Comments at the end of 2012
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4:11 pm, December 28th, 2012 - 30 comments
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Been doing my usual look through the stats on the site (and testing the database link), so I thought I’d share them. The last week of 2012 isn’t quite correct because we haven’t finished yet, and we started the site in week 32 of 2007.
The average daily comments by week for 2012 are pretty healthy. 2012 was a post election year, and on a political blog you’d expect to see that the rate of increase reduces in the year after the election. You can see that happen after 2008 where 2009 was much the same (despite the increase in page views). However 2012 was consistently higher than the election year 2011.
Click on the image to see the higher resolution.
I’m pretty pleased with the comment’s growth. It looks like the policy of offloading all of the idiots to the sewer works well for steadily increasing rational dialogue on this site.
The detail shows that we’ve got the typical political issue driven comments. Much more spiky in an off-election year.
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Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
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- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
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- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...18 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...3 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
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- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
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- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...3 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...3 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
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- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...3 days ago
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- Appointments to the ENZ board
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- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
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- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...4 days ago
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- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...4 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
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The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...4 days ago
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Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has passed through first reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As a growing share of audiences get their news and entertainment from streaming services, these restrictions have become increasingly redundant. New Zealand on ...5 days ago
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Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...5 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...5 days ago
- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...5 days ago
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The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...5 days ago
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Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...5 days ago
- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...5 days ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...5 days ago
- A busy year in the House
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...5 days ago
- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...5 days ago
- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia – if it’s good for the people, get on with it. Enhanced reporting on the public sector’s delivery of Treaty settlement commitments will help improve outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders, Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. Compiled together for the ...5 days ago
- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...5 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...5 days ago
- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is proud to announce the first three recipients of the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund which will enable more Kiwis faster access to mental health and addiction support. “This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in ...5 days ago
- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...5 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...5 days ago
- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
Regulation Minister David Seymour has welcomed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulatory review report, the first major report from the Ministry for Regulation. The report makes 15 recommendations to modernise and simplify regulations across ECE so services can get on with what they do best – providing safe, high-quality care ...5 days ago
- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...5 days ago
- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
Legislation to enable new water service delivery models that will drive critical investment in infrastructure has passed its first reading in Parliament, marking a significant step towards the delivery of Local Water Done Well, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly say.“Councils and voters ...5 days ago
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The roads partnership unravelled under a confidential settlement this week, meaning NZTA will now finish off what it had said was incomplete work. ...2 days ago
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Compare your stats to the NZ Herald’s and you know why they want to shut you (us) down.
It would be interesting to compare comments no.and page view no.s with other sites.
Still the THIRD blog in NZ and a long behind Numero Uno, about where Labour sits. Its no good looking inwards, you need to look at why.
I wouldn’t stress over much about being number three. Qualitative always trumps Quantitive when it comes to the crunch.
Still, these quantities are surprisingly big.
These stats are impressive and something for all those responsible to be proud of .
Being more cutting edge, (and specialist) I expect this site will always remain at number 2 or 3. However in saying this, I believe that under extraordinary and unprecedented events I can safely predict that for short periods this site could level peg and possibly even exceed the others.
During the coming extraordinary and unprecedented times and events, when the mainstream view point falters and stumbles, the posters and commenters on this site will have something to offer when the others are left wanting. When inquiring New Zealanders come looking for alternative answers they will find them here, not at Kiwiblog.
By the same token I would worry if this site was always at the top of the rankings. Because it would be indicative of a descent to the lowest common denominator.
Great job. This site is way and above, anything else on the left in this country.
My thanks to those who keep it running. Your names will never appear in the new years honours list, and your efforts will always go unrewarded. But this country owes you a debt of gratitude.
And of course without naming him we all know who deserves a special mention.
Yeah, lprent! Why don’t you just get the mainstream media to treat you like a Real Genuine Source (instead of a paid pundit) and also sp4m the crap out of popular YouTube videos?
Where’s your commitment to fallible stat-measurement cock-measuring competitions, huh?
More comments here than W.O. plus The Standard has the added advantage you don’t need to wash immediately after reading, or self flagellate for days on end.
Alinsky – provide details please.
Dr. Terry:
It’s common knowledge the print media worldwide is on its last leg. Here’s a local update:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10856386
The NZ herald has a crap TOS, they think that they have a right to know your full name, address and take you to court if you make the ‘wrong’ comment. It is hardly user friendly.
OOhh Scarey! And here’s me Calling Armstrong and O’Sullivan sycophantic hacks. Oh well you can’t be prosecuted for telling the truth. I hope.
Worst.Govt.Ever. 2012.
Don’t those spikes correspond with related news articles?
Expect many more comments as more people vent their disappointment in the government in 2013.
Just out of idle curiosity, Lynn. What happened in week 23, 2011 that caused a sudden peak?
(If you don’t have the data to hand, don’t go to any trouble,)
I browsed through the archive for May 2011. I think it was the budget.
Yep where National delivered more cuts, and made Keynes turn in his grave. So when can we expect the double dip recession?
To have a double dip recession one needs to have had a noticeable upturn inbetween. As far as I can see, this is just one long downslope with a slightly less graded bit in the middle.
Lynn, thanks for this!
I made the odd stupid comment, also in the wrong spirit at times, especially when first getting involved with TS. So again, apologies for those irritations.
At the same time I must agree with you, The Standard is maturing, and we get a healthy, great diversity of leftist and labour friendly and focused comments and articles here now.
This is a forum with immense potential, and I am sure that is how you see it also. Going beyond the original set up that was admittedly largely pro Labour Party, that is a total winner. It is a win win situation to be inclusive and open minded.
And for those trolls from Kiwiblog, some of whom I have followed there and here, forget that nonsense, we can all deal with them confidently and competently, as some may have some arguments worth following up, but others are just that: TROLLS.
I look forward to read, inform myself and hopefully at least in part contribute to the forum here. It is the BEST one I can find in New Zealand, that is open, progressive, informative, intelligent and fair.
We are all with you, and the cloud arena will keep us protected from “Stalinist” attacks of the sorts that were tried over recent weeks. They have lost the battle, for sure. Ha, ha, ha! Happy New Year all!
I want to thank LPrent,Karol,Bill,IrishBill,and others who put the hours and hard work
in to give us great topics to comment on during 2012, it is appreciated.
The attack on CV,showed that even though we are not all known to each other,there
is a community spirit and in solidartiy we all became Viper’s, we are kindred spirits.
Not only does commenting spur on our thoughts but it also keeps the gray matter healthy
and that is a good thing.
In my eyes The Standard is number 1,all the best to everyone in the new year,big hugs.
I think the most interesting thing about TS is that it doesn’t really toe any party line, therefore this is a place where genuine debate can happen. Authors, please keep up the good work, especially the newer posters QOT and Karol.
People arent idiots because they disagree with you politically.
Their use of punctuation can be a clue, however.
“People arent idiots because they disagree with you politically.”
No they’re idiots for trying to threadjack, linkwhoring, arguing lines that are clearly just National/Act soundbites and are really just here to become a nuisance (trolls). Some probably even view it as their calling in life!
Pete George was the classic – 2 days ago from Blubberblog keying about being banned from The Standard:
“I have never cut/pasted/linked many times a day, many times a week or many times a month, I have only ever done that infrequently.
Since the very first time I commented at The Standard I had have been critical of their approach, both of their anonymous author attack posts which where often blatant bullshit, and of their attack the messenger tactics that were allowed (and sometimes joined) by moderators.”
and
“By mixing it up with them I used to frequently get their knickers in a twist, not mine. They don’t like their bull being confronted, they are gutless would be bullies. Sadly that seems to be fairly representative of a significant part of Labour Party tactics and paranoia.”It’s a collective of mostly anonymous lefty activists with grand ideals that has allowed a gang mentality to become established, with summary justice (effectively, censorship) for anyone not deemed to be on the right (left) side.”
His intentions were clear and he was warned many times and given numerous chances as are the rest of us, hell even I’ve gone off my head and been warned.
I don’t have the list but feel discussion has become more informative and tautoko the banning of said idiots.
McFliper:
Actually the good use of spelling and grammer is not always a good indication of smarts.
Like the boyracer who used to write letters to the press, he could spell and use punctuation, but his views were dumb.
Oh indeed, which is why I used the contingent “can be” rather than the categorical “is”. You’re lucky that the determination of “idiot” is not solely based on written comprehension skills.
Or political affliction huh?
political affliction?
If you meant “political affiliation”, I’d say that some affiliations do indeed strongly indicate idiocy by themselves. The one that was dominant in Germany 1933-45, for example. And Randians.
McFliper:
But normal political affiliation doesnt mean your an idiot, your using an extreme example.
People who vote national arent idiots.
People who vote Greens arent idiots.
Political affiliation can indeed be an indicator of intelligence.
“…lower cognitive ability predicts greater prejudice, an effect mediated through the endorsement of right-wing ideologies…”
People who voted National, twice, expecting a “brighter future”, definitely put the issue in doubt.
But not everyone who votes national is an idiot, I grant you. Some are fuckwits. There is the logical possibility that someone voted national for intellectually well-considered reasons while not being a fuckwit. I have never met them, though.
Lyn you are still an ocd commie tool.
[lprent: Cute. In a few words you managed to
1. Get my name wrong.
2. Have a spelling error – or did you forget how to use caps lock?.
3. And accuse me of something that became obsolete when I was young.
You’re too stupid to even qualify as a troll. Try Whaleoil – the genius of stupidity may be able to help you. ]