I hope everyone had a great Christmas and Boxing Day. While I havent had much time to post on here in the past year, I have been still able to read some of insightful posts on this blog.
And of course..I hope this Christmas just gone is the last with John Key in power/office.
Its going to be one hell of an election campaign next year.
And David Cunliffe needs to set the agenda from the outset. I suggest an “Orewa” style speech, but without the Maori-bashing. It is coming up to 10 year since Don Brash delivered his speech, and it enabled National to set the political agenda from there on in (right up to the present day). He could have quite easily won in 2005
BBC hack has a go at Japan’s “passive reporters”
Humbug Corner No. 23: Rupert Wingfield-Hayes
Radio NZ National News, Friday 27 December 2013, 6 a.m.
At this time of year, Japanese prime ministers have traditionally visited the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo—an act of homage which, because the shrine holds the remains of twelve notorious war criminals, outrages people in China, Korea and many other countries.
Some of the loudest protests, however, have come from people who themselves are incorrigible apologists for state aggression. Noam Chomsky has written trenchantly about the hypocrisy of U.S. ideologues selectively condemning the gall of JAPANESE leaders….. http://www.chomsky.info/articles/199508–.htm
Yesterday, Shinzo Abe became the first Japanese prime minister for seven years to visit the Yasukuni shrine. This of course provided the perfect opportunity for critiquing not only the brazenness of Japanese politicians but also the uselessness of the Japanese media.
This is how the BBC’s Tokyo correspondent Rupert Wingfield-Hayes began his piece about the latest provocation:
Some of Rupert Wingfield-Hayes’s listeners no doubt have a more well developed sense of irony than he does, and will have shaken their heads in wonderment at the gall of a BBC reporter condemning Japanese reporters—-or indeed any reporters—for being passive.
Quelle mortification! This is what happens when one listens to the radio while half-asleep. I thought at the time that the formulation “confronted by passive reporters” didn’t quite make sense—but I went ahead and published anyway! And now comes the well deserved bollocking.
My apologies to Rupert Wingfield-Hayes, and to my loyal readers at the Standard. As they used to say in Greece: even Homer nods. Or as they still say in Japan: even monkeys fall from trees.
@ Moz…
RNZ is in holiday mode.
That means its a bit more like weekend mode.
The perfectly ‘work-life balanced’ lady with isssssssyous (that ‘incisive’, well-respected, hugely-experienced ex-parly arment gallery reporter – still down with, and in touch with the new breed – able to ‘get across’ all newz stories, unaffected by cronyism and nepotism with collegial appointments – INDEED, the perfect specimen any sort of public service radio host should try and model themselves on) ….. AND the nicest man on Earth are having their well-deserved break. Why the nicest man on Earth might even keep in touch with the people by serving in some fast food outlet somewhere, or perhaps repainting a Marae he once daubed with an horrific, and disliked colour scheme as atonement for participating in Public Service TV reality programming.
What it means though is its relatively safe to listen to Natrad ’24/7′
I wonder if the nicest man on Earth ever worries about whether Matinee Idle would be preferable to the stale, trite, hackneyed, mashed potato slop that gets dished up daily – equipped as it is with all its pre-programmed talking heads and audio pus.
I share your positive views about Matinee Idle, Tim. And I’m happy about most of the morning programme—except for one thing, and it’s a bit of a major obstacle, I’m afraid: I find Noelle McCarthy utterly insufferable. The fact that she was outed as a plagiarist a few years ago is the least of her sins.
I really enjoy and look forward to Matinee Idle – but heard (I think) today that their allotment of programmes has been cut back this year. Was only half listening at the time.
Going back to the vacuous Mora, I still have clearly stuck in my mind a remark he made about three years ago prior to Christmas. A remark to the effect that “But everyone has a ham at Christmas!”.
Sure, Mora, beneficiaries can really afford a ham at Christmas – only about the cost of two or more weeks’ total food bill for one ham?
Hate to be really prickish, but as a kid growing up, what most of us kids grew up with was mutton-hams. I think it would have been the early 70’s before hams as such became affordable to alot of kiwis. But with the price of lamb/mutton today, even that is probably unrealistic.
Why is it that New Zealand producers expect New Zealand consumers to pay a premium for goods produced here in New Zealand, while overseas customers get the benefit of all the tax advantages that the New Zealand Government can throw their way. It seems National takes great delight in screwing the New Zealand consumer regardless.
I really enjoy and look forward to Matinee Idle – but heard (I think) today that their allotment of programmes has been cut back this year. Was only half listening at the time.
As do I. I did think that the complete works of the Topp twins was a trivial over the top today. There is only so much nasal spray that I can stand whilst driving. The rest of the show was pretty damn hilarious.
and this is the preferred-destination for new zealand for the randite-neo-libs (from both national and labour) who have been systematically shredding the social net/contract..
Labour had the opportunity to have a good clean out in it’s 9 years in power, but they couldn’t achieve that. If Labour do win, there are some who will want to hang on for another 3 – 6 or 9 years, just because they think they can.
The problem facing Labour today, is Labour is full of too many middle class people, and too many academics. Poverty to them is an “exercise”, not something they actually relate too.
I’m not sure if all of them are the 1% – aren’t you trying to get in there? It seems to me that perhaps a small percentage of them are the 1%, like maybe 10% of them 🙂
Stoked by his Wall Street success, Lampert plunged headlong into the retail world. Undaunted by his lack of industry experience and hailed a genius, Lampert boldly pushed to merge Kmart and Sears with a layoff and cost-cutting strategy that would, he promised, send profits into the stratosphere. Meanwhile the hotshot threw cash around like an oil sheikh, buying a $40 million pad in Florida’s Biscayne Bay, a record even for that star-studded county.
Fast-forward to 2013: The fairy tale has become a nightmare.
Lampert is now known as one of the worst CEOs in America — the man who flushed Sears down the toilet with his demented management style and harebrained approach to retail. Sears stock is tanking. His hedge fun is down 40 percent, and the business press has turned from praising Lampert’s genius to watching gleefully as his ship sinks. Investors are running from “Crazy Eddie” like the plague.
Rand talks about success as if the successful were superhuman, but capitalism will find those necessary to meet market needs and if you not it, someone else will be, and its therefore backwards to talk about winners making them the essential initiators of wealth. Hitler did something similar with evolution. Religion also makes the same mistake, putting humanity on top. It requires merging ignorance and distortion of origins and then apply a intellectual argument that otherwise would hold.
She of course doesn’t represent all libertarians. In fact surely we are all libertarians when we believe in liberty, which I hope we all do. The civil libertarians defend, even for example, nazi’s right to free-speech, go figure. I’m wary of anyone who say libertarianism is wrong, just as wary as anyone who say every libertarian is right.
Its certainly true now, that having proponents of free market theory on your board is going to hurt shareholder value.
During the Spanish Revolution, the POUM referred to themselves as libertarian communists. Reading Homage to Catalonia was my first experience of the concept of libertarianism and it did my head in a bit later when I saw it hijacked by people like Brash, Hide, and Perigo. While the POUM believed in liberation of the human spirit through collective endeavour, and a few puffs on the electric puha if that turned you on, modern libertarians believe in liberation of their bank balances by way of a militarised police force and private prisons. I think of myself as reasonably libertarian, but I have nothing in common with any of the selfish wankers who have hijacked the term these days.
If that seems melodramatic, ask a libertarian/conservative this question: When will you know that your theory is wrong?
hah, love it because they’ll never accept that their “theory” is wrong. Unfortunately, the same can be said of most economists.
Lambert wanted Sears to teach the nation a lesson, and it did. Selfishness is one of the roads to dystopia.
The nation needs to be reminded of that as well from every left leaning political party. The RWNJs just don’t believe it though and so will keep rolling out the dystopia that their policies bring about.
Instead, the one consistent finding across all studies appears to be this: zones typically made money for one or more corporations, but the promised social benefit in jobs and income never materialized.
And that inevitably applies to deregulation across the board, The rich and the corporations do well but society is worse off.
The unaided needy. Selfishness run riot. A North America dotted with Third World colonies. And a blighted landscape where Others are subjugated to Owners.
Came to that conclusion about property rights years ago. Greater property rights will, inevitably, result in more oppression of the poor by the rich.
Just been reading through yesterday’s open mike discussion on education – very thought provoking discussion.
I put a lot of value on the importance of education in its broadest sense: formal and/or informal, in education institutions or community based; abstract or practical. I’ve experienced all of them. I learned a lot in unis, but most of my political education was begun in the women’s movement in London and was community and volunteer-based.
The latter were initiatives from a group of women who set up some workshops in low rent and basic community halls – seminars on things like Marxism and feminism, through which I first came into contact with the writings of Marx and the kinds of writing that followed, as well as learning about the long legacy of feminist politics.
I’ve also learned a lot form discussions in online forums such as on TS.
I’m all for following one’s own interests in reading (or listening or viewing) widely. However that requires access to written texts, either from public libraries or accessible digital technologies and internet connections (these days libraries also provide some of the latter).
Also in depth learning requires more than reading, listening, or viewing selected texts – it requires debate and discussion and having your learnings challenged. Saw quite a bit of that on yesterday’s open mike.
Thanks, phillip.
Interesting list. Each article looks worthy in it’s own right, showing some crucial, but limited aspects of feminism. But overall, the articles tend to talk back to celebrity culture, and promote a feminism that accepts a lot of the wider “neoliberal”/capitalist structure.
The only I article that stands out for me, going by the summary of each article, is the one by bell hooks: This is a must read for anyone wanting to understand what a left wing fminism is about.
hooks critiques a very opular book that she labels “faux feminism” – I would characterise that book as a kind of “liberal feminsm” that doesn’t want to change the status quo, but just seeks an equal place for (largely) middle to upper income women within that structure/culture.
An extract from hook’s piece:
In her book, she offers a simplistic description of the feminist movement based on women gaining equal rights with men. This construction of simple categories (women and men) was long ago challenged by visionary feminist thinkers, particularly individual black women/women of color. These thinkers insisted that everyone acknowledge and understand the myriad ways race, class, sexuality, and many other aspects of identity and difference made explicit that there was never and is no simple homogenous gendered identity that we could call “women” struggling to be equal with men. In fact, the reality was and is that privileged white women often experience a greater sense of solidarity with men of their same class than with poor white women or women of color.
Sandberg’s definition of feminism begins and ends with the notion that it’s all about gender equality within the existing social system. From this perspective, the structures of imperialist white supremacist capitalist patriarchy need not be challenged. And she makes it seem that privileged white men will eagerly choose to extend the benefits of corporate capitalism to white women who have the courage to ‘lean in.’ It almost seems as if Sandberg sees women’s lack of perseverance as more the problem than systemic inequality. Sandberg effectively uses her race and class power and privilege to promote a narrow definition of feminism that obscures and undermines visionary feminist concerns.
Agreed Karol.
The only thing that spoils the Standard is the white noise created by all the right wingers, who only come here to disrupt intelligent debate and discussion.
Yup paul. The barkers bought a “do up” for 2.1 m. Poor things. The writer makes it sound like they will do it all themselves. Its the journalism of envy… to keep us all on the treadmill for the vain belief that if we keep working hard we can get that too… interesting how many of the owners dont have what we might call ordinary jobs.
Now that will be very interesting Tracey,Because there may not be too much tine left for those National rich dicks to get their snob gong. Two more chances and with luck the Nat’s will be out./So who do you think will become Sir or Dame ?
I would not be surprised if Phil. O’Grady is top of the list . Do you think Key will get his this year ?Don’t be surprised if he does , What is certain is that the majority will be very rich and most will be from the political right and far right. What a farce .
My wise old grand mother always said only one title maters Gentleman and Lady in the true sense of course ,
I particularly liked this Guardian article of 12 Dec about our PM , the “unidentified guest” and its summary of his ‘high’ moments on his various overseas trips!
An urgent ticker-tape from Hell
Pete George needs assistance
I have just received an email, ostensibly from Pete George, the well-known politico and ex- Standardista. I wonder if I should help out the poor fellow, who seems to be having rather a hard time of it….
NEED YOUR HELP
Good Morning,
Just hoping this email reaches you well, I’m sorry for this emergency and for not informing you about my urgent trip to lugansk (ukraine) but I just have to let you know my present predicament. Everything was fine until I was attacked on my way back to the hotel, I wasn’t hurt but I lost my money, bank cards, mobile phone and my bag in the course of this attack. I immediately contacted my bank in other to block my cards and also made a report at the nearest police station. I’m physically OK and fine but I’m urgently in need of some money to pay for my hotel bills and my flight ticket home, will pay back as soon as i get back home.Kindly let me know if you would be able to help me out
This disturbing letter was accompanied by a warning from the Gmail people: “Be careful with this message. It contains content that’s typically used to steal personal information.”
How much money should I send Pete George? A grand? Five grand? Any ideas?
I received this email as well. I had a similarly worded email from Bob Harvey not that long ago. He was apparently in Mumbai and someone had stolen his wallet and yadeyadeyada …
Don’t believe it….send PG an IOU…. but For emails like this, reply and ask a personal question that only the authentic person could answer.(Not birthday or grandma’s name)- say ‘what was the name of your second best friend..your 2nd pet? your teddy bear?’
LOL!
And I did not make the God email up – actually got it, despite very good spam block etc ….
But, seriously now, had a look at PG’s websiteYyourNZ and he can’t be overseas anyway as he had a post up yesterday, suggesting that Clare Curran’s postion as Labour rep for Dunedin South may be in doubt. Supposedly according to an article (unlinked) in the ODT.
That seems to be at odds with an email I got a few days ago from the Labour Party with a status report on selection of candidates for the 2014 election. This reported that both the Dunedin North and Dunedin South electorate candidate selections were currently uncontested with nominations closing on Feb 28.
Hello, there CV – and anyone else down Dunedin way. What is your understanding of the current position?
I’m aware that Pete has an unnatural fetish with me (as witnessed by his rants about almost anything that I have time to write). And on the odd occasion I have been known to see exactly how far I can twist him into a complete nutter state. However associating me with Theodore Roosevelt is a bit much…
Of course because of the work over the last few months, the shaving has become its usual irregular thing. But my young great-nieces and great-nephews appear to think that makes me santa claus rather the bushy dark thing that Theodore used..
(you do realise that the cadaver has no idea what I look like right?)
Works fine – about 35 seconds from failure to access a web server to dropping to the backup web server. Main constraint is that I don’t want to do it too fast as we do normally get some spiky load.
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Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same?Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
Open access notablesIce acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment:In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
Mr Bombastic:Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder.In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére SosouMarket gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
Buzz from the Beehive Melissa Lee – as may be discerned from the screenshot above – has not been demoted for doing something seriously wrong as Minister of ...
Morning in London Mother hugs beloved daughter outside the converted shoe factory in which she is living.Afternoon in London Travelling writer takes himself and his wrist down to A&E, just to be sure. Read more ...
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Radhika Raghav, Teaching Fellow, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Otago Netflix Indian director Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his big-budget Bollywood production, featuring grand sets, star casts, meticulously choreographed dance sequences and lavish costumes, jewellery and furnishings. ...
Sir Robert devoted his life to disability rights after living in institutions in his younger years, says Kaihautū Tika Hauātanga | Disability Rights Commissioner Prudence Walker. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Professor, Family and Sexual Violence, RMIT University Violence against women is not a women’s problem to solve, it is a whole of society problem to solve; and men in particular have to take responsibility. Those were the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Allen, Senior Lecturer in Chemical and Renewable Energy Engineering, University of Newcastle Snapshot freddy/ShutterstockPlans to revive an old coal-fired power station using bioenergy are being considered in the Hunter region of New South Wales. Similar plans for the station ...
Responding to the long-awaited release of judges’ special allowances, including free air travel and hotels for spouses, generous sabbaticals, and access to limousines, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Alex Murphy said: “In what world does your employer ...
Analysis - The United States has unveiled plans to boost the weapons trade with Australia and the UK, on the same day that Winston Peters is expected to sketch NZ's position on AUKUS. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrea Carson, Professor of Political Communication, Department of Politics, Media and Philosophy, La Trobe University Since Australia’s First Nations Voice to Parliament referendum in October 2023, diverse commentaries have sought to explain why it failed. But what does an analysis of media ...
Lawyers representing two iwi as well as the Māori Women’s Welfare League on Wednesday asked the Court of Appeal to overturn last week’s High Court decision on the Waitangi Tribunal’s decision to summons Children’s Minister Karen Chhour. The Tribunal is currently investigating the Government’s decision to repeal section 7AA of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government will introduce legislation to ban deepfake pornography and provide more funding for the eSafety Commission to pilot age-assurance technologies. The contribution of internet sites to gender-based violence was one major issue ...
Average ordinary time hourly earnings, as measured by the Quarterly Employment Survey (QES), increased 5.2 percent in the year to the March 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. Annual wage cost inflation, as measured by the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dimitrios Salampasis, FinTech Capability Lead | Senior Lecturer, Emerging Technologies and FinTech, Swinburne University of Technology Clem Onojeghuo/Unsplash In the digital era, the job market is increasingly becoming a minefield – demanding and difficult to navigate. According to the Australian Bureau ...
As of the March 2024 quarter, we can now look back on 20 years of data related to youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET), as collected by the Household Labour Force Survey (HLFS), according to figures released by Stats NZ today. "The ...
Thousands of workers attended public events in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch today to celebrate International Workers’ Day (May Day), but union representatives are urging caution and vigilance over the Government’s blatantly "anti-worker" ...
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in the March 2024 quarter, compared with 4.0 percent in the previous quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. ...
The PSA is warning the Government that the sensitive information of New Zealanders held by various agencies will fall into the wrong hands if the latest round of proposed cuts goes ahead. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Talitha Best, Professor of Psychology, CQUniversity Australia Victoria Rodriguez/Unsplash How do sugar rushes work? – W.H, age nine, from Canberra What a terrific question W.H! Let’s explore this, starting with some of the basics. What is sugar? ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karinna Saxby, Research Fellow, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne MART PRODUCTION/Pexels Increasing income support could help keep women and children safe according to new work demonstrating strong links between financial insecurity and domestic violence. ...
ANALYSIS:By Olli Hellmann, University of Waikato When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day today on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also to mark a defining event for national identity. The battle of Gallipoli against ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark A Gregory, Associate Professor, School of Engineering, RMIT University The telecommunications industry faces a major shakeup following the release of the post-incident report on last November’s 12-hour Optus outage. Telecommunications companies will have to share more information with customers during future ...
Welcome to The Spinoff Bookseller Confessional, in which we get to know Aotearoa’s booksellers. This week: Eden Denyer, bookseller at Unity Books Auckland.Weirdest question/request you’ve had on the shop floorA mother came in looking for anything we might have on Alaskan bison as that was her little boy’s ...
NZCTU Economist Craig Renney said new data released by Statistics New Zealand shows the need for Government to act now, with unemployment rising from 3.4% to 4.3%. ...
The outpouring of anger over Maiki Sherman’s hyperbolic presentation of this week’s ‘nightmare’ poll is itself an overreaction, argues Stewart Sowman-Lund. Politicians love nothing more than to pretend they don’t care about polls. This week, deputy prime minister Winston Peters said he didn’t give a “rat’s derriere” about a TVNZ ...
Asia Pacific Report Ngāti Kahungunu in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay region has become the first indigenous Māori iwi (tribe) to sign a resolution calling for a “ceasefire in Palestine”, reports Te Ao Māori News. Reporter Te Aniwaniwa Paterson talked to Te Otāne Huata, who has been organising peace rallies ...
By Dale Luma in Port Moresby “We want grants and not concessional loans,” is the crisp message from Papua New Guinea businesses directly affected by the Black Wednesday looting four months ago. The businesses, which lost millions after the January 10 rioting and looting, say they need grants as part ...
Happy May Day. Join a union. Q: What’s worse than a staff break room where the only place to sit and have a cup of tea is on a teetering stack of old pornography magazines? A: Your boss replacing the magazine stacks with chairs that are “heartily encrusted with ...
By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor Former opposition leader Matthew Wale has been announced as the second prime ministerial candidate ahead of the election in Solomon Islands tomorrow. He will face off against former foreign affairs minister Jeremiah Manele, who was announced by the Coalition for National Unity and Transformation ...
We get but one birthday a year – why not make it last as long as possible by scheduling as many meals with friends and family as you can? This is an excerpt from our weekly food newsletter, The Boil Up. How do you celebrate your birthday? Do you celebrate at ...
A Koi Tū discussion paper released today proposes sweeping changes to New Zealand’s media industry. The principal’s key author, Gavin Ellis, explains how journalists have a key role to play in making others value their role in society. This is an abridged version of a piece first published on knightlyviews.com ...
The Government’s spending cuts are again targeting support for Māori with proposed reform of the agency charged with advising on Māori wellbeing and development. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Douglas, Honorary Senior Lecturer, UNSW Aviation., UNSW Sydney The history of budget jet airlines in Australia is a long road littered with broken dreams. New entrants have consistently struggled to get a foothold. Low-cost carrier Bonza has just become the industry’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rosalind Dixon, Director, Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law, UNSW Sydney Australia is finally having a sustained conversation about violence against women and what we can do about it. It is more than time. Australian women and girls continue to experience ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Duckett, Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne stockfour/Shutterstock Preliminary bulk billing data released this week shows a 2.1% rise in bulk billing up to March. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Schulz, Senior Lecturer, University of Adelaide Australia is once again grappling with how we can stop gendered violence in our country. Protests over the weekend show there is enormous community anger over the number of women who are dying and National ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University AnastasiaDudka/Shutterstock What if the government was doing everything it could to stop thieves making off with our money, except the one thing that could really work? That’s how it ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Harrington, Senior Lecturer in English and Cultural Studies, University of Canterbury The Conversation It seems to be a time of old favourites. This month our experts have recommended two new seasons – the second season of Alone Australia (although ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonti Horner, Professor (Astrophysics), University of Southern Queensland A bright Eta Aquariid meteor photobombed this photo of comet C/2020 F8 (SWAN) in May 2020.Jonti Horner Meteors – commonly known as shooting stars – can be seen on any night of the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Flannery, Honorary fellow, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock Current concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in Earth’s atmosphere are unprecedented in human history. But CO₂ levels today, and those that might occur in coming decades, did occur millions of years ago. ...
Winston Peters has been keen to dismiss speculation on our involvement in Aukus but will give a speech tonight on the direction of our foreign policy, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Patrick Usmar, Lecturer in Critical Media Literacies, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images With the coalition government’s ban of student mobile phones in New Zealand schools coming into effect this week, reaction has ranged from the sceptical (kids will just get ...
Hospitals around the country are not allowed to make a single hiring decision without the approval of Te Whatu Ora's head office, including for cleaners and administration staff. ...
A new report on protecting journalism and democracy in New Zealand recommends a levy be charged on global platforms like Facebook and Google to fund media firms undertaking public interest reporting. It also calls for the reinstatement of a powerful Broadcasting Commission to distribute public funding for journalism and other ...
On International Workers' Day, also known as May Day, the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi and the wider union movement are celebrating the proud history of the labour movement during a tough time for working people. ...
From bills to beards, a walk through the former Green co-leader’s time in politics. After close to a decade in politics, James Shaw is preparing to bid farewell to parliament. Tonight will see the former minister deliver his valedictory address, certain to be a speech filled with Shaw’s trademark wit ...
Two months ago, MPs unanimously voted to give themselves a week off in Efeso Collins’ honour. On Tuesday, most were too busy to give even an hour of their time. The day Fa’anānā Efeso Collins died, parliament felt different. In a building that operates at a breakneck pace, everyone stopped ...
India’s election involves hundreds of millions of people and is a months-long affair. Here’s how voting works and what’s at stake.The biggest-ever election in world history started on April 19, with more than 10% of the world’s population eligible to vote. Elections in India, the world’s most populous country ...
Opinion: The impression from the carpark is very inviting. The area is well fenced but barred so there is easy visibility of loved ones. Inside, the spaces are welcoming and clean and staff are friendly and clearly comfortable. I am greeted by ‘Kim’. She has worked here for three years, ...
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I hope everyone had a great Christmas and Boxing Day. While I havent had much time to post on here in the past year, I have been still able to read some of insightful posts on this blog.
And of course..I hope this Christmas just gone is the last with John Key in power/office.
Its going to be one hell of an election campaign next year.
And David Cunliffe needs to set the agenda from the outset. I suggest an “Orewa” style speech, but without the Maori-bashing. It is coming up to 10 year since Don Brash delivered his speech, and it enabled National to set the political agenda from there on in (right up to the present day). He could have quite easily won in 2005
I suggest an “Orewa” style speech, but without the Maori-bashing.
And also without the glib, cruel, simplistic economic “theory”.
(just in case some are struggling to find policy-solutions..
..i offer this aid..)
http://www.alternet.org/economy/how-fix-economy-13-easy-charts
“..Policies that ensure broadly shared prosperity –
– should be policymakers’ foremost priorities in 2014..”
..(are there any problems with that dictum/imperative –
– for labour party apparatchik readers here..?..)
phillip ure..
BBC hack has a go at Japan’s “passive reporters”
Humbug Corner No. 23: Rupert Wingfield-Hayes
Radio NZ National News, Friday 27 December 2013, 6 a.m.
At this time of year, Japanese prime ministers have traditionally visited the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo—an act of homage which, because the shrine holds the remains of twelve notorious war criminals, outrages people in China, Korea and many other countries.
Some of the loudest protests, however, have come from people who themselves are incorrigible apologists for state aggression. Noam Chomsky has written trenchantly about the hypocrisy of U.S. ideologues selectively condemning the gall of JAPANESE leaders…..
http://www.chomsky.info/articles/199508–.htm
Yesterday, Shinzo Abe became the first Japanese prime minister for seven years to visit the Yasukuni shrine. This of course provided the perfect opportunity for critiquing not only the brazenness of Japanese politicians but also the uselessness of the Japanese media.
This is how the BBC’s Tokyo correspondent Rupert Wingfield-Hayes began his piece about the latest provocation:
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“Confronted by passive reporters at the gates of the Yasukuni Shrine….”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Some of Rupert Wingfield-Hayes’s listeners no doubt have a more well developed sense of irony than he does, and will have shaken their heads in wonderment at the gall of a BBC reporter condemning Japanese reporters—-or indeed any reporters—for being passive.
More classic examples of humbug….
http://thestandard.org.nz/hypocrisy-watch/#comment-740695
Oh dear, more breening from Moz:
“Confronted by passive reporters at the gates of the Yasukuni Shrine….”
Actual words of the journalist:
“Confronted by a pack of reporters …”
http://www.radionz.co.nz/radionz/programmes/news-bulletin/audio/2581194/radio-new-zealand-news
Quelle mortification! This is what happens when one listens to the radio while half-asleep. I thought at the time that the formulation “confronted by passive reporters” didn’t quite make sense—but I went ahead and published anyway! And now comes the well deserved bollocking.
My apologies to Rupert Wingfield-Hayes, and to my loyal readers at the Standard. As they used to say in Greece: even Homer nods. Or as they still say in Japan: even monkeys fall from trees.
And, most of all, a special round of applause for, and heartfelt thanks to, my punctilious pal Te Reo Putake. Take a bow, buddy….
http://casaofgila.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/butler.jpg
@ Moz…
RNZ is in holiday mode.
That means its a bit more like weekend mode.
The perfectly ‘work-life balanced’ lady with isssssssyous (that ‘incisive’, well-respected, hugely-experienced ex-parly arment gallery reporter – still down with, and in touch with the new breed – able to ‘get across’ all newz stories, unaffected by cronyism and nepotism with collegial appointments – INDEED, the perfect specimen any sort of public service radio host should try and model themselves on) ….. AND the nicest man on Earth are having their well-deserved break. Why the nicest man on Earth might even keep in touch with the people by serving in some fast food outlet somewhere, or perhaps repainting a Marae he once daubed with an horrific, and disliked colour scheme as atonement for participating in Public Service TV reality programming.
What it means though is its relatively safe to listen to Natrad ’24/7′
I wonder if the nicest man on Earth ever worries about whether Matinee Idle would be preferable to the stale, trite, hackneyed, mashed potato slop that gets dished up daily – equipped as it is with all its pre-programmed talking heads and audio pus.
I share your positive views about Matinee Idle, Tim. And I’m happy about most of the morning programme—except for one thing, and it’s a bit of a major obstacle, I’m afraid: I find Noelle McCarthy utterly insufferable. The fact that she was outed as a plagiarist a few years ago is the least of her sins.
I really enjoy and look forward to Matinee Idle – but heard (I think) today that their allotment of programmes has been cut back this year. Was only half listening at the time.
Going back to the vacuous Mora, I still have clearly stuck in my mind a remark he made about three years ago prior to Christmas. A remark to the effect that “But everyone has a ham at Christmas!”.
Sure, Mora, beneficiaries can really afford a ham at Christmas – only about the cost of two or more weeks’ total food bill for one ham?
Hate to be really prickish, but as a kid growing up, what most of us kids grew up with was mutton-hams. I think it would have been the early 70’s before hams as such became affordable to alot of kiwis. But with the price of lamb/mutton today, even that is probably unrealistic.
Why is it that New Zealand producers expect New Zealand consumers to pay a premium for goods produced here in New Zealand, while overseas customers get the benefit of all the tax advantages that the New Zealand Government can throw their way. It seems National takes great delight in screwing the New Zealand consumer regardless.
As do I. I did think that the complete works of the Topp twins was a trivial over the top today. There is only so much nasal spray that I can stand whilst driving. The rest of the show was pretty damn hilarious.
and this is the preferred-destination for new zealand for the randite-neo-libs (from both national and labour) who have been systematically shredding the social net/contract..
..for the past 30 yrs..
http://www.alternet.org/what-america-would-look-if-libertarians-got-their-way
..and why are we still staring at the same faces in labour who fucken did this to us..to nz..?
..why haven’t they fucken slunk away..?
..apologising/begging our forgiveness as they crawl out the door..eh..?
..and what do we get..?
..we get parker promising to shred that social net/contract even further..
..with the hobson’-choice of either a higher pension age..or a raise in gst..
..both options a further kick in the guts for those most in need..
..and a labour party that refuses to speak of the real poor/poverty..
..you watch ardern..
..media ask her about poverty/labour policies/ideas..
..and she is out of that room like a scalded cat..
..all the labour party will ever speak of..
..is ‘the working-poor’..
..now..do i find all this totally dismaying..?
..yes..yes i do..
..phillip ure..
Very true Phil – personally if i never hear ‘fair deal’ again it will be too soon…
Labour had the opportunity to have a good clean out in it’s 9 years in power, but they couldn’t achieve that. If Labour do win, there are some who will want to hang on for another 3 – 6 or 9 years, just because they think they can.
The problem facing Labour today, is Labour is full of too many middle class people, and too many academics. Poverty to them is an “exercise”, not something they actually relate too.
Parliamentarians are by definition, the 1%. If you want to keep them working for you, you have to apply constant pressure and demands on them.
After all, that’s what the corporate lobbyists do.
I’m not sure if all of them are the 1% – aren’t you trying to get in there? It seems to me that perhaps a small percentage of them are the 1%, like maybe 10% of them 🙂
🙂
By Parliamentarians I meant MPs…and $150K p.a. base MP pay is in the top 1% to 1.5% of NZ income brackets.
When a libertarian goes Randian.
Stoked by his Wall Street success, Lampert plunged headlong into the retail world. Undaunted by his lack of industry experience and hailed a genius, Lampert boldly pushed to merge Kmart and Sears with a layoff and cost-cutting strategy that would, he promised, send profits into the stratosphere. Meanwhile the hotshot threw cash around like an oil sheikh, buying a $40 million pad in Florida’s Biscayne Bay, a record even for that star-studded county.
Fast-forward to 2013: The fairy tale has become a nightmare.
Lampert is now known as one of the worst CEOs in America — the man who flushed Sears down the toilet with his demented management style and harebrained approach to retail. Sears stock is tanking. His hedge fun is down 40 percent, and the business press has turned from praising Lampert’s genius to watching gleefully as his ship sinks. Investors are running from “Crazy Eddie” like the plague.
http://www.alternet.org/economy/eddie-lampert-and-ayn-rand?paging=off¤t_page=1#bookmark
Rand talks about success as if the successful were superhuman, but capitalism will find those necessary to meet market needs and if you not it, someone else will be, and its therefore backwards to talk about winners making them the essential initiators of wealth. Hitler did something similar with evolution. Religion also makes the same mistake, putting humanity on top. It requires merging ignorance and distortion of origins and then apply a intellectual argument that otherwise would hold.
She of course doesn’t represent all libertarians. In fact surely we are all libertarians when we believe in liberty, which I hope we all do. The civil libertarians defend, even for example, nazi’s right to free-speech, go figure. I’m wary of anyone who say libertarianism is wrong, just as wary as anyone who say every libertarian is right.
Its certainly true now, that having proponents of free market theory on your board is going to hurt shareholder value.
During the Spanish Revolution, the POUM referred to themselves as libertarian communists. Reading Homage to Catalonia was my first experience of the concept of libertarianism and it did my head in a bit later when I saw it hijacked by people like Brash, Hide, and Perigo. While the POUM believed in liberation of the human spirit through collective endeavour, and a few puffs on the electric puha if that turned you on, modern libertarians believe in liberation of their bank balances by way of a militarised police force and private prisons. I think of myself as reasonably libertarian, but I have nothing in common with any of the selfish wankers who have hijacked the term these days.
Libertarians believe in their liberty but when the solo slips show it reveals their disdain for our liberty.
http://radishmag.wordpress.com/2013/04/26/carlyle-rising/#carlyle-rising
http://radishmag.wordpress.com/2013/04/26/carlyle-rising/#equality
http://www.salon.com/2011/08/30/lind_libertariansim/
http://valleywag.gawker.com/reminder-peter-thiel-is-ted-cruzs-gay-billionaire-all-1427666663
Or as I put it:
Libertarians: Dictators hiding behind liberal values.
And that is exactly what we see from both National and Act and probably UF although they’re more hiding behind sensible centrism.
hah, love it because they’ll never accept that their “theory” is wrong. Unfortunately, the same can be said of most economists.
The nation needs to be reminded of that as well from every left leaning political party. The RWNJs just don’t believe it though and so will keep rolling out the dystopia that their policies bring about.
And that inevitably applies to deregulation across the board, The rich and the corporations do well but society is worse off.
Came to that conclusion about property rights years ago. Greater property rights will, inevitably, result in more oppression of the poor by the rich.
Just been reading through yesterday’s open mike discussion on education – very thought provoking discussion.
I put a lot of value on the importance of education in its broadest sense: formal and/or informal, in education institutions or community based; abstract or practical. I’ve experienced all of them. I learned a lot in unis, but most of my political education was begun in the women’s movement in London and was community and volunteer-based.
The latter were initiatives from a group of women who set up some workshops in low rent and basic community halls – seminars on things like Marxism and feminism, through which I first came into contact with the writings of Marx and the kinds of writing that followed, as well as learning about the long legacy of feminist politics.
I’ve also learned a lot form discussions in online forums such as on TS.
I’m all for following one’s own interests in reading (or listening or viewing) widely. However that requires access to written texts, either from public libraries or accessible digital technologies and internet connections (these days libraries also provide some of the latter).
Also in depth learning requires more than reading, listening, or viewing selected texts – it requires debate and discussion and having your learnings challenged. Saw quite a bit of that on yesterday’s open mike.
@karol..
i found this one yesterday..
“..The 24 Pieces That Should Be Required Reading For Women From 2013..”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/23/required-reading-2013-women_n_4473740.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular
“..for the second year in a row we’ve curated a list of pieces we felt reflected some of the most insightful female voices of the year..”
phillip ure..
Thanks, phillip.
Interesting list. Each article looks worthy in it’s own right, showing some crucial, but limited aspects of feminism. But overall, the articles tend to talk back to celebrity culture, and promote a feminism that accepts a lot of the wider “neoliberal”/capitalist structure.
The only I article that stands out for me, going by the summary of each article, is the one by bell hooks: This is a must read for anyone wanting to understand what a left wing fminism is about.
hooks critiques a very opular book that she labels “faux feminism” – I would characterise that book as a kind of “liberal feminsm” that doesn’t want to change the status quo, but just seeks an equal place for (largely) middle to upper income women within that structure/culture.
An extract from hook’s piece:
Yah . thanks philip.
There’s a lot of reading there, but a quick speed scan shows some of it rather beautiful and confronting at the same time.
If nothing else it’s proof that feminism remains a vital and broad movement that defies neat pigeonholing.
Agreed Karol.
The only thing that spoils the Standard is the white noise created by all the right wingers, who only come here to disrupt intelligent debate and discussion.
yeah paul..but they have their place in the grand scheme of things..
..not the least being the honing of arguments to rubbish/demolish their randite/neo-lib fallacies..
..they are the foils..
..and ‘free speech’ is far more important than mere ‘annoyance’..eh..?
..just consider/dismiss them as necessary-clutter..eh..?
phillip ure..
The Herald fawns over the wealthy and the powerful.
What a tawdry little rag it shows itself to be.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11178384
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=11178260
Yup paul. The barkers bought a “do up” for 2.1 m. Poor things. The writer makes it sound like they will do it all themselves. Its the journalism of envy… to keep us all on the treadmill for the vain belief that if we keep working hard we can get that too… interesting how many of the owners dont have what we might call ordinary jobs.
A good life for a loser, eh?
Lets not forget the annual parade of the wealthy and entertaining over the volunteers in the new years honours list
Have continued this conversation on Shop till you drop.
Now that will be very interesting Tracey,Because there may not be too much tine left for those National rich dicks to get their snob gong. Two more chances and with luck the Nat’s will be out./So who do you think will become Sir or Dame ?
I would not be surprised if Phil. O’Grady is top of the list . Do you think Key will get his this year ?Don’t be surprised if he does , What is certain is that the majority will be very rich and most will be from the political right and far right. What a farce .
My wise old grand mother always said only one title maters Gentleman and Lady in the true sense of course ,
Why does power switch not work for Waikato?
@aerobubble..
..dunno..
..trailer-trash-bye-pass..is all i’ve got..
phillip ure..
Look at Google Images for “unidentified guest”. You’d never guess who the top images are about!
Ok – so I looked; and laughed.
I particularly liked this Guardian article of 12 Dec about our PM , the “unidentified guest” and its summary of his ‘high’ moments on his various overseas trips!
https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/12/new-zealand-john-key-unidentified-guest&sa=U&ei=Ubq8Uun0JY_uoAS1-4HgBQ&ved=0CAYQFjAA&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNHz00HB9z1bDQtWGlnxZp38HdOaug
Uugh! And now to the TS FAQs to finally learn how to do those short links!
Test
I particularly liked this Guardian article
Finally learnt after some false starts! Not too hard once you figure it out!
An urgent ticker-tape from Hell
Pete George needs assistance
I have just received an email, ostensibly from Pete George, the well-known politico and ex- Standardista. I wonder if I should help out the poor fellow, who seems to be having rather a hard time of it….
NEED YOUR HELP
Good Morning,
Just hoping this email reaches you well, I’m sorry for this emergency and for not informing you about my urgent trip to lugansk (ukraine) but I just have to let you know my present predicament. Everything was fine until I was attacked on my way back to the hotel, I wasn’t hurt but I lost my money, bank cards, mobile phone and my bag in the course of this attack. I immediately contacted my bank in other to block my cards and also made a report at the nearest police station. I’m physically OK and fine but I’m urgently in need of some money to pay for my hotel bills and my flight ticket home, will pay back as soon as i get back home.Kindly let me know if you would be able to help me out
This disturbing letter was accompanied by a warning from the Gmail people: “Be careful with this message. It contains content that’s typically used to steal personal information.”
How much money should I send Pete George? A grand? Five grand? Any ideas?
Scam unless absolutely proven otherwise.
Besides the real PG would have included a turgid page and half of whinging on the latest perfidy at The Standard…
and he would have spoken of his (faux)-‘balance’..
..in that particular situation..?
..surely..?
phillip ure..
smells scammy especially as I’ve seen that wording, word for word, before.
Got one of those this morning. Looks like PG’s email has been hacked. Virtually identical to several others over the years.
and if it were his sychophant/bell-ringer..
..dunny-brush wd help him..
..surely..?
phillip ure..
It’s a facebook scam.
I received this email as well. I had a similarly worded email from Bob Harvey not that long ago. He was apparently in Mumbai and someone had stolen his wallet and yadeyadeyada …
Happens all the time.
Make sure your passwords are secure …
Don’t believe it….send PG an IOU…. but For emails like this, reply and ask a personal question that only the authentic person could answer.(Not birthday or grandma’s name)- say ‘what was the name of your second best friend..your 2nd pet? your teddy bear?’
BUT, but, but ….. would you know the name of PG’s second best friend , his 2nd pet, his teddy bear?
Personally, I am very sceptical – I even had an email from God on Boxing day. What to do, what to do?
I deleted it and cleared my Deleted box, so will never know what God had to say to me ……
Don’t think PG had two friends.
God has i think.
LOL!
And I did not make the God email up – actually got it, despite very good spam block etc ….
But, seriously now, had a look at PG’s websiteYyourNZ and he can’t be overseas anyway as he had a post up yesterday, suggesting that Clare Curran’s postion as Labour rep for Dunedin South may be in doubt. Supposedly according to an article (unlinked) in the ODT.
That seems to be at odds with an email I got a few days ago from the Labour Party with a status report on selection of candidates for the 2014 election. This reported that both the Dunedin North and Dunedin South electorate candidate selections were currently uncontested with nominations closing on Feb 28.
Hello, there CV – and anyone else down Dunedin way. What is your understanding of the current position?
VV. No one, including myself, has put in a selection nomination against Clare Curran that I know of. More I cannot say at this stage 😈
Thanks CV. I will continue to live in hope………….
only online odt hits are for half-sentence speculations in articles about Colin King, from Audrey Young pieces in the Herald.
Upon which PG has apparently expanded into full posts? Big surprise. Interviewing his own eyelids, most likely
PG’s teddy bear is called Lynn 😈
I’m aware that Pete has an unnatural fetish with me (as witnessed by his rants about almost anything that I have time to write). And on the odd occasion I have been known to see exactly how far I can twist him into a complete nutter state. However associating me with Theodore Roosevelt is a bit much…
Of course because of the work over the last few months, the shaving has become its usual irregular thing. But my young great-nieces and great-nephews appear to think that makes me santa claus rather the bushy dark thing that Theodore used..
(you do realise that the cadaver has no idea what I look like right?)
And God’s teddy bear……? is it DC?
Then whose teddy bear is Cameron?
Test message. Testing updated server config.
There is still a problem using public and private subnets… A mildly expensive problem when the spam attacks happen.
Testing failure and fallback.
Works fine – about 35 seconds from failure to access a web server to dropping to the backup web server. Main constraint is that I don’t want to do it too fast as we do normally get some spiky load.
Next, see what I can do with the database server