Open mike 02/05/2013

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, May 2nd, 2013 - 168 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the link to Policy in the banner).

Step right up to the mike…

168 comments on “Open mike 02/05/2013 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. mickysavage 1
    2 May 2013 at 7:09 am

    Nooooooo …

    It’s a conspiracy by socialist elements in the press to sabotage the leadership prospects of the person best equipped to become National’s next leader after Key …

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/8621657/Apology-over-MPs-flare-up-in-restaurant

    • Te Reo Putake 1.1
      2 May 2013 at 7:27 am

      Sure it wasn’t Reece Witherspoon in disguise?

      • mickysavage 1.1.1
        2 May 2013 at 7:38 am

        Or a GCSB agent gone rogue?

        • Colonial Viper 1.1.1.1
          2 May 2013 at 8:28 am

          The last I heard, they were all “rogue”

          • vto 1.1.1.1.1
            2 May 2013 at 8:32 am

            A toss pot blue nose national party member getting drunk and rude at Hamner Springs – how surprising. It is in fact the only thing these arseholes do well…… be an arsehole

    • felix 1.2
      2 May 2013 at 9:20 am

      I like how Aaron had a bottle and a half which leaves about half a bottle each for everyone else.

      Still, he’s pretty sure it was one of the others being a drunk fool and not him. Sort of anyway, can’t really remember.

    • Draco T Bastard 1.3
      2 May 2013 at 12:38 pm

      The statement came after allegations emerged that Gilmore called a waiter at the Heritage Hanmer Springs who refused to serve him more wine a “dickhead”, handed over his business card and made a comment along the lines of, “Don’t you know who I am? I’m an important politician”.

      Considering National’s fixation of who people are I’d say that that was perfectly accurate summation of what actually happened and what was said.

      • fender 1.3.1
        2 May 2013 at 2:27 pm

        Hope this wont damage his plans to be PM, he’s got what it takes to lead National clearly, but like all their other losers, running a country would be a another disaster for the future.

      • mickysavage 1.3.2
        2 May 2013 at 5:42 pm

        And it gets worse.

        Andrew Riches revealed that Gilmore, a National Party backbencher, not only made the comments reported to date, but also threatened to have Prime Minister John Key get the man fired.

        Riches said he had been happy to let the matter lie, but had been incensed by Gilmore trying to “shift responsibility” for his poor conduct with a “half-hearted apology”.

        Riches confirmed Gilmore make the comment to the Heritage Hanmer Springs hotel waiter along the lines of, “Do you know who I am. I’m an important politician”.

        Riches revealed Gilmore also threatened to have the prime minister’s office intervene and end the waiter’s employment.

        “By the time this incident occurred, the remainder of our party had left the restaurant and were not connected to these events in any way. I consider attributing blame to any other person to be completely unjustified,” he said.

        What a dick. Typical born to rule tory.

        http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/8621657/Lawyer-unfairly-tarnished-by-Gilmore

        • Anne 1.3.2.1
          2 May 2013 at 6:00 pm

          John Key has received an apology from Gilmore and he says that’s the end of the matter.

          Of course it is. Gilmore in his drunken state let a large cat out of the bag. That is, if someone crosses Key, he’s not beyond destroying the person’s career or getting them sacked! It certainly doesn’t surprise me!

    • BLP 1.4
      2 May 2013 at 4:24 pm

      ‘

      Hey . . . c’mon, what’s the fuss? Its not like Gilmore is the National Ltd™ Associate Spokeshole for Health noisily getting pissed while enjoying the hospitality of the tobacco industry by blowing cigar smoke into the face of strangers at a rock concert before getting into a punch up. This guy’s an amateur . . . eh, Jonathan?

  2. Paul 2
    2 May 2013 at 7:12 am

    The sense of entitlement that some Nats have..
    Sources close to the Heritage Hanmer Springs hotel said Gilmore called a waiter a “dickhead”, handed over his business card and made a comment along the lines of “Don’t you know who I am? I’m an important politician.”

    • Oscar 2.1
      2 May 2013 at 8:26 am

      A politician sure. Important? Best laugh of the morning.

      • Colonial Viper 2.1.1
        2 May 2013 at 8:34 am

        Yes, the oxymoron is moronic. More importantly it demonstrates the out of touch Wellington beltway self centred mindset and ego of some MPs.

        Of the people, for the people? Gotta be dreaming.

    • David H 2.2
      2 May 2013 at 9:14 am

      “Important politician.” Now thats an Oxymoron. And judging from the reports then the Oxy should be dropped, and what do we have? Just some lowly back bench sprat politician, who is overinflated with his own sense of self importance, IE being a Moron.

      • logie97 2.2.1
        2 May 2013 at 9:55 am

        Hanmer Springs

        I am sure there used to be a retreat for rehabilitation out there somewhere – was closed in 2003, though it would appear it should be considered for reopening…

        • North 2.2.1.1
          2 May 2013 at 7:24 pm

          (Should be) fatally clanging ! That it should be at Hanmer Springs of all places ?

          Was last in that spot 49 years ago. Hot pools etc. Great for kids.

          You know what ? In the whole five days I took the waters there I never met a single drunken , entitled, prat.

          Plenty of former drinkers taking therapy at the rehab that used to be there.

          But not one entitled prat !

  3. freedom 3
    2 May 2013 at 9:00 am

    Shameful behaviour from Radio New Zealand this a.m.

    During the live interview discussing youth rates and collective bargaining involving the Supermarket duopoly in New Zealand, RNZ showed just how pathetic they have become.
    All because facts were being broadcast to the people, the interview got shut down mid-syllable.

    If RNZ are questioned on the behaviour, I predict they would say it was for the time share consideration of the next vital interview. What was the next vital interview? Horse trials at Badminton! An exceptionally crucial and relevant topic that undoubtedly affects the future of New Zealand and obviousy deserves more attention than the oppression of youth and non-unionised workers.

    RNZ, fast becoming the Fox News of the South Pacific

    • Paul 3.1
      2 May 2013 at 9:07 am

      +1

    • felix 3.2
      2 May 2013 at 9:43 am

      It was a bit abrupt. Sounds like he was told to pull the plug when she started on a tangent about the benefits of unionism in general, rather than sticking to this particular example.

      The really disturbing thing though is that it appears this employer, while not planning to use the youth rate, is looking to cut all existing wages down to the adult minimum.

      • freedom 3.2.1
        2 May 2013 at 10:16 am

        and that is the precise moment when the host abruptly and unprofessionally cut the interview off.

        All that had been mentioned was the two to three dollar difference between the wage levels in the collective contract and the isolated and increasingly vulnerable employees who work for the other hand on the pantry door.

        really not a good look from our Public Broadcaster

        • felix 3.2.1.1
          2 May 2013 at 10:34 am

          Yeah I would have enjoyed hearing a much longer in depth discussion about the benefits of union membership and how it relates to this issue too. There are many, many discussions that could have been had on many topics related to this event.

          However this is soundbite media.

          You stray from the immediate topic at hand and it’s over because you can’t be easily slotted into the preordained narrative. Especially after 4 minutes of primtime.

          Yes it’s dumb, yes it’s unhelpful, but it’s also very well understood. The union representative, as a professional, should have known better.

          • King Kong 3.2.1.1.1
            2 May 2013 at 10:37 am

            Is the reason you wanted to hear more about the benefits of union membership because you are currently unsure that it has any value?

            • felix 3.2.1.1.1.1
              2 May 2013 at 10:58 am

              No, I’d prefer longer discussions in the media because it takes time to explore complex issues. In a soundbite format people are only really able to discuss things that are already widely understood.

              That not only puts a great limitation on the range of subjects that can be discussed and linked together, but over time it also has a sort of negative exponential effect. How do you learn anything if you only get to hear people talk about things you already know?

              That’s how people end up like you and burt and big bruv.

              • King Kong …
                2 May 2013 at 11:12 am

                So you were disappointed that Nat radio couldn’t be used as a machine of propaganda…got it.

              • freedom …
                2 May 2013 at 12:52 pm

                “In a soundbite format people are only really able to discuss things that are already widely understood.”
                reminds me of the new improved google search, image search in particular
                [we will show you a wide selection of results harvested from a diverse field of data which once we have done our bit will basically tell you what you have already looked at! Oh did you want to discover something you did not already know? Sorry, we don’t do that any more]

                imagine your old fashioned card catalogue of your public library,
                now imagine the percentage of total cards you may have once looked at,
                now imagine that is all you are ever allowed to access ever again and you get the picture,
                or not as the case may be

            • millsy 3.2.1.1.1.2
              2 May 2013 at 11:55 am

              I hate people like you who want to outlaw trade unions and collective bargaining.

              Its just around the corner folks, soon unions will be banned. I have been saying this since 2004.

              • TheContrarian …
                2 May 2013 at 1:42 pm

                Not sure unions can be banned.
                Bill of Rights guarantees the freedom of association so you’d have to get around that first.

                • freedom …
                  2 May 2013 at 6:37 pm

                  that one would want to is what is called a tell

                • Paul …
                  2 May 2013 at 6:48 pm

                  The government has already flouted two of the UN’s Human Rights.
                  .#12 the right to privacy
                  #20 the right to assemble.
                  What ‘s one more?
                  I wonder if we’ll hear the corporate media talk about ‘big brother state’after all that nonsense we had to listen about nanny state.

                • North …
                  2 May 2013 at 7:49 pm

                  Well if they (unions) were banned then it’s “Herr Fuhrer” ShonKey Python. New Zealand would not stand for it. The result is obvious. A vast majority of New Zealanders would physically stand up in defiance of “Herr Fuhrer” and the security forces called in to put them down. It would be a constitutional assault justifying sharp fightback.

                  There is a class war going on. Fundamentally the warring parties are (1) an entitled, born to rule but not on account of breeding, and (2) the rest of us.

                  Pus eventually explodes outwards and dribbles away, giving relief. This will happen. There are all the signs. ShonKey Python Rules !

            • North 3.2.1.1.1.3
              2 May 2013 at 7:29 pm

              Ignore that ConKing Response.

              That woman Maxine Gay pretty much got her point across and was also attractively ardent in doing that.

      • Lanthanide 3.2.2
        2 May 2013 at 10:26 am

        Actually the radio does run on a schedule with allotted times for each story. She used her time up.

        • Chrissy 3.2.2.1
          2 May 2013 at 10:35 am

          Llanthanide.
          Then he shouldn’t have asked her a question so close to the end of her time. I thought he was thoroughly unprofessional. I would like to see her interviewed on Campbell Live.

        • felix 3.2.2.2
          2 May 2013 at 10:48 am

          Yes and no.

          She was cut because the time was up, but she was cut mid syllable because she was about to embark on a tangential voyage.

        • freedom 3.2.2.3
          2 May 2013 at 11:01 am

          Yes Lanthanide I am sure we are all aware of that which is obvious and well understood, but interviews are rarely cut off so abruptly, never mid syllable and never without an apology or such like from the host. What we heard this morning was kill switch journalism and it was wrong, unprofessional and a little worrying when we project to 2014.

          • Lanthanide 3.2.2.3.1
            2 May 2013 at 12:28 pm

            I’ve heard them do it before on Morning Report, and also on Checkpoint in the afternoons. Not too often, but it does happen occasionally. In this case Geoff did say “thanks for speaking to us” (or similar) and she carried on anyway; most people are polite enough to stop talking at that point.

            Seems it’s only a big deal when it’s a topic you care about, so clearly RNZ must be biased, when actually the most obvious answer is simply time constraints.

            • freedom 3.2.2.3.1.1
              2 May 2013 at 1:01 pm

              I really believe I am not being unjustly selective in my interpretation of what I heard.
              It was kill switch journalism, it was rude and it was damned unncessary considering the snail like pace of the Badmintion event interview that followed it.

    • prism 3.3
      2 May 2013 at 10:27 am

      I didn’t hear that particular Radionz interview. But if they have booked someone to give a report on the Horse Trials where wer may be winners also, then they are bound to be fair to the respondent speaking about it. They won’t get co-operation or be able to present the range of topics planned if they go too long over time on one.

      I don’t think that comparisons with Fox are justified.

      • freedom 3.3.1
        2 May 2013 at 10:57 am

        “I don’t think that comparisons with Fox are justified.”
        For dramatic effect I was applying an obvious exaggeration by comparison to illustrate the everdiminishing quality of news content that is being excreted from our Public Broadcaster.

        -there is no smiley for that 🙂

  4. vto 4
    2 May 2013 at 9:05 am

    Imagine another two to five years of government intervention and control of the Christchurch CBD….. Already the move back is sagging and build costs skyrocketing. People and businesses are saying right now “no thanks, we’ll stay put”. The only people and buildings in the CBD will be Council and government offices – not overly exciting.

    On top of that of course the blueprint sought to “shore up” land values byt heavily restricting land use, so speculative land prices are through the roof.

    Upshot of this interference equals slowing the rebuild to such an extent that it may not even happen. The donut ghost town.

    the risk is as real as this morning’s dawn. don’t count on the sparkly new city folks

    • Colonial Viper 4.1
      2 May 2013 at 9:15 am

      It’s been obvious that this was a slow motion train crash from the start.

      The moment you let so much time elapse and let the insurance companies gait the tempo of activity, and allow businesses, jobs and families to wither on the vine and go away, you’re fucked. Declining population base, declining rates base, declining morale.

      The people adding to Christchurch now don’t see Christchurch as a new home.

      It’s just the next gold rush.

    • muzza 4.2
      2 May 2013 at 9:51 am

      VTO – My contention has always been, and will remain, that there was NO intention to rebuild Christchurch, to any standard which would create a desireable *second city*.

      I expect that agenda was set from the get go, and I don’t see Christchurch being allowed to have any remnants of the elected council, anytime soon either!

      • vto 4.2.1
        2 May 2013 at 10:38 am

        There have been many agendas. One notable one, which suspiciouns were raised about and confirmed recently with a talk with a senior banking person in the city…… the blueprint acted to shore up land values in the city so that owners and lenders on that property wouldn’t dip out financially. One clear agenda enacted. Fact.

        • muzza 4.2.1.1
          2 May 2013 at 12:16 pm

          And as long as the derivatives markets continue unabated, there is no end in sight to the schemes which will be dreamed up, to *shore up* markets, of all kinds. The potential losses, from all forms of speculative gambling, have to be propped up, by more conventional lines of business, until the time is right to collapse of course!

          What this translates into, is suffering, misery and so on, for the overwhelming majority of people, regardless of where in the world they reside!

        • Puddleglum 4.2.1.2
          2 May 2013 at 7:47 pm

          It isn’t just a case of ‘suspicions’ over the Frame and Anchor projects being designed to shore up land prices in the designated ‘retail precinct’ – it was admitted from the origins of the Blueprint.

          Don Miskell, somewhat naively, seemed overjoyed that CERA’s economists not only approved of a ‘Frame’ but then proceeded to expand its proposed width markedly – and all in order to increase land values in the remainder of the city. Miskell saw it as ‘win-win’ (economic benefit in terms of land values and ‘environmental benefit’ in terms of the so-called ‘green frame’).

          The argument was that only by reducing land supply artificially could the ‘critical mass’ of investment drive recovery. As you pointed out in another comment, reports now are that it’s had exactly the opposite effect – of course this was predictable, but, presumably deliberately, had been denied until now.

          It was a remarkably bold, duplicitous, agenda-driven process from the get go. I’ve blogged several times about the process and am (over)due to do another.

          On the broader question, I tend to the view that the government did indeed also see this as an opportunity to castrate Christchurch politically and disempower its population in order to ensure the ‘economic goldrush’ for the province’s resources (including but not restricted to water) would proceed and accelerate, only meeting ineffectual, unorganised opposition from stressed people being pulled in a hundred different directions and having few formal avenues to engage in the political decision making process.

          Dismantling communities, destabilising locales, encouraging ‘sprawl’, importing transient labour and all of the other socially fragmenting features of this planned ‘recovery’ serve the political right – and, frankly, crony capitalism – extremely well.

          The fewer natural opportunities and structures there are for people to form common interests the better, for the right. This is known instinctively by most right-wing politicians and, by many of them, it’s known quite explicitly (e.g., wedge politics, divide and conquer, etc.).

        • dumrse 4.2.1.3
          2 May 2013 at 9:39 pm

          Fact eh! Lets see the citation and or quality links then.

          • Puddleglum 4.2.1.3.1
            2 May 2013 at 11:18 pm

            Hi dumrse,

            I presume you’re responding to vto but I think this link to the Central City Blueprint reveals that vto’s contention about the aim of increasing land values is no conspiracy theory. On page 35 it reads:

            “The Frame in tandem with zoning provisions, reduces the extent of the central city commercial area so that the oversupply of land is addressed. It will help to increase the value of properties generally across the central city in a way that regulations to contain the central core, or new zoning decisions, could not. The Frame helps to deliver a more compact core while diversifying opportunities for investment and development. The Frame allows the Core to expand in the future if there is demand for housing or commercial development.

            Is the central city blueprint a ‘quality link’? If not – and I understand why you might be wary of it given its glossy nature – here’s an article in which Don Miskell is interviewed about how the frame came to be.

            “We looked at the map and thought, well, Latimer Square is 80m wide. Let’s lengthen that all the way up to the river.‘

            Hesitantly they put their suggestion to the CCDU and were astounded by the response. “They said great idea. But no. Not nearly wide enough. And that was their investment guys!”

            Miskell says this is where the advantage of having all the experts in the one place really showed. Cera’s economics team could see angles that Blueprint’s architects and urban planners could not imagine.]

            The economists said a much fatter park strip – one a whole 220m, or an entire city block wide – would have the double benefit of creating green amenity in that part of town while also mopping up the excess land.”

            • vto 4.2.1.3.1.1
              3 May 2013 at 8:49 am

              Couple good posts there mr puddleglum. The “investment guys and the economists”, who effectively delivered that scenario to Christchurch (and how many of them maybe 3 or 4 or more?), have of course caused the current malaise.

              It is the old story of outsiders thinking they know better. And Wellingtonians no doubt of course too. And the old story of having people who don’t pay the bills make the decisions – or rather having absolutely no input from the people who do pay the bills and live in the place. Example “having all the experts in the one place really showed. Cera’s economics team could see angles that Blueprint’s architects and urban planners could not imagine”

              For fucks sake, the economics team, the architects, the urban planners…..

              And now it continues – apparently tomorrow the Press has the 50 Power People in Chch and it is dominated by people from outside Christchurch (government through cera eqc and of course the ecan fuck).

              The power should be resting with the people who live there, not elsewhere.

              This is fundamental.

              It was described immediately post-earthquake throughout the media as one of the most important components of a recovery.

              The opposite has happened, as these things show.

              It is very bad.

              sad.

              • Puddleglum …
                3 May 2013 at 6:23 pm

                Yes it is sad.

                It’s amazing how easily it can happen. The pattern seems to be that a core group (relatively small) have a very clear goal/agenda. They then package it in a way that they can entice and recruit to their project a penumbra of professional ‘gnomes’ who, for all sorts of reasons, commit to the process.

                These ‘gnomes’ – ‘good’, professional people, technocrats, experts, etc. pursuing their own careers and limelight – can conjur in their minds all sorts of worthy reasons why what they are doing will, ultimately, benefit the masses, even if what they are doing so thoroughly excludes the masses.

                I imagine they genuinely don’t think there is an agenda from the ‘core’ group that is at odds with the interests of the ‘masses’ – largely because it serves the ‘gnomic’ class’ interests to be in denial about any such agenda. To acknowledge such an agenda would cause unbearable cognitive dissonance and, potentially, exclude them from such an exciting – often career-enhancing – ‘Big Project’.

                It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for many of these people. It must be quite intoxicating so far as the social status it offers to them and the sense of making an ‘impact’ on the world.

                • vto …
                  3 May 2013 at 8:39 pm

                  It all highlights what an amazing city central Christchurch was. Which should highlight to all other communities that what they have in the scape, the buildings, the people, the routes and byways, the lanes and streets, the bridges, intersections, schools, theatres, restrooms, garages, trees, old trees, shops and hotels, the acknowledgements and hellos and nods and handshakes all in a space borne from the natural growth of a population, is something to treasure. It is a life, a culture, a tradition and heritage, a haven, home, workplace, meeting place, it is all of these things done to a a state that only long time does…………….

  5. Colonial Viper 5
    2 May 2013 at 9:22 am

    Austerity economics causes suicides, depression, disease

    HIV, malaria, TB returning.

    Thanks right wing prick politicians, central and investment banksters.

    • King Kong 5.1
      2 May 2013 at 9:32 am

      Whilst continuing to engage in idiotic left wing spending like there is no problem always turns out well.

      Commonly known as the “smoke yourself free of lung cancer method”.

      • johnm 5.1.1
        2 May 2013 at 9:53 am

        Hi King Kong
        You do talk utter rubbish, you know? Of course you wouldn’t would you…..?

      • Colonial Viper 5.1.2
        2 May 2013 at 10:38 am

        Commonly known as the “smoke yourself free of lung cancer method”.

        More sensible than the “cut money and spending from communities business recovery method”

    • TheContrarian 5.2
      2 May 2013 at 10:30 am

      Austerity causes Malaria? I could have sworn it was mosquito borne

      • Te Reo Putake 5.2.1
        2 May 2013 at 10:43 am

        Your comment makes no sense, TC. Perhaps you were trying (and failing) to be humorous?

        Mosquitos are a delivery mechanism, not the cause. Malaria, and the others listed, are diseases of poverty, as I’m sure you actually know. Very few cases of TB in Remeura, as far as I can tell. So, in a time of austerity, it’s hardly a surprise that impoverished neighborhoods, cities and countries see a lift in cases of diseases related to pisspoor living conditions.

        Rather than take the default right wing view of the poor, why don’t you try being contrarian?

        • TheContrarian 5.2.1.1
          2 May 2013 at 11:04 am

          Well, I’ve got my money on the changing environment causing malaria borne mosquitos to expand their territory and growing antibiotic resistance to be causing the spread of Malaria as opposed to austerity measures.

          You’ll note I only mentioned malaria and didn’t mention TB or the other listed diseases as well as the fact I haven’t taken any view of the poor, left or right, so I’d say your comment is a bit of a strawman.

          • McFlock 5.2.1.1.1
            2 May 2013 at 2:12 pm

            Well, austerity could plausibly (meaning clearly pulling this out of my arse) result in decreased public health funding for projects such as education campaigns about standing water, delayed treatment and neglected prophylactic treatment, and localised pest eradication schemes.

            So there is actually a reasonable theoretical link between austerity and malaria, regardless of the actual vector of the organism.

            • TheContrarian 5.2.1.1.1.1
              2 May 2013 at 3:13 pm

              I’d still put my money climate change and antobiotic resistance.

              • McFlock …
                2 May 2013 at 4:43 pm

                Nobody’s said that those aren’t factors.

                Just that the resources that a government uses in response to a public health threat also has an effect.

              • Puddleglum …
                2 May 2013 at 9:10 pm

                Hi TheContrarian,

                This link shows the point about the effect on malaria – Greece had its first outbreak in some time because of, you guessed it, reductions in malarial spraying programmes.

                Further,

                “The harms we have found include HIV and malaria outbreaks, shortages of essential medicines, lost healthcare access, and an avoidable epidemic of alcohol abuse, depression and suicide,” he said in a statement. “Austerity is having a devastating effect.”

    • Puddleglum 5.3
      2 May 2013 at 9:05 pm

      This is the book – yet to come out.

      It apparently data mines an array of historical case studies from a range of countries to come to the conclusion that, from a public health perspective, people’s circumstances, wellbeing and health can improve even in economic downturns so long as austerity is not used as a policy tool. When it is, public health takes a big hit.

  6. prism 6
    2 May 2013 at 10:18 am

    The British commenter this morning I think Matthew Parish, said that Ed Milliband came poorly out of a recent interview. He said that Labour would alter VAT I think he said that they would drop it for a year. When asked where he would get the Billions of pounds that would be foregone he dodged the question, and couldn’t come up with a definite plan to manage the Budget. It doesn’t look good for British Labour.

    • Colonial Viper 6.1
      2 May 2013 at 10:52 am

      Labour all around the world are timid about making a simple statement that the allocation of wealth in society needs to change from the top end to the middle.

      • prism 6.1.1
        2 May 2013 at 11:17 am

        The trouble was that his timidity seemed to stem from a lack of any plan to meet the gap between receiving present income from VAT and the sudden loss of it.

        There’s a hole in the bucket dear Liza dear Liza – Henry has to fix it with a straw. Is that the strawman that gets mentioned on this site quite often? I’m trying to keep amused with anything that comes to mind as the ship appears to be steadily sinking and most people are reacting by being sadder or madder or both. Let the musicians play diverting songs!

        • Colonial Viper 6.1.1.1
          2 May 2013 at 11:35 am

          Its madness…there is a massive thieving under taxed financial centre in London…that and reversing the Tories income tax cuts…plus UNCUT UK have quite a few ideas too…I mean this stuff is not rocket science.

          • muzza 6.1.1.1.1
            2 May 2013 at 12:21 pm

            City of London, can only be considered *under taxed*, if it is part of the jurisdiction which HMRC lords over!

            Should City of London, or more accurately the corporations/institutions which a registered there, be outside the jurisdiction of HMRC, then whatever taxation is paid, can only be deemed, appropriate!

            Same can be said of the FSA et al!

    • ScottGN 6.2
      2 May 2013 at 4:37 pm

      That will be the same Matthew Parish who recently told Kathryn Ryan that Margaret Thatcher was the most important post-war British Prime Minister and he would know since the highlight of his career as a Tory MP was being her loyal letter opener.

  7. vto 7
    2 May 2013 at 10:36 am

    Gawd, coming back to civilisation every now and then leaves moi dumbfounded at manwomankind and its perverted ways. For something to take you back to the raw beauty of nature and its brutal honesty check this http://www.surf.co.nz/tv/977 I posted it here some time ago but it has reared its head as a repeat on this other site. Go wide screen and lose yourself lest you get lost in the wrong world…..

  8. Penny Bright 8
    2 May 2013 at 11:03 am

    Seen this?

    __________________________________________________________________________

    2 May 2013

    Press Release: Sue Henry Spokesperson for the Housing Lobby

    “Say NO to democracy for salivating property developers.”

    “There will never be positive advancements for the public majority of the Auckland region as long as we have political party ticket monopolies sitting in the Council Chamber,” says Sue Henry Spokesperson, for the Housing Lobby

    “The faces may change ever three years while both party tickets play ‘pass the parcel’ and bulldoze through the failed ideology of housing intensification from the 2004 ‘Central Sector Agreement’ and former ARC ‘Regional Policy Statement’ .

    “It is scandalous the way both tickets have extended this housing intensification proposal deep into the heart of well-established residential areas, ignoring vigorous community opposition,” she continues.

    “We need a fresh approach away from slums and leaky chilly-bin houses.

    Whose interests are being served?

    The public majority or salivating property developers?”

    Sue Henry
    Spokesperson for the Housing Lobby

    • Draco T Bastard 8.1
      2 May 2013 at 1:03 pm

      Whose interests are being served?

      Well, if we go the way that National wants – the land bankers, the banks and the oil companies and a few others that will benefit from the inflated costs that come with sprawl but not the people of Auckland.

      If we go the other way, which we really don’t have a choice about, the people of Auckland and not the land bankers, the banks and the oil companies. Actually, the banks will win no matter what happens because they get to print money.

    • Chris 8.2
      2 May 2013 at 1:05 pm

      Did you ever find out if you were one of the people being spied on?

      Last time I was here I saw a comment that you were going to find out soon.

      • Penny Bright 8.2.1
        2 May 2013 at 9:12 pm

        By 9 May 2013 – I should get my Privacy Act reply as to whether or not I am one of the 88 New Zealanders who has been unlawfully spied upon by the GCSB.

        Penny Bright

        2013 Auckland Mayoral candidate

  9. prism 9
    2 May 2013 at 11:10 am

    For those who are interested in our country being clever and getting business and enterprise going and getting jobs and lots of working people getting wages to a reassonable standard instead of seeing NZs being represented cows’ sweet faces (the Jersey ones I mean with long eyelashes) in large advertisements all around the place, well…

    There was an interesting interview on Radio NZ this morning with a woman who has spent about ten years in New York and come back here to live and she has looked at how the ORs (Overseas Residents) are treated back here. 24,000 come back each year, recently anyway. And are their ideas, their expertise etc being welcomed, embraced and utilised?

    For more exciting details try Radionz 9 to Noon this Thursday the 2nd, if you can get on to the Radionz site, and once there on to the details of the interview. I couldn’t and I don’t have all day to get the full information.

    But this woman has good stuff that needs to be beard.

  10. Paul 10
    2 May 2013 at 11:53 am

    The documentary He Toki Huna: New Zealand seems to be longer available on Maori TVs website. Does anyone know where it can be bought?
    http://www.maoritelevision.com/tv/shows/anzac-2013/episode/he-toki-huna-new-zealand-afghanistan

    • Pascal's bookie 10.1
      2 May 2013 at 12:31 pm

      There’s a longer version coming out soon for the doco circuit I think. Probably available after that I guess.

    • karol 10.2
      2 May 2013 at 1:11 pm

      This was posted under my post on the doco. Posted by Annie:

      Maori TV have posted the film on their site and have the rights to show it 5 more times — we will at some point, release the film on DVD as it has strong educational potential. However, if I can eke out the time! we intend to edit a feature version for the NZ International Film Festival (about 70 mins). As always making documentary, one always has heaps of footage left on the cutting room floor and it would be good to incorporate more aspects of the story, and let it breathe a little more. TV tends to clip along at the faster pace while cinema can take its time.
      Thanks for all the support.

  11. prism 11
    2 May 2013 at 1:00 pm

    John Lancashire (see last para) giving comments about our dire biosecurity lack-of-system in Radio NZ Rural News today Thursday 2/5. Midday Rural News for 2 May 2013 News from the rural and farming sectors. (7′40″) http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ruralnews

    He was excoriating about it (good word – we should be using it a lot with political degenerates as we have now). He also seems to be talking factually and his judgment seems sound. Apparently the latest money-saving conflation of government work and responsibility is to bring together Biosecurity and Biodiversity. Both of which he thinks are vitally important and need separate monitoring and understandings.

    We are so full of shit in this country. It seems to become more obvious daily from what we hear coming from people who have wormed their way into positions of power and supposed interest in serving the country and the citizens. I don’t know if the rough measure so often used of 80/20% applies but it seems to me that the reliable and thoughtful people are down to the smallest minority. We need to change so much – get responsible people in power – how?

    Serious weaknesses identified in NZ’s biosecurity system
    from Nine To Noon on Friday 1 March 2013
    John Lancashire, immediate past president of New Zealand Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science; and Rob Thode, a Te Puke kiwifruit grower whose orchard was infected with PSA.
    Duration: 21′30″ Play (Windows) Play (Other) Download: Ogg Vorbis MP3

    • fender 12.1
      2 May 2013 at 2:12 pm

      It’s getting vomit inducing having to listen to these self-interest groups explaining how unfair it is that their income stream plans are being disrupted. It’s as if God has told them it’s their right to fleece electricity users ffs.

      There’s plenty of other ‘shares’ to gamble on, and there are even casinos around too.

      • geoff 12.1.1
        3 May 2013 at 7:47 am

        Vomit inducing is right. It’s more than a little disheartening that basically nobody in the MSM is calling them on their BS. The whole thing has really underscored how economically-far-right NZ has become. On a positive note, I suspect that it won’t matter what National etc say, most people get this issue and realise that National is only concerned for shareholders and no-one else.

  13. lprent 13
    2 May 2013 at 1:19 pm

    Is anyone else getting an odd display on the Feeds?

    Just wondering if it is my browser cache or more general.

  14. burt 14
    2 May 2013 at 1:54 pm

    Surprise surprise….

    NZ Post feeling squeeze

    Wow… That bank … can’t stand on it’s own two feet !!!! How surprising ….

    • TheContrarian 14.1
      2 May 2013 at 2:06 pm

      Delivery days probably should be cut as more and more mail becomes electronic but, in saying, there are still people (elderly for example) who might require a full service.

      Perhaps you can elect to have three day service?

    • Draco T Bastard 14.2
      2 May 2013 at 2:09 pm

      And burt, being the idiot and economic ignoramus that he is, fails to understand the problem. The problem being that the decline in physical mail has brought about the fact that the volume can no longer support the legal requirements of 6 delivery days per week.

      He also failed to read the article – it seems that the bank is doing fine but it would do better with the government investing more in it. It seems that burt is so stupid that he doesn’t realise that a successful business requires ongoing investment.

      • TheContrarian 14.2.1
        2 May 2013 at 2:17 pm

        Hey Draco, did you know it is possible to point out misunderstandings or incorrect statements without saying things like “burt is so stupid” and “eing the idiot and economic ignoramus that he is”.

        You knew that, right?

        • felix 14.2.1.1
          2 May 2013 at 2:37 pm

          Not sure it is possible in burt’s case…

        • One Anonymous Knucklehead 14.2.1.2
          2 May 2013 at 3:34 pm

          TheContrarian, in fact you may not be seeing the whole picture. Conservatives often lack the cognitive ability to understand logical challenges to their opinions. In such cases, emotional approaches may yield better results.

          • TheContrarian 14.2.1.2.1
            2 May 2013 at 3:54 pm

            Sure they will.

            • One Anonymous Knucklehead 14.2.1.2.1.1
              2 May 2013 at 4:06 pm

              Take the mass of resources available to schools for combating that archetypal wingnut philosophy, racism, for example:

              …videos and films that are realistic and present authentic characters can be effective tools. Students are drawn to characters who experience real feelings about the impact of intolerance. “Heroic” characters represent role models whose positive attitudes or behavioral changes can be emulated by students. These tools should be used with the intent to have students identify and empathize with such characters and facilitated discussions and debriefings can reinforce the negative effects of prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination. In many instances the most effective media tools are those that were not explicitly designed to “teach about prejudice and discrimination”.

              Note the emphasis on feelings.

              • TheContrarian …
                2 May 2013 at 4:52 pm

                Uh-huh.

                • Draco T Bastard …
                  2 May 2013 at 7:53 pm

                  Conservatives less likely to buy same lightbulbs if you tell them it will help the environment

                  The study then presented participants with a real-world choice: With a fixed amount of money in their wallet, respondents had to “buy” either an old-school lightbulb or an efficient compact florescent bulb (CFL), the same kind Bachmann railed against. Both bulbs were labeled with basic hard data on their energy use, but without a translation of that into climate pros and cons. When the bulbs cost the same, and even when the CFL cost more, conservatives and liberals were equally likely to buy the efficient bulb. But slap a message on the CFL’s packaging that says “Protect the Environment,” and “we saw a significant drop-off in more politically moderates and conservatives choosing that option,” said study author Dena Gromet, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.

                  This is basically where burt is at. As far as he’s concerned anything state owned is bad and so he will treat as such even if doing so hurts him.

                  • Colonial Viper …
                    2 May 2013 at 8:01 pm

                    And knowing this result, what are intellectually and academically capable lefties going to do differently in their political campaigns and messaging?

                    I suspect nothing.

      • burt 14.2.2
        2 May 2013 at 4:35 pm

        He also failed to read the article – it seems that the bank is doing fine but it would do better with the government investing more in it.

        Yes… lets extract some more tax payers funds to prop up a business that’s having trouble in a competitive market… Better still – lets kill off all competition and mandate state control over the sector… Seems to be the right approach for electricity – why not banking ?

        Question: Has there ever been a year when KiwiBank didn’t require capital to stay operational and fund all that TV advertising?

        Advertising that it’s NZ owned and looking after the best interests of NZ by sucking up tax payer dollars in some grand charade that it’s competitive and making a difference to the behaviour of the “big banks” that just keep recording massive profits while “our bank” needs capital from tax payers ?

        • Draco T Bastard 14.2.2.1
          2 May 2013 at 7:47 pm

          It doesn’t require capital to continue operating – it requires it to grow faster.

  15. Pascal's bookie 15
    2 May 2013 at 2:55 pm

    oh man. Reckon he should of HeyClinted on this one:

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10881044

    Those apologies came after one of his dining companions, Christchurch lawyer Andrew Riches confirmed he’d left a note at the hotel the following morning apologising for Mr Gilmore’s behaviour.

    Mr Gilmore allegedly called the waiter a “dickhead” when he refused him more wine and gave him his business card saying something like “Don’t you know who I am? I’m an important politician”, The Press reported today.

    It has also been suggested this morning that Mr Gilmore told the waiter he would tell the Prime Minister’s office about the waiter’s behaviour and have him sacked.

    Mr Riches this afternoon confirmed to the Herald he’d heard Mr Gilmore use words to that effect to the waiter.

    Mr Riches also said he was disappointed that Mr Gilmore had apologised for his group’s behaviour when it was “absolutely” his own behaviour that was in question.

    “It’s a shame because I thought this could just lie, he could apologise and that would be the end of it, but to sort of blame everyone else!”

    He told the Herald that two of the four in Mr Gilmore’s group had left by the time of the incident.

    “It was because most of the group had already left, he was cut off service, he did the old, “do you know who I am, I’m an MP”.

    “I thought it was just disgusting.”

    • Paul 15.1
      2 May 2013 at 3:05 pm

      If you read the article carefully. he’s not really taking responsibility…
      “As a group of diners our behaviour was at times boisterous, and I sincerely apologise for any offence this may have caused to staff and/or patrons”.
      No individual apology for his own specific actions, which have been outlined in some detail.
      Just a general apology on the part of the group.
      If he does not apologise fully, this story will keep running.

      • One Anonymous Knucklehead 15.1.1
        2 May 2013 at 3:10 pm

        He hasn’t even apologised for them either. “I apologise for any offence caused” is a Clayton’s apology. If he means it he’ll apologise for his own behaviour not what he imagines to be someone else’s state of mind.

        PS: The same apology, in fact, that Little and Mallard offered Collins; a gesture of contempt 🙂

      • Paul 15.1.2
        2 May 2013 at 3:49 pm

        Yup. A letter has been sent to Duncan Garner from Andrew Riches, one of the Hanmer group.
        And Garner makes a suggestion to John Key to get rid of him.
        It’s not a good look.

    • ianmac 15.2
      2 May 2013 at 3:25 pm

      While “some inappropriate comments might seem to have been made”, they had been apologised for, he said. – Herald
      Yes but not by him. Must have caught that infection from his Leader?

    • rosy 15.3
      2 May 2013 at 6:34 pm

      This is the same Aaron Gilmore that claimed high level finance industry qualifications on his CV, right?

      The Chartered Financial Analyst Institute yesterday told the Herald Mr Gilmore was not a member, although he listed membership as part of his list of educational and professional qualifications on his parliamentary web page.

      And yeah, that’s a Clayton’s apology. Two strikes, I’m sure there’s a third in there somewhere.

  16. Paul 16
    2 May 2013 at 2:59 pm

    Do you notice how Matthew Hooton always uses the term the Green/Labour axis?
    He is clearly trying to control language and introduce new slogans for the right?
    1. The use of axis, which has negative connotations because this was the term given to the German alliance in World War 2.
    2. By using Green before Labour, he is trying to wind up Labour supporters.

    • Draco T Bastard 16.1
      2 May 2013 at 3:15 pm

      And don’t forget the Axis of Evil.

    • muzza 16.2
      2 May 2013 at 3:31 pm

      Forget Hooton, – he is nothing more than tool in the box of the estabishment, as soon as there is no more use for him, he will be on the scapheap.

      Does that make me feel good, no , not really, Hooton is a human being too, but has chosen sides, and now has to see it through to the inevitable conclusion.

      Use of the word axis, is as you point out, Paul, and Draco, also!

    • The Al1en 16.3
      2 May 2013 at 6:35 pm

      “By using Green before Labour, he is trying to wind up Labour supporters.”

      He must have got that from me.

  17. lprent 17
    2 May 2013 at 3:05 pm

    Opps – posted comment went in wrong OpenMike.

    Annoying. A Jetpack upgrade (for wordpress) just broke the site http://wordpress.org/support/topic/updating-jetpack-breaks-wordpress

    Cleared the plugin out and we’re back again.

    Interesting, the whole site is noticeably faster without Jetpack. I’ll have to look and find out what they’re screwing up on.

  18. freedom 18
    2 May 2013 at 4:55 pm

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10881044

    looks like the MP’s aren’t the only drunks
    This has to be the worst edited articles ever in the Herald, or was it simply unproofed.
    It is just a long string of variants of the same handful of sentences.

  19. mickysavage 19
    2 May 2013 at 4:55 pm

    Latest Roy Morgan is out …

    http://www.roymorgan.com/news/polls/2013/4890/

    All I can say is that there is no way that National support should have swung back like this and the polls are far too messy to be taken seriously.

    • freedom 19.1
      2 May 2013 at 5:00 pm

      makes more sense when you meet the author

    • Anne 19.2
      2 May 2013 at 5:06 pm

      Looks like it mickysavage. It suggests the swinging voters are swinging more wildly than ever. Not a good sign. They’re ripe for NAct manipulation and we’re seeing this happen with increasing frequency. Eg.. the far left wolf-whistle.

      To my knowledge no senior Labour politician has seriously addressed this load of crap. They ignore it at their peril.

    • ScottGN 19.3
      2 May 2013 at 5:25 pm

      What’s the bet this one gets reported by The Herald?

    • Jane 19.4
      2 May 2013 at 5:55 pm

      For goodness sake!! Morgan is all over he place, getting pretty silly!

      • Pascal's bookie 19.4.1
        2 May 2013 at 5:58 pm

        It’s always been bouncy. National got abig bounce, and it’s a fifty/fifty call. Next bounce will be t’other way.

    • The Al1en 19.5
      2 May 2013 at 6:12 pm

      What, a rogue poll you say?
      So what happens when we run out of months to write this polling off?

      Abc, you rock :fucksticks:

      • McFlock 19.5.1
        2 May 2013 at 6:19 pm

        What polling needs to be written off? The polling where a 4 point bump for labour still takes them only half way down to their previous election result?

        • The Al1en 19.5.1.1
          2 May 2013 at 6:26 pm

          Sure, you can concentrate on that 31.5 and try to spin it however you wish, even positively, but modesty and embarrassment would stop me.

          How many months out will it be before you accept the inevitable and that I’m right, as usual? 😉

          Abc :tardwanks:

          • McFlock 19.5.1.1.1
            2 May 2013 at 6:35 pm

            about 18 months, if you make the same pledge 🙂

            • The Al1en 19.5.1.1.1.1
              2 May 2013 at 6:39 pm

              Do you really expect DS to be leader in 18 months?

              I always put my money where my gob is… Like you didn’t know already 🙂

              • McFlock …
                2 May 2013 at 6:44 pm

                Unless you know of a secret challenge brewing.

                But that’s part of it – Will labour be in government next year, with shearer as pm?
                I think the chances are pretty good. And really, unless shearer’s campaign is akin to Brash or Banks, I’m not sure Cunliffe (assuming that was your ABC reference) would make the slightest difference

                • The Al1en …
                  2 May 2013 at 6:51 pm

                  “Unless you know of a secret challenge brewing.”

                  There’s always secret challenges brewing. It’s politics after all.

                  “Will labour be in government next year, with shearer as pm?”

                  Nope.

                  “unless shearer’s campaign is akin to Brash or Banks”

                  And you think he’s better, how? Don’t bother, I’ll just photoshop an extra plank into his head shots and we’ll all agree he’s bad, but not in a good way.

                  “I’m not sure Cunliffe (assuming that was your ABC reference) would make the slightest difference”

                  Them who made the decision must take the blame, and abc will know this, hopefully sooner rather than later. Fuck judgement day, that’s so last week. I’m waiting for consequence day.

                  Enjoy your 31.5%

                  • McFlock …
                    2 May 2013 at 6:55 pm

                    Actually, it’s much a much better day than the 27.95% day about 18 months back. That sucked.

                    And i really don’t think shearer is even remotely close to being as bad as banks or brash. Eye of the beholder, I guess. We’ll see.

                    • The Al1en …
                      2 May 2013 at 7:05 pm

                      “Actually, it’s much a much better day than the 27.95% day about 18 months back. That sucked.”

                      After the previous three years and shocking election campaign, marginally so.

                      “And i really don’t think shearer is even remotely close to being as bad as banks or brash. Eye of the beholder, I guess. We’ll see.”

                      It’s going to a rough ride. Strap in, mate.

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      2 May 2013 at 7:13 pm

                      Keep lowering expectations mate, it’s the only way to win this one.

                    • McFlock …
                      2 May 2013 at 7:26 pm

                      you two always make me laugh

                      You remind me of fundies expecting armageddon to happen on date XXXX.

                      Every time things go badly, it’s a portent of imminent doom.
                      Every time things improve, it’s a blip and armageddon has been rescheduled for the morrow.

                      I’m not “lowering expectations”. My expectation is a labour/green government.
                      There is nothing in RM, colmar brunton, or Reid Research (TV3) trends to indicate that this is not a likely outcome in 2014.

                      No matter how desperate you are for labour to fail or the world to end.

                    • The Al1en …
                      2 May 2013 at 7:31 pm

                      “you two always make me laugh”

                      Then you need to up or lower your meds, depending 😆

                      “No matter how desperate you are for labour to fail”

                      That particular space ship has long since sailed, my friend.

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      2 May 2013 at 7:38 pm

                      McFlock, yes there’s every possibility that Labour will be able to form a government even with a 33% or 34% e-day result.

                      No need to set expectations higher than that mate, as that delivers the win you want.

                    • Rhinocrates …
                      2 May 2013 at 8:23 pm

                      Well I can imagine that on a billboard – “Not as bad as Brash or Banks”. The irony will surely capture that vital hipster demographic. Maybe Shearer and Robertson should start growing handlebar moustaches, wear enormous spectacle frames, skinny trousers and and drink Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.

                      Actually, this could go really well: “I’m David Shearer, you’ve probably never heard of me.”

                    • felix …
                      2 May 2013 at 11:14 pm

                      “Vote Labour: It could be a lot worse you know.”

    • felix 19.6
      2 May 2013 at 6:46 pm

      NZFirst is down 10%.

      Maori Party down 25%, CCCP up by the same.

      ACT and UnitedPeterDunne holding steady.

      The big winner though is Mana on the far left, up 100%!

    • Colonial Viper 19.7
      2 May 2013 at 7:11 pm

      the Nats PR clobbering machine is just warming up over NZ Power, and Labour counter punches have been light weight. I’m with Al1en, this ride is going to be rough. Go Greens, go Mana.

      • The Al1en 19.7.1
        2 May 2013 at 7:20 pm

        “I’m with Al1en”

        That’s puts me ahead of uf and act in recent polling. 🙂

        And with Brewster’s Millions, I’d out poll Craig and the loony c’s in a couple of months.

  20. hush minx 20
    2 May 2013 at 6:47 pm

    Well it does suggest the tv3 poll was a better reflection of the sentiment than tv1. Guess well have to wait for the next round from them. Of course if labor was doing well post power policy, maybe they could tell us their numbers. Who polls for them these days anyway now umr is gone (assuming they are?).

    • ScottGN 20.1
      2 May 2013 at 6:57 pm

      Actually it doesn’t suggest anything of the sort. TV3 claimed that National would be able to govern alone on their last poll results. Gary Morgan makes the point that even with this bounce in the Roy Morgan, Labour and its coalition partners would be more likely to form government than National.

      • wobble 20.1.1
        2 May 2013 at 8:37 pm

        Except hasn’t Winston made it clear he won’t go into any kind of coalition with the Greens?

        • felix 20.1.1.1
          2 May 2013 at 8:50 pm

          Winston’s firm positions on the Greens, like all his firm positions, are (ahem) biodegradable.

        • Te Reo Putake 20.1.1.2
          2 May 2013 at 9:59 pm

          And that was two (maybe 3?) elections ago. Before National cost him his Parliamentary gig. I’d say 60/40 he won’t go with the Nats.

          • Colonial Viper 20.1.1.2.1
            2 May 2013 at 10:20 pm

            I tend to agree with you but the Nats and their corporate mates are really really good with the trinkets.

  21. karol 21
    2 May 2013 at 7:34 pm

    Colin Craig’s Clint moment? Bomber just asked him on Citizen A, about Auckland’s Transport funding issues, “What would Jesus do?” Craig collapses with a snorty giggle – no idea.

  22. Herodotus 22
    2 May 2013 at 8:27 pm

    How easy it is becoming for a board to improve their share market price and still maintain their earning power, if we downscale our workforce or outsource who will have the money to buy these coys products or services?
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10881039
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10874446
    Perhaps those here could make a wee (immoral) profit with air nz???

    • Colonial Viper 22.1
      2 May 2013 at 8:37 pm

      You seem to be asking questions based on the premise that these boards and their directors wish to build strong ongoing businesses. And yes, some do.

      But with many others, it helps to view their activities from the standpoint of conducting a bank heist in progress. Then you’ll find that their activities make far more sense.

  23. Penny Bright 23
    2 May 2013 at 9:15 pm

    http://www.3news.co.nz/Protestors-Minto-Bright-to-run-for-mayoralty/tabid/1607/articleID/296315/Default.aspx

    I think it’s a good thing that John Minto is standing as an Auckland Mayoral candidate – he will be able to promote Mana policies which will help focus on the most vulnerable of the 99%.

    That will also help to raise the profile of Mana, and their policies before the 2014 General Election.

    As I did in 2010 as an Auckland Mayoral candidate – I will be focusing on how the $upercity has been a corrupt corporate coup – and how to take back the Auckland region from the control of the 1%.

    I tried to warn you folks as an Auckland Mayoral candidate in 2010 – that the Auckland $upercity would be a SUPER RIPOFF – a super public trough, for fewer but bigger private snouts.

    Where was I wrong?

    Have YOUR rates gone UP or DOWN?
    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Why I stood as an Auckland Mayoral candidate in 2010:

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10673942

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/video.cfm?c_id=1&gal_objectid=10673942&gallery_id=113947
    ______________________________________________________________________________

    AUCKLAND MAYORAL CAMPAIGN 2013:

    ACTION PLAN against ‘white collar’ crime, corruption and ‘corporate welfare’

    http://www.dodgyjohnhasgone.com/action-plan-to-prevent-corruption/

    Proven track record, as a successful Occupy Auckland Appellant (in my own name) in fighting the corporate 1% who run the Auckland region, ‘like a business – for business’:

    EVIDENCE in the following High Court document – exposing the role of the unelected Committee for Auckland, of which the CEO for Auckland Council, Doug McKay is a member.

    (So – whose interests is he serving?
    The majority of citizens and ratepayers – or his corporate mates?)

    http://www.occupyaucklandvsaucklandcouncilappeal.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/OCCUPY-AUCKLAND-APPEAL-APPLICATION-BY-APPELLANT-BRIGHT-TO-ADDUCE-NEW-EVIDENCE-pdf.pdf

    There is more …………… LOTS more to come …………….

    Cheers!

    Penny Bright
    ‘Anti-corruption / anti-privatisation’ campaigner

    2013 Auckland Mayoral candidate

    PS: My defended hearing in the above-mentioned Court case on the charge of ‘willful trespass’ for occupying John Banks electoral office on 18 June 2013 – has been adjourned until 27 September 2013 🙂

  24. karol 24
    2 May 2013 at 9:27 pm

    A panel, chaired by Key’s scientific adviser Sir Peter Gluckman, advises of the impact climate change could have on the Antarctic, and thus on NZ and it’s economy.

    The panel recognised that of all the various potential risks New Zealand faced, a dramatic change in Southern Ocean currents driven by changes in the Antarctic ice sheet, “would have far more dramatic influence on our economy, through changes in the climate and rainfall patterns, than any of us had realised”.

    “Therefore, given that we are uniquely committed and associated with Antarctic research, and given our leadership in that area, it was self-evident that to protect our future as a country, we need to understand what’s going to happen in the Southern Ocean far better than we do now,” Sir Peter said.

    Despite concerns about the issue, it attracted relatively little funding in the current financial year.

    A cabinet paper by Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce calculated that only $4.1 million was spent on research areas connected with the deep south challenge in 2012/13, out of the $523 million provided through contestable funding and crown research institutes. Those figures did not include research funded through the tertiary education sector and other government agencies.

  25. Herodotus 25
    2 May 2013 at 9:53 pm

    Youth rates
    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/133949/pm-defends-lower-youth-pay-rate
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/8617998/Protest-as-youth-rates-come-into-force

    “A young unskilled person is disadvantaged in competing against more experienced and trained people in the labour market. Starting wages help young people gain experience and better equip them to be able to compete on stronger terms.”
    So where does the more experienced and trained person go ? And wait a few months/year and see these organisations that are currently commenting that they will still continue to pay min wage will be?

    • rosy 25.1
      2 May 2013 at 10:09 pm

      ‘Young’ is a superfluous word. E.g. an any, particularly and older, unskilled, inexperienced pak’n’save stacker is easily as disadvantaged as young unskilled, inexperienced pak’n’save stacker when competing against more experienced and trained people. That’s why there are pay grades.

      Why do we let these people making excuses that lead to lower wages based on age get away with this?

  26. felix 26
    2 May 2013 at 11:11 pm

    Look at these filthy disgusting black-gloved thugs physically shoving law abiding citizens around in Queen St yesterday: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtjM_kFOp_s

    Disgraceful. They should all be before the courts charged with aggravated assault.

The server will be getting hardware changes this evening starting at 10pm NZDT.
The site will be off line for some hours.