A glorious waste of money for the titillation of perverts
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- Date published:
9:28 am, February 8th, 2014 - 70 comments
Categories: auckland supercity, len brown, local government -
Tags: accounting, Bevan Chuang, Cameron Brewer, cameron slater, Denise Krum, Dick Quax, john palino, jonolists, Linda Cooper, perverts, Sharon Stewart, SkyCity
The fiasco of the wet dick and the perverts shuddered to a conclusion yesterday with the direct bill of around $250,000 for the cost of the council ordered external audit of the Mayor during his stupid affair with Bevan Chuang.
The question now has to be why in the hell this massively expensive and apparently unconstrained external audit was ordered on behalf of the council presumably for the councillors when there was no evidence of any corrupt wrong-doing? Surely the process the council should have followed should have been to see if there had been a suspicion of any issues in the mayoral office using their own resources first. They should have done it in any case to figure out the scope of the audit. How many emails, phone calls, txts, and financial transactions. All things required for constraining cost blowouts.
But it just looks like some perverts in council authorised wasting a pile of ratepayers money for the titillation of the media and their own political pleasuring. The only apparent constraint on what Ernest & Young looked at was a time limit. Instead of concentrating on what they were asked to do, looking at the use of council resources during the affair and if the Mayor had used undue influence on behalf of his lover – they branched out into looking at the wife’s finances.
Despite the vindictive posturing by the campaign members of the losing challenger John Palino who leaked the information through their campaign managers son (Cameron Slater) and the mayors opponents on the council. This audit revealed nothing of any particular interest to Auckland taxpayers. Of course this didn’t stop the perverts because it turned out that some hotel rooms paid for out of their own money by the mayor’s wife and mayor had been upgraded and some free rooms given.
Somehow the auditors Ernest & Young managed to include these upgrades by hotels to a customer as being a cost to the council? Ridiculous. It is a common practice by the whole hotel industry to upgrade rooms. Where the rooms aren’t already booked then the cost is cheap for the hotel as it consists largely of a better grade of soap. Hotels will commonly automatically do this for good customers like the mayors wife Shan Inglis to retain them. See my previous post “Skycity: they’re toxic“.
There was no cost to the council in any of these transactions. Len Brown, like councillors Cameron Brewer, Dick Quax and most likely others should pay a lot more attention to declaring gifts received in their private lives. But that is so that the ratepayers can see what kinds of organisations are trying to influence them.
Len Brown was completely correct when he pointed out on the release of the hugely expensive auditors report…
An inquiry into Auckland Mayor Len Brown’s affair with Bevan Chuang went into detail he never expected and may have gone too far, Brown says.
“It’s become clear I don’t have a private life at all … and that’s difficult to come to terms with,” he said.
A review of the affair and whether Brown used council resources to fund it, or if he used his position to Chuang’s advantage, was released today.
It found that while Brown had received free hotel suites and upgrades valued at more than $40,000, he did not abuse his role or use ratepayer money inappropriately.
A largely unrepentant Brown told Fairfax Media he and his wife, Shan Inglis, had laid everything on the table for the auditors – including their personal expenditure records – something that had not been expected.
“It was well outside what was originally intended. We didn’t think it would have gone into that type of detail,” Brown said.
The report was supposed to have been about Chuang – the two questions around resources and influence, he said.
“And it came back with a big fat no to both. Not a dollar of taxpayer money was used at all. It was all about our personal expenditure.”
Brown said the issue was mainly one of process – he should have been more careful and got better advice on whether accepting free rooms and upgrades were over $300, the cap on the council’s interest register.
Indeed…
As a ratepayer, I’m quite irritated that Len Brown was taking free rooms from SkyCity at the same time that he was also working with them on the proposed white elephant conference centre. This was to be paid for by further bilking addicted gamblers. That is an incredible cost to Auckland over the long term to get something of little value. Knowing that the same organisation to benefit from this could have been also trying to influence the process with gifts is why the gift register was set up.
But quite how this got into the expensive frame of reference for the auditors is a question that ratepayers need to ask of the councillors. From an outside view of it especially the jump from the estimated bill of about $100,000 to the final bill of about $250,000, it appears that the audit wasn’t properly scoped by the council.
Somehow despite being cleared of the waste of council resources and funds or using undue influence on behalf of Bevan Chuang. The council has now got Len Brown to cough up $40,000 of his own money to an enquiry that he didn’t order and which showed him not to be at fault. That in itself really shows what this is really about. Pure dirty politics.
It reeks of the type of perverted dirty machine politics that shouldn’t be allowed in NZ. It started with a New Jersey style political campaign hooking up with the demented end of the local blogosphere Cameron Slater, hooked into the media hysterics like Patrick Gower and the other jonolists of the TV3 team, and petered out in a fiasco.
Curiously I suspect that it has actually enhanced Len Brown’s political chances in the next local body election. Who else would want to get into a political campaign where this type of perversion of the political process is the norm? I suspect we can expect only the dumpster diving perverts who conceal their foul nature behind a facade of respectability.
Perhaps this is why councillor Dick Quax, a vocal opponent of the mayor, sounded like a complete dork on Checkpoint yesterday.
[audio:http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/ckpt/ckpt-20140207-1718-auckland_councillor_dick_quax_discusses_mayors_contribution-048.mp3]I’m going to be fascinated by what the other opponents of the mayor say over the next few days. I tend to agree with The Irascible Curmudgeon about where the real questions lie.
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- Release: Minister of Education thinks New Zealand ends at the Bombay Hills
The Minister of Education has shown complete disregard for rural communities and their school bus routes in Question Time today. ...2 days ago
- Economists sound alarm on Government’s slash-and-burn approach
A group of prominent economists has released an open letter to the Government, raising grave concerns about the far-reaching consequences of its fiscal policy. ...2 days ago
- Release: Smoking numbers up under Costello’s watch
National’s repeal of Labour’s smokefree legislation has taken New Zealand further away from achieving a Smokefree 2025 and a smokefree generation. ...2 days ago
- Release: Call for Palestine recognition by NZ, Australian and Canadian MPs
Parliamentarians from Australia, Canada and New Zealand have written an open letter to their respective Prime Ministers calling on them to recognise Palestine. ...2 days ago
- Justice Select Committee opens floor for Treaty Principles submissions
Today, the Justice Select Committee has decided to officially open submissions for the controversial Treaty Principles Bill. ...3 days ago
- Power of the people on full display as hīkoi approaches Parliament
Today, Hīkoi mō te Tiriti arrived in Wellington, with thousands gathering to march in unity against the divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...3 days ago
- Hypocrisy as Te Whatu Ora contractor bill balloons
Te Whatu Ora’s bill for contracting and consulting staff has ballooned by nearly 20 percent under the National Government, breaking a promise they made during the election campaign to cut contractors. ...4 days ago
- Release: Growing pressure to scrap Section 7AA Repeal Bill
The newly released Section 7AA Repeal Bill's select committee report is further evidence that the Government should scrap it. ...5 days ago
- Government’s move to monetise access to nature a slippery slope
The Green Party is voicing serious concerns over the Government’s proposal to charge for access to public conservation land, released today. ...7 days ago
- Green Party condemns the passage of Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party condemns the passing of the Treaty Principles Bill at first reading, and is clear that the fight is not over. ...1 week ago
- Stand Up for Te Tiriti
Te Tiriti o Waitangi is our country’s founding document. It forms the basis of the relationship between Māori and the Crown – and the Aotearoa New Zealand we live in today. ...1 week ago
- Release: Over 15,000 sign Labour’s open letter to Luxon
As the hīkoi to Parliament continues, Labour has sent an open letter to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in a last-ditch attempt to get him to kill the Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Fast Track Bill threatens environment, climate and reputation
The fast-track legislation passing its second reading in Parliament is another step towards environmental ruin. ...1 week ago
- Greens join King’s Counsel in calling for Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned
The Prime Minister must answer the call from a group of senior lawyers of the King’s Counsel to abandon the divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Chris Hipkins’ apology statement to state and faith-based care survivors
...1 week ago
- Release: Labour formally apologises to state and faith-based care survivors
Labour joins with the Government in unreservedly apologising for the abuse, neglect and trauma including torture in state and faith-based care and for ignoring the voices of survivors for too long. ...1 week ago
- Green Party stands in support of survivors of abuse in care
Today, the Green Party stands alongside the survivors of abuse in state care and faith-based care as the Government issues an historic apology. ...1 week ago
- Green Party calls for conscience vote on Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party has written to the Speaker of the House requesting he enable a personal vote on the Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt move to exclude journalist risks chilling effect
The Green Party is alarmed by the Government’s move to exclude a journalist from covering this week’s apology for the survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care. ...2 weeks ago
- Without action, an apology will be empty air
For tomorrow’s apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care to hold any water, the Government must not pursue the same policies that drove the abuse in the first place. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Concerns remain over tobacco interference
Concerns about the tobacco industry’s ability to interfere in government policy making remain, despite the inability of the Office of the Auditor-General to investigate the Government’s decision to halve the excise tax on heated tobacco products. ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent wake-up call on climate
The Climate Change Commission’s latest advice indicates Aotearoa needs to be stepping up on climate action. ...2 weeks ago
- Green MP’s Meme-ber’s Bill set to save the world
Break out the punchlines and dust off your meme folder: Green Party MP Kahurangi Carter’s Copyright (Parody and Satire) Amendment Bill was pulled from the Ballot yesterday. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Poroporoaki: Ta Robert (Bom) Gillies
Kua hinga te manawa kairākau o Te Rua Tekau Ma Waru Tiwhatiwha te po! Kakarauru i te po! Ka rapuhia kei hea koe kua riro! Haere e te Ika a Whiro ki o tini hoa kua ngaro atu ki te Pō ...2 weeks ago
- Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principles Bill
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principle...
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ must pursue independent foreign policy
The Green Party says the need is greater than ever for Aotearoa New Zealand to pursue an independent foreign policy. ...2 weeks ago
- Government action provides Southland farmers more time to meet plan requirements
The Government is taking action to ensure Southland farmers and growers are not affected by unreasonable regional farm plan deadlines, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard say.“Cabinet has agreed to provide more time for farmers and growers to comply with regional rules ...17 hours ago - Bill reaffirms Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending
The Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Bill had its first reading at Parliament today. The Bill reaffirms the Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says. “In recent years we have seen an unacceptable spike in youth offending. “This Bill makes ...18 hours ago
- Critical milestones for earthquake buildings review
Fairer, more sensible rules about managing earthquake risks are a step closer with the passing of legislation and the appointment of an independent chair to provide expert advice, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The Government is committed to reinvigorating our cities and regions to support economic growth, ...18 hours ago
- State of the art radiology machine for Auckland
People in Northland and Auckland will benefit from a new machine for cancer treatment installed at the Regional Cancer and Blood Service at Auckland City Hospital. The MV5 linear accelerator, or LINAC machine, officially opened today targets cancer tumours with pinpoint accuracy. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says this new, ...18 hours ago
- Foreign Minister to visit Europe
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Europe for high-level talks with France, Germany and the United Kingdom next week. "Since taking office almost a year ago, the Coalition Government has emphasised the importance we place on New Zealand's traditional and likeminded diplomatic and ...19 hours ago
- First arrests made under gang patch ban
Police have made their first arrests under the new gang patch legislation, with two gang members arrested, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Just before 11 this morning, Police in Wairoa apprehended a gang member for wearing a patch to the supermarket. He has been arrested and will now face enforcement ...20 hours ago
- Better support for victims of sexual violence
The Government is proposing two major changes to name suppression laws that will put the views of victims of sexual violence first, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “We are committed to restoring law and order and these two proposed changes will help ensure the victims of crime are put at ...21 hours ago
- Government moving forward with Regional Deals
Cabinet has agreed to invite all regions to submit proposals for Regional Deals between central and local government that drive economic growth and deliver the infrastructure our country needs, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say. Inviting all regions to propose a Regional Deal that boosts ...21 hours ago
- MSA pilot participant update
One of the ten young men selected to participate in the Military-Style Academy Pilot has allegedly reoffended. Children’s Minister Karen Chhour is disappointed but says it would be naïve to think that none of these young men would reoffend. “I’m saddened that this young person has not taken this opportunity ...22 hours ago
- Fighting for Kiwis in Trade
Delivered at Auckland Trade and Economic Policy School Good morning and thank you Deputy Vice Chancellor Lithander for your warm welcome and for inviting me to open Auckland Trade and Economic Policy School today. A Special thanks to the University of Auckland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and ...23 hours ago
- Attendance rates increase, again
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that school attendance is continuing to rise. In Term 3 of 2024 51.3 per cent of students attended school regularly, an increase of 5.3 percentage points from 46 per cent in Term 3 of 2023. “This Government has prioritised student attendance and it is ...24 hours ago
- Improving the lives of young New Zealanders
Ensuring New Zealand is the best place in the world for children and young people is the vision at the heart of the Government’s new Child and Youth Strategy, Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says. “Childhood represents a huge opportunity to set people on a positive path towards living ...1 day ago
- Government continues work to reinstate livestock exports by sea
The Government is reinstating the trade of livestock exports by sea while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, says Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard.“The Government will introduce legislation changes to reinstate the trade, enhance oversight, and strengthen requirements for exporters to identify risks and manage the welfare of ...2 days ago
- Speech to the National Quality Forum 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa – it is a pleasure to be here today. I would like to begin by acknowledging the important leadership role you all play in ensuring a quality health system New Zealanders can trust. There is enormous clinical expertise in this room covering a wide range of disciplines. ...2 days ago
- New Zealand’s COP29 National Statement
Tēnā koutou katoa. Mr President, Excellencies, Delegates. New Zealand, and all nations represented here today, are already dealing with the impacts of climate change. Our households, businesses, and economies are bearing the costs of its effects. The choices we make now will shape the severity of these impacts for generations ...2 days ago
- Latest Quarterly Investment Report released
The Government has released its second Quarterly Investment Report (QIR) which shows substantial work still to be done by agencies to improve investment reporting and meet the Government’s expectations, Infrastructure and Acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “New Zealand has significant infrastructure and investment needs. The Government is determined to get ...2 days ago
- New Zealand supporting loss and damage fund
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced New Zealand will contribute NZ$10 million to the new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage while at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. “New Zealand is joining the global effort to address the significant challenge of responding to ...2 days ago
- Gang crackdown begins at stroke of midnight
The free ride for gangs is over when the clock strikes midnight tonight, with tough new laws officially coming into effect, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say. “Gang patches will no longer be able to be worn in public. To earn the right to wear a ...2 days ago
- LGFA increases borrowing capacity to support high growth councils
The Government is welcoming the decision by the Local Government Funding Agency to increase access to financing tools for fast growing councils to support greater investment in critical infrastructure, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says.“Communities across the country are facing an infrastructure deficit and significant population growth is projected in ...2 days ago
- Temporary Traffic Management costs revealed
The Government has revealed that over the past three years, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has spent an eyewatering $786 million of taxpayers’ money on road cones and temporary traffic management (TTM), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“When I became Minister, I was surprised to learn that that NZTA did ...2 days ago
- Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunal to double
Legislation that will double the financial jurisdiction of the Disputes Tribunal from $30,000 to $60,000 has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. “We need to improve court timeliness and access to justice so that Kiwis and get on with their lives. Court delays affect everyone, the ...3 days ago
- Protecting New Zealand from foreign interference
Legislation that will specifically criminalise foreign interference and strengthen espionage offences has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “It is normal and appropriate for states to interact and work to influence one another. This encourages cooperation and can have mutually beneficial outcomes. “However, the reality ...3 days ago
- Significant milestone for Canterbury Road of National Significance
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed news that the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has approved funding towards pre-implementation and early works on the State Highway 1 (SH1) Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass Road of National Significance (RoNS). “Reaching this significant milestone is a reflection of our Government’s ...3 days ago
- Health survey results to help drive change
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says findings from the annual Health Survey highlight the need to continue driving better health outcomes for New Zealanders. The New Zealand Health Survey is an annual snapshot of key metrics measured from July 2023 – July 2024. Findings released this morning include: In 2023/24, ...3 days ago
- Final push needed to get to Smokefree 2025
A renewed effort to get people to quit smoking will build on what has worked to date and target the groups who most need support, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said today. “The latest New Zealand Health Survey results show the daily smoking rate at 6.9 per cent and we ...3 days ago
- New diplomatic appointments
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced four new diplomatic appointments. “Our diplomats play an important role in ensuring New Zealand’s interests are maintained and enhanced across the world,” Mr Peters says. “It is a pleasure to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign ...3 days ago
- Next steps for Regulatory Standards Bill
Regulation Minister David Seymour has today announced the next steps in the Government’s plan improve the quality of regulation by opening consultation on a proposed Regulatory Standards Bill. “New Zealand's low wages can be blamed on low productivity, and low productivity can be blamed on poor regulation,” says Mr Seymour. ...3 days ago
- Red Tape Tipline goes live
Minister for Regulation David Seymour has today announced that the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline is now live. “We want to hear about your red tape horror stories. From today, New Zealanders will have a say on how they are regulated through an online portal,” says Mr Seymour. The ...3 days ago
- Youth Parliament 2025 announced
The Minister for Youth Matt Doocey has today announced the eleventh Youth Parliament will be taking place in 2025. “Youth Parliament offers a unique youth development opportunity to young people from across New Zealand to experience the political process and learn about how government works,” says Mr Doocey. “The two-day ...4 days ago
- Police stats show promising change
After nearly a year in Government, Kiwis have seen significant change across law and order with promising early results shown across some Police statistics, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “In August 2023, I told New Zealanders that if they had not started to see a change in public safety within ...4 days ago
- Better coordination of anti-scam efforts
With the launch of Fraud Awareness Week, the Government is committing to new coordination efforts across industry and government to combat online scams, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Online financial scams are a growing problem for New Zealand. New data released today shows that Kiwis lost nearly ...4 days ago
- Minister to consider 7AA select committee report
Minister for Children Karen Chhour will consider the recommendations made by the Social Services and Community Committee in its report back to Parliament on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill. “I want to thank the people who made submissions and those who appeared before the committee in ...4 days ago
- Defence Minister to attend ASEAN meeting
Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Vientiane, Laos. “We need to take every opportunity to engage with our international partners, given the increasingly unstable geo-political situation,” Ms Collins says. “New Zealand has a long-standing commitment to this ...4 days ago
- Launching the White Ribbon Ride
The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Karen Chhour, was on hand to wish riders well at the start of the North Island leg of the White Ribbon Ride in Whakatāne this morning. The ride helps mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ...5 days ago
- Construction to begin on next stage of Papakura to Drury
Construction on the next stage of the SH1 Papakura to Drury project will begin early next month, with the contract for works awarded to Fulton Hogan, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. "SH1 Papakura to Drury is a key project that will drive economic growth and productivity, reduce congestion, and enable people ...6 days ago
- NZ signs trade deal with Costa Rica, Iceland and Switzerland
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has signed a pioneering trade agreement that prioritises New Zealand’s sustainable exports at a ceremony during APEC in Peru today. “The Agreement on Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS), between Costa Rica, Iceland, and Switzerland was concluded in July of this year and opens up significant ...6 days ago
- Government and iwi work together on aquaculture
Five new Aquaculture Settlement Areas will help ensure Ngāi Tahu shares in the opportunities aquaculture offers for Southland’s economy, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The Aquaculture Settlement Areas (ASAs) I’m announcing today set aside space so the Crown and Ngāi Tahu can assess their potential for aquaculture development. ...7 days ago
- Government launches review to ensure electricity market is fit-for-purpose
The terms of reference for a review of the performance of the electricity market have been released. The review, initiated by the Coalition Government during the power crisis in winter will look at whether current regulations and market design support economic growth and access to reliable and affordable electricity, Energy Minister ...7 days ago
- Speech to Social Investment Hui: Jack and his whānau need our help
Kia ora koutou katoa. Nau mai, haere mai, piki mai. Ki te mihi atu ahau, ki te manwhenua nei, Te Atiawa, Ngāti toa rangatira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you, Andy, for your introduction. Let me acknowledge you as the new Chief Executive of the Social Investment ...1 week ago
- Minister of State for Trade heads to Brisbane for PACER Plus meeting
Minister of State for Trade Nicola Grigg has travelled to Australia to attend the PACER Plus Ministers Meeting in Brisbane. “Trade plays a critical role in driving employment, economic growth, and improving the standards of living in the Pacific Region. The Government is strongly committed to supporting Pacific Island countries ...1 week ago
- RNA editing is the next frontier in gene therapy – here’s what you need to know
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Flora Hui, Research Fellow, Centre for Eye Research Australia and Honorary Fellow, Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), The University of Melbourne IoanaB/Shutterstock The United States Food and Drug Administration has just approved the first-ever clinical trial that uses CRISPR-Cas13 RNA editing. Its ...1 hour ago - Yes, you still need to use sunscreen, despite what you’ve heard on TikTok
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katie Lee, PhD Candidate, Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Karolina Grabowska/Pexels Summer is nearly here. But rather than getting out the sunscreen, some TikTokers are urging followers to chuck it out and go sunscreen-free. They claim it’s healthier ...1 hour ago
- Humans are killing off the old and wise animals that hold nature together. Here’s what must change
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Keller Kopf, Senior Lecturer in Ecology, Charles Darwin University Laxmikant Ameenagad, Shutterstock In humans and other animals, ageing is generally associated with a decline in biological function. But scientists are now discovering older animals perform vital roles in populations and ecosystems. ...1 hour ago
- A man scouring Google Earth found a mysterious scar in the Australian outback – and now scientists...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matej Lipar, Adjunct Research Fellow, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University Author provided/Google Earth Earlier this year, a caver was poring over satellite images of the Nullarbor Plain when he came across something unexpected: an enormous, mysterious scar etched ...1 hour ago
- Design as a movement: how First Nations people take ownership of their cultural stories through fash...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Treena Clark, Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellow, Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building, University of Technology Sydney Once located 250 metres to the east of the Art Gallery of South Australia, the grand beaux-arts style Jubilee Exhibition Building was constructed to house the ...1 hour ago
- ‘We need more doctors’ – Support for new Waikato medical school
The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists says a third medical school and more students in Auckland and Otago are both needed. ...2 hours ago - Cricket balls can concuss and even kill batters – at all levels, helmet use must be taken seriousl...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Annette Greenhow, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, Bond University Linda George/Shutterstock The ten-year anniversary of the death of much-loved Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes falls on November 27. The 25-year-old’s life was tragically cut short in 2014 when a bouncer ...2 hours ago
- Hold the roosters, no economic dawn yet
Treasury likely to downgrade economic forecast while Chris Bishop says the government won’t be ‘a slave to a surplus’, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Recession will be deeper and last longer — Treasury At a recent Spinoff ...2 hours ago - Knowing superstitions aren’t real doesn’t stop us behaving superstitiously – why?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Gomes-Ng, Senior Lecturer of Psychology, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images Former New Zealand prime minister John Key has three white rabbits painted on his helicopter, a nod to his “massively superstitious” habit of repeating “white rabbits” three times at ...3 hours ago
- Government slammed for pushing ahead with boot camps while trial still under way
The coalition has "absolutely no intention of listening to the evidence that comes out of their experiment", Labour MP says. ...4 hours ago
- Smoke and mirrors in tobacco debate
Labour claims Government is ‘cherry-picking’ smoking trends data to hide decade-first increase in daily smokers The post Smoke and mirrors in tobacco debate appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago - Smoke and mirrors in heated tobacco debate
Labour claims Government is ‘cherry-picking’ smoking trends data to hide decade-first increase in daily smokers The post Smoke and mirrors in heated tobacco debate appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago
- Treasury bangs the drum on ‘unsustainable’ superannuation
The Government’s economic adviser is sending a message it doesn’t want to hear – superannuation is increasingly unaffordable The post Treasury bangs the drum on ‘unsustainable’ superannuation appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago
- Victims of sex offending welcome shift on name suppression laws
A man abused by a former political figure is "immensely relieved" at a government proposal to end secrecy around sex offenders' identities. ...5 hours ago
- This week three parties stood together – can they withstand the storm to come?
There is plenty yet to play out, but the next election is at this rate shaping up as trio versus trio, writes Toby Manhire. A subplot of this week’s historic hīkoi mō te Tiriti has been the sight of the three opposition parties presenting a unified front. Te Pāti Māori ...5 hours ago
- All 33 malls in Auckland ranked from worst to best
From the low lows of abandon empires to the high highs of a mall done just right. This is the second in the Malls of New Zealand series, where we rank the malls in major centres. Next week: Wellington. A note from the editor: This is the hardest ranking we’ve ...5 hours ago
- The cost of being: A clothes-mad 20-something who walks everywhere
As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a 27-year-old apartment-dwelling marketing exec explains her approach to spending and saving. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here. Gender: Female. Age: 27. Ethnicity: Pākehā. Role: Marketing exec at ...5 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 22 November
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- Daily crossword, Friday 22 November
The post Daily crossword, Friday 22 November appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago
- China likely to strengthen regional relationships in response to another Trump term
Opinion: Recent discussions in Shanghai provide some insight into what’s likely to be on the table The post China likely to strengthen regional relationships in response to another Trump term appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago
- Nuclear winters know no borders
Opinion: The immediate horror of nuclear weapon explosions – the blinding flash, crushing blast wave, and radioactive inferno – is well documented.But what nuclear-armed nations either don’t grasp or won’t admit, is far more chilling: how their weapons could devastate even countries thousands of kilometres from any mushroom clouds.The collapse ...5 hours ago
- This week’s bestselling books – November 22
FICTION1 Kāwai: Tree of Nourishment by Monty Soutar (David Bateman, $39.99)Sample dialogue, all from one chapter:“That can’t be,” replied Taona doubtfully.“You were right. The pā is unnervingly quiet,” Taona murmured.“The Hākuwai,” Motukia breathed. “Our grandfathers told us they rarely saw the Hākuwai in daylight,” Motukia muttered.“Their fight would have been futile ...5 hours ago
- Burma the flying elephant
After about two and a half years of planning and waiting, New Zealand’s last elephant has moved to her new home at Monarto Safari Park in South Australia.Burma and her “human herd”, that is, her keepers, arrived last week, and she’s settling in well, according to Auckland Zoo’s Andrew Coers.“Something ...5 hours ago
- NZ’s membership of Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance in jeopardy
Senior ministers in the coalition suggested NZ’s membership will be re-evaluated if it restarts offshore oil and gas drilling The post NZ’s membership of Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance in jeopardy appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago
- Raw Politics: Six months in a leaky Bill
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon did not meet the Treaty Principles Bill hikoi crowd, sees “nothing” of merit in the Act-proposed law but the Parliament his Government dominates will spend six months debating a “divisive” measure.That’s because he has accepted there needs to be “aeration” of people’s views on the Treaty, ...5 hours ago
- Taken to the brink, Govt is now close to selling big Whakapapa ski field
Bidder Whakapapa Holdings walked away from the sales process last year, but says it’s now ‘95% there’ on a purchase agreement – so who blinked first? The post Taken to the brink, Govt is now close to selling big Whakapapa ski field appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago
- Watts nears a landmark deal on global carbon trading
A framework for global carbon trading under the Paris Agreement is finally nearing completion at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan after years of halting talks.Climate Change Minister Simon Watts is one of two ministers tasked by the COP29 hosts with landing a long-sought deal on Article 6 of the climate accord, ...5 hours ago
- Grattan on Friday: Marles plays a defensive bat on nuclear as the government rushes to get though la...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Richard Marles is an ambitious man who hasn’t given up the dream of one day reaching the top job. But, despite being deputy prime minister, his profile is much lower than that of Treasurer Jim ...10 hours ago
- Fears Māori will pay heaviest price if police carry guns
"Overwhelmingly, those people who die will be young Māori men," the spokesperson for People Against Prisons Aotearoa says. ...12 hours ago
- NEW POLL: Kiwis Overwhelmingly Support MPs’ Expenses Transparency Law Change
62% of respondents support the extension of the OIA to cover MPs’ spending, compared to just 13% opposed and 24% were unsure. ...12 hours ago - The House: Meanwhile, a week of passing law
The political week has been packed with worthy distractions, but all week Parliament has focused on passing new laws. Here are the highlights. ...13 hours ago
- The biggest difference between Hīkoi mō te Tiriti and past hīkoi: More support from non-Māori
Analysis - The diversity of voices during the hīkoi was noticeable - from tangata moana to young immigrants to elderly Pākehā from the South Island. ...13 hours ago
- The House: Samoan citizenship restoration – ‘It means we belong to this land’
When the bill to restore NZ citizenship to some Samoans passed this week, Parliament's galleries were full to the brim with members of the community. ...14 hours ago
- More Delays In Action On Use Of Puberty Blockers With Children
Women’s Rights Party Co-leader Jill Ovens says the Ministry has put New Zealand children at risk by continuing to allow “off-label” prescribing of puberty blockers at far higher rates than other similar countries. ...15 hours ago
- Police Minister adamant he wasn’t aware of gang members training at gun clubs
That is despite two papers from police that raised the matter with him. ...16 hours ago
- Shorten declares himself ‘a proud moderate’, saying Australians ‘in the middle’ shouldn’t ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Bill Shorten has declared himself “a proud moderate” in a valedictory speech declaring parliament has the responsibility to ensure the extremes of left and right do not set the terms of political debate. Shorten, ...16 hours ago
- New ‘best practice’ principles for superannuation products are coming. We asked a panel of exper...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matt Garrow, Editorial Web Developer Studio Romantic/Shutterstock We all know how important it is to save enough money for retirement – but what about spending it wisely when we get there? Even for those who have built up a suitable ...16 hours ago
- Government accused of betraying Kiwis’ trust over lack of consultation on live exports
The government has always vowed to reinstate live exports by sea, which was banned by the previous Labour government. ...16 hours ago
- 7 things you can do if you think you sweat too much
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Freeman, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Bond University ERIK Miheyeu/Shutterstock Sweating is our body’s way of cooling down, a bit like an internal air conditioner. When our core temperature rises (because it’s hot outside, or you’re exercising), sweat glands all ...17 hours ago
- Phenergan for under 6s is now banned due to hallucination fears. Here’s what to use instead
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nial Wheate, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Macquarie University Australia’s drug regulator has issued a safety warning over the medicine Phenergan and related products containing the antihistamine drug promethazine. The Therapeutic Goods Administration said the over-the-counter products should not be given to children ...17 hours ago
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Making Len contribute is horrendous because :
-he was effectively cleared
-poorer people will hesitate to run for public offcie if they have to pay when they are in the right if they get involved in something like this.
-enquries into things to protect the public purse (think Rodney Hide) are a cost borne by taxpayers to keep the system honest.
I posted this back on the 15th of Jan but don’t know how to link it. It appears to be the CEO who went off the ranch doubtless encouraged by some councillors? but there doesn’t seem to be any ratification of the spend. Fix this up if you like. and I was spot on the final bill- pats own back!
“- last meeting of old council 26 September 2013
– local body election day 12th October 2013
-Inquiry announced on 21 October 2013 by the CEO
-Inaugural meeting of the new Council 29 October 2013
Nothing that I can find in the minutes of the governing body from 29 October refers to any authorising of the inquiry. Nothing in the inquiry terms of reference refers to the council authorising it.
The CEO probably has some powers over the transition period but he still has to follow the rules. (Otherwise he could give a contract to his mates to build a new harbour bridge). See Penny below
Was he ever entitled to spend the funds?
Can a CEO in this position hands out a “job for the boys” no tender etc?
Why did he usurp the incoming council on this matter?
Why did the terms of reference include finding the security guard – there is no financial issue for the ratepayers there, that was just purient.
Yes it will be more than $100,000 probably closer to $250,000 for a question mark over a couple of hundred dollars. That’s just waste.
If I was a ratepayer I’d be looking for some personal liabilty from the CEO.”
[lprent: Right click on the date of the comment, and copy the link. Added ]
Ultimately as a ratepayer I cough up money to the council and I expect the councillors to make sure it is spent wisely.
The CEO may have ordered the enquiry with no apparent bounds. However he is not directly responsible to me. The Councillors are.
I agree -if any CEO does this on his own account Coucillors should be asking why. A complaint to the Auditor general if such a thing is possible. And if I was an Auckland ratepayer I would be frothing at the mouth.
$250,000, Ouch! thats a knee trembler of a bill for ratepayers, particularly given the enquiry outcome (nice little earner for corporate snoopers and nitpickers Ernst & Young).
what it signifies is the emergence of creep politics and right wing sleazeballs who believe that like bill o’reilly in america that they are bigger than the actual winners of the elections because they have god on their side. They are nutcases with immense guilt complexes who want to ensnare everyone else in their own psychodrama.
Its pretty ugly to have all this evil in the name of Jesus.
Didn’t that Quax fellow stand for Mayor? Amazing that anyone other than his Mum would vote for him. What an interview!
I don’t understand why the Mayor should pay for the investigation. If I was accused of a crime would the Police be able to send me a bill when it was found that there was no evidence of my wrong doing? If so, the Police would be on to a great money making venture which would far outclass radar income! They could cover the Nz National debt in no time.
Many defendants plead guilty to charges laid by the police because they can’t afford to defend them. Others go broke proving their innocence, even though this is supposedly not required. The situation that you describe does effectively exist, but it’s lawyers who send the bill, not the coppers. NAct cutbacks on legal aid have made the situation worse.
The ‘F***ed in the Head Five’ should have to front up financially. $20 000 from each seems pretty reasonable when someone who cost the ratepayers nothing for his rush of blood to a lower region has to front up with $40 000. It may remind Quax and Co. that ratepayers are not liable for their perverted principles. The CEO should also have to front up with the $150 000 cost over-run caused by his incompetence. Stephen Town’s effort spectacularly proved the lie to the peanuts/monkeys mantra.
Last night, on the Paul Henry show, Metro editor Simon Wilson questioned why didn’t the Auckland City Council get the Auditor General’s Office to do the investigation.
A – it would have been cheaper, and B – it would have stuck to the task, not been so random.
Still, when you’re looking for s**t, you need every last pore and orifice poked just incase it’s in that last little shred that some evidence might finally turn up.
Not getting the Auditor General was passed by for an idea as taking too long. You have got to pay for efficiency, and by God you will, say the opportunistic RWNJs.
One minute they will be prating on about how rates shouldn’t rise above inflation, that is measured inflation, which has ben held down to about 2.5%. They will declare that the other Councillors are spendthrifts and they will be far better. Then they drop this bill on Auckland, saying it is a far, far better thing they do, considering that Len Brown takes pleasure in more than one woman. Even Jimmy Carter lusted in his heart.
Then there is the thing about friendliness with the casino crowd. I bet it was them that led Lennie astray. A straight up and down guy seduced by that spurious glamour. He should have had a group of hotels to grope in. That he utilised strictly in alphabetical order. People like to think that their Mayor is not in bed with casino bosses.
So they shoul stick him for $50,000, extra for being green. And save everyone $250,000. Oh it’s too late to do that, that’s right. Efficiency costs. These Councillors have come too quickly and now there is that long letdown while they scrape up the money for the bill, $50,000 between them. Or they should. Everyone then has paid for their pleasures. Seems fair. Then they can all have their sex on a level playing field. And set up their tight scrums where they can do no harm to innocent ratepayers.
Didn’t you know that the Auditor-General Lyn Provost is a shareholder in Sky City?
Penny Bright
So what you’re suggesting is that she’s as bent as any of the five who laid the complaint?
Hardly surprising, given Nationals distortion of the credibility game.
Don’t you know that assuming everyone is corrupt says something about you and nothing whatsoever about them?
These 5 are just warming up.
I think that that is a most deceptive title for this piece.
When I read the title I thought that you would be joining Deborah Russell in her attack on Air New Zealand’s new safety video. You might even have shown us some of the models.
Then I discover it is yet another story about that irredemiably grubby little mayor of your city.
Shame on you!
Title is fine although I suspect the panty sniffers that went for Mayor Brown won’t like it.
The controversy is fading – Brown has taken his lumps, and devolved much Committee power to Hulse. The term is largely restabilised. Further outrage is futile.
Are we ready for Mayor Brewer in 2016?
A strong Left needs to build the file on him.
Chicago/New Jersey politics will not go away now in Auckland.
And it’s time to build Brown’s successor.
Penny shows she has the right leadership mettle to be the next Mayor – but sooner rather than later.
Perhaps David Cunliffe or somebody should have quiet word in Len’s ear as he is doing no favours for Labour in the election year and it will increase.
Superb post LP, in every respect.
I’m with others calling for Councillors who demanded this to pay the damn bill.
I also saw a billboard for that Denice Krum was still up yesterday. Shouldn’t it have come down?
The one in Penrose? Yes it should have
These five like to present themselves as financially prudent right wingers, keeping rates under control, being responsible and making sure public funds are spent on core council services.
How fucking dare they stick Auckland with this outrageous bill that they have run up for their own ends.
Make them pay it themselves.
On reflection, considering how much gets spent on roads of notional significance, the titillation of perverts is a far more glorious way to waste money.
Roads of notional significance. Brilliant.
Those roads are critical to market efficiency. Hopefully it is just the start of a massive road building programme.
roads for the sake of roads are not critical infrastructure. It’s forbes&coates work schemes, not infrastructure building.
Actually, it’s worse than F&C – at least their goal was jobs, not a fast route to their personal holiday homes.
Besides, in this country we need more rail.
+100 McFlock.
…what is the Labour Party stand on these roads? ( I know where the Greens stand)
…….millions or billions of dollars wasted which is desperately needed elsewhere:
…ie free high quality State Education for all , including special education for those who need it
…..more money for ALL teachers!!!( not just NACT crony principals)
…..Continuing Education reinstated ( remember NACT axed this and gave the $80 million directly to private schools)
…..free public transport and upgraded rail system
… upgraded public health…state funded doctor’s visits and dental care
Most of them are less efficient than doing nothing. You RWNJs really do have a strange notion of “economic”. Invariably, it isn’t.
Dogmatic ideologue is dogmatic. Yawn.
PS: can’t remember who coined “roads of notional significance”. If S Rylands were more awake, he might have noticed the substantive criticism embedded in the quip, and yes, I agree, it’s brilliant, but sadly not mine.
FYI
PUBLISHED ON THE NBR:
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/auckland-mayor-pony-ey-report-sf-151618
errr… the PROCESS for an investigation into an alleged lack of compliance with the Auckland Council Code of Conduct is CLEARLY set out in s.8 ‘Compliance’.
The process should have been for the constitution of a “Conduct Review Independent Panel’ by the GOVERNING BODY, from names of suitably qualified persons RECOMMENDED by the CEO.
Not for the CEO to make up his own process and pick his own people!
Don’t believe a word I say?
Try reading it for yourself!
http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/SiteCollectionDocuments/aboutcouncil/governingbody/codeofconductelectedmembers.pdf
Penny Bright
_____________________________________________________________________________
PS: When I applied for speaking rights to raise the failure of the Ernst and Young ‘Report’ to follow the process set out in s.8 ‘Compliance’ of the above-mentioned Auckland Council ‘Code of Conduct’, I was unlawfully denied, so I just took them……
‘Faint heart never won fair go!’ (as it were 🙂
Auckland Council Governing Body meeting 30 January 2014, Auckland Town Hall:
http://www.allaboutauckland.com/video/2821/penny-bright-defies-speaking-rights-order
No, Penny.
The inquiry was a colossal waste of money at the behest of a small and contemptible minority of curtain-twitching, panty-sniffing, National Party member embodying, gutter-level losers and Cameron Slater.
Ugly harridans of Salem all of them. Would be poetic to find some dirt on them and hound them. Already Brewer’s shown some chinks with that still not adequately explained corporate funded jaunt to the GC.
I think there’s a perfectly adequate explanation as to why corporations give favours to politicians. They do it for the money.
I’m pleased that the vast cost of the review has finally been getting some coverage.
Its probably the most actually outrageous thing about the whole ‘affair’ so to speak.
Because ‘leave’ has not yet been granted by the ‘conflicted’ Attorney-General Chris Finlayson for the private prosecution against Mayor Len Brown for alleged bribery and corruption, the following affidavit I prepared is not subjudice – because the matter is not (yet) before the Court.
Why do I support Mayor Len Brown being charged with alleged bribery and corruption?
I suggest you read the FACTS and EVIDENCE for yourself:
http://www.pennybright4mayor.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/LEN-BROWN-PRIVATE-PROSECUTION-2full-affidavit-penny-1.pdf
I’m very concerned at the ‘turd-polishing’ going on here, in defence of what I consider to be indefensible.
In my considered opinion, both Mayor Len Brown and Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse are working in the interests of the 1% – unelected corporates and property-developers – whose mechanism for corrupt corporate control of the Auckland region, is via the unelected Committee for Auckland.
How many Auckland Council (and CCO) contracts are going to member companies of the Committee for Auckland?
How can it possibly be ok for the former CEO of Auckland Council, Doug McKay and now the current CEO, Stephen Town to be members of the unelected, invitation-only, $10,000 membership fee per year, Committee for Auckland?
Don’t you get it?
The main purpose of the Ernst and Young Report, was, in my considered opinion, to help protect Mayor Len Brown from possible criminal prosecution.
How on earth apparently NOBODY noticed, or took any notice, of the DUE PROCESS for dealing with non-compliance with the Auckland Council ‘Code of Conduct’ (s.8 ‘Compliance’) is utterly beyond me.
http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/SiteCollectionDocuments/aboutcouncil/governingbody/codeofconductelectedmembers.pdf
Where are all the so-called lawyers?
What is your ‘considered opinion’ on the ‘Rule of Law’ applying here?
How can it possibly be proper for the (former) CEO of Auckland Council, to make up his own process and appoint his own people?
I’m not a lawyer – but I’m not stupid and I can read – and if I think something is NOT right, I will ‘have a go’.
Penny Bright
+100…..Go Girl !
-101
No, you certainly ain’t no lawyer Penny, which is perhaps how you have never grasped that suspicion is not evidence.
hoom
Agree..Quarter of a million dollars is another example of corporate fraud and nothing we ratepayers can do about challenging it.
WRONG.
On Monday 10 February 2014 I shall be laying a formal complaint with Auckland Central Police against former Auckland Council CEO Doug McKay under Crimes Act 1961 s.107 ‘Contravention of Statute’.
Penny Bright
“Prosecute him!” said the Queen.
“Who?” asked Alice.
“It doesn’t matter! Just prosecute someone!” said the Queen.
No doubt some poor sod will be bearing the cost -How many nurses pay p.a. is that btw?
5 or more
You cant be fucking serious. He was caught fucking his mistress in a council office, of course, that depends on whether you believe bevan, but ffs, you cant write this off as merely an attack on the left. What new standard are you going to hold a right wing mayor to? its ok as long as the mistress isnt council appointed and spent any council funds, but you know fuck her on the conference table?
Seeing as how it’s none of your business who the mayor or anyone else has sex with, it seems your only complaint is misuse of council furniture.
Kinda puts all that outrage in perspective, doesn’t it?
+1
+1
The early bird gets the worm.
And what does that have to do with him performing hist duties of being mayor?
It is just titillation for a pervert.
We aren’t perverted like yourself with your nose firmly stuck in other peoples panties. That is why we don’t write stories about the slip and slide of other peoples private lives, including right wing politicians (lots of stories)
Only Cameron Slater acts like that much of an arsehole.
Interesting perspective and one which I disagree with.
Just interested what your perspective would be if the mayor or one of his staff was outed for watch pornography while at their place of employment ?
What would your perspective be if he stole paper clips, or was drunk all the time, or any of the other infinite variety of things which aren’t consensual sex between adults and therefore none of your business?
“What would your perspective be if he stole paper clips, or was drunk all the time, or any of the other infinite variety of things which aren’t consensual sex between adults and therefore none of your business?”
My perspective would be that he would be unfit for the position of mayor of Auckland, pretty much as my opinion is of him at present.
So everyone who has an affair at work should be sacked?
Everyone who eats their lunch in the office should be sacked? That’s also a personal activity.
WRT porn the usual rules are that you cannot watch through the office servers. If you are on your own ISP connection then it’s the same as watching at home. Pinching paperclips is theft, let us criminalise the entire country?
lol…everyone who eats their lunch at the conference table should be sacked
Good tinfoilhat you have stated your firm belief. Now we can expect to hear no more from you on the matter.
And further, have you considered the wisdom of a tinfoilhat in bright, hot summer? Your head and brains are probably being over-cooked. It would be wise to put on another, aerated, shady hat.
This is an unofficial health warning.
Actually f—–g mistresses and other ‘young’ ladies on office furniture is a well known activity amongst the rich and/or powerful. I know of a high profile legal beagle of yesteryear who had a penchant for performing on his office desk.
+1 Jared….it wouldnt be so bad if he was young and handsome…out of control hormones and all that ….but no…he is old and wizened ….and certainly old enough to be wise enough to know better…… just a randy old dog getting his bollocks off…plus ….he could have at least had the decorum to choose a discreet, refined, non two- timing, non right-wing ,non social-climbing, non-ambitious, non- blabbing mistress…. and go to some private bedroom to get his rocks off
…a Mayor of NZs largest city who is this incautious and indiscreet is out of control and needs further investigation imo
it would be funny… but ….. there is too much smoke around that casino/ convention centre getting the go-ahead ( preying on the most vulnerable Aucklanders)…..and the other goings on at the commercial and cultural heart of Auckland.
…so any money spent on opening up the can of worms is worth it imo……so good on Penny Bright …for applying a lot of sunshine and heat !
( and I am not a panty sniffer and I am not Patricia Bartlett)
Just the tiniest amount of epic age bias and hypocrisy in your comment, much?
SQWARK!…or is it SQUAWK?
In my considered opinion, on Mayor Len Brown’s watch, and with his assistance, Sky City has been able to set up a money-laundering factory in the heart of Auckland City.
Ever stopped to wonder why Prime Minister John Key and Minister of Economic Development Stephen Joyce haven’t had anything bad to say about Auckland Mayor Len Brown?
http://www.pennybright4mayor.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/LEN-BROWN-PRIVATE-PROSECUTION-2full-affidavit-penny-1.pdf
Wake up folks and smell the cat poo …………….
Penny Bright
Your opinion is not evidence. You have no case.
Spotlight needs to stay on the devious banks jnr (brewer) who leads this cabal with the media and political connections at his disposal.
A snake of an individual who is very much at home on the nact team.
Yes, I too think he should pay. Might deter further episodes like this.
Doug makay has served his masters well, where will nacts ‘corporate headkicker for hire’ show up next?
Exceeded his powers, ensured EY had the maximum leeway possible, dumped the bill on akl ratepayers, so long suckers, thanks for the cash.
The issue here, in my considered opinion, is NOT whether Mayor Len Brown committed a SIN – but whether he committed a CRIME.
Whose interests have Mayor Len Brown, (and Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse) been serving?
If you haven’t yet checked out http://www.committeeforauckland.co,nz – membership – I respectfully suggest that you do.
Penny Bright
“Sentence first! Then the trial!” said the Queen.
What a fucking idiot. I think I’m going to do a review of how Jordan Williams came to be such a fucking idiot, and then bill him for it.
I finally got around to writing another post for TDB. In essence that is what I said, but at more length.
Penny not so bright how about going after the pike river boss’s that’s a real crime .