thus almost gifting 5% + and a chunk of seats.
“Should have a cuppa and what?”
Isn’t that what you’re advocating? Labour campaigning for party votes only in Hone’s electorate.
Eggs in baskets and all that, why count them yet?
“are you suggesting that Kelvin should step down the week before the election? You seriously think Labour would do that?”
Are you not suggesting Kelvin should walk away now? Why would you seriously think Labour would do that with an election still too close to call?
Good grief man. It’s about risk. Labour are risking losing the election. Too close to call is irrelevant unless you believe that Labour can sort this out the week before the election. I don’t, and I’ve made my argument about why.
Davis doesn’t have to walk away, he just has to shut the fuck up and run a quite campaign in the background.
btw, granting a concession in TTT in no way excludes courting NZF.
“I’ve made my argument about why.”
I don’t agree with you or the notion that TTT should be given away by Labour in order to win the election yet, especially since the outcome is still up in the air. I do believe that pre mip deal, Labour and the Greens could well have got over the line, certainly with NZ1st if needed.
But I am pragmatic enough to accept that if the polls don’t look like returning a LG government, then look for deals there and then.
Unless it’s the only way, and clearly I don’t think it is, I don’t want dotcom anywhere near the next left government because I think he’ll ultimately prove toxic to it. No facts to check, no links, just a gut reaction and I’m sticking with.
So I still say to Labour go hard and play to win every seat until a deal is the only solution left.
Making a coalition with NZF = a centrist govt not a left wing one.
Of course L/GP might win on their own. They might not either. Mana getting TTT increases the likelihood of a left wing govt, their not getting TTT decreases the likelihood.
I just think it would be better if you were honest about your antipathy for KDC meaning you would risk the election 😉
““I’ve made my argument about why.”
I don’t agree with you”
You haven’t said why though. Specifically, a response to this –
“You think that enough voters are going to be following the election campaign to change their vote strategically? Or are you suggesting that Kelvin should step down the week before the election? You seriously think Labour would do that?”
btw, a ‘cuppa’ to me means a secret back room deal that the voters don’t know about. I’m talking about being honest and up front.
“Making a coalition with NZF = a centrist govt not a left wing one.”
In my view, one more electable than with dotcom, even with winnie. Plenty of time for the two main partners to show how they can work together in cabinet with an eye to 2017.
“I just think it would be better if you were honest about your antipathy for KDC meaning you would risk the election”
I’ve never disguised my dislike and mistrust of the bloke, even more so since he announced his intention to buy a political party and fu*k with our government.
Not supporting the mip charade doesn’t mean I’m risking the election, nor does wanting a Labour Green government, nor does hoping Labour fights for all the seats it can win without doing deals until there is no other way.
“a ‘cuppa’ to me means a secret back room deal that the voters don’t know about. I’m talking about being honest and up front.”
A cuppa to me means like the clear signal sent by the nats to it’s voters in Epsom. I thought that was a gimme to politico followers. .
“Specifically, a response to this”
Because it means so much to you 😉
“You think that enough voters are going to be following the election campaign to change their vote strategically?”
Yes, and because that’s what you advocate in the first instance by wanting KD to campaign only for the party vote. Unless of course you’re saying ttt voters aren’t as clued up as Epsomites.
“Or are you suggesting that Kelvin should step down the week before the election? You seriously think Labour would do that?”
If Labour couldn’t form a government on polling a week out, then yes, just like key did last time.
Will Labour do it? Only if it looks sh!t, but then they’re more likely to in that case rather than now.
By the sounds of Turei’s interview on RNZ this morning, the Greens are not campaigning against IMP at all. She talked up the left bringing about a change of government at the election. She focused strongly on the Greens’ policies, on families, children, anti-poverty, etc.
Asked about the IMP, Labour, Green, etc fracturing the left, she said
Excellent, thanks Karol. Turei was very clear about the GP approach.
Funny that, the greens are talking policy.
And not talking down the new developments on the Left.
i am sure Labour strategists will do the maths and consider all this in due course. It is a little premature for that to happen now. The party lists and the candidate selections are yet to be completed by all the parties which is essential for all the number crunching and to give careful thought to the process for maximum benefit to all the left block parties. These things should not be decided and announced in a haphazard ad hock way, though it is good for us all to give our opinion in the meantime.
Hmm. You think the deafening screeching about “Labour hypocrisy” from Slater/Gower/Key would be worth it?
+1 felix
Ummm…. do you think its possible that what they say in public and what they say (and do) behind the scenes might be a little different? Its happened before.
In all honesty Anne, I do hope they are just playing the media (and the Nactoids) at their own game and the sensible decision has actually been made, is being kept well under wraps and the sensible decision that would only benefit New Zealand, will be announced much closer to the election date, thus securing the necessary removal of this John Key government.
There is only one logical solution for New Zealand if it is to have a chance of getting off this highway to hopelessness. Remove the right from power at this election. I simply hope we can do it by working together to overcome the increasing hardship that our country is struggling with, respecting the diverse needs of our people whilst focusing on the incredible potential that this little land is world famous for.
National has decimated the true potential of New Zealand, Labour must own its share of responsibility for that as well. This election is an opportunity for National to be sent a clear message. More importantly it is a rare moment where Labour, with a small magnanimous act, can put some shine back on that brand that has been steadily corroded by the increasingly toxic environment New Zealand has struggled through these past thirty years. Standing aside In Te Tai Tokerau is a very small step for Labour but will help Aotearoa take a gigantic stride on its long journey back home. No one party can deliver for all a nation’s people. It is foolhardy to believe that, or work towards that as an endgame. The left is borne of co-operation and community. A community is built of diversity and camaraderie. Politicians would do well to remember this occassionally.
+1000
QFT
As a side note, it’s interesting watching the right-wing do better cooperation, despite still sticking knives in each others backs, than the left.
They might need to let the electorate know at some stage?
Good news, shows Labour is thinking longer term and isn’t a complete lost cause.
Kelvin Davis has been involved with rugby for 40? years and never went onto the field wanting to come second. That’s the simple minded thinking of a person who can’t understand NZ in the 21st century and the way that MMP is different to FPP. With MMP there are more ways than one of winning.
So you don’t need to keep playing the old game and get spear-tackled or your jaw broken.
Hone and Laila are sounding a good team. There must be some things to criticise sometime, nobody’s perfect but at present they are making 100% sense. And will never go under 90% I think.
Way to go Labour. Take note you potential losers. Don’t screw up trying to be the free-standing Big Man. You have a lot of ground to make up before you get respect from the swinging voters and people who consider you have turned your back on the vast majority of the country and citizens. Don’t try to be proud and ignore the smaller parties. You haven’t done much to be proud of for years.
“Take note you potential losers.”
lol – that is a great line imo, thanks.
@ warbler..on labour..
“..You have a lot of ground to make up before you get respect from the swinging voters and people who consider you have turned your back on the vast majority of the country and citizens.
Don’t try to be proud and ignore the smaller parties.
You haven’t done much to be proud of for years..”
..+ 1..
facepalm @ Labour
Slightly out of context as it was a reply to Jenny on another post re her point about Matt’s McCartens role in strategy planning BUT dropped into Open Mike as an additional 2 cents on the matter:
“Exactly Jenny. Maybe there will be discussions about this most excellent opportunity behind the scenes and we don’t know yet, and as we know Matt and Laila go way back. But like CV says, “buy in”. Anyone in the caucus who is opposed to the idea of promoting strategic voting must surely have rocks in their head.
Time to put ego’s and self advancement aside and work together. We have a fresh new force for good on the scene and the potential for winning has to mined to the maximum. (Sorry about the mining reference Jenny)
And lol, what about sad and desperate Key on the radio this morning, something like “IMP are no threat to to National and the centre left, they are only a threat to those on the left as they will steal votes”. Sigh.”
Rosie
Connected to working together etc as you mentioned above. I discovered this link that CV had given me back in 2012 I think. Chris Hedges – a thoughtful speaker who sees into the future with a haunted look and sets it in context with the past.
He comes out with something positive and says that things have happened because of mass movements in the past and to be ready as there can be an unexpected tipping point. It’s over an hour so need to make time, as gripping as a thriller on DVD!
Christopher Hedges
7/7/2012
Thank you Warbs for the link. I’ll make time to watch it in the weekend. Felix gave us a link (skygo.co.nz) to watch video on demand of shows on prime tv so I can now watch backbenches. I’ll watch the Chris Hedges during that couch time – sounds very good, and positive. Ta 🙂
On the note of positive. I’ve been feeling increasingly positive about the right result come 20th September and Laila’s appointment has had me singing! Kelvin Davis just needs to do the right thing for things to flow smoothly. He can still hold on to his ego and promote a party vote for Labour. He’s still a winner, when Hone wins. We all win, can’t he see that?
Oh a song! Here’s Frank Black with Hang On To Your Ego, for the rockers out there
rosie .. thx for the link from Felix (skygo.co.nz) but I think you have to be a Sky subscriber to make it work ? I couldn’t access anything free from Prime .. am I missing a something ? thx …
Hi yeshe. No, the good thing is you don’t have to be a subscriber. (free tv is the only way to go for me!) Via that website, skygo.co.nz you should be able to provide your email and a password and then you’re free to watch what you like.
Rosie
I’ll try that song.
You have probably got Happy with Pharrell Williams but it sounds just like the right one for you.
There’s no denying theres some good soul in that tune and Happy is how I hope we will all be feeling within a few months. Good knows it’s been a long dreary 6 years.
As Hone has beaten Davis in Te Tai Tokerau campaigns three times in a row (2008 and twice in 2011 – plus Dover Samuels in 2005), IMP don’t have to worry too much about Labour taking that seat from them. Though, given the 3000 odd votes that went to Maori last time are up for grabs it’s not impossible.
Results from 2011. I note that the GP didn’t stand anyone. They don’t appear to have anyone standing this year either. Good for them.
http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2011/electorate-68.html
DAVIS, Kelvin – LAB 6,956
HARAWIRA, Hone Pani Tamati Waka Nene – MANA 8,121
HERBERT, Maki – ALCP 559
SHORTLAND, Waihoroi – MAOR 3,114
Hearing Davis on RNZ this morning made me think of this:
Davis lives in a black and white world. Mr Own Fucking Goal.
Lols Mary. Harry Enfield from back in the day. Excellent.
Felix don’t forget at this stage Mana/TIP are in the better bargaining position than Labour and the LP know it. While I personally prefer Davis over Hone on merit, and support Sykes over Flavell so advocate Labour voters in that seat vote Sykes. I will back off in a flash from campaigning for Davis should concessions need to be made for Labour to win in other seats that TIP contest. The pivotal Hamilton West seat springs to mind, Moroney can least afford bleeding candidate votes to The Greens and TIP fullstop.
In summary all Left political party’s need to insist how they want the candidate vote to go i.e. If you want a Left Bloc collation to Govern party vote (our party) but please candidate vote such and such from (the most likely Left contender).
Annette Sykes taking Waiariki may be nice back-up plan and saves the left’s bacon but that doesn’t mean we should ditch Hone in Te Tai Tokerau. We need a left coalition with as little as possible power going to Labour. At the moment the only good the left should see in Labour is its ability to make up the numbers, no more, and we all need to start saying this to their face.
+1000, on all counts.
+111
I don’t agree with that. Labour is not the enemy! It is National and ACT.
Labour needs a good strong showing to have a sensible responsible government. It is no good throwing the baby with the bath water. If too many radical programmes are unleashed too suddenly in one term due to the influence of Mana and Greens, the population will get shocked, testy and annoyed and THEN the left block will get badly punished at the NEXT election and possibly for a long time. Remember what happened to Labour after the other extreme right wing policies of Douglas and Prebble.
That’s not what you said over here!
Which is it? Tee hee!
No contradiction at all.
To be assured of getting as many seats as possible for the left, the left block parties need to make some some strategic planning in some seats to ensure non wastage of votes.
My point to you was about your statement that Labour should be made to be in a weaker position seat wise on the left block. I don’t agree with that.
Remember that 50% or more of the general population are well to do, educated in good careers and not necessarily socialist or left minded.
If too many radical changes are made too suddenly during its 1st term, based on the policies of the Greens and Mana as regards taxes, ETS, complete bans on mining and oil drilling, foreign trade, free tertiary education, free food in all schools, drastic changes to industries, living wages etc, not only will it affect the economy suddenly, it will also upset the vast majority of the people who will punish all the left block parties at the next election and possibly for a long time.
Do not think of the general population as political or knowledgeable junkies like us here. Even Key was able to fool most.
I am a supporter of Labour and support almost all the policies of the other left block parties, but I am convinced that changes have to be made carefully, pragmatically, incrementally and in smaller steps taking the population gently along with these ideas.
We live in a modern democracy where reason and education works. We are not in an environment where bloody revolutions can take place and policies can be enforced and drastic changes made to a society by inducing fear and obedience using guns and threats without generating much backlash.
We can achieve all that and much more in 3 or more terms without causing worry and backlash rather than survive for 1 term causing heaps of resentment, angst and disgust from half or more of the population.
250,000 unemployed and underemployed
250,000 children in poverty
radical measures are exactly what is required, not gradual incremental managerialism.
Firstly, Labour Governments hardly ever get 3 terms. And secondly, in 3 terms = 9 years, another generation of kids born into poverty will be irreversibly damaged. Your “small steps” approach will be paid for in young lives.
Re climate change and energy depletion – the house that our global civilisation lives in is burning down all around us. Taking our time to call the fire brigade is not helpful.
If you think you can force all that and also win at least 50% the people in just 1 term, good luck with that, as long as you are ok with Nats/ACT again taking power back in 2017 and holding it for a long time.
As noted below. The bar is set at what Michael Joseph Savage accomplished in 4 short years to eradicate poverty from this nation. The future of NZ was changed irrevocably.
I’m interested in why you don’t understand this example. People didn’t revere Savage because he held power for 4 terms. They revere Savage because his government put in place massive change each year, for the very few years he was in power.
Labour history also gives us the example of the revolutionary changes that the 4th Labour Government enacted in just 6 short years. Again, the future of NZ was changed irrevocably.
I don’t know where Labour learnt its timidity and caution. The aim is not to hold the Treasury benches for the maximum length of time. It is to change the future of NZ irrevocably.
Anyways, history tells us that most Labour Governments have a maximum of 6 years to get their work agenda done.
This will certainly happen if Labour is slow and indecisive in government, and fails to make the case for change to the people.
Which by the way, its ~31% poll ratings suggest is the case right now.
Although to be fair, Clem isn’t suggesting ‘slow and indecisive’, and what makes you think that Labour won’t get 2 terms even if they keep up with the centrist shit?
Aside from that, I’ve been wondering about what controls and limist there are on subsequent govts repealing legislation and policy, and how much this has changed over the years eg was it different in the 30s compared to now? If a left wing coalition brought in radical changes in its first term, and then lost, how easy would it be for NACT to roll back?
Not that I consider what the GP want to do to be particularly radical.
It’s a matter of perception. ‘Confident and sweeping’ is what this next government needs to be. Anything shy of that is a wasted opportunity and to my mind, the mark of a party which wants to achieve maximum time in power, which is very different to achieving maximum change for NZ.
Because Labour’s coalition will rapidly fall apart with that kind of agenda.
The Left must stop thinking about change primarily in the form of legislation and policy, and start thinking about change from the standpoint of institutions, infrastructure, culture and capacity building. The legislation and the regulation you develop merely provides a formal framework for those things.
Eg in the 1930’s. Labour didn’t just pass legislation around rail and around housing. It did that, and then it built massive capabilities and institutions around them.
You can repeal a piece of legislation, easy. But 15,000 workers building houses up and down the country, in all stages of construction and with a list of deserving people wanting to move in to every one – even when National take power again they can’t repeal that and make it disappear over night. They basically have to follow it through or be roasted by the electorate.
Tory-proofing, in other words.
Why do you think that Labour is at only about 30% in spite of all the quite progressive policies announced so far? It is not Labour that is timid, it is the over 50% of the people of the country who are timid or self serving. There lies your problem, not Labour. We need to win them over and get their votes first if you want to form a government to implement the progress we all here want.
Let’s say the radical change is deprioritising all the RONS and many other major roading projects, and putting all that money and more into public transport, coastal shipping and rail.
What you do is you bring the public with you every step of the way. Excite them about the possibilities, create thousands of jobs up and down the country focussed on physically delivering these projects. Show families saving hundreds of dollars a year from needing to use their car less, to saving thousands of dollars a year by not needing a car at all.
If National come in and even try and constrain the programmes in motion they will suffer a huge electoral hit for it.
Of course, by bringing the public with you every step of the way – a Left government is going to win the next election handily. Of course the key is making radical change that the public understands the need for…hence one of the first projects should be true public broadcasting and alternative media channels both at a national level and also at the local community level.
Thanks CV, that’s what I was getting at, and good examples.
Do you have a sense of how ‘leftie-proof’ NACT’s changes of the last two terms are?
Things like reversing the selling of power assets is difficult, because international financial capital would object strongly.
The TPPA is in its late stage negotiations and its quite likely that Labour will have to sign it as received, or we would risk the opprobrium of the USA.
The destruction of Hillside Workshops is complete. National ensured that all the plant and equipment was ripped out and the skilled workers dispersed. There’s no easy way to get that talent back together.
The GCSB etc legislation which appears to have been drafted by the USA – I suspect that Labour will have to keep it 95% the same.
There are a lot of things which will be easy to reverse though, if Labour wanted. They are the things which rely mainly on legislation. 90 day right to fire, for instance.
Labour was punished, and rightly so, for their lurch to the right with the first ACT government. The first Labour government, which arguably unleashed more radical programmes than any other in Kiwi history, remained very popular. To claim that there would be a voter backlash because of feeding and educating kids, housing families, making the spies obey the law, stopping the attacks on beneficiaries, pushing up wages at the bottom, and the rest is, at best, disingenuous. While Labour irresponsibly keeps NAct in power, it’s as bad as them.
The First Labour Government of New Zealand was the government of New Zealand from 1935 to 1949, 80 years ago just before the end of the 2nd World War and straight after the war, when the conditions of most people was miserable.
You can not compare that to today’s New Zealand. The economic, social, health, education, housing conditions, population and society are vastly different.
Is that your justification for Labour abandoning what we thought were its core values, that the modern world demands this, but then in the same breath you argue for a slow and steady return to those values? It’s this kind of thinking that’s wrecked Labour and has caused all sorts of divisions within the party leaving a sad and loyal but tiny core of supporters who believe Labour’s “better than the alternative” or that “one day they’ll come right” and has wrecked the left in the process. Well, for me Labour’s lost its chance and what a huge number of chances we’ve given them. Sorry, but what’s next for Labour can only be open disdain and ridicule because nothing else has worked and it never will if we keep doing what we’re doing.
You are putting words in my mouth, assuming things and misrepresenting my position as though you are on a mission to undermine Labour for some ulterior motive of yours. Just because you are batting for a left wing government, as I do, does not mean you undermine Labour at the same time.
Read my posts to understand the reasons for my views. We don’t live in Guatemala or Venezuela to aspire for a sudden revolutionary change in everything-economic, social, business, manufacturing, trading, global warming, and environmental practices-which will abundantly please the activists like you and me, but make lots of the ordinary people mad as hell.
I too want the changes you bat for. What is important and crucial is HOW to achieve that without alienating the people.
It is foolish to beat Labour up in the pursuit of your crusade. A strong Labour is the vehicle we need for the changes we want.
I’m not on a crusade. I’m merely telling it how I see things. Labour is open about who it stands for, and it doesn’t stand for the unemployed anymore. So then why does the left keep supporting it? It’s just dumb to give support to a party you don’t agree with.
That is a nonsense Mary and you know it.
Walk away Clemgeopin.
This is what Labour standing by the unemployed might look like:
1) Raise the sub-poverty level UB by $30/week.
2) Stop harassing people to apply for jobs which aren’t there.
3) Have a full employment policy for everyone 25 and under.
In contrast, currently Labour seems to vote with National on welfare reform, possibly fearing the label that it is ‘soft on beneficiaries’.
Anne: Just take a look at the amendments to the Social Security Act Labour introduced between 1999 and 2008 and you’ll see what I mean. “Ardent” Labour supporters just don’t want to know because if their little world in which Labour can do no wrong would come crumbling down. There would also be people who support Labour who’ve bought the “taxpayer’s money” over citizenship line therefore accept the slicing off of the unemployed from the group Labour traditionally represents, that group being workers. Traditional Labour did not make that distinction, which is based on a rejection of the deserving/undeserving poor notion. The climate of opinion towards beneficiaries has changed including amongst Labour supporters but when that group is challenged they’re all of a sudden indignant because their values are being put to the test. David Shearer made it clear when asked about beneficiaries and Labour’s stance on welfare. He simply said “Labour is a party for workers”. This is entirely consistent with how Labour has treated beneficiaries since 1999, including supporting one of the most hideous pieces of anti-beneficiary legislation introduced by this government which was passed just two months ago. I cannot explain why people keep saying that Labour cares for the poor, the unemployed and the vulnerable. All of the evidence proves that they don’t.
Colonial Viper: I’d add to that list ceasing to support National’s anti-beneficiary attacks on the Social Security Act and a few other things, too.
Plus resinstate Special Benefit or its equivalent (ie an uncapped hardship grant for beneficiaries).
Getting rid of the special benefit was a big one, especially when it was done as part of the 2004 budget therefore under urgency. That was total abuse. We should’ve seen that for what it was at the time but no – everyone kept marching on thinking Labour was our friend thinking “they won’t do anything else bad like that again, will they?” and “well, Labour’s not as bad as the other lot”. How naive we were.
Clemgeopin seems to honestly believe that Labour should have years and years to make incremental and carefully measured changes.
That’s nowhere near good enough. The revolutionary forces of corporate capitalism, the security and surveillance state, and global resource depletion do not sleep, even for a second.
There is no way that these things can be tackled piecemeal over an extended timeframe. The clock is counting down and Mother Nature will not be granting us extra time.
@ Colonial Viper
“Clemgeopin seems to honestly believe that Labour should have years and years to make incremental and carefully measured changes”
That is rotten misrepresenting bollix from you.
Sure, some changes can be AND should be made immediately ;
Minimum wage, Accountability for Charter schools, review of spy laws, new housing strategy, CGT, reduction of power prices etc
But going Gung Ho on other excellent policies such as the increased carbon taxes, ETS, free tertiary education, banning of mining and oil exploration , blanket ban on free trade etc need more careful consideration if you want to get re-elected as those issues badly affect ordinary people, cost of living, production, economy, jobs etc. Those policies need slower going.
Let me ask you a question – what is it that Term 1 of the 6th Labour Government is going to be remembered for in 20 years’ time?
Being good administrators and policy settings experts?
Labour is the enemy because by their own admission they’re the party for the employed.
You are coming across as a nutter.
Thank you.
Give one example of how Labour could be described as a party for those without work?
It’s Labour supporters like you who put their heads in the sand in the belief that Labour is still a left-wing party and who give Labour the arrogance to take for granted their support to carry on screwing the poor. Just have a look at the many Social Security Amendment Acts Labour passed from 1999 to 2008, and the latest Nact one they voted for. Look at WFF excluding beneficiary families – a concept taken from National where tax cuts were not given to those “significantly dependent on the state”. You won’t though because you’ve bought into the selfish neo-liberal hatred of the poor that’s now entrenched in our culture. My bet is that you think in terms of taxpayer’s money and ratepayer’s money and have abandoned all notions of citizenship. They’ve really done a job on you, eh? You along with most other New Zealanders. But I guess it’s all about being part of a group, and I know I’d rather be seen as a nutter than be apart of that group.
I don’t hold the views you assume I do! You are just being unfair, ignorant and completely wrong. Besides, you have not even cared to understand the points I have made in many of my posts.
So you think responding with abuse is constructive? I can be more abusive than calling someone a nutter, far more abusive, like telling you that you sound like you work in the Labour Research Unit.
Hi Mary
Please excuse me for typing this and asking a question here.
What do you think of Labour’s proposal to push out the retirement age?
Sorry to butt in here…but it’s a total FAIL
Mary, Mary, quite contrary!
Oh, no! Secret broken! There is nothing I can keep uncovered from your prying eyes! Want to join me?
P.S : Bring your rosary and scapular. A will bear the cross. I am thinking some prayers may help before a labour research session.
That’s the trouble, Clem, whenever anybody says anything negative about Labour’s appalling treatment of beneficiaries where the facts speak for themselves their supporters display indignation and appear personally attacked because they support a party that’s done such horrible things. It’s an extraordinary phenomenon.
Labour even agreed with the Australians to cut Kiwis there out of the dole. How’s that for looking after the interests of your citizens.
@ Mary,
Re:
“That’s the trouble, Clem, whenever anybody says anything negative about Labour’s appalling treatment of beneficiaries where the facts speak for themselves their supporters display indignation and appear personally attacked because they support a party that’s done such horrible things. It’s an extraordinary phenomenon.”
Whilst I haven’t been involved in this conversation, nor making personal attacks to the points you raise (which are worthy topics of debate), I do relate with the perhaps frantic nature of Clemgeopin’s responses. I also feel somewhat frantic when I read too much vitriol re Labour and their treatment of beneficiaries – because I have experienced rather long stints of unemployment under both National and Labour – and while you may be correct that Labour have not been perfect in regards to welfare – they have been light years better than National and I think it truly unfair the way you are framing Labour as having sold out completely on the matter.
I really do not think they have at all and to me, they sound like they really are aiming at addressing the issues that joblessness raises – moreso than any other main party has in 30+ years (including previous Labour party in that). That they are a main party and making such noises about recalibrating the entire system to focus more on job creation – and prepared to do so with a ‘hands on approach’ is the most positive aim and effective approach I have heard in years. This approach will fix more than joblessness IMO too. This entire system and our culture has been being done over by successive governments not being concerned about people having livelihoods – only concerned by meaningless counts such as GDP and ignoring the effects their policies have on peoples’ lives.
What do you think would happen if Labour came out and said -‘we are raising the unemployment benefit by 50 bucks a week when we get in and dropping the secondary tax rate for those working part-time’ These are things that really need to happen. Really, what do you think would happen given the type of media and enfeebled culture we have in this country?
Isn’t it better that they state that they are going to ‘ensure more jobs are created’ and that ‘they have better rates of pay? Both this and the above statement acknowledges joblessness – yet this last one, I am suspecting is far more palatable to the freaks who don’t believe unemployment is anything other than caused by ‘people making poor choices’.
blue leopard: “they have been light years better than National”
I’m not going to repeat myself here but the crux is that I just don’t agree with your comparison. You really do have to look at the precise detail of what Labour’s done and what they haven’t done and you need to start from at least 1991. My guess is that most Labour supporters indeed most people generally don’t look at that detail and simply live with a false confidence that their caring Labour Party looks after the poor and if they don’t do it all time they’re certainly “better than National”. Well I say this just isn’t true. The facts are there for the viewing but you have to have a proper look.
On the vitriol towards Labour front, well, that’s just a logical next step from the fact that Labour is no better than National which they’ve proved via conduct, made clear by confirming what they do does reflect its position and that they have no intention of changing that position or its direction. So, for me, these things must be spelled out clearly because while Labour is at least as bad as National on the social security front Labour still enjoys support from people who would be appalled if they knew the gory truth.
And I’d say to Labour supporters who do have an inkling of what’s going on but who say “oh, but we need to give Labour a chance” and that “they’ll come right” this: Labour has not gone down this track in its treatment of the poor simply so that it can change. It’s not a matter of sorting them out with a friendly chat. Taking this approach does nothing but send Labour the message that no matter what they do they can still rely on their “ardent” Labour supporters. It’s this complacency that we must break and the only way we can do this is by Labour knowing that if they continue down this road then they cannot take that support for granted. I can understand that for many Labour supporters turning their backs on Labour would be too difficult a thing to do – it could be very difficult for some to accept that a political party they either work for or who they thought espoused values close to their own wasn’t what they believed it to be. But for those who regard looking after “those who can’t quite cut it” a priority then this must happen because Labour will not change if it continues to get that support.
So if this is vitriol, then I’m vitriolic. I think the more accurate summation, though, is that when “ardent” Labour supporters hear anything too negative about a party they’ve invested so heavily in it’s easier to just dismiss it as nothing but vitriol from nutters.
@ Mary,
Labour’s monetary policy and capital gains tax have both been cited as plans to shift the structure of the way money is invested in order to create more jobs
100% unemployment has been off the agenda since at least the early 80s and these policies and statements coming out of Labour is a major shift in thinking for a [potential] government, who traditionally have been using unemployment as a tool to keep wages low and/or more concerned about inflation than whether people have livelihoods. I recommend watching ‘Someone Else’s Country’ advertised on this page if you haven’t already watched it.
Cunliffe, on the Nation when speaking after the release of the Monetary policy was speaking pretty strongly on an aim for more jobs – I think he even used the words aiming for 100% employment (this can be used against him because there are people who are not physically able to work, so shows the strength of his intent IMO)
and there is this: http://action.labour.org.nz/fair-treatment-hard-times#top
Sounds like a party researching the poor treatment people have had when on a benefit to me. What intent do you think most likely for this survey? a. they are doing it because they enjoy reading such experiences, b. they want to find out ways they can treat welfare recipients worse or c. in order to find ways to improve the treatment of welfare recipients?
I consider I have provided you with more than the one example of how Labour could be described as a party for those without work.
I would be more inclined to vote Mana if you really want a strong voice pushing for the most vulnerable peoples’ rights in this country, however I hear a strong message coming out of Labour that they are taking the issue of lack of jobs very seriously – and intend to take practical steps to address it. As mentioned above – this is a big shift – unemployment has been traditionally, in the last 30 years, only been used negatively as a political football for scoring points and neither left nor right have really been addressing the issue seriously in the way that this Labour party sound like they intend to.
I did see that survey but if you look at the questions carefully it’s very much operational stuff Sue Moroney’s talking about. It focuses on administering the current provisions correctly rather than looking at whether those provisions are fair or not. The survey was a response to recent publicity about Work and Income’s treatment of people. Labour clearly agrees with the current law.
The Parker/Cunliffe macro reforms look interesting and I guess the proof will be in the pudding. I just can’t see how it can make a dent when there are so many negative variables at play. We need to reassess how we view the role of employment as the main source from which basic needs are met especially when labour continues to be regarded as a cost that must be reduced.
Regardless of all of this, the need to maintain adequate welfare provision will always be with us. Sure, if macro economic factors reduce need for social security that’s great, but a strong and effective safety net must always be maintained in the name of participation and citizenship. This idea is something Labour has abandoned and there is absolutely no evidence that it intends to change its position.
Cunliffe, when asked what he will do to for beneficiaries, always talks about job creation. This renders people who are not able to work invisible. The kindest interpretation of that is that if all the unemployed people had jobs, then there would be enough money to pay income support to people who can’t work (ill/disabled people, solo parents etc). But if that were true, why not just say so. Otherwise it looks to me like the new classism.
Moroney’s survey scares me. As a long term beneficiary I can see the huge unsafety it creates for many who might fill it out.
That they ask for an email address so they can the person to the Labour party lists is highly unethical. If people don’t want to provide an email address, how can Labour contact them about their input? If they don’t intend to contact people why ask for real names and the office they deal with? Do they intend to contact the office, how can they do that legally? Is the survey intended as permission? How will they protect the beneficiary from negative consequences of having spoken out? Who will have access to the information? etc, etc, etc.
The whole thing is just very very badly put together.
I wouldn’t trust the person who created that survey to do right by beneficiaries even if they have good intent. What it tells me is that Labour and Moroney really have no idea about what is really going on, or how to fix it.
Why has “job creation” become the domain of PhD qualified economists and technocrats? Its like bullshit baffles brains, and the brainier these people are the more the BS sucks them in.
I’m actually puzzled what this circuitous route to “job creation” is all about. Changing monetary policy? Changing RBA provisions and the operational tools available to the Reserve Bank?
That’s great. But it also feeds the belief that getting the macroeconomic settings just right will, sometime down the track, “create jobs” via market forces.
Instead, how about simply spending the money to hire people to do things that the nation needs, and that communities need. More teachers for smaller class sizes. More rest home staff for better carer ratios. Instructors for community arts and culture classes. Buying NZ made.
I just wiped 10,000 off the unemployment rolls right there.
@CV
Great!, but where and how do you crate the income or extra wealth to pay for all that?
Don’t tell me through ‘taxes’ or ‘borrowing’!
?
So the reason you’re letting all these Kiwis go to waste, letting all their motivation, talent, skills and innovation sit idle, deteriorating, unrecoverably lost from the real economy day after day after day, is because you can’t figure out where the money to pay for it comes from?
@ Weka
The kindest interpretation of that is that if all the unemployed people had jobs, then there would be enough money to pay income support to people who can’t work (ill/disabled people, solo parents etc). But if that were true, why not just say so.
I would say that is exactly what it is about. It is about addressing the part of the problem that the government has created i.e policies that absolutely don’t address jobs for all and actually create unemployment (take a look at the effect on unemployment rate in response to the neoliberal approach if you want a good example and note how we haven’t recovered from that huge increase in unemployment 30 years later – I do believe you know this anyway). To do this not only allows the government to ‘afford’ the support for people who can’t work – it takes a huge amount of pressure of these people – much less likely that political point-scoring is effective in a culture where welfare costs have greatly lowered. I posit that political point scoring occurred in response to the huge welfare costs that government policies were creating and this point scoring was an effective way to take the heat off the real culprits – the government- by blaming the victims of poor government policy.
Unsure why they wouldn’t spell this out. I am guessing it is about framing the matter in a manner that doesn’t bring in all the vitriolic hysteria surrounding welfare, while addressing it just the same. Labour might be harassed by complainers saying that ‘they only wish to help welfare recipients’ whilst I believe they bloody well should help the jobless, considering these are the people that need the most help – there appears to be a pretty loud voice against welfare recipients getting any additional help and therefore to avoid this vitriol as much as possible is not a bad way of getting into a position that they can actually help these people. i.e. they get into government.
By playing it in this manner, however, now Labour are being accused of ‘making the unemployed invisible’ sigh, too right, I guess – if this is the only way they can get into power because there are really rather a lot of people in this country in pretty good circumstances who appear to resent any assistance going to those less fortunate than themselves – then I support ‘making the unemployed invisible’ if it is toward the end that I think it is.
While stating that, I don’t actually agree that they are making the unemployed invisible – there are far too many references to ‘creating jobs’ and ‘recalibrating the financial flows into productive enterprises’ for me to conclude such – these are direct references to the issue of those without work – how is it that politicians can reference people, acknowledge their problem and still be accused of ‘making them invisible’?
@ Clemgeopin and CV
I thought Clemogeopin’s ‘Great!, but where and how do you create the income or extra wealth to pay for all that?’ might have been a rhetorical question.
Rhetorical because the question is answered: by bringing in the type of policies that Labour are speaking of – policies that direct money into productive enterprises rather than floating around speculating on things and while this money is being used for speculating – it not only is not creating jobs – it is making prices unaffordable for those with less money.
It seems likely that when Labour’s polices start taking effect the government will have more income (because there are more people in work, there is less being spent on welfare and those jobs are paying higher), to afford the ideas that you suggest for those still out of work.
Its all empty promises BL. How many more years are we going to let people rot in unemployment, children permanently damaged by poverty, depriving our communities of their much needed input, waiting waiting waiting for market forces to finally deliver?
Fiddling around with macroeconomic settings and Reserve Bank policies is the emphasis of a political party still enamoured with delivering results through the market…if only we could get the economic policy settings finely tuned just so…
Just hire the damn teachers, nurses, doctors, builders, journalists, artists and writers now.
$300B sitting in household bank deposits and managed funds as we speak, foreign shareholders take $15B per year offshore, and much much more around the place. We ain’t short of money, that is just an excuse.
I thought the government is currently 60 billion in debt? I don’t understand how you can say ‘there is plenty of money – it is just an excuse’. Genuine question. There is either money there or not – and if there is money there – why are we taking on debt from those dodgy banksters?
Its the debt based money supply system that our entire society, and our entire thinking, is enslaved to. Draco and I have talked about this extensively before. The government can simply issue a dollar totally debt free into the NZ economy by spending that dollar into the economy to purchase local goods and services.
One simple way to do it would be have the Reserve Bank credit the Treasury’s account with additional monies every month* (say $50M) and then have the Government spend that into circulation by hiring teachers, nurses, writers, artists, etc. whom in turn supports the local economy by spending that money out into the communities that they live in.
*Where does the Reserve Bank get the additional money every month? By crediting the account “ex nihilo”, entering the value required, by keyboard, into the Treasury’s bank account, and pressing return.
Can I be a nutter too? What you’re saying seems pretty sensible to me, Mary.
@ skinny
That sounds practical guidance – let’s hope that it’s the line taken. I don’t want to hear ringing vows to stick to noble rules that are self imposed and wrong headed. Such as not doing this, – talking to other parties or advising the electorate of likely moves before election – or that, and here unattractive and probably unnecessary super age rise comes to mind.
In Australia parties handed out preference cards to voters advising them of the best way to vote to advance their preferred party’s position ppp! That was something that arises out of their particular voting system and is a bit too much leading of the electorate to water and trying to make them drink to my mind. What you have suggested is appropriate for NZ and more transparent – more a No Surprises approach.
Greywarbler thanks I always value your opinion.
All said and done I see the Left gaining votes, votes that Labour, Greens and Mana may not have otherwise managed to entice. It’s such a pity voting via the Internet/Smart Phones isn’t an option this election. If it was I have no doubts a National lead Government would be absolutely smoked.
The other positive is the Labour Party will be dragged kicking and screaming further Left than many power players within the LP would be comtable with, that includes Cunliffe and his offsider Mickey.
The biggest plus would be this Country full of me, myself, and I ‘sheep’ would be snapped the fuck out of the failed Friedman economic’s theory that the like of Key-Joyce and their cheerleaders like Shrillands worship.
Thanks skinny likewise. Mickey is saying that any deployment of candidates differently than expected or stated will rebound. I am not sure and I think that any ‘tricky’ criticisms would be adequately countered by saying it was done in Epsom and has always been an option for Labour and we have decided that this time we are going for this approach. We have talked to Kelvin and he understands our need to advance our political methods to utilise the options that MMP offers.
That sort of thing.
And the on line option for voting. I am freaked out by the possibilities of hacking and shaping rolls and losing voters and accidentally wiping out everyone with a Polynesian name or whatever after hearing about what has happened in certain USA states. Private contractors and partisan and interested corporates can so easily be brought in and the government’s guiding and fairly reliable hand falls off the levers. So what have you to say about that, you sound like a techno-fan and no doubt younger than me. Does caution creep in to your mind or are you gung-ho about it all and see no reason to have a cup of tea.
Gosh this ain’t rocket science. This is what you say.
“In summary all Left political party’s need to insist how they want the candidate vote to go i.e. If you want a Left Bloc collation to Govern party vote (our party) but please candidate vote such and such from (the most likely Left contender).”
And how exactly do you propose to get that message to voters? Many people, especially those that don’t normally vote, aren’t following the election campaign. They’re just turning up on the day and voting for who they want, often from an uniformed place.
“I will back off in a flash from campaigning for Davis should concessions need to be made for Labour to win in other seats that TIP contest.”
What? Labour will get its MPs from the LIST vote. It doesn’t need to win in other seats. It needs to up its party vote at the same time as allowing its allies to do well. eg let Harawira win TTT and put Davis up the list. Win/win.
Davis has a reputation as being one of the more wise and capable people within Labour. His behaviour displayed on RNZ this morning really does highlight the complete lack of depth within Labour at the moment. If this is the best Labour can give us we deserve another three years of hell. Good one, Kelvin, you’ve really got your priorities right. The only thing you haven’t counted on is that your attitude will backfire because the voters in Te Tai Tokerau will see you for what you are, although my guess is you’re such a fuckwit you wouldn’t care. You’ve lost all respect I may have had for you, not that that matters, but it’s clear there’ll be loads more people who feel the same. Idiot.
100
NOTE : I am an ardent Labour party supporter/voter.
“NOTE : I am an ardent Labour party supporter/voter.”
You’ve nailed it. And who would’ve thought the problem was there staring you in the face all along, eh? Knock me down with a feather.
Um..,,No, Sorry, not in a mood for that.
Given that Hone is unlikely to be beaten and that voters in Maori electorates have shown time and time again that they actually understand how to MMP works (giving their electorate votes to the MP but party votes to Labour), its actually not a bad strategy from Labour. They can then complain about dirty deals that National is doing with minor parties without suffering any backlash.
On the other hand, it would be really stupid at this stage for Labour to annouce a deal before National has done any.
I really don’t get what all the fuss is about.
“(giving their electorate votes to the MP but party votes to Labour)”
So who did they want in government exactly?
Dumb as a rock. Time to vote Internet/Mana. Party vote.
I think Labour think NZ Inc is an exclusive club to which only themselves and National are allowed membership. They would rather see National in charge than any radicals upsetting the status quo. I can’t wait for the day when the left gets big enough to be able to forget Labour altogether. That’s all they deserve. I get the impression they’d rather share power with ACT than with Mana. At least ACT also worships the market. Vomit.
Labour and ACT are pretty much singing the same song in terms of pushing the retirement age further out.
Yes that’s right. I think Labour’s painted itself into a corner on the retirement age by blindly accepting what Diana Crossan had to say. Interesting that the new Retirement Commissioner doesn’t have such an ardent stance on raising the age.
Couldn’t be put any better. Listen and learn, Clemgeopin, then go back to the Labour Research Unit for a show and tell.
What exactly do you mean by saying “Labour” think? Labour is not a person.
The Lanout strategists are well experienced thinkers and tacticians. They know what they are doing and why.
Suffice it to say that the main objective is to win the WAR (defeat of Key and this government) for all the progressive parties and not just easily winnable battles that superficially on the surface look like no brainers in order to please some activists for their temporary comfort. (and lose the bigger war as a consequence).
And the rest of your opinion is pretty disappointingly wrong too.
None of this is correct:
“exclusive club to which only themselves and National are allowed membership”
“They would rather see National in charge than any radicals upsetting the status quo”
“That’s all they deserve”.
” they’d rather share power with ACT than with Mana.”
The only part that is Ok is this:
“I can’t wait for the day when the left gets big enough to be able to forget Labour altogether.”
No problem with that if people vote for that.
I don’t see how the WAR will be won by (i) doing their best to keep Mana out of parliament,
(ii) proposing to raise the retirement age,
(iii) actually, no need for a third. The first two are plenty.
Oh yes. This is the team of “experienced thinkers and tacticians” who delivered 27.5% for Labour in 2011, including that tactical master-stroke of keeping Phil Goff’s face hidden off Labour Party signs everywhere except Mt Roskill.
It’s the age of MMP and the Labour Party is still contesting each and every electorate hard out as if its still FPP.
(1) Labour is NOT doing that. They WANT mana in. Labour does not want to just shuffle the votes among the progressives, but want to GROW the progressive votes by not endorsing the other left parties for the election campaign. I can tell you that in my opinion, Hone, Kelvin, and Sykes will all be MPs! Watch the space.
(11) That is an economic and modern reality and necessity, not immediately but in the next 20 or so years for which preparation must be made now. But according to Labour’s plan, as I understand it, those who want to retire at 65 as now will still be able to make that choice, but it will be means tested until 67 (if there are no health or special circumstances) At 67, it will become universal super as now.
Ahhh that’s all bullshit.
NZ has over $300B deposited in bank accounts and managed funds, and that is only a fraction of the financial assets of this nation. Who says super can’t be afforded?
Yet you’re going to force more people to stay in the labour pool for longer, when there are already not enough jobs to go around and youth unemployment is near 30%.
Hone Harawira: ”This election if we are to get rid of this National Government will require all of us,(on the left), even me to accept that there needs to be a measure of us all behaving strategically” unquote–RadioNZ National,
Thats a BIG hear here Hone,
Unfortunately David Cunliffe wants to emulate Winston Peters attitude of ”let the people decide first” which to me sounds like ”snake-oil”
Hopefully, the Labour PARTY can ”make” the likes of Cunliffe and Kelvin Davis see the light…
The membership needs to, or peolle who would vote labour need to ove their votes to those who wish to see this govt gone.
That sounds like looonacy…
cutting off your nose to spite your face
If IMP can splice another seat or two to the left, even though they may take from other parts of the left, then it is most definitely worth it.
Why is that not a good idea if it means an end to the Key Toad Family
Is this fear that the IMP will take votes from the left justified. My understanding is that both parties will try to get non-voters energised and voting and that is a good thing imo.
Initialy i think such fear is unfounded, you only have to look at the Roy Morgan that appeared after the week long media frenzy surrounding just the proposal of an alliance of Mana/Internet to see this,
In that poll:
Labour UP,
Greens UP,
Mana UP,
Internet UP,
The next Roy Morgan will be ‘interesting’ to say the least, if the same UP occurs across the Labour/Green/Internet/Mana spectrum of the vote it would strongly suggest that voters can see a Government of the left in that mix, and, they like it,
i will add tho the belief that up to 4% of the vote going to InternetMana probably wont hurt Labour/Green in any way, 5% or over tho is highly likely to drag voters across the spectrum,
What’s the worry tho its all votes for the left…
“Is this fear that the IMP will take votes from the left justified. My understanding is that both parties will try to get non-voters energised and voting and that is a good thing imo.”
IMP may take votes from Labour (and the Greens), but not from the left. The way for the left to lose seats is for IMP to get 4.9% and no electorate MPs (thanks to vote splitting by Labour and possibly the GP being MMP illiterate).
weka
“possibly the GP being MMP illiterate”
Have they showed evidence of this in your opinion and if so where?
At the last election they wanted both votes, and campaigned on that despite the problems inherent in that for the left. They don’t appear to be doing that this time round.
IIRC the Greens candidates I had interactions with in 2011 were clearly seeking the party vote only. That included Metiria Turei in Dunedin North.
Weka and CV
It was my impression that they were pragmatic about voting and knew that the party vote was the important one and I thought made this point emphatically. That would fit with the Greens approach which usually looks for the most intelligent approach offering the best outcomes for the Party and NZ to everything. Which is why I have supported it for decades.
Yes bad12. Yet again Hone speaks well. His call for all the Left to work together is a good call.
“let the people decide first”
Yeah, and if the people don’t decide properly we can just have another election, eh, Mr Cunliffe?
@OAB do you really think there’s anything to be gained by trying to appease Key/Slater/Gower?
Nope. They should be completely and totally ignored. The left must go its own way …. go its own way … tra la la
I’m dubious of the claim that people will be more likely to vote tactically because Labour tells them to.
In reality then OAB you are saying that voters on the right are far smarter than those on the left????…
No, I’m saying they’re quite capable of working out for themselves that you can vote for Hone and get Kelvin too.
Fair enough OAB, but, we elect leaders to act in our best interests, even acting only in Labour’s best interests Kelvin Davis winning the Te Tai Tokerau electorate does not stack up as being in Labour’s or anyone elses interests full stop,
In a tight contest, Kelvin Davis winning that electorate could well mean that Labour cannot form the next Government and you would have to be lacking in something not to see that,
A Leader by definition LEADS, David Cunliffe’s publicly made statements that Kelvin Davis will fully contest the Te Tai Tokerau and WIN it is the ”Leadership” of David Cunliffe and has me seriously questioning His ability and His intentions as He has previously stated of forming a ”Truly Red” Government,(source:RadioNZ National),
Disclaimer: i viewed at the time of the Labour leadership contest Grant Robertson as the best choice as Labour Leader,
Leadership from David Cunliffe i would suggest would entail that when He finds Himself in the Tai Tokerau would be to put Kelvin Davis and Hone Harawira up on the stage either side of Him and instruct the audience on the ramifications of how to get two MP’s out of splitting their votes Party for Davis and Electorate for Hone…
Mana and the IP don’t need Labour’s help to get that message across, and Labour could lose as many votes in the centre as it gained to the left by getting ‘too close’ to Hone.
So OAB, you think David Cunliffe could take Labour even lower in the election than what the media polls have so far suggested???…
“As many” ≠ more.
“No, I’m saying they’re quite capable of working out for themselves that you can vote for Hone and get Kelvin too.”
Can we please stop talking as if ALL voters have the same understanding, access to information, MMP-literacy etc? They don’t.
That’s probably something the IP’s millions could go towards fixing 🙂
True, hopefully they will do lots of education and information sharing. Not sure how they will reach the people that don’t spend time on the interwebs though.
the ‘Rock the Vote’ campaigning that has been mentioned will do a lot towards fixing that.
The added bonus of this idea is if the Nats try to counter with their own gigs it will be interesting to see what bands they get to front it.
Interesting in so far as many many people will pay a lot of attention to whatever musos decide to publicly support National in an election campaign.
Playing at a fundraiser gig is one thing, and many NZ musos have taken that gig as they pay pretty well. Stepping on stage for an Election Campaign however, is a very different job.
National’s line up would be little more than a hodge podge collection of X-factor wannabes and Christmas in the Park hacks when compared to the internationally respected headliners that the left would attract.
Nats will probably try to get Richie McCaw to front a band.
That would be one media friendly fiasco of an event karol. It would attract some skilled session artists and no doubt the cameos of note that made the bill would tap into all that makes up every cliche demographic the brewery soaked MSM can create. Of course there is the threat that with McCaw having the skills he does, he probably sings just as smoothly as he turns the ball.
add a ‘pub tour out of a van’ format and they just might have a winning idea 🙂
Playing the pipes 🙂
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/5441416/Piping-hot-Richie-McCaw-wows-charity-bash
When the pipers play –
I hear the voice, I hear the war
I hear the sound, on a distant shores
I feel the spirit, of yesterday
I touch the past, when the Piper’s play.
The pipes get played, for you and me
They kept on saying, we’ll soon be free
And your soul, will never fade away
You live forever, when the piper’s play
The piobrach hears, its deadly cry
On some will live and some will die
And though they fought so far away
I feel the presence when the pipers play
The pipes kept playing, for you and me
They kept on saying, we’ll soon be free
And your soul, will never fade away
You live forever, when the piper’s play
It speaks of love, I have lost
Its speaks of my eternal cost
It speaks the price I refused to pay
Of lives remembered, when the Pipers play
We will remember when the pipers play
[Pipes Playing]
The pipes kept playing, for you and me
They kept on saying we’ll soon be free
And your soul, will never fade away
You live forever, when the piper’s play
The pipes kept playing, for you and me
They kept on saying we’ll soon be free
And your soul, will never fade away
You live forever, when the piper’s play
[Pipes Playing]
But probably more appropriate for the left 🙂
freedom. RockEnrol?
You get into the gig free if you sign up?
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/10081413/Rocking-the-youth-vote
It is really encouraging to see RockEnrol is happening. Enrolment is kind of crucial to the election and a free boogie just for signing up is a pretty good deal.
But I am referring more to party focused policy education events concerning the sharing of information and the strengthening of political activism. Music has been a growing yet largely overlooked influence in NZ politics for the past few years. A lot of political ‘stuff’ has been happening at gigs recently, and probably at a gig near you. It is not just in the big centres either, in many rural communities, there have been a bundle of regular events where people have been sharing a lot of ideas, a lot of information but mainly sharing a lot of facts as they build the strong networks required for the challenges this election will present.
There is a definite tone in the air this election. One which says music will be a strong contributing factor in the public’s awareness of election issues. Probably more so than any previous election.
Thanks for the clarification freedom.
I don’t get out to gigs like I used to for a variety of reasons, and even with not being on fb I can see and hear the way NZ musicians have been really sharp with their political/social observations of late.
Often, the band interviews I’ve listened to on the radio have had a political tone and there is a focus on the importance of voting. It helps when the DJ’s are well educated and aware of the situation – its makes for a lively and positive interview. It’s been very encouraging hearing what musicians have had to say. (EG, a Warren Maxwell interview, last week, week before (?) was one of them.
Musicians give, on so many levels. Gotta love them.
@Macro
Here is the link for the Pipers Play which is great after a little introduction
freedom, these are two different thingss. One is to get people out to vote who woudln’t otherwise. The other is whether you can educate specific voters during an election campaign to vote tactically. Those voters include peopel that would be voting anyway. My response to OAB, was that the idea that parties can tell voters how to split their vote is fraught with difficulty. Educating people may go some way to resolving that, but it’s not just the young, disenfranchised vote I am talking about, it’s established voters who think they know what they are doing.
The Greens strongly state, again and again, that they are campaigning for the Party vote. This is a lot different from Davis, as on RNZ this morning, aggressively campaigning for his electoral vote, and slagging off the IMP.
All left parties need to be educating voters. Plus, that coat-tail provision needs to be removed as soon as….
PS: The recommendation was that the coat tail provision was removed. The National government ignored it in their own self interest. Now it’s coming back to bite them. Tough!
At the last election, the GP went for BOTH votes. I had this confirmed from Norman’s mouth himself at a public meeting before the election. I don’t know what they are doing this time round, but it bodes well that they appear to not be standing anyone in TTT or Waiariki. Still, as far as I know campaigning in the electorates increases their party vote and so that is what they are doing.
I’m not sure about the coat-tail thing. I don’t have a problem with what IMP are doing, but I don’t know enough about the proposed MMP changes either.
There are some electorates where the Greens will stand strong candidates and push for the Electorate vote – but always the Party vote.
yes. That they are not standing anyone in TTT and Waiariki makes me wonder to what extent they have done this strategically elsewhere.
The mono rail link will be revisited if NACTs get in, and used as reason to alter the RMA ‘to stop unnecessary bureaucracy from preventing business innovation that will bring prosperity and employment to the area’. Like the expensive investment-wasting idea of shifting the ferry port from established and profit-earning Picton, the idea of bypassing Wanaka would have the same effect. NZ cannot afford to denude areas of economic activity with good outcomes and employment to favour some individual or corporate’s favoured project.
http://www.change.org/petitions/stop-plans-to-build-the-monorail-fiordland-link-experience-and-ruin-world-heritage-area
Here is the link about the monorail situation in October 2013 when Nick Smith started looking at it.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11148936
Big UP’s to Kim DotCom for being completely honest and up front with exactly how much ‘coin’ He has put into the InternetMana alliance,
This has allowed me to firm up in my mind my choices for election 2014, here’s my thinking,
Party vote =InternetMana,
Electorate vote = Russell Norman,
Electoral budget once i know the exact spend i can afford, 2–5 hundred =Green Party,
With the emergence of InternetMana as an alliance and Dotcoms coin as the financial backing for that i can now ”share the love” far further than i previously imagined,
i will tho stress once again, Green Party voters from 2011 should think long and hard about any intention to switch the vote to InternetMana…
Agreed bad12. I laughed my socks off watching tv3 news last night when KDC came on and quietly annouced he was putting $3m into IMP. You could hear the Nats quaking in their boots.
Chris Trotter is excellent on IMP here-a must read.
http://bowalleyroad.blogspot.co.nz/2014/05/game-changer-laila-harre-accepts.html
Yes BG. Chris has had a renewal of his own.
Bearded git, well written from Chris Trotter, ”i hear thunder”, it is possible, only that, just possible, that such a ”novel” election vehicle as InternetMana with a smartly spent ”huge” election budget could do to the 2014 election what the ”Hairdo” Dunne and the worm did all those years ago,
Don’t be surprised if it does exactly that in September…
Agreed bad. I’m predicting IMP will get 7% now. Which means 32+10+7=49%. Game on.
Lolz, or on Slippery the Prime Minister’s side of the political spectrum, Loz again, Game Over…
Or even better in my humble opinion, 29+13+7, lolz my naked self interest is showing now, that self interest has a name, Marama Davidson Green Party candidate,
My disclaimer and saving grace being: no i do not personally know Her…
bad12-that looks good too.
I am expecting/hoping party vote of
Lab+Greens+IMP=36+13+6=55%
Nat+ACT+UF+CONs+MaP
= 42+0+0+0+0=42%
or 42+0+0+2+1=45%
You must have been one of the maths failures at school. Where do you think the 7% are going to come from? And don’t say the missing 800,000. It was actually the National vote that suffered as a result of the low voter turnout in 2011. (Or at least that is the hypothesis that best fits the data.)
So how do you get to 49%?
I’m a qualified accountant slylands. 49%-take your pick here:
29+13+7, 30+12+7, 31+11+7, 32+10+7. And your prediction ??
29+9+3
You still have not answered my question – where does the 7% come from? IMP can only draw their votes from either non voters or Labour or Green. They are not getting any from National.
“They are not getting any from National.”
Srylands thus spake and lo did the heavens bend to his will
All who heard the words did thrust their hands to the skies and cry aloud the prayers of the immortal propagandist, great words known to all who believe in the glory of John.
Boils and blisters did grow onto the skin of the unworthy as they sheltered from the light of malfeasance that srylands did worship.
Disbelievers shrank away, humbly recoiling into insignificance when facing the vainglorious truth of the words of srylands.
The efforts of the opposition scattered like smoke into the mists of futile imaginings. Suddenly bereft of opportunity to claim the power, the free people of New Zealand huddled like discarded rabble wondering how they ever dared to question the word of srylands.
and it is “srylands”
”It” is what we label ”it” as SSLands, although i should think that most here would give you some ”choice”,
Between two niceties such as dickhead or shithead that is…
Srylands
What is the dataset from which you derive the conjecture that; “It was actually the National vote that suffered as a result of the low voter turnout”?
It seems unlikely that the; young, poor, or unemployed would be more likely to have voted National, though I guess some migrants working for Orivida might have done so. Māori were 26.8% nonvoters compared to European at 16.8% .
Personal income was also a major factor in nonvoting in 2011, and assuming that the rich are the natural National voters doesn’t support your conjecture either:
$30,000 or less 22.8%
$30,001 – $70,000 20.3%
$70,001 or more 9.5%
Statistics New Zealand (2014). Non-voters in 2008 and 2011 general elections: Findings from New Zealand General Social Survey. Available from http://www.stats.govt.nz.
The right tend to vote in thunderstorms, they are rarely apathetic. Am looking forward to slylands data and source.
“What is the dataset from which you derive the conjecture that; “It was actually the National vote that suffered as a result of the low voter turnout”?”
A colleague of Farrar’s did some statistical analysis of the 2008 and 2011 election results. This looks at correlations between variables, e.g “What is the correlation between NZ First in 2008 and the Labour Vote in 2011?
The results suggest that it more complacent National voters that stayed ta home, rather than complacent left voters.
The key results are replicated below.
Variables and correlation co-efficient
National Party vote in 2008 vs Conservative Party vote 2011 (general electorates) 0.601
Change in National Party vote between 2008 and 2011 vs change in NZ First Party vote 2008-2011 (general electorates) -0.379
Change in Labour Party vote between 2008 and 2011 vs change in NZ First Party vote 2008-2011 (general electorates) -0.004
National Party vote in 2008 vs change in overall turnout 2008-2011 (general electorates) 0.271
National Party vote in 2008 vs change in overall turnout 2008-2011, (general electorates, excluding Christchurch) 0.379
Labour Party vote in 2008 vs change in overall turnout 2008-2011, (general electorates, excluding Christchurch) -0.278
Conclusions:
Conservative Party votes in 2011 came overwhelmingly from National.
There is an inverse relationship between the increases in NZ First vote in 2011 and the relative performance of National so the increased NZ First vote was mainly at National’s expense. There was almost zero correlation between the NZ First and Labour vote.
The higher the National vote in 2008, the bigger the decline in turnout in 2011. In other words, it was National voters (more than Labour voters) who stayed home.
The conclusion was tested by looking at selected electorates where there was a high decline in turnout between the two elections:
he higher the National vote in 2008, the bigger the decline in turnout in 2011. In other words, it was National voters (more than Labour voters) who stayed home.
The following general electorates had turnout decline between the two elections of greater than 6% (on average, the turnout decline was 5.35%).
The electorates were: Botany, Chiristchurch Central, Chch East, Clutha Southland, Dunedin North, ECB, Hamilton East, Helensville, Hunua, Invercargill, Manurewa, North Shore, Northcote, Pakuranga, Whangarei and Wigram.
Of these 16 electorates, 11 had a 2008 National Party party vote greater than the national average for general electorates of 47.3%. With the Christchurch electorates excluded (there being special reasons for turnout decline there) this becomes 11 out of 13 electorates. This is statistically very significant.
Overall Conclusion:
With the prospect of a closer election there seem to be a high number of National voters who were absent in the 2008 election who may vote this time. Statistically, the influence of these “missing” right voters is likely to be greater than “missing” left voters, with a high level of confidence.
Missing right voters LOL
Sure, soft one time National voters weren’t impressed with Key and stayed away from the polling booths in 2011.
Doesn’t mean they’re going to go back to Key in 2014 if they were already disenchanted with National – more likely the opposite.
OK so where is your statistical analysis?
Complete the chain of correlations back to 2002, and you will find they are not one off soft voters – they are core voters.
But by all means show me your analysis.
SSLands as opposed to your abject ongoing failure as a human being, my lack of schooling is legend, the fact tho, that i can ‘see’ and point out your abject Cowardice and Lies shows it hasn’t unduly blighted my life,
While you’re here SSLands, hows that rental property going, done and dusted on the mortgage is it,
Be a bit of a worry if that ability to write off losses on the rental against other taxable earnings including wages was suddenly canned by a Government as David Parker has said He intends to do wouldn’t it,
Oh that’s right, you claim there is no such ability to write of taxes against such income despite the chief economist of the Westpac bank getting on the radio and saying there is,
i could believe its that little firm of tax lawyers you work for up on the Terrace that has you peddling such Lies SSLands but in the final analysis it is the fact that you are a sub-human piece of excrement that has you doing such…
Piss off.
“no such ability to write of taxes against such income ”
No there is no ability to write off taxes against income – it is a nonsensical statement.
And I have told you repeatedly I work in Pipitea Street and not for a tax accountant. You are a liar and a rude fool.
“the ability to write off losses on the rental against other taxable earnings including wages was suddenly canned by a Government as David Parker has said He intends to do wouldn’t it”
No it would not. My wife, who own the rental property has no other income.
I suspect that a large number of well employed, educated, ethical, young and geeks who probably voted for National in the last election may be tempted/attracted to give the Internet party a go. Sure, the other Left block parties combined may lose 1 or 2 % party votes too, but overall the Left block will be able to form a new Labour led government. Key is gone burger. KDC might even buy him a free one way ticket to Hawaii, USA as a parting gift.
If money was all it took to get to 7% ACT would have achieved it regularly… Their best showing was when national polled 20%
Sure, Trotter writes well; even back when he was comparing Dunne to Merlin he could still string a sentence together. But he is a bit sloppy on the fact checking with his claims that in response to Harre’s appointment; “the Greens are said to have been incandescent with rage”, and; “when the time came to draw up the latter’s Party List no one in the Green hierarchy considered Harré worthy of a winnable slot”.
Both these points are addressed in the comment section of the TDB version (though not be Trotter himself):
http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2014/05/29/breaking-game-changer-laila-harre-accepts-the-internet-party-leadership/
Pasup-Trotter has never really liked the Greens.
BG
I don’t like ACT or the CC Conservatives, but that doesn’t mean I make up shit about them and pass it off as fact. Though sometimes maybe as satire…
Given she left the employ of the greens some months ago, does anyone think in the ensuing months they had no inkling of this new direction harre was taking? I doubt it, so any “rage”, if existing at all, would have been a number of weeks ago in my opinion.
In the meatime, the minister of oravida and john key have royally shafted peter dunne, and key says he would feel dirty taking money from dotcom!!!
MANA and Internet Party officials out there
Do NOT blow all those funds this election campaign. Activists get dumb, lazy and uncreative when they have access to too much money.
You have to play the long game.
Spend an absolute maximum of $1M of those funds in this campaign, this year. (I would suggest actually $500K plus your normal fundraising efforts). Reserve the remaining $2M+ for building up capacity, infrastructure, and income generating assets aimed at breaking over 10% vote in the 2017 and 2020 campaigns.
BTW this will also allow you to build financial independence from any single large donor.
What they (IMP) can spend depends on how many candidates they stand according to this:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/politics/10101575/Dotcom-pumps-3m-into-party
Hey BG
My suggestion is not around what CAN be spent
it is around what SHOULD be spent
Wow, not condascending at all in your third sentence cv. That sentence equally applies to most people who get access to “too much money”.
I don’t give a care about “condescending” I give a care about suggesting sound activist management strategy to a team which has never managed the volatile combination of political activists and shitloads of money before.
And it even seems you agree with what I am saying, so…???
Is there a precedent for the Kim Dotcom phenomenon in early 20th century NZ history?
http://readingthemaps.blogspot.co.nz/2014/05/from-olaf-nelson-to-kim-dotcom.html
Interesting!
Who do YOU think the following passage is referring to?
“A tall, heavy man, who spoke English with a thick, northern European accent, he had built a fortune and a fine home by the time he reached thirty. When he became a New Zealand subject, he believed that the government in Wellington would be happy for him to continue wheeling and dealing under its auspices.
Partly because of its obligations to a distant superpower, the New Zealand state began to persecute the successful young entrepeneur. His businesses were shut down, spies followed his movements, police made unfriendly visits to his home, and plans were made to deport him.
Infuriated by his treatment, the young businessman began to condemn the New Zealand state as an enemy of liberty. Looking about for allies, he discovered that many of the indigenous people of the islands where he lived were also estranged from the government in Wellington. Using his money, his connections, and his flair for publicity, he helped them build a political movement that changed New Zealand history.”
This is interesting:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/10102605/All-Blacks-Hitler-attack-by-Samoan-rugby-star
Former Samoa centre Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu giving the hard word to NZ rugby.
From the article:
“There was a time when the United Nations asked all the nations in the world not to have sporting relationships with apartheid South Africa,” he said.
“They asked the whole world to do that … but there was one country that decided not to listen. That country was New Zealand, and that team was the All Blacks. And the reason was for money.
“That’s the worst reason ever. The chasing of money.
Great idea. Get the All Blacks to make a pity trip to Samoa by insulting them. Bravo that man.
Just telling the truth about a piece of NZ history Gossie. If you’re embarrassed by it you should help make sure that we don’t sell out our nation’s principles for money.
The reason NZ continued with ties with South Africa after the Gleneagles agreement was to to with tradition and one eyed parochialism rather than money. Money was probably a factor in the Cavaliers tour of 1986 but that was not sanctioned officially.
so because NZ was a run of the mill post-colonial outpost full of bigots and hate, the SA tour was all hunky dory and we should just forget it ever happened?
Spot on.
A change of subject.
Last night I watched the TV1 documentary about London’s grand old hotel, Claridges. Apart from the magnificent decor, it does no harm to see how the 1% live. The word ‘obscene’ in it’s luxuriousness was almost an understatement. This episode concentrated on the comings and goings of the famous and elite who came from all parts of the world during the 2012 London Olympics.
Guess who stayed there during that time (courtesy of NZ tax-payers I presume) but the “Attorney General of NZ”. Finlayson is not named or seen in person, but his limo is filmed arriving at the red carpet in front of the hotel entrance with the number-plate NZ1 – the NZ Embassy’s official limo. Later in the programme we see a butler wheeling in “breakfast for two” to the Attorney General of NZ’s suite.
The average price for a suite of rooms at Claridges runs from about $5000(NZ) per night to $10,000(NZ) plus. That’s a minimum of $50,000 for accommodation only – if he stayed there for the full 10 day period of the Games. And who is to say that over that period there weren’t any extras on top…
Does everyone remember the fur that flew over the overseas expenses of a Labour Cabinet minister a few years ago? He was also on an official visit somewhere but – and I say this from memory – he took some time off (at his own expense) for a brief holiday with his partner. It transpired his staff bought a bunch of flowers for his birthday (or his partner’s) on the tax-payers’ credit card ($25) and a pair of memento tea cups – no, not gold plated, just ordinary tea-cups. He was politically destroyed by the MSM and eventually forced to resign from politics altogether.
How about someone with the contacts and resources do a little investigation into the Attorney General’s trip to London in 2012?
Who does the arrangements for this because you are better placed to direct your attention to them in the first instance. If they then state that they were directed to use accommodation that they don’t usually use for high ranking NZ officials visiting London by someone higher up the food chain then you potentially have something meaty. That is what a decent opposition would do anyway.
Sounds like a job for Campbell Live.
Anne
I remember things like that too. Two different value systems.
Let the masses eat Tarte Tatin
An interesting aspect to the story…
The various high-ranking government luminaries were not only filmed arriving in their limos, but walking the red carpet into the hotel. There was only one exception as far as I recall and that was Finlayson. His car was filmed arriving but that is all. I take it from that he requested there be no images of himself in the documentary. He’s never struck me as being particularly shy!
How about doing an oia on it anne?
I think you’ll probably find it was the Governor General Jerry Mateparae, not the Attorney General.
Hansard has Chris Finlayson in the house the day before the opening ceremony, and his expenses for the three months covering the Olympic period was a mere $250.
In that case the programme makers got the “title” wrong or my hearing is worse than I thought. 🙁
It was mentioned a couple of times too…
“He was politically destroyed by the MSM and eventually forced to resign from politics altogether.”
Not really, it was this:
“On 29 July 2010 Carter was suspended from the Labour Party caucus for allegedly being behind an anonymous letter sent around the Press Gallery claiming there was a leadership challenge against Phil Goff; a charge he has since admitted.”
Oh yeah? So you’re saying its a serious offence to anonymously tip off the Press Gallery? If that was the case there would be few Nat MPs left in parliament including John Key. Admittedly they use more subtle methods, and we now know Carter was under considerable strain at the time and took temporary leave of his senses.
It was clearly a serious offence to the Labour leadership at the time. Personally I couldn’t give a rats arse. You attempted to frame it as a Media caused sacking. The truth is somewhat different . If his ego hadn’t taken over he’d probably still be an MP . So… Yeah.
The MSM smelled blood and made its own cuts to add; its disingenuous of you to ignore that, and to ignore the blatant double standards they hold (and you hold) with regards to letting Tories getting away with thousand dollar rorts on the tax payers credit card.
It is a pre requisite for those supporting this govt to have double standards and no ethics. Its what makes it possible.
Now, now Tracey thats no way to speak of 50% of the voting public.
Even if it is true
God, you’re an idiot CV, no wonder the voters never bought your drivel. No double standards, if you mess up, bugger off, I dont care which party you’re in. E.g. Banks, see you later. You seem to think that others view indiscretions on party lines, not always the case. “Smelled blood”. Ha, what facile hysteria.
Blue
You must be positively slavering for Collins scalp too, then. After all it would be rather xenophobic of National to forgive actions of a Pakeha (Collins) that parallel those which caused a Tauiwi (Wong) to resign.
That is, if you are actually sincere about the statement; “No double standards, if you mess up, bugger off, I dont care which party you’re in”?
PATRICK GOWER HAS GONE COMPLETELY MAD!!!
http://www.3news.co.nz/Opinion-Hone-and-Dotcoms-grubby-deal/tabid/1382/articleID/346334/Default.aspx#comment-1411057726
AMAZINGLY AND UNUSUALLY, THE READERS TELL GOWER OFF LIKE NEVER BEFORE!
Read the comments under the above report.
GOWER DISPLAYS HIS INTEGRITY/LOYALTY HERE:
http://a.disquscdn.com/uploads/mediaembed/images/1054/9408/original.jpg?w=600&h
Seriously? If ACT had managed to attract a $4 million donation from a German criminal, the Left would say that was cool?
Seriously SSLands??? the fact that we do not give a shit what the particular flea is that scratches at you mind should have at least registered by now…
your not even trying – did you read the article?
if you did then serious questions about your literacy need to be asked
Seriously? They probably have we just dont know. You also forget the act board selected a criminal and gave him a seat in our parliament.
Soon be a verdict on whether that number increases 🙂
Lolz nah Mac, He who awaits the judges verdict, a nice long week to sweat it, has already been convicted in a criminal court, albeit for a crime against civil aviation regulations…
Hopefully Banks get a stretch next week forcing him to resign. If that happens and the nats lose their majority, does that mean they could lose a confidence vote?
That would probably not be a disaster for them would it? Bearing in mind mip wouldn’t have had the chance to build up the support base.
Would make the early election result anyone’s guess.
ISTR he’s out if he gets convicted, regardless of whether he gets a sentence, because the offence carries a decent term.
Could be wrong though.
Either or, good stuff.
You’re right McFlock. If found guilty on a charge where the maximum sentence is 3 years or more, you’re no longer eligible to be a Parliamentarian. IIRC.
Wrong.
Where the maximum sentence is TWO years or more.
Am VERY much looking forward to Justice Wylie giving his verdict on the John
Banks trial for electoral fraud:
2.15pm
Thursday
5 June 2014
Auckland High Court
I predict that history will be made and John Banks will be convicted and sentenced to a short jail term.
We shall see…..
Penny Bright
Maori Party will keep the Government going until the Election.
Andrew Geddis thinks that on balance Banks will not be convicted. The finer points of Law around the “knowing” is hard to prove.
Balance would be on “Not Guilty” – I think that is what Andrew means.
That’s a shame, though facing a wipeout, itcould be Flavell’s only chance of getting anything out of the 6 years if he’s the one who brings down the government, though sadly, as you say, probably not.
I agree that’s most likely if the judge doesn’t decide that “lalalalanotreading” doesn’t count as wilful ignorance. If the judge thinks it was a wind-up, banks is probably screwed.
I’m in hope because companies law is leaning towards directors having to actually check what they sign, rather than just rubber-stamping. But we’ll see.
Did Andrew Geddis hear the two hour interview where the Police questioned John Banks, which basically put his case in the blender?
(‘Nothing to hide – nothing to fear?’ So – why did John Banks not take the stand? )
I have been at the Auckland High Court every day for this case.
Did John Banks know the identity of the donors (Kim DotCom and Sky City)?
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2001/0035/latest/DLM94742.html
Why – yes – I believe that the evidence proves that he did.
For goodness sake – he personally went to Sky City to pick up the Sky City cheque from CEO Nigel Morrison, and asked for the envelope to be given to his Treasurer, Lance Hutchison.
Pity Banks told the Police he had no knowledge of the cheque from Sky City ….
Did all these ‘experts’ correctly predict that this case would go to trial?
Will it has – and I predict that history will be made ……
Penny Bright
Isn’t it an offense to eat during a court session?
Not as I understand it – confidence only applies to passing a budget and NAct have already done that this year.
Okay, I thought it was anytime, anywhere, if you have the numbers.
budget is confidence and supply (supply of $$$ – what turned everything to shit for Charles I).
Not sure on the rules for calling a confidence vote, but I think it’s possible at any time if the caller has the numbers.
“what turned everything to shit for Charles I”
And just us leftists in 2014, a New model army – “Many of its common soldiers therefore held Dissenting or radical views”
gosh, forgot about that.
So how many ACT mps did NOT have a criminal conviction of some sort? 🙂
Its ok though, cos they are on the right
Clemgeon. And the discussion re Gower under Danyl’s blog is fascinating and informative.
http://dimpost.wordpress.com/2014/05/29/all-in-the-game/#comments
Thanks for the link. Just confirms once again that Paddy Gower is just a childish, sensation seeking, stupid journalist.
Here is some glamour and an appeal for funds to make something beautiful which is also fat female affirming. Aquaporko is the tongue-in-cheek name these swimmers have chosen. They are great and healthy and positive – good role models to set against that haunted look that many fashion models wear. They can look really confrontational glowering at you as they show off their hair or clothes as if thinking damn you I’ve suffered to look like this, and you have to too if you want to look fashion right.
Theres gallery shots and a short video clip too. http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon
10:05 Fat activist, model, performer and film-maker Kelli Jean Drinkwater
Documentary-maker, model, performer, and fat activist Kelli Jean Drinkwater discusses her new documentary, Aquaporko that tells the story of a fat femme synchronised swimming troupe. Kelli Jean is a founding member of Aquaporko, a self-identified group of radical fatties who reclaim their bodies in public space through the art of water dance. Kelli Jean’s work in dance, modelling and activism is concerned with challenging representations of bigger bodies and trying to encourage fat positive visibility. Her practice uses confrontational humor and irony to give audiences a first-hand insight into living as a fat person, while also creating complex and empowered images of people of size. Her modelling work has featured in fashion magazines worldwide. Aquaporko is screening at the Outtakes Reel Queer Film Festival.
It’s a long, long way to the GE John. I remember how tired you looked before the last GE! A holiday would do you good. A few rounds of golf …. in Hawai’i?
A bemused man eating an ice block was loud hailered, had to walk backwards to the police car behind, and was handcuffed. Somebody had said that someone was in a car with a firearm and this chap’s car looked like the one reported. There were guns drawn and other police sheltering behind car doors. How exciting, you go for an ice block and find yourself starring in horrible tv news as from the USA. Tom Lehrer comes to mind as he gargles ‘ Makes you glad to be a soldier’ (civilian).
WTF are we coming to? And does a report that is vague from the public have to get followed up like this? And does that person then get arrested and handcuffed for false reporting – why shouldn’t they suffer as well as their unintended victim? Two miscreants on the one crime report – choice!
http://www.3news.co.nz/Video-Iceblock-in-the-car-hands-on-your-head/tabid/423/articleID/345963/Default.aspx
I phoned local police with the info that a boy racer was operating speeding squealing around corners and making loud engine farts, on the basis that they could keep an eye out for this car. I was questioned for about two minutes for details that I didn’t have, it was a momentary glimpse. Then two days later I got a call from another station for more info. It almost seems that there are too many police officers in the cities if they have to respond at full power to every little report, every traffic offence. And look for offences with bloody road blocks in the name of preventing crime. It’s a wonder people don’t feel provoked and get out and punch them then police can get to supply the full taser treatment. What about sending police to the country so the rural crims don’t overwhelm the lone or overworked officers there?
From Martyn Bradbury
“The potential for a Labour-Green-Internet-MANA majority….This will become a game changer if Internet MANA pull the don’t knows to their flag
…..My fear is not that we lose, my fear is that the Left are going to win by accident. Strategists within the Left need to start working on what the first 100 days looks like or else MMP could simply beat National at the ballot box and the Left trip into Government with no clear vision of change other than management.
A Labour-Green-Internet MANA majority is a unique opportunity for genuine progressive change, such opportunities rarely come by and when they do they must be risked.
http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2014/05/30/the-potential-for-a-labour-green-internet-mana-majority/
.
Sorry folks – yes – I do want to get rid of this SHONKEY John Key National /ACT Government, (in fact, I intend to stand against John Key in Helensville to keep the BLOWTORCH on corruption) but my ‘bullshit barometer’ is going through the roof!
Please folks – keep your eyes and minds wide open – and ‘seek truth from FACTS!’
As a politically independent ‘Public Watchdog’ – I will continue to TELL THE TRUTH and BLOW THE WHISTLE.
This doesn’t usually make you popular – but truth is truth and FACTS are FACTS.
Here is my (yet unpublished) comment on Martyn Bradbury’s ‘Daily Blog’:
PENNY BRIGHT says:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
MAY 30, 2014 AT 5:39 PM
I think as the enormity of what has just occurred is slowly starting to sink in, the oxygen for “sell out” by some on the Left has been sucked from the lungs by Laila’s appointment. –
See more at: http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2014/05/30/the-potential-for-a-labour-green-internet-mana-majority/#sthash.ZhSON8zE.4x53LmON.dpuf
Really Martyn?
Have you forgotten the role Laila Harre played in helping to set up the Auckland Supercity, when she was appointed to the ATA (Auckland Transition Agency).
I remember, once upon a time – YOU were supposedly VERY opposed to the corporate takeover of the Auckland region – which Laila Harre helped to implement?
‘Left’?
I don’t think so.
Don’t ask me to have a frontal lobotomy.
PS: The Internet Party supports privatisation via Public-Private-Partnerships (PPPs).
(For which there is now far more scope in Auckland – thanks to the ‘SuperCity’ which Laila Harre helped to set up?)
Do you, Martyn Bradbury support PPPs?
Penny Bright
– See more at: http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2014/05/30/the-potential-for-a-labour-green-internet-mana-majority/#comment-222532
Digital democracy is upon us
Loomio: open-source tools from young New Zealand techies to make the dream of practical, efficient, sexy cooperatives come true
Digital democracy isn’t just coming to govern our countries but also the businesses we work in. We will be able to remove the oligarchy that has taken over.
“Digital democracy” is a PR farce until the security and surveillance state can be wound back and defunded.
Have you ever considered that we may need to do both at the same time?
I hope this hasn’t already been answered but I couldn’t see it.
Question?
Let assume, as it is probable, that Laila Harre is elected to parliment under the InternetMana Party.
This means she is a list MP.
Assuming the parties separate as they have indicated is possible, perhaps likely, it will be the Internet Party with Laila Harre and perhaps a couple more MP’s of this party, yet to be named.
My question, assuming my previous info is correct, is can Laila Harre be removed as an MP from the Internet Party by the membership or the “leadership” of the Internet Party and replaced with someone else?
I asked this as I know Dotcom won’t have any control over Laila but could he be manipulating her and just get rid of her once she has served her purpose?
In what universe are people here to answer your “concerned” questions?
Surely the term is in the agreement in case only one seat is one and no other mps get in
Oops… Won
If only sykes or hone won their seat and the party doesnt get above the party vote threshold, it would be logical for mana to go alone after that.
“My question, assuming my previous info is correct, is can Laila Harre be removed as an MP from the Internet Party by the membership or the “leadership” of the Internet Party and replaced with someone else?”
Not as far as I know. They can kick her out of the party, but they can’t take her seat from her.
Brendan Horan would be a current example – list MP for NZF, got kicked out of NZF, still an MP (independent).
I had thought of the Brendan Horan example but wasn’t sure if waka jumping laws were put in place since then, as I know they had been discussed.
Also would be interesting to know the Internet Party’s constitution in that regard.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/10103862/Pam-Corkery-joins-Internet-Party
“Pam Corkery joins Internet Party”
Wow the moon bats are coming out.
Really shitlands? I could have sworn you’ve been here a while?!?!
Srylands is using the correct pejorative political epithet.
Moonbat refers to progressive or left leaning activists.
The appropriate slur that applies to Srylands is Wingnut
Well I guess the CT manual he reads from has some value, then.
Srylands
I have a soft spot for Corkery myself, but I think that you flatter her overmuch by equating her with George Monbiot!
You Wingnuts will be so disappointed Cunliffe has announced there will be no deals with Mana/The Internet Party post the election. Of course that is for the public’s ears to hear. McCarten will be tasked to do the behind closed doors deal.
Once TIP flush out enough voters to reach 3% look for a twist. You heard it here first Shrillands!
Meanwhile, the latest puerile attack on IMP by the RWNJs is that they’re all old.
Screenshot
lol
Praising with faint damnation…
Roy Morgan update on issues important in the NZ election:
Wait…housing affordability is “most important” for only 5% of voters? Someone is wrong here…
Housing affordability is strangely included as a “Government, Public policy, Human Rights Issue” and not an economic one.
But many might include it as part of the inequality gap.
NZers on ave rate environmental issues as less important for NZ than for the world in general.
There’s often quite a gap between what poll respondents see as the most pressing issues facing New Zealand and the most important issues to them personally. As research by Nigel Roberts/Stephen Levine et al has shown, people (more specifically floating voters are more likely to cast their vote as a result of the latter.
Peter Dunne, ex State Bureaucrat
Russel Norana, Organic Farmer
Pete Sharples, ex University Teacher
Hone Harawira, ex ????
John Key, ex Currency Trader
Davis Cunliffe, ex Business Consultant
Laila Harre, ex Lawyer
Not many voters do these sorts of jobs or know people who do. So of course it takes big money and a big mouth to get those votes. Hone is the mystery man (unemployed or unemployable – who the fuck knows ?).
Thanks for your contribution Mr Off
No worries Tracey.
I forgot Metiria, ex Random Trollop
And Winston, ex Lawyer
They are all part of an upper socio-economic elite and have an interest in keeping a lid on underclass discontent.
Also the ACT guy (forget his name), ex University Philosopher.
David Garrett?
Jeez, may be not.
Are you thinking of,
Donna Awatere Huata?
Tomorrow evening Russel Norman will make a policy announcement, to be on Livestream.
Wait – what time is that in NZ? The count down clock says it’s in
1 day 18 hrs 55m
Sunday afternoon from 13:30.
Thanks, Draco. Good time for most people. Unfortunately for me, I’ll be working and will miss it.
Metiria’s speech and policy announcement 11.15am tomorrow – on livestream.
How’s Jim Mora’s exciting new Panel coming along?
(The news isn’t good, I’m afraid)
The Panel, Radio NZ National, Friday 30 May 2014
Jim Mora, Jane Clifton, Michael Moynahan
Now you may well have thought, as did this writer (i.e., moi), that when Jim Mora was stripped of two and three-quarter hours of his afternoon show, it would be reasonable to have expected a dramatic improvement of the remnant he was allowed to keep, viz., the chat segment The Panel. Surely, we eternal optimists and well-wishers believed, without the strain of having to feign enthusiasm for the ghastly choices on “Best Song Ever Written”, or engage in banter with the likes of Jules Older, or interview moral reprobates like Dame Lesley Max on “Eight Months to Mars”, Jim and his producers, finding themselves blessed with hours of extra time every day, would use that time productively. They would use that extra time to cogitate, to think seriously and creatively about improving that one and a quarter hours of prime time radio. Surely they would come up with an exciting revamp of the program, maybe even ditching the insultingly puerile emphasis on trivia, celebrities and commercial surveys, and even purging some of the more inane regulars.
Surely. After all, according to Radio NZ National’s frequent station promos, The Panel features “leading opinion makers”, who discuss the news and “help to make sense of it all”. That’s a mission statement implying a serious agenda if ever there was one. Surely.
Sadly, however, after a month or so of listening to these “leading opinion makers” helping to “make sense of it all”, I have to conclude that The Panel is actually getting worse.
The obsession with dull, trivial non-stories straight off Google News or Ana Samways’ dismal Herald column continues, as does the never-ending laughter, which ranges from sycophantic (Jeremy Elwood, Michael Moynahan, Tim Watkin) to menacing (Graham Bell, David Farrar, Chris Trotter) to utterly vacuous (Dita Di Boni, Lisa Scott). The introductions—to guests who have been on regularly—continue to be painfully drawn out and boring. Today, Michael Moynahan carried on about how wonderful his recent holiday in Bora Bora was, and Jane Clifton burbled about the foibles of cats. Mora tried to show he was interested, in his usual fashion.
Another thing that has not changed is the blatant bias toward the National-led government, and a steady ridiculing of “left” or liberal parties. This was illustrated clearly in the treatment of the first topic up for discussion today—-the appointment of Laila Harré to the leadership of the Internet Party. Far from engaging in any attempt at serious analysis of the appointment, Mora and Clifton immediately began to repeat the Government’s mantra that the Mana-Internet alliance is “bizarre” and “cynical”. Clifton claimed that Mana-Internet has nothing of substance to offer young voters. Michael Moynahan did not seem to have thought about the issues at all—not even for even a few minutes—but that didn’t prevent him from hooting his approval. At no time during today’s program was there any warning or disclaimer given about Jane Clifton’s political allegiance: not only is she a snide, continual denigrator of Labour and Green policies and politicians, she is the de facto wife of Government minister Murray McCully. In fact, this is rarely, if ever, mentioned when Clifton makes her frequent guest appearances on this show.
Next up was a brief interview with Professor Paul Spoonley about immigration. After mentioning that he was actually in London when the 7/7 bombings occurred—“it was really terrifying”—Spoonley managed to repeat the standard line that the young men who carried out the attacks did so for economic reasons. They were “angry” and “alienated” because they lived in ethnic enclaves. Spoonley knows it is just not acceptable to mention the fact that the bombings in London were a response—however murderous and wrong-headed—to Great Britain’s participation in the bombing, shooting, torture and mayhem in Iraq and Afghanistan. Spoonley knows better than to mention that the bombings were a political act, that they didn’t just come out of nothing. We saw the same careful avoidance of the issue last year, when two young men of Nigerian descent killed Lee Rigby on a Woolwich street.
To compound Spoonley’s lack of integrity, Mora wheeled out one of the nastier right wing saws. “Immigration in the U.K. has been holus-bolus, hasn’t it,” he said, with the faux-sincere, faux-serious tone of a UKIP candidate.
After the 4:30 news comes the “Soapbox” segment. This is an opportunity for the guests to deliver a prepared speech on anything they like. One would have thought the guests would make the most of this chance by preparing something interesting….
MORA: Jane, what’s been on your mind?
JANE CLIFTON: Well, I need to know this: why is it still impossible to get pantyhose that won’t ladder?
MICHAEL MOYNAHAN: Ah, hyah, hyah, hyah, hyah, hyah!
JANE CLIFTON: We’ve got really tough fibers for industry, but not for pantyhose. It just seems crazy!
MORA: The ones that are as thick as horse blankets: are they called “leggings”?
JANE CLIFTON: They’re called, diplomatically, “opaques”.
MICHAEL MOYNAHAN: Hyah, hyah, hyah, hyah, hyah! [Snort]
A little later…..
MORA: Our next topic is the so-called “obesity epidemic”. Waikato Hospital will ban sugary snacks and drinks from its vending machines. Any comments on this?
JANE CLIFTON: Yeah, there’s a real fad in being down on sugar…. Again it’s a little bit like banning smoking in the park. It’s just a little bit overweening. It just strikes me as a little bit faddy.
MORA: Michael?
MICHAEL MOYNAHAN: Yeah, I guess what I think is there’s actually an insidiousness with packaged foods.
MORA: According to this survey, British women are the fattest in Europe.
JANE CLIFTON: [Snorting] Ha!….
MORA: “Overweight” and “obese”. This is a bit of a weasel category isn’t it?
JANE CLIFTON:They’re overstated their case. I’m just inclined to discount everything they say now. We’ve been lied to, bullshitted.
…et cetera, ad nauseam…..
I’ve missed your frequent updates on the Panel Morrissey. But one small(?) error. Unless there has been a very recent reunion, the McCully/Clifton relationship ended up on the rocks a long time ago. My understanding is it’s the Mallard/Clifton coupling now – although I might also be out of date on that one.
There was a brief refreshing difference yesterday. During the introductions Joe Bennett informed us “he’s done nothing” recently. However he was expected to talk about “something” so he spent 5 minutes regaling listeners with the joys of chopping firewood. I enjoyed every moment of it.
Thanks for the update, Anne. I have to update my secret files, and hire better agents. I heard the Joe Bennett paean to chopping firewood too, and I enjoyed it.