Doofus of the week March 10, 2018

Written By: - Date published: 8:15 am, March 10th, 2018 - 157 comments
Categories: doofus of the week, internet, Media, national, same old national, the praiseworthy and the pitiful, twitter, you couldn't make this shit up - Tags:

Doofus (or should that be doofii) of the week is the young Nats for an offensive racist tweet aimed at Pacific Islanders.

They should know better.

There is nothing really funny to say about it.  The tweet was crass and blatantly racist.

Perhaps someone should consider a complaint to the Human Rights Commission.

Twitter did not hold back.

 

157 comments on “Doofus of the week March 10, 2018 ”

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  1. BM 1
    10 March 2018 at 8:35 am

    What a load of bull shit with the racist spin.

    How about we call it sexist as well, you know because OMG, she’s a woman.

    🙄

    • mickysavage 1.1
      10 March 2018 at 11:46 am

      Why is that? Don’t you think denigrating various nations whose people all happen to have black skin and branding them as bludgers isn’t just a teensy weensy bit racist?

      • Antoine 1.1.1
        10 March 2018 at 11:51 am

        I honestly don’t understand. I look at the image in the tweet and I can’t see any denigration or branding of Pacific Islanders. If it denigrates anyone, it’s Jacinda (who is surely to God fair game for the Young Nats, if she isn’t who is??) and Oprah (who can stick up for herself without you lot piling in).

        A.

        • Incognito 1.1.1.1
          10 March 2018 at 12:15 pm

          I see an image with colours & patterns. There are a few strange symbols at the bottom of the image that appear to have no meaning either. Is this abstract art by any chance? I have never understood art, or poems; it’s just plain weird stuff …

      • D'Esterre 1.1.2
        11 March 2018 at 2:55 pm

        Mickeysavage: ” Don’t you think denigrating various nations whose people all happen to have black skin and branding them as bludgers isn’t just a teensy weensy bit racist?”

        No. Because it isn’t. It’s people expressing an opinion in a way that many people find offensive. If you don’t like it, name it for what it is: bigotry.

        The term “racist” has over many years been generalised out to include all offensive things people of one ethnic group say to, or think about, another. Good grief: go to Europe some time and hear what Euros say about each other! Nothing to do with skin colour. Does the current anti-Russia hysteria count as racism? On your definition, it ought to, but I bet it doesn’t.

        In my view, Ardern’s giving of aid to the Pacific Islands is a step towards righting a rank injustice. Especially fixing up the pension issue for Niueans: now that’s a racist piece of legislation, if ever there was one. It’s long past bloody time that a NZ government made things right.

        The young Nats – and wossname Hosking – are entitled to their view, and to express it any way they like. We have freedom of speech here, after all. Or we’re supposed to. But challenge them on the substance of their argument – which appears to be that the government’s distributing undeserved largesse to the Pacific Islands – rather than characterising them as racist. Their tweet may be offensive to many people, but it sure ain’t racist.

      • Ross 1.1.3
        14 March 2018 at 3:44 pm

        Actually you will find the common denominator is these nations are poor and all receive significant financial assistance.

  2. James 2
    10 March 2018 at 8:40 am

    This is the kind of thing where you take offence because you want to take offence.

    There are no racist overtones in it – it’s obvious to all that it’s about Jacinda giving out money to the islands like a talk show host giving away free cars.

    It reminds me of the article a while back about people being in a constant state of outrage.

    • AB 2.1
      10 March 2018 at 9:25 am

      Ah no. It plays to stereotypes of Pacific Islanders as lazy brown people who hang around looking for freebies rather than helping themselves. A bit like the audience of an Oprah Winfrey tv show in fact..
      And the Randian superheroes of the Young Nats of course find this intolerable because thy have never received assistance themselves but remorsesly striven for every cent they inherited.

      • james 2.1.1
        10 March 2018 at 10:46 am

        “It plays to stereotypes of Pacific Islanders as lazy brown people who hang around looking for freebies rather than helping themselves.”

        That is YOUR perception.

        Others (Like myself) is that its more about the person throwing around money – nothing to do with the audience.

        “A bit like the audience of an Oprah Winfrey tv show in fact..”
        I dont watch Oprah – but I assume there are white people in her audience as well.

        • mickysavage 2.1.1.1
          10 March 2018 at 11:41 am

          Did you miss the word “island”?

        • AB 2.1.1.2
          10 March 2018 at 12:29 pm

          Well – I believe my perception is much more acute than yours in this case.
          But anyway, let’s try another tack:
          The Young Nats are clearly indicating that offering the money to Pacific Islands in this instance is a bad thing. What reasons are there for considering it bad:
          – we don’t have the money to give?
          – the recipients don’t deserve the money?
          – other people deserve it more?
          It would be interesting to hear their arguments about this.

          But we are talking about Young Nats here who have not yet learnt to apply the normal public filtering of their instinctive opinions. What they are really saying is “hey, why are you giving away ‘my’ hard-earned tax dollars to brown people I don’t care about?”

          • Incognito 2.1.1.2.1
            10 March 2018 at 12:43 pm

            You’re too generous with the word “opinion” IMHO. The NZ Young Nats are political fledglings who simply parrot the lines thrown at them by their ideological parents.

          • james 2.1.1.2.2
            10 March 2018 at 2:17 pm

            “Well – I believe my perception is much more acute than yours in this case.”

            Well there is a prime example of self importance if I ever saw one.

      • Jonty 2.1.2
        10 March 2018 at 2:08 pm

        The audience at Oprah’s shows however are usually all white. So the racist theory kind of disappears at this point.

    • Maria Sherwood 2.2
      10 March 2018 at 9:27 am

      It is racist, starting from superimposing Jacinda’s head on Oprah’s, and the content.

      It was not funny yesterday, and it is still not funny today.

      Their ignorance is massive,

      • james 2.2.1
        10 March 2018 at 10:47 am

        “It is racist, starting from superimposing Jacinda’s head on Oprah’s”

        You know its about Opara as a person – not because of her skin colour right?

        • BM 2.2.1.1
          10 March 2018 at 11:39 am

          Lefties don’t see people they only see colour, how else do you put people in the correct box?

          • WILD KATIPO 2.2.1.1.1
            10 March 2018 at 12:12 pm

            Stop putting down boxes, mate … according to this they make great friends !

            The Adventures of a Cardboard Box – YouTube
            playing in a box you tube▶ 8:01

          • Incognito 2.2.1.1.2
            10 March 2018 at 12:20 pm

            As a child I learned to draw people with my crayons. When I got older I started colouring them in with my colouring-in pencils. Now I put them in boxes. There are so many vibrant colours and yet so few boxes. Life is good!

        • Ed 2.2.1.2
          10 March 2018 at 3:38 pm

          Your racism is repulsive.

      • D'Esterre 2.2.2
        12 March 2018 at 8:28 am

        Maria Sherwood: “It is racist, starting from superimposing Jacinda’s head on Oprah’s, and the content.”

        No. It isn’t. Est to refrain from labelling as “racist” everything you find offensive or unfunny. There’s a real risk that this sort of characterisation will squelch proper debate.

        Skin colour is irrelevant. I assume that you disagree with the young Natz: in which case, focus on their argument instead of name-calling. We’ll all be better off.

    • Maria Sherwood 2.3
      10 March 2018 at 9:29 am

      Also as it was a response to Hosking’s rant yesterday, where he did much the same, I would say it was racist with a capital R.

    • Psycho Milt 2.4
      10 March 2018 at 10:47 am

      There are no racist overtones in it…

      There are no racist overtones in privileged White boys bitching about aid to Pacific islands? Really?

  3. Keepcalmcarryon 3
    10 March 2018 at 8:45 am

    Why did these privileged little skid marks only question aid to the pacific islands BM?

  4. Tanz 4
    10 March 2018 at 8:45 am

    Money like confetti, the appointed one goes out of her way to help anyone but Kiwis.

    • Anne 4.1
      10 March 2018 at 8:54 am

      And now we know for sure (as if we didn’t before) what a nasty little racist shit you are too Tanz.

      Lets hope your farm (if it actually exists and I have my doubts) gets destroyed by a cyclone. You would be the first with your hand out to government demanding assistance.

      • James 4.1.1
        10 March 2018 at 8:59 am

        “Lets hope your farm (if it actually exists and I have my doubts) gets destroyed by a cyclone.“

        What a disgusting thing to say.

        You are being bitter and vile.

        • Anne 4.1.1.1
          10 March 2018 at 9:03 am

          I’m returning the bitter, twisted bile Tanz regularly ladles out to individuals on this site!

          It’s called tit for tat and [she] has earned it.

          • James 4.1.1.1.1
            10 March 2018 at 9:09 am

            That shows what kind of bitch you are.

            *Note I’m using that term only because Anne has used this term against women she does not like on this site. It’s called tit for tat.

            I’ve used the above as an example that it doesn’t make it right.

            There is no excuse for wishing such harm on a person. Regardless of what they have done (in your view)

            Edit : I’m not trying to start a flame war here (so please feel free to reply however I won’t comment on this any more) – but it IS disgusting to wish harm on others regardless of their views.

            • Drowsy M. Kram 4.1.1.1.1.1
              10 March 2018 at 3:45 pm

              ‘Tit-for-tat(?) James’, offering a free hit (“I won’t comment on this any more [sic]”):

              “That shows what kind of bitch you [Anne] are.

              *Note I’m using that term only because Anne has used this term against women she does not like on this site. It’s called tit for tat.” – James

              James misrepresents, or misunderstands the concept of ‘tit for tat’.

              https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tit_for_tat

              Fundamental to the concept is that ‘tit for tat’ interactions are closed. They are not free-for-all retaliations that third parties can join, uninvited.

              If Anne had used the term ‘bitch’ against James, then James’ reply (to Anne):

              “That shows what kind of a bitch you are.”

              could be fairly categorised as ‘tit for tat’.

              As it stands, however, James’ opening (‘shock jock’) sentence is a nasty misogynistic slur, and I’m disappointed that he escaped moderation.

          • Monty 4.1.1.1.2
            10 March 2018 at 9:19 am

            Hi Anne.

            Tanz made a very clumsy attempt to highlight that recent commentary from NZ Gita victims that they haven’t seen govt ministers and feel gutted that all these aid packages were announced and they are doing it alone.

            I think your tit for tat comment is very childish and not in line with your normal considered posts.

            • veutoviper 4.1.1.1.2.1
              10 March 2018 at 10:02 am

              Hi Monty

              I ,like Anne and Tanz, have been around here for many years. And sorry, I (another female) do not for one moment think that Tanz was in any way making a clumsy attempt to mention or link to the recent commentary from NZ Gita victims. If so, it would be the first time in many, many comments that was aimed at anything other than a clumsy, ignorant hit job on those on the left.

              Perhaps Anne went a wee bit far, but we all have ‘the straw that breaks the camel’s back’ moments from time to time.*

              I understand the NZ Gita victims’ reaction to seeing money getting handed out on this year’s annual Pacific Mission, when they are not yet seeing the same here.

              Unfortunately part of this situation is really one of bad timing. The Pacific Mission this year would have been planned and set in stone many months ago, as would have been the assessments, discussions and negotiations of the aid projects and monies to be announced during the mission (other than the last minute addons for Cyclone Gita damage in the Pacific Islands). But IMO there should have been more recognition of how that would be seen by Gita victims back here and more effort made in respect of these people.

              I did not do so at the time but thank you for your beautiful message sharing your story on 1 March. Kia kaha

              * I have now read Anne’s further comment at 4.1.2.1 and better understand her reaction to both the young Nats tweet and Tanz’ comment.

              • Monty …
                10 March 2018 at 12:20 pm

                Hi thank you.

                Been an interesting week with the home and the horror stories of that poor family in South AUCKLAND with their father and the shocking care.

                I tend to gloss over a lot of what Tanz has to say I think it’s intended to get a reaction.

                But that’s what I thought she was referring to.

                • Anne …
                  10 March 2018 at 7:00 pm

                  I tend to gloss over a lot of what Tanz has to say I think it’s intended to get a reaction.

                  I’ve been away all day but I agree with you Monty. It is meant to get a negative reaction and I gave it to her lock, stock and barrel. Probably not
                  very clever, but hopefully you understand why it happened.

                  Btw, a big ups to you… going to the islands and helping out. I spent a few years working at the Air Force base at Whenuapai and saw some of the work they do in times of disastrous events. Very impressive.

            • greywarshark 4.1.1.1.2.2
              10 March 2018 at 4:46 pm

              Why don’t you just leave them alone Anne – Tanz and James for instance.
              They actually must activate the bile in those replying to their hurtful and upsetting comments, it is cruel to the caring ones of us and they win each time.

              It is sad to see people unable to restrain themselves from barking because another dog does. We are people, and have important things to discuss, and there are things to disgust on here, but one of the long-term commenters used to reply Hmmm or just put a . as if to say that’s the full stop.

              I hate these long drawn-out battles and it makes me depressed, like how can we improve stuff, what good are our ideas and interminable discussions, they will never come to anything. If we can’t get past and handle this sort of simple aggravation done deliberately from people who enjoy teasing the lion then we lack resilience and wisdom.

              I’ll drop in a bit of humour to lighten this – a recitation about a little lad called Albert who teased a lion. You may not have heard it unless you are pretty old like me.

      • Keepcalmcarryon 4.1.2
        10 March 2018 at 9:31 am

        Bit harsh Anne I wish disaster on no one.

        • Anne 4.1.2.1
          10 March 2018 at 9:54 am

          Not at all Keepcalmcarryon.

          To begin with, that tweet from the young Nats was beyond vile. Samoa and Tonga have just been through a terrible cyclone which has destroyed their homes and in many cases their livelihoods. They have nothing! I repeat… NOTHING. Then along comes a bunch of entitled pricks with the empathy levels of two year olds and tweet sour grapes because NZ is helping them.

          They are aided and abetted by the likes of Tanz – and of course others – who pick up the bile and run with it. Tanz has a strong record of this kind of behaviour and its time someone pointed out to [her] what it would be like to go through something similar and need assistance.

          Btw, I was born in Nukualofa, Tonga. My father was a military officer who was sent there during the days before Tonga became an independent nation. I was still a baby when my parents returned to NZ, but I’ve been back there and I have experienced the warmth and generosity of the Tongan people – and that goes for all Pacific peoples. I guess that is why I have responded so strongly to the ignorance and spite of certain ‘ill bred’ NZers.

          • Keepcalmcarryon 4.1.2.1.1
            10 March 2018 at 10:01 am

            I hear you, I hope your family are all safe. At ground level disasters bring out the best in almost everyone, the young Nats are educating the internet on how out of touch with real people and actual reality they are. It must be upsetting to see such ignorance.
            I’ll happily shove their ignorance in their face all day but let’s hope no one else has to have their lives smashed by natural disaster.

            • Anne 4.1.2.1.1.1
              10 March 2018 at 10:07 am

              My parents were English Kcco. 🙂 But I know the Pacific peoples a little, and it angers me when they are spoken of in the manner we have just seen. Not surprised to hear that some comment by Mike Hosking apparently started it.

              • Monty …
                10 March 2018 at 10:29 am

                How about th NZ victims of Gita who feel abandoned by the govt. should they not get the same support from their govt.

                This is not a dig and please don’t take that Just a question to get your thoughts.

                • veutoviper …
                  10 March 2018 at 10:56 am

                  I already gave my thoughts on this to you half an hour ago. See para 3 and 4 in 4.1.1.1.2.1 above.

                  • Monty …
                    10 March 2018 at 12:33 pm

                    I agree that the timing was unlucky and would have been planned well in advance.

                    Having worked in the Pacific Islands and helped facilitated aid supplies and gone to the islands to help restore communities to affected areas of natural disasters, I was always amazed at amazing spirit of those affected.

                    So it does sadden me that those affected in NZ feel neglected.

                    • veutoviper …
                      10 March 2018 at 1:45 pm

                      So do I Monty – especially at a time when some of the ‘shortcomings’ of the response to the Christchurch earthquake (EQC/Fletchers) have been in the news.

                      And sorry if I seemed to be telling an expert- you – with on the ground experience re NZ aid in the Pacific etc ‘how to suck eggs’.

                      Hope your parents are settling into their new home and they are receiving the care and respect they deserve. I know from my own family’s experience how hard it is when a family is spread over several countries, living different careers and lives – but still connected by blood and love and dealing with such situations. Biggest thing – don’t feel guilty or beat yourself because you are not here. .They would not want that.

                • Anne …
                  10 March 2018 at 11:59 am

                  I think the govt. is working on that one Monty. But remember, most people didn’t lose their homes entirely – a few did yes – but by the time the storm reached us the severity was nothing like Tonga and Samoa. Even so, the NZ govt. is doing everything it can towards getting damaged infrastructure including roads in working condition again but it takes time. If anyone feels abandoned then they need to give the govt. time. No-one can do everything at once.

                  I use the word “govt.” in general terms. That is, either a National led or Labour led govt.

              • veutoviper …
                10 March 2018 at 10:58 am

                Anne – Link to the Hosking Herald article is in BM’s 3.1 above.

              • cleangreen …
                10 March 2018 at 1:30 pm

                100% Anne,
                Have a look at what Martyn Bradbury said about this stupid comment by Mike Hosking sencessly muttered as did the “young natz to.

                .Martyn said it right over on TDB.

                “The real reason as to why we need to keep shelling money out to the Pacific Mike, the most important of the reasons? Because we, as New Zealanders are fucking arseholes Mike. We. Are. Fucking. Arseholes.
                Let’s start with NZ incompetence in Samoa that saw the influenza pandemic come ashore and almost wipe out the entire Island or Black Sunday that saw NZ forces kill 11 Samoans. What about the way we brought Tongans into the country in the 1970s as cheap labour but when it was politically expedient startdawn raids to force them out? How about the fact that the Cooks, Niue and theTokelau islands are actually still under control of NZ, which means we are responsible for them Mike? Are you even aware that they are free association states officially placed under NZ sovereignty? “

        • Daveosaurus 4.1.2.2
          10 March 2018 at 9:38 pm

          It’s been obvious for years that “Tanz” is a white-supremacist. See here for the first example I found after a quick Google: a conspiracy rant so wacked-out that even the worthless Ansell couldn’t deliver with a straight face.

          And remember that, due to history, Tokelauans are New Zealanders – “Tanz” ‘s problem with this is that they aren’t white enough for him/her.

    • Psycho Milt 4.2
      10 March 2018 at 10:51 am

      Money like confetti, the appointed one goes out of her way to help anyone but Kiwis.

      Hey National, your spambot’s broken. Please program one to write English.

      • Incognito 4.2.1
        10 March 2018 at 11:39 am

        I think the poor English is entirely deliberate to give it the feel of something deep & meaningful like a Zen kōan 😉

      • patricia bremner 4.2.2
        10 March 2018 at 1:21 pm

        Don’t these ignorant gits recognise that many Islanders are actually New Zealanders?

    • Ed 4.3
      10 March 2018 at 3:40 pm

      Another revolting racist on this site.
      Please stop your hate speech.

    • Andrea 4.4
      10 March 2018 at 11:37 pm

      “goes out of her way to help anyone but Kiwis.”

      Now where did you hear that? What brings you to believe it? What might change your thinking? Can your thinking be changed?

      Which Kiwis have been turned down for assistance?

      Who are you lobbying for? Which agencies do you want to leapfrog over to go straight to the Main Teat? Which emergency is so acute as to bypass all those elected officials? (‘Chronic’ is dealt with differently.)

      Do you understand that the foreign aid pocket is separate from the one for national aid? Or ‘not yet’?

  5. Doogs 5
    10 March 2018 at 8:47 am

    Next nomination for the doofus – James. FFS man, your attitude epitomises all that is wrong with the RWNJ fraternity.

    • James 5.1
      10 March 2018 at 8:50 am

      Why? Serious question.

      • Robert Guyton 5.1.1
        10 March 2018 at 9:21 am

        James can’t see it.
        At all.

        • james 5.1.1.1
          10 March 2018 at 10:29 am

          Adding to the conversation there Robert?

          Still the question remains unanswered.

        • greywarshark 5.1.1.2
          10 March 2018 at 11:06 am

          He’s the canary in the mine for us Doogs.

          • Incognito 5.1.1.2.1
            10 March 2018 at 11:48 am

            Exactly! The reason why miners used canaries in cages is because canaries can’t see in the dark either and would simply fly to their death when released in the mine. Bats were more suited to dark mines but they tend to hang upside down anyway when asleep so they were useless for detecting lethal gas. I believe this is where John Key got his “thick as batshit” from.

      • Ed 5.1.2
        10 March 2018 at 3:41 pm

        You are a privileged entitled nasty racist.
        That’s why.

    • Keepcalmcarryon 5.2
      10 March 2018 at 8:55 am

      Watch the selfish right defending the indefensible.
      It’s been policy to support stability in the pacific since forever
      https://www.mfat.govt.nz/assets/Aid-Prog-docs/New-Zealand-Aid-Programme-Strategic-Plan-2015-19.pdf

      I guess it’s standard spin from the right to try and make the left explain the obvious, explaining is losing etc.
      Alternative explanation is they are fucking thick.

      • James 5.2.1
        10 March 2018 at 9:00 am

        Why is that tweet “indefensible”?

        • Keepcalmcarryon 5.2.1.1
          10 March 2018 at 9:25 am

          Who with any sort of caring bone in their body would question giving some money to help our struggling pacific neighbours?
          The fact you still aren’t getting it really speaks volumes, please continue to enlighten the world on what pure selfishness looks like, thanks James, BM, tanz, the big wanker Hosking and the little wankers at young Nats.

          • james 5.2.1.1.1
            10 March 2018 at 10:30 am

            Again – what makes the tweet indefensible?

            You didnt answer the question.

            • McFlock 5.2.1.1.1.1
              10 March 2018 at 10:14 pm

              Seriously, dude, this explains 5.1.1.1 quite nicely.

              You asked a question, it was answered, and you don’t see that it was answered.

              And the paradigmatic gulf is so wide that, really, I doubt anyone for whom the tweet is repulsive would be able to explain why that’s so in terms that you’d understand.

              Like engineers trying to figure out what end users want, the more the end user tries to explain it in engineering terms they think they understand, the more confusion gets generated.

          • patricia bremner 5.2.1.1.2
            10 March 2018 at 1:23 pm

            Kcc 1000%

          • Anon 5.2.1.1.3
            10 March 2018 at 7:59 pm

            Ah but who do you care (let’s assume you mean by this compassion) for? And what do you think help is? NZ is struggling plenty too, and is perpetual dependency healthy and helpful?

            But ah, there’s no argument about this stuff. The left and the right just sit in their respective corners and fling poop into the middle, always the same empty vapid nonsense about the other being uncaring.

        • veutoviper 5.2.1.2
          10 March 2018 at 10:45 am

          Another reason for the tweet being objectionable is that the Pacific Parliamentary Mission that has just concluded is not a one off – and the National Party also led similar Missions and hand-outs yearly while in government. I don’t remember these being mocked in this way. Mind you they also often went unnoticed, with little press coverage!

          These Pacific missions take place every year (and have for many years) led by the NZ Government of the day. They include representatives of all political parties in Parliament as well as representatives from the NZ business sector etc and the media. This year as well as the PM and Deputy PM, the Parliamentary Team comprised a number of other Govt Ministers/MPs including Carmel Sepuloni, William Sio, James Shaw, Fletcher Tabuteau – and Gerry Brownlee and Alfred Ngaro from the National Party.

          But talk about the blind leading the blind – the hypocrisy and ignorance of the Hosking article in the Herald that seems to have triggers the young Nats tweet is breathtaking.

          • james 5.2.1.2.1
            10 March 2018 at 10:50 am

            “Another reason for the tweet being objectionable is that the Pacific Parliamentary Mission that has just concluded is not a one off”

            Of course it wasnt – but the changes in pension certainly are:

            http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/03/jacinda-ardern-announces-more-pacific-islanders-to-get-nz-pension.html

            • veutoviper 5.2.1.2.1.1
              10 March 2018 at 11:58 am

              Yes, that aspect of the announcements etc could be called a ‘one off’ but as Lloyd Burr mentions in his article:

              “There’s still the problem of superannuation fund deductions.

              The New Zealand Government reduces the pension payment amounts for those who have a super fund in the Pacific, which is comparable to New Zealanders having their pensions cut just because they’re in KiwiSaver.”

              Actually that is only one of many other anomalies/inequalities in the NZ Superannuation system in respect of eligibility and payments to those who are living overseas, or NZers living in NZ whose spouses are receiving pension income from other countries. (A subject that is way off topic here, but may be worth a post of its own.)

              So maybe rather than a ‘one off’ this week’s announcement might be the first of a series to remove/alleviate these inequalities. We will see.

              But the best bit in Burr’s article is (can’t resist a little bit of lighthearted borax):

              “The changes have been a long time coming, with Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna blaming one thing – the National Party.”

              LOL – the National Party had nine long years to remove this anomaly, and did not. And so did the Labour Government before that, and so on right back to whenever.

              But there is history behind that comment – which actually makes this week’s announcement not strictly a ‘one off’.

              In 2015 a very minor legal amendment was made so that instead of having to actually still be in NZ at the time of applying for super at age 65, people from Niue, Cook Is and Tokelau could do their required 5 years living and working in NZ post age 50 and then return to their PI at age 55.
              https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/better-pension-portability-cook-islands-niue-and-tokelau

              In 2017 during last year’s annual Pacific Mission, Bill English apparently promised to look at the post 50 years of age five year NZ resident requirements if Nats were the government post the 2017 election – but waffled on about the earlier 2015 had been expected to cost millions but this had not actually happened. OTOH at the time Winston Peters (who was part of the 2017 Pacific Mission delegation) apparently said that removal of the five year post 50 NZ residency requirement would be a bottom line for any NZF coalition negotiations post the 2017 elections – as it was.

              Probably the reason for PM Puna’s comment re National reported by Burr.

              http://www.cookislandsnews.com/item/64809-pension-changes-in-the-wind-english

  6. Antoine 6
    10 March 2018 at 9:03 am

    I kinda think the tweet is reasonably reasonable. A bit uncharitable perhaps. Racist? no.

    Not expecting anyone around here to love the Young Nats tho.

    A.

    • mac1 6.1
      10 March 2018 at 3:19 pm

      Antoine, you haven’t answered this.

      Is the tweet comparing foreign aid for people who have suffered a devastating natural disaster with a rich American entertainer giving away prizes in a TV show, the purpose of which is to attract viewers and therefore more money for the show’s owners, advertising sponsors and the host herself?

      Is it using words which just might act as dog whistles to people who are racist and despise charitable giving?

      Uncharitable? For fuck’s sake, criticising foreign aid given to people battered by a terrible storm is a bit uncharitable?

      To me it is the whole rancid festering stinking guts of the issue.

      And you don’t get it.

      • Antoine 6.1.1
        11 March 2018 at 12:47 am

        You’re getting a bit hysterical there mate.

        It’s just a little cartoon poking the borax at the PM for being spendy.

        A.

        • mac1 6.1.1.1
          11 March 2018 at 5:39 pm

          I don’t think you understand that someone’s humour may be to others quite offensive. A case in point would be Australian cricketer, Warner, who couldn’t see the humour in having his wife mocked after calling a South African a “f###ing sook” as he left the field.

          “Harden up, mate.” “It’s just a joke.” “Get a life”.”It’s just a bit of a laugh.”

          One offensive part of the ‘borax poking’ was the recipient of this “being spendy”. Did the jokester pick on, say, our seniors for receiving a winter warmth subsidy? Or on the stressed people of Southern Marlborough for receiving help with mental health issues?

          No, they chose Islanders.

  7. Antoine 7
    10 March 2018 at 9:11 am

    Also the plural of doofus is doofuses

  8. Heather Grimwood 8
    10 March 2018 at 9:16 am

    Lachlan Forsyth’s comment above ( that Tongan people gave $600 000 to alleviate Christchurch earthquake) stands out hugely, and shames any criticism of present aid being allotted.

  9. Robert Guyton 9
    10 March 2018 at 9:21 am

    See the nasty little righty-flies swarm in, vellum-wings whining, stingers poking out, fly-eyes beaded! The Young Nats deposited a pile of dung and here they come!

  10. Roflcopter 10
    10 March 2018 at 9:47 am

    Typical lefties, throwing the “racist” word around like confetti…. all it does is undermine true racism issues that need to be fixed.

    What a bunch of plonkers you are.

    • mickysavage 10.1
      10 March 2018 at 11:54 am

      Go ahead and list them. And after that explain why complaining about pacific aid is not even slightly racist.

      • james 10.1.1
        10 March 2018 at 2:21 pm

        In fairness – There is no indication that this is about aid – I believe its more about the pension item.

        • Ed 10.1.1.2
          10 March 2018 at 3:43 pm

          You have sunk to a new low today.

        • Daveosaurus 10.1.1.3
          10 March 2018 at 9:46 pm

          It it’s really about the pension, that’s even more proof that it’s nothing but racism that prompted the Young Nats’ outburst. Thanks to historical reasons (New Zealand’s bizarre attempt to set itself up as some sort of baby colonial power while itself still a colony) Tokelauans, Niueans and Cook Islanders are New Zealanders. The Young Nats just hate that they’re brown New Zealanders. They’d much rather New Zealand wasted taxpayers’ money on Saudi Arabia, like the last Government did…

    • Incognito 10.2
      10 March 2018 at 12:01 pm

      Call me a plonker and I’ll take it as a compliment 😉

      What “true racism issues” shall we tackle now?

      Why don’t you write and submit a Guest Post to get the ball rolling?

      Edit: my comment crossed the one above @ 10.1

    • Anon 10.3
      10 March 2018 at 8:02 pm

      1000%

  11. Nick 11
    10 March 2018 at 9:49 am

    Maybe the young natz should go to Tonga and espouse this view.

  12. Cinny 12
    10 March 2018 at 10:44 am

    Where are the teams of young nats shoveling mud, moving logs, preparing food for volunteers, helping locals in our region to clean up after Gita?

    Where are they? Sitting in front of screens making lame memes.

    How is that helping ANYONE? Waste of space.

    Shout out to the RSA workers in our region who are helping locally with our Gita clean up.

    • james 12.1
      10 March 2018 at 10:52 am

      “Where are the teams of young nats shoveling mud, moving logs, preparing food for volunteers, helping locals in our region to clean up after Gita?”

      I dont know. Where are the teams of young Labour?

      Agree on the RSA

      • Cinny 12.1.1
        10 March 2018 at 11:01 am

        They are shoveling and baking etc without self promotion and complaints 🙂 Speaking of which, it’s time for me to head up the valley. Have a great day 🙂

        Love the RSA workers.

        • james 12.1.1.1
          10 March 2018 at 2:22 pm

          “They are shoveling and baking etc without self promotion and complaints ”

          anything to back that up? Did you ask them if they were young labour? How do you know?

          Great if they are – then more kudos to them – but Im guessing that since you didnt mention that in your first post – you just thought this was a smart reply.

          • Ed 12.1.1.1.1
            10 March 2018 at 3:46 pm

            You are spending a lot of time defending the indefensible.
            Read Martin Bradbury on the Daily Blog in his letter to Hosking.

          • Cinny 12.1.1.1.2
            12 March 2018 at 5:37 pm

            Hey James, many people who have been helping out vote labour around these parts, some are young, would they be considered young labour?

            Miss 13 came back from a weekend at her fathers and said…

            “Mum, dad was complaining about Jacinda giving money to the islands rather than helping with the Gita cleanup.”

            So I asked her how she felt about that.

            She replied… “I think its awesome that we are helping the islanders, it must be so hard for them over there.”

            We then had a chat about the lack of diggers etc and the difference between housing in the Islands compared with NZ. As well as people complaining but taking no action, or offering no help or ideas.

  13. cleangreen 13
    10 March 2018 at 10:46 am

    Yes the teeny bopper nats and Hoskings their flag waver are all racist here as they are singling out the pacific islanders here, while not turning the blame for their hardship back on the countries like NZ who are still asleep at the wheel on climate change (hopefully only until now)

    So some blame for their flooding ravaged Island hardship can be apportioned to us with our ‘car/truck’ hungry lifestyle, now as one of the most prolific owners of vehicles in the world now by numbers of people.

    NZ is now per capita has become a dirty ‘ emitter of carbon greenhouse gas’ per head.

    • greywarshark 13.1
      10 March 2018 at 11:02 am

      cleangreen
      We are just a beautiful green sleeping princess. Come along and kiss us, go on give us a buss, buzz? and wake us up to ourselves and the problems we cause and are ourselves going to suffer.

    • Anon 13.2
      10 March 2018 at 8:19 pm

      NZ should do it’s part, but it’s a blip on global greenhouse gas emissions. If the USA, China, Russia etc paid proportionately the same as us we could rebuild the entire pacific islands – and I mean the islands themselves. We’ve more than taken responsibility, and what’s perverse is some of that money could be going to eg public transport.

  14. Incognito 14
    10 March 2018 at 10:58 am

    God forbid that we help somebody – I believe it was the Eleventh Commandment (PTO).

    Humanitarian help in general (NZ is too small to make a difference so why bother at all?)

    International refugees (all illiterate radicalised wannabe-terrorists)

    People with disabilities and special needs (incl. many children) (tough, somebody must have been drinking & smoking during pregnancy, which was a bad choice)

    The sick and elderly (how dare you to get old & sick; your own fault)

    Addicts, criminals, and unemployed (they’re not vulnerable; they made bad choices)

    Homeless (they’ve made their bed and now have to lie in it)

    I think that covers most (?) of the RWNJ’s list of undeserving & undesirable (human) people who should not any help from us under any circumstances and certainly not a cent from the Taxpayers (taxes are too high anyway and must come down; it’s legalised theft, you know …).

    • Cinny 14.1
      10 March 2018 at 11:02 am

      + 100%

    • beatie 14.2
      10 March 2018 at 1:25 pm

      LOL!

      My rheumatoid arthritis is simply a ‘poor lifestyle choice’.

      (It has actually been suggested to me, by more than one ‘new-agers’ that it is probably the result of bad karma from past lives.)

    • Muttonbird 14.3
      10 March 2018 at 4:44 pm

      The sick and elderly (how dare you get old & sick; your own fault)

      Mr 0.1%, David Seymour has a solution for that…

    • Anon 14.4
      10 March 2018 at 8:21 pm

      And the left has done what??????????????????????????????

      • Incognito 14.4.1
        10 March 2018 at 8:46 pm

        I don’t know about “the left” as this is a dying breed here in NZ, a species threatened with extinction and fighting for survival. Soon they will only live on in NZ History books and the odd black & white photo in the office of politicians in the Beehive.

        If, on the other hand, you ask what our current Government has done I will answer you with a counter question: do you know what triggered that tweet by the adorable innocent NZ Young Nats, which triggered this Post?

      • mac1 14.4.2
        11 March 2018 at 8:14 pm

        Anon, well, something about a warmth in winter payment, for starters. Then I’d suggest wait for the Budget.

        • Anon 14.4.2.1
          11 March 2018 at 10:03 pm

          Electric heating costs way more than an extra $20 a week but ok, it’s something at least, you’ve got me there.

          • mac1 14.4.2.1.1
            12 March 2018 at 9:58 am

            Anon, here’s a bit more from today’s paper-what one day’s reporting shows is happening.
            Further expenditure on roading in Marlborough. Government support for cycle trail. “We feel we’ve finally got some forward momentum” says an advocate.
            Govt partners local authority in mapping Pelorus Sound sea bed.
            The Ministry for Primary Industries is funding education for Kaikoura students about paua.
            Hints of wage increases for nurses and teachers – 16% mentioned by advocates.
            Niwa scientists record hoki numbers to be able to set accurate quota and allow stable fisheries.
            Increasing paid Parental Leave to 26 weeks will allow more women to maintain careers.
            Recognition by government of the need to turn around the recent (under National) regression in the numbers of women in senior management. “Economy defies gloomy predictions”. The ASB expects business confidence to recover.
            Airnnb allows women to engage as micro entrepreneurs.

  15. Jess NZ 15
    10 March 2018 at 11:16 am

    Yes, let’s call out Ardern for giving aid money outside NZ just because so many parts of suffering NZ have been ignored by the Nats for so many years…

  16. JustMe 16
    10 March 2018 at 12:33 pm

    The behaviour of the Young Nats is a direct reflection back upon the political party they are supporters of.
    And to date not a peep or a word from either Paula Bennett or Simon Bridges condemning the words of the Young Nats.
    And so a lack of a voice from the two top dogs in the National Opposition shows they approve of what the Young Nats have said. And so that says alot of the NZ National Party overall i.e a political party comprising of bigots, hyprocrites, self-servers and racists.
    Way to go National. In the race to the bottom of the barrel where credibility is concerned you are doing a supreme job. Keep up the good work at under-mining the NZ National Party as no-one in 2020 would want to vote for such a party with such a nasty attitude towards those who do not have enough money to donate to the NZ National Party.

    • cleangreen 16.1
      10 March 2018 at 1:38 pm

      100% justme.

      Good call. –

      “Way to go National. In the race to the bottom of the barrel where credibility is concerned you are doing a supreme job. Keep up the good work at under-mining the NZ National Party as no-one in 2020 would want to vote for such a party with such a nasty attitude”

      He he he, Brilliant.

      Question to clueless Simon Bridges; – “How are you going to get greens on your side with this vile eh? ”
      (I am not yet a Green party member but thinking hard now.)

  17. adam 17
    10 March 2018 at 1:06 pm

    Young nats are our own Confederate Reenactors,

    • WILD KATIPO 17.2
      10 March 2018 at 2:12 pm

      Well ,… not all things were bad about the South , they’ve got a great culture of family loyalty , music and heritage that is unique that they are proud of. And there is damning evidence that the Masonic lodges under Albert Pike ( self confessed Luciferian at the time ) had arranged for that war to happen , colluding with both the North and the South… there was a lot more than meets the eye going on behind the scenes of the American Civil war…

      But as usual , good young men on both sides went to their deaths in the thousands because of A – Holes who would never be found anywhere near the action… not for them to suffer the grim effects of the Minnie ball and rifled muskets versus the old tactics of full frontal charges which led to massive casualties…

      Sittin’ Up Drinkin’ With Robert E Lee – YouTube

  18. Sparky 18
    10 March 2018 at 2:44 pm

    Right so Labour and co signing the TPP11 doesn’t make them doofus or doofi of the decade?

    Instead some bit of petty nonsense from the right is more worthy of discussion.

    • Enough is Enough 18.1
      10 March 2018 at 3:14 pm

      Micky has been very quiet on the TPP.

      If Labour do it, it must be good

      • WILD KATIPO 18.1.1
        10 March 2018 at 3:36 pm

        TBH its not good.

        But understand this : we don’t have a multiple party system in a democracy , rather a collection of individuals from those multiple party’s that believe in a particular political / economic ideology.

        Its called neo liberalism and it functions best when it is distributed across the broad spectrum because , – it matters not what token Left or Right govt gets in , the continuity is assured.

        We live in an age post 1984 of varying degrees of that neo liberalism. Yes Labour may release statements contrary to that neo liberalism , and yes they may tinker round the edges to ‘soften’ the effects of it … but much of it is to assuage public hostility and preserve the image of differentiation between National and Labour and to assure the edifice remains intact.

        Anyone caught up in thinking otherwise has bought into the illusion.

        Hugh Price of Hugh Price Publishers has magnificently outlined this process as far back as the 1990’s and is still relevant reading for today as a blueprint as to why politics are as they are in New Zealand in the year 2018.

        You would be either a gullible fool or a willing compliant to not heed these words and refuse to recognize that this is actually the case.

        New Right Fight – Who are the New Right?
        http://www.newrightfight.co.nz/pageA.html

  19. Bill 19
    10 March 2018 at 4:08 pm

    And not one comment on the fucking risible level of NZ “Overseas Development Aid”.

    ~$600 million (or 0.27% of gross national income) is beneath contemptuous. About $300 to $400 million of that total goes to other Pacific Nations….which, put another way, is a clutch of flag referendums.

  20. chris73 20
    10 March 2018 at 6:51 pm

    Not racist but certainly an attack on Jacinda but whether its funny depends on how you view the PM I guess

  21. Anon 21
    10 March 2018 at 7:36 pm

    Context unclear, genitals stuck in toaster.

  22. Daveosaurus 22
    10 March 2018 at 9:41 pm

    It’s funny, watching all the little palagis chanting ‘But it isn’t racist’ as if saying it isn’t, makes it not…

    • Roflcopter 22.1
      10 March 2018 at 9:44 pm

      How can it be racist? There’s plenty of palagis living on those islands as well.

    • Anon 22.2
      10 March 2018 at 10:46 pm

      As if saying “that’s racist” makes it so. For a start either position assumes motive. We could be looking at concern for the sustainability of systems which require perpetual hand-outs – or indeed the sustainability of continuing to live on small pacific islands in the face of climate change, also taking a swipe at someone blindly throwing money at a problem instead of/without also looking at long term solutions.

      But I guess it’s just easier to assume malice than understand anothers worldview.

  23. David Mac 23
    11 March 2018 at 4:56 am

    This debacle appears to have prompted the typically impossible to please everyone broadness of the Left church to stand in near unison and declare “Jolly good job Cindy.”

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