Daily review 26/08/2019

Written By: - Date published: 5:30 pm, August 26th, 2019 - 64 comments
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Daily review is also your post.

This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Don’t forget to be kind to each other …

64 comments on “Daily review 26/08/2019 ”

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  1. Agora 1
    26 August 2019 at 5:41 pm

    Why is Simon posing with those losers?

    • alwyn 1.1
      26 August 2019 at 7:07 pm

      "losers"?

      I am sure that there would be any number of New Zealand Prime Ministers who would be jealous of Howard's display. He was in the job for 11 years, second only to Menzies 18. I'm sure Helen Clark would have loved to have lasted that long instead of being kicked out after a mere 9 years. Key of course never lost. He won every election he contested as Party Leader.

      Oh well I suppose you are like all of us. Memory going in your old age I suppose.

      • Andre 1.1.1
        26 August 2019 at 7:12 pm

        Good point.

        The question really should be, what are they doing being seen with an obvious zero like Simon?

        • alwyn 1.1.1.1
          26 August 2019 at 8:15 pm

          That is a sensible question although I think a zero is a little harsh. Just a little though.

          On the other hand I think I would prefer a low charisma PM than the fool we have at the moment. Charisma coming out her ears but no knowledge of the world to go with it.

      • woodart 1.1.2
        26 August 2019 at 8:03 pm

        why dont you finish the story alwyn. when aussies finally woke up, howard lost very badly. even lost his own seat, something that had never happened in aus, so yes, his last parliamentary act was a massive loss.

        • alwyn 1.1.2.1
          26 August 2019 at 8:11 pm

          You really are a very foolish little chap, or is it chappess?

          You claim "even lost his own seat, something that had never happened in aus".

          As usual you are WRONG. He wasn't the first. Some people really are ignorant aren't you?

  2. adam 2
    26 August 2019 at 7:02 pm

    Good on Martin at the TDB for this –

    https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2019/08/26/suicide-rate-hits-all-time-record-high/

    Love how this radical far right wing economic experiment keeps rolling on, and the deaths just don't matter. Or how the centre left just do nothing but platitudes, and keep running with this destructive economic theory.

    • alwyn 2.1
      26 August 2019 at 7:12 pm

      I'm afraid that after almost 2 years in office the current Government is simply going to have to cop any flak that is coming, whether it is fair or, as I think, rather unfair. Can't try the standard line about it all being National's fault though.

      Terrible figures though, aren't they.

      • adam 2.1.1
        26 August 2019 at 7:22 pm

        National support, and want to extend the far right crazy economics. So national are as bad – indeed probable the reason it so high.

        And as for platitudes, I forgot the right can do it in spades as well…

      • Cinny 2.1.2
        26 August 2019 at 8:09 pm

        What's not ok is to ignore it.

        What's not ok is to pretend it's someone else's problem to fix.

        A new national Suicide Prevention Strategy and a Suicide Prevention Office are set to be announced within weeks, Health Minister Dr David Clark said.

        He called the figures a sad reminder of the scale of New Zealand's mental health challenge.

        • The Chairman 2.1.2.1
          26 August 2019 at 9:15 pm

          A new national Suicide Prevention Strategy and a Suicide Prevention Office

          Wouldn't better addressing poverty have far more impact?

          • Ed1 2.1.2.1.1
            26 August 2019 at 11:13 pm

            The government has already put a lot of effort into mental health services, but it all takes time to become effective; some areas of help were persistently underfunded for the previous 9 years. Poverty can be important, but youth services seem to be quite important too – high youth unemployment, some of it not helped by using immigration to fill employment shortages in some not very skilled areas didn't help either.

            • The Chairman 2.1.2.1.1.1
              27 August 2019 at 6:59 am

              Increasing expenditure on mental health services largely overlooks the issues that initially trigger mental health problems, thus is not the solution in itself. So while it may help comfort some currently having problems, it's clear the Government will have to do far more to help prevent more from initially becoming mentally stressed/ill.

              And an area where the Government can do a lot more to have an almost instant impact is better addressing poverty. Which, of course, despite the rhetoric, thus minimal input to date, has largely been deferred. With no date for significant change announced. Which, in itself, is depressing.

          • Cinny 2.1.2.1.2
            27 August 2019 at 7:45 am

            No, it's not about poverty it's about feeling worthless.

            • The Chairman 2.1.2.1.2.1
              27 August 2019 at 8:49 am

              Living in poverty adds to people losing their self worth, Cinny.

              When you can't afford to participate in society, you no longer feel part of society, thus start thinking what is the point of living.

              • Rosemary McDonald …
                27 August 2019 at 9:21 am

                When you can't afford to participate in society, you no longer feel part of society, thus start thinking what is the point of living.

                I expect better from you TC. Suicide is not as simple as you purport. Oh, that it were.

                Cinny is correct. It is not about poverty.

                • The Chairman …
                  27 August 2019 at 12:51 pm

                  I expected far better understanding from you, Rosemary.

                  Poverty is totally related to people feeling worthless. And in today's consumer based society where people are largely judged upon what they do and how much they earn their feeling of worthlessness and shame is further compounded by the scorn and venom dished upon them by many in the community.

                  Your (and others) lack of understanding of this highlights their feeling of abandonment.

                  Shame on you.

                  [I will try to respond to your other comment(s) in due course but this is the second time you’re pulling this emotional string on another commenter for not agreeing with you (on being anti-Labour) – the first one was Cinny yesterday who, according to you, “seem[ed] easily pleased”. In fact, you tried it with me too today. This is not a good way to debate and argue your case as it changes it from playing the ball to playing the (wo)man – Incognito]

                  • Robert Guyton …
                    27 August 2019 at 1:01 pm

                    It's but one aspect. The Chair is trying to force his blunt view on those who know what nuance is. He's doing that so that he can ride his, "Labour's failing the poor" hobby-horse.

                    • Rosemary McDonald …
                      27 August 2019 at 1:13 pm

                      Labour is failing the poor (and the ill and the disabled)….

                      …but these are not the people who are taking their own lives.

                      I often agree with The Chairman, but not on this topic.

                    • The Chairman …
                      27 August 2019 at 1:36 pm

                      Fuck off clown.

                      I personally know people who have passed away for that exact reason.

                      Nor am I claiming it's the only reason behind suicide. You fricken egg.

                      So direct your uncaring shit elsewhere.

                      [TC, please take a step back before you need to resort to abuse. – weka]

                    • weka []
                      27 August 2019 at 1:42 pm

                      mod note for you Chairman.

                      Maybe everyone consider that suicide is a sensitive topic, and there will be people reading and commenting with histories that we don’t know about so extra care is called for.

                  • Rosemary McDonald …
                    27 August 2019 at 1:09 pm

                    If poverty caused such deep feelings of worthlessness in an individual that suicide was the only the sole relief, then the numbers would be much, much higher.

                    Think about it for a second or two…

                    Your lack of willingness to even consider this does indeed add to a sense of abandonment…in those of us 'survivors' who will spend the rest of our lives asking 'why?' How neat and tidy it would be to blame 'poverty', and simply move on.

                    • The Chairman …
                      27 August 2019 at 1:43 pm

                      You should know people react differently under pressure, Rosemary.

                      Moreover, as I just told Robert, I’m not claiming poverty is the only reason behind suicide.

                  • Incognito …
                    27 August 2019 at 2:44 pm

                    See my Moderation note @ 12:51 PM.

                    • The Chairman …
                      27 August 2019 at 2:52 pm

                      Highlighting emotional realities felt by people is nothing like playing the man, Incog.

                      [So, Rosemary should feel ashamed and Cinny should not feel pleased? That’s a rhetorical question, BTW. You have no right to tell others how or what they should or shouldn’t feel. It makes for a poor argument and it makes it personal. It is the same as putting words in people’s mouths. Please don’t do it again and please stop arguing about moderation – Incognito]

                    • Incognito []
                      27 August 2019 at 3:12 pm

                      See my Moderation note @ 2:52 PM.

  3. Lettuce 3
    26 August 2019 at 7:17 pm

    Howard: "Well you know I wrote that character reference for Cardinal Pell after he'd been convicted of child sexual abuse John. It'd be no trouble at all for me to whip something up that exonerates you from the corruption that's been happening at ANZ lately!"

  4. Rapunzel 4
    26 August 2019 at 7:38 pm

    Why did no one speak up, and despite a "written" apology James Hardie will not respond to the Herald – I don't care how "high" his "position" is this is sickening. Thankfully it seems the restaurant is standing by their employee, no young hard working and studying NZer shuld have been subject to this.

    Statisics are not good, some young NZers might not have this young woman's sound self awareness and confidence in a situation that she handled property but did severely upset her understandably. Other young NZers are no doubt subject to similar and adversely affected, no wonder the stats for the young are so awful.

    waitress calls for apology after racist abuse
    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12261985

    • Anne 4.1
      26 August 2019 at 7:53 pm

      She's only 17 but she's already running rings around her philistine detractors. Look at the photo. A lovely, intelligent young Maori woman who wants to become a medical practitioner.

      • Jilly Bee 4.1.1
        26 August 2019 at 11:00 pm

        Absolutely Anne, watched a wonderful interview with her this evening with Kanoa Lloyd on The Project this evening.

  5. James 5
    26 August 2019 at 8:17 pm

    https://twitter.com/matthewhootonnz/status/1165880071908818944?s=21

    Rumours (unvalidated obv) that Jacindas dropped to 35% (which I could easily believe). Her trends are really going in the wrong direction.

    Of course it’s not what makes a government- but with NZF gone, greens very close to gone, and National out polling labour – I wouldn’t be so confident about 2020 if I was a labour fan

    Looking for some public polls – esp the first one putting Jacinda in the 20’s. Might have to wait a couple for that however.

    I can see the headlines now “NZ’s PMs support halves”

    • Robert Guyton 5.1
      26 August 2019 at 8:22 pm

      You got very excited by a rumour issuing forth from Matthew Hooton and decided it was so hot you had to drop it into The Standard as some sort of public service, James?

      You're a wag.

      • James 5.1.1
        26 August 2019 at 8:48 pm

        It’s a political blog. Seemed like the right place.

        And I find it funny.

      • Fireblade 5.1.2
        26 August 2019 at 8:50 pm

        Hooton then tweets in reply to a question.

        Broadly, Bridges less popular than a lump of coal but – despite that – his party’s poll numbers are still strong.

        • James 5.1.2.1
          26 August 2019 at 9:03 pm

          Yep – still our polling labour – even with bridges.

          Would love to know the Green Party figs.

    • alwyn 5.2
      26 August 2019 at 8:26 pm

      It can't possibly be true James. Labour always leak good results from their polls.

      Let's face it. 35% would be a good result after the last month's news.

      I don't believe your story though. It's a lie. it's a lie. It's a lie. It's a lie. It's a lie. It's a lie.

      Exit, pursued by a bear.

    • Cinny 5.3
      26 August 2019 at 8:26 pm

      Old hooten is going to be on the Q+A panel tonight.

      • Jilly Bee 5.3.1
        26 August 2019 at 11:03 pm

        He (Hooten) was his usual pathetic self. Overall the programme was an interesting watch, I was impressed with the interview with Meng Foon – he will (in my humble impression) make a great ambassador for his position.

  6. Cinny 6
    26 August 2019 at 8:20 pm

    Oh yeah…. now that's what I'm talking about yes

    Justice Minister Andrew Little warns alcohol industry a law review is on the cards

    Laws were introduced in 2012 to reduce harm, but doctors say the legislation has largely been a failure.

    They say the liquor industry is blocking attempts by councils to limit the number of places where alcohol is sold, and the times it can be sold.

    And Little is taking on the issue, telling Newshub he wants a review of our alcohol laws within "one to two years".

    Most excellent news, am thrilled about this. Thanking you Mr Andrew Little, legend!

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/08/justice-minister-andrew-little-warns-alcohol-industry-a-law-review-is-on-the-cards.html

    • Psycho Milt 6.1
      26 August 2019 at 8:33 pm

      Just goes to show, a sympathetic journalist can give activists a propaganda platform that industry money just can't buy. Personally, I'm glad the liquor and hospitality industries have a financial stake in standing up to the campaigns of anti-drug activists, because there's no way ordinary citizens have the resources to do it.

    • The Chairman 6.2
      26 August 2019 at 9:29 pm

      You seem easily pleased, Cinny. Labour will be hoping there is more out there like you.

      Justice Minister Andrew Little warns alcohol industry a law change is going to be raced through under urgency would be a more pleasing headline.

      By the time Little's review is done, National may be in power, thus nothing will come of it.

      Hence, Little squanders the opportunity to take action is how the headline reads to me.

      • Drowsy M. Kram 6.2.1
        26 August 2019 at 11:18 pm

        The headline I was dreading:

        The "lefty" "more left than most" Chairman back on relentlessly soggy form.

        "Labour will be hoping there is more out there like you."

        "law change is going to be raced through under urgency" [because that's what Labour does]

        "nothing will come of it"

        "Little squanders the opportunity to take action"

        It's like you never 'left' laugh

        • The Chairman 6.2.1.1
          27 August 2019 at 7:10 am

          It's the Government's response that is once again "soggy" hence lacking substance. I'm merely the one here highlighting it.

          Thus, regardless if I'm posting here or not, it's clear they aren't in a hurry to change.

          Perhaps if more called them out on their piss poor efforts (rather than cheering them along) they may actually up their game.

          • Psycho Milt 6.2.1.1.1
            27 August 2019 at 7:15 am

            This government's soft on drugs, huh? It's not cracking down hard enough on the people peddling this poison to our kids! Any other conservative talking points while you're at it?

            • The Chairman 6.2.1.1.1.1
              27 August 2019 at 7:25 am

              This government's soft on drugs.

              Not really. Take the use of medicinal cannabis. It's not being very soft on that.

              This Government, like a true right wing Government tends to favour. thus is far more softer on corporations involved in drugs.

              • Psycho Milt …
                27 August 2019 at 8:34 am

                Good luck having no corporations involved in medicinal cannabis.

                • The Chairman …
                  27 August 2019 at 8:43 am

                  If we can win that up and coming referendum, we'll be all good in that respect. Which I hear the gangs and corporations oppose. Seems your with them.

                  • Psycho Milt …
                    27 August 2019 at 10:14 am

                    Arse about face. You're the one promoting a tough-on-drugs approach, not me. If I ever do start hand-wringing about the government not cracking down hard enough on recreational drug use the way you are on this thread, feel free to call me a hypocrite.

                    • The Chairman …
                      27 August 2019 at 1:03 pm

                      I'm not calling for alcohol to be banned or consumers of it to be criminalised, merely calling for tighter regulations on the sale of it.

                      Therefore, it's a far cry from your accusation of taking a tough-on-drugs approach.

      • Cinny 6.2.2
        27 August 2019 at 7:49 am

        Easily pleased…. dang, I've seen so much damage and death as a result of alcohol. That's why I'm thrilled.

        • Incognito 6.2.2.1
          27 August 2019 at 7:58 am

          Well said, Cinny. To the dismay of The Chairman, you’re not breaking out into an anti-Labour rant chant.

          • The Chairman 6.2.2.1.1
            27 August 2019 at 8:28 am

            Don't be another detractor, Incog. Unite with me and help pressure them to up their game. That, is of course, if you want them too.

            Lets see if we (all of us united together) can make better use of this site. Let’s see if we can make this a site actually work to produce change for the better.

            Now that would be something to behold, would it not?

            Alternatively, we can continue on to squabble amongst ourselves.

        • The Chairman 6.2.2.2
          27 August 2019 at 8:06 am

          I've seen so much damage and death as a result of alcohol

          Ditto. Which is why I'm not thrilled about their piss poor effort.

          And now that Little has appeased you by merely announcing a review (and in his mind hopefully others) his job is done knowing he's got your (and others) vote. Meanwhile, the carnage continues on unabated.

          • Cinny 6.2.2.2.1
            27 August 2019 at 8:12 am

            Akshully the medical professionals have come out saying that the 2012 review has done bugger all to help and the Minister is listening and is taking action.

            TC, how do you feel the 2012 review has worked out?

            • The Chairman 6.2.2.2.1.1
              27 August 2019 at 8:24 am

              Little isn't taking action, he's merely called for another review, squandering the opportunity to take real action.

              Evidently, the implementations of the 2012 review were/are a failure to sufficiently address the problem.

    • Drowsy M. Kram 6.3
      26 August 2019 at 9:39 pm

      Thanks for that hopeful news Cinny – review/reform looong overdue if the research and advocacy of these "anti-drug activists" is anything to go by. You can lead the National party towards alcohol law reform, but you cannot make them drink.

      "If anyone was wondering why the [National-led] government has not brought in reforms to put an end to ultra-cheap alcohol or dismantle the relentless promotion of alcohol through advertising and sponsorship deals they now know the reason."
      http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1208/S00534/national-mp-admits-about-alcohol-industry.htm

      "We could, perhaps, start with a short history lesson – though most readers will be pretty familiar with how New Zealand has gotten itself into such a pickle and pickled state in terms of how we drink."
      https://www.drugfoundation.org.nz/matters-of-substance/may-2016/alcohol-law-reform/

      Abstract

      Aim
      The study examined the impact of alcohol use on lifestyle and wellbeing among adults accessing New Zealand community alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, and practice implications.

      Results
      In total, 598 people reported alcohol as their main substance of concern. The largest improvements in lifestyle and wellbeing were observed for mental health, social relationships and physical health. Change in days of alcohol use significantly contributed to the prediction of change in lifestyle and wellbeing issues experienced (model R2=20%, adjusted R2=19%, p<.001). Results were similar for amount and total volume.

      Conclusion
      Reduced alcohol use positively impacts on people’s lifestyle and wellbeing. Findings have implications for increasing awareness of the benefits for people’s lives, even small reductions in alcohol use. The need to strengthen routine ADOM collection in AOD services is highlighted, as well as the availability of vocational rehabilitation to support people’s wellbeing.

      https://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/read-the-journal/all-issues/2010-2019/2019/vol-132-no-1495-17-may-2019/7885

      https://www.alcohol.org.nz/

      https://www.actionpoint.org.nz/alcohol-harm-in-new-zealand

      https://www.northlanddhb.org.nz/your-health/healthy-lifestyles/health-promotion/alcohol-and-other-drugs/

      https://www.cph.co.nz/your-health/alcohol/

  7. Sacha 7
    26 August 2019 at 8:21 pm

    Respected local government journo Todd Niall thinks the right's latest poodle is not taking the Auckland mayoral race seriously: https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/115290201/auckland-mayoral-election-has-john-tamihere-shaken-it-up-too-much

    Tamihere's camp at the start of his campaign talked of his prowess as a chief executive, yet the budget-busting policy appears to have no business basis.

    …

    Tamihere's campaign strategy so far makes sense in the classic political way, if you're focussed on making a splash, getting noticed, and trying to make over-simplistic slogans look like carefully-crafted policy. Tamihere hates his style being compared with that of US President Donald Trump, but the campaign parallels are hard to ignore.

  8. Robert Guyton 8
    26 August 2019 at 8:48 pm

    "Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has not ruled out New Zealand's help in dealing with Amazon rainforest fires.

    It follows reports that leaders of the G7 nations were preparing to help Brazil fight the fires and nearing an agreement about what support to offer, which would involve both technical and financial mechanisms.

    Record fires are raging, with more than 2500 fires currently burning and collectively emitting huge amounts of carbon, with smoke plumes visible thousands of kilometres away."

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/115294401/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-concern-over-amazon-rainforest-fires–nz-may-help