Dear John, Im writing to extend an invitation.
An opportunity to join us for a feast of food and celebration
Far beyone imagination, of what
you made of them or me, you made us what we are.
Cos you’re all heart John.
you’re all heart John.
Please take off your shoes and I will welcome you into my home
Oh it might seem kind of lonely till the other guests make themselves known
and thankyou for your commendation of my choices, but there is only one
that would keep you in the style to which you’ve become acccustomed.
But you’re all heart John.
you’re all heart John.
Delicacy of flavour, oh it fill the senses, feel it come
in rarity anf favours, all laid out since you were bred and born
and we only get to do this once, cos it’s far beyond our means.
Dont let me bore you with the details – I know you want to taste a part of each
Cos, you’re all heart John.
you’re all heart John.
A moments silence, please.
To thank our guests and bless this food that’s only yours to eat.
Oh and their names are written underneath each plate
each dish, each tasteless grave
but yes, you like the flavour
and you wont change.
you’re all heart John.
you’re all heart John.
you’re all heart John.
There but for the grace of god goes you or I
you taste every story, but do you recognise?
you’re so free with the glaze, and it disguises the taste
of what you know this if for.
What its for.
We, we’re all here. We feel each bite, we feel each tear as you sew the seeds
your pound of flesh, your fiscal year.
Know what you are know what you need know what you want, know on what you feed
dear
dear
john.
dear john.
Beautiful, strong and succinct. Jordan Reyne is a talented song writer and singer. I hadn’t heard any of her work for awhile and that brilliant song has inspired me to look at her EP releases planned for the year, A trilogy entitled Maiden, Mother, Crone with the Crone EP being released back in April, which Dear John is on.
After having read questions and comments on David Cunliffe’s Q+A on The Standard last Sunday, I was sadly at best only “moderately impressed”: http://thestandard.org.nz/david-cunliffe-qa/
Stephanie Rodgers asked David:
“Would your government set benefits at levels which allow people to live with dignity, and ensure benefits increase to match rises in the cost of living? Will Labour in government stop categorising beneficiaries who are unable to work as “Jobseekers” – and the subsequent harassment from WINZ to justify their situation/seek jobs they can’t do?”
David answered:
“I’m not going to announce our welfare policy here. But what I can tell you is that the systematic victimisation and demonisation of beneficiaries we’ve seen under National has absolutely no place in Labour’s values or a Labour Government.”
(http://thestandard.org.nz/david-cunliffe-qa/#comment-841174)
CV commented further to that, mentioning that welfare issues have been of great concern to many here on TS.
After reading that, which seems to have been the one and only real, firm question about social security and welfare policy in the Q+A session with David, I had to ask myself again, why are Labour leaving potential votes of say at least 100 to 200 thousand on benefits lie on the roadside, and why do they not deliver us honest answers and firm policy commitments, 11 weeks out from the general election?
Affordable housing, regional development, promoting value added manufacturing, making power prices affordable, bringing in fairer taxation, higher minimum wages, and more support for parents of newborns, all that is admittedly important, but it is IRRESPONSIBLE to NOT address major issues that can be resolved by delivering FIRM policy now. The trust of the many without jobs, and those unable to work due to sickness and disability, and those struggling as sole parents, could deliver potential votes that can make a difference this election.
Last election some “welfare policy” was announced days before the election, and it did not gain any traction, and I fear Labour are again “playing” with us on benefits, announcing a tiny, half-hearted carrot just before the election, which will be too late to win over tens if not 100 to 200 thousand, who have given up on Labour and other parties, and are likely to stay away again.
I demand answers NOW! Even a vote for Greens or Mana, depending on Labour as the main partner in an alternative government, may not be able to deliver much for us on benefits, as Labour may not give them much leeway in negotiations.
Especially us sick and disabled want answers, do you in Labour support the UK style welfare reforms and the “findings” by one Mansel Aylward, who talks about “illness belief” and “malingering” of beneficiaries, and propagates the supposed “health benefits of work”, claiming paid work is “therapeutic”? Do you support Principal Health Advisor David Bratt (at WINZ / MSD) who likens benefit dependence to “drug dependence”? He got his job under your party’s last government!
And why do you not make the following an election issue? On Public Address Michael Fletcher raises major questions about the lack of transparency in policy implementation and evaluation at MSD and WINZ, as the secrecy going on there is appalling: http://publicaddress.net/speaker/how-is-government-evaluating-its-welfare/
David Cunliffe, Sue Moroney and others in Labour, and also Jan Logie and others in the Green Party, we want answers and commitments soon, and assurances that you will REVERSE the draconian welfare reforms Key, English and Bennett forced through in 2012 to 2013, thanks!
+1
That’s one of the main reasons I cannot give Labour my party vote this election after a lifetime of supporting them – another being an unequivocal commitment to dropping neo-liberal policy.
They may or may not get an electorate vote – we’ll see. I’ll wait till 2017 (if they’re still around), but given the last 3rd term in which they chose to have a lay down and not continue to reverse much of the damage to this country in the Neshnool 90’s – to everything from the ‘social contract’, to the arts, to the continued corporatisation/destruction of the public service, I want proof they’re returning to their roots.
At the moment, I prefer to assist elsewhere with those who already have stated policies. As I say, I want proof after having my vote taken for granted for too long. I’m already compromising by giving consideration to the electorate vote. Sorry DR, but it’s gone on for too bloody long!
+1
I get a bit tired of Labour people telling me I have to join and work inside the party to change things. Nah, not going to happen. I’d rather grow bamboo in my rectum. I’ll support movements that are working to change something, and do something on the ground. The last thing I want to do is push shit uphill in a basically neoliberal fanclub with a load of deluded followers who think they’ll get Labour back to its roots.
Labour will not help those who need it the most. Therefore I will not help Labour. They might get my electorate vote, but that’s all.
But is it not true, that Labour have the highest membership since 1984? And that the majority of members feel, at the very least, neo-liberalism is a failing economic model? Why has the parliamentary wing clung so desperately, and policy been so aligned with to neo-liberalism if people make up the labour party, as you assert dimebag russell?
“..After reading that, which seems to have been the one and only real, firm question about social security and welfare policy in the Q+A session with David..”
(ahem..!..you mean of the ones that were answered..i presume..)
“….i understand that you have yr own timetable of policy-release..(and i am not requesting any premature details)..
..but cd you assure us that labour will be releasing ‘poverty-busting’ policies in that timetable..?
..policies that will address the plights of the worst off..both children and adults..
..thank you..”
(the four questions before this number five on the list of questions..were answered/addressed..
..as was the one after..which was about someone ‘pulling something out of their arse’..
..but this question was swerved around..
..and i did so try to make it both polite..and to the point..
..so make of that non-answer/ringing-silence on these issues from cunnliffe/labour..what you will..
..but i am not encouraged..)
..and all we have seen from logie/the greens so far..is green-tinged crocodile-tears/much-hand-wringing..
..all of which adds up to diddly-squat..to my mind..
..i do hope to be proved wrong..but i don’t think that will happen..eh..?
Oh i am sure X that there will be some movement from Labour that addresses the Paula Bennett deforming of the system,(incidently the 3 categories now in place were first proposed by Steve Maharey as Minister),
i would suggest that such changes, around just who sits within which category will not be announced by Labour as election policy,
i would expect as was the case with the Clark Government that WINZ will be told to loosen the criteria surrounding the granting of special needs grants which in effect raises the income of some beneficiaries quite considerably if they become part of the furniture at the local office,
i would further suggest that you are wasting your time and energy at this point in the electoral cycle complaining or demanding answers,
Your energy would be far better spent choosing an electoral vehicle you believe is likely to deliver the best outcome for beneficiaries and then printing up some leaflets to be handed out at your local WINZ office in an attempt to get beneficiaries out voting in September…
“i would further suggest that you are wasting your time and energy at this point in the electoral cycle complaining or demanding answers,
Your energy would be far better spent choosing an electoral vehicle you believe is likely to deliver the best outcome for beneficiaries and then printing up some leaflets to be handed out at your local WINZ office in an attempt to get beneficiaries out voting in September…”
Thanks for your comment, bad12. You may well be right with the first above.
As for the other suggestion, to be honest, I was leafleting and doing some talking and lobbying for the GP last election campaign, but the response by many potential voters out in the streets, especially young ones, was rather reserved and also indifferent.
Also have I repeatedly been leafleting outside WINZ offices before, with moderate interest. Some clients were keen to learn more about what goes on, but most were not really prepared to talk or read, as they all are so disillusioned, a leaflet and some good talk will not change the views shaped by disappointments and neglect they have experienced over years. That is also the reason, that there has over recent years been such a low turnout at pickets or protest events.
I think it is rather naive to expect the hundreds of thousands of non voters to suddenly take an interest in politics and voting, when they have for years given up on it, are totally disconnected, and need to be trained up with intensive political discourse and policy issues and options, to really understand what is going on, and what needs to be done. That is if they are open to that.
The idea that a short, intensive social media campaign, leafleting, campaign door knocking and so will get people out and on our side is an outdated idea, as most in the public feel, they are suddenly only wanted as voters, when elections are due in a few weeks time. Most have very personal expectation, but do not trust any party anymore.
That in essence is what Labour, but increasingly also Greens and other parties are up against, while Key and Nats get the pampering of 24/7 media attention, as being the ones in government, “doing things” (albeit badly and shockingly).
It is exactly this arrogant attitude by Labour, to think they can suddenly shortly before an election drop some “carrots” or lollies in a scramble, to gain votes, that is NOT GOING TO WORK. Labour should have been door knocking and networking throughout the last few years, and done more, so should others. For the first time in years, I myself feel, I cannot really recommend ANY PARTY, to vote for, with full conviction and from my heart.
Best of luck to those that have the strength and motivation to keep it all up.
You are not wrong xtasy, an answer earlier, rather than later, would be very welcome. But when you are facing a Government with a long long history of stealing policy the public responds to, and face a media complicit in suppressing the policy hypocrisy such moves usually expose, I can understand why Labour are not leading the campaign with whatever policy changes they have planned.
If this is the reason for the delay, it is a reason that makes some sense to me. This delay suggests to me what they have planned might actually be practical and supportive and worth protecting. That said, like hundreds of thousands of kiwis I really would love to know what the plan is before we enter the last month of the campaign, so I can properly weigh the options against the other parties. Help share them if I feel they are worthwhile. Maybe Labour can win back my vote with it.
Till we see it though our daily reality continues to be one of boot stomping hardship where we are subjected to pointless obligations and unreasonable judgements that barely disguise the behind the hand whispers where the holier than tho insinuate not finding a job is somehow our fault.
Truth is any changes on the ground would still be 6 months away. Today, there are no relevant jobs in my region I have not already applied for. Till 10/06, I have exactly 40 cents to my name, and bills due. Once I spend a few hours with various call centres I will no doubt be peckish. Good thing I like red-beans and rice because my pantry is not exactly overflowing and there is no way I am ever going back through the cavity search that is today’s foodgrant application.
Kia kaha xtasy and all who live this life of less.
“Good thing I like red-beans and rice because my pantry is not exactly overflowing and there is no way I am ever going back through the cavity search that is today’s foodgrant application.”
Haha, thanks for that comment.
Yes, I have also learned to do something fancy with red beans, a few tomatoes, a bit of puree and humble veges, add that into some mince, fry and cook it up as Chili Con Carne or Spaghetti, and a good meal is made, that can last for days, some kept for further meals in the fridge.
I am here serving as a constant reminder, so Labour – and other parties and their candidates – get the message, re what they need to think and act on in the social security area. It will be at their peril to ignore it, as letting us down yet again will NOT go down well.
A constant prick in the side, ensuring we are not forgotten, is a measure that is needed.
Like you, I remain hopeful there may be light at the end of a long, dark tunnel, and a sudden positive announcement at some time, not just for those with little kids and those fit to look for full- or part time jobs they can do.
“After reading that, which seems to have been the one and only real, firm question about social security and welfare policy in the Q+A session with David, I had to ask myself again, why are Labour leaving potential votes of say at least 100 to 200 thousand on benefits lie on the roadside, and why do they not deliver us honest answers and firm policy commitments, 11 weeks out from the general election?”
Quite simple- they don’t want our votes. So let’s not vote for them.
On telecanvassing it seems clear that people are reasonably content with their life and do not want to put it at risk. The lack of understanding of MMP is staggering and some people fail to appreciate that only a Party Vote for National will produce a strong stable government led by John Key that is working for New Zealand. It takes me up to three minutes to convince swing voters. Any advice on how I can get my conversion rate up to the calling room average of 6/hr. We work 4 hours a day with 20 callers, 80 x20 x 6 x 4 equates to another 3 MP’s.
” It takes me up to three minutes to convince swing voters. ”
That’s after you’ve taken your morning prayers and daily programming with Jamie Lee eh?
… oops, I just broke my own rule of not feeding the pigeons
With a largely “collaborating” and biased mainstream media so busy misinforming the wider, ill informed public, this useless and rotten, self serving government gets away with lies and even murder (see recent revelations about SAS involvement in Afghanistan)!
Listening to “enemy” radio broadcasts at times, like Radio Live in the late morning and late afternoon, I know what bullshit is fed into people’s minds 24/7.
Tom Fruean did in his daily “Report” about what happened in Parliament yesterday (paid for by the Office of the Clerk!) only go on about Trevor Mallard’s tongue in cheek “Moa policy” idea, and what ministers had to say to that during question time. This happens ALL the time, and people do not learn about real questions and answers or policies.
So consequently the uninformed hear this and shape a dim view of what goes on in NZ politics, and Key and Nats thrive on such created sad “realities” and rubbish, like rats on rotting food and so in the sewer. Ill informed and dumbed down make disinterested potential voters who will not bother.
Fisiani and like minded love it, as it suits their agenda. Pride and decorate yourselves with endless ignorance and manipulations, the truth will be reported here and on the Daily Blog and in a few other places!
You mean it takes 3 minutes for them to realize what they have on the other end of the phone in the form of you and most being to polite to just tell you to fuck off quickly agree with you in order not to be subjected to more of your drivel…
What I can’t figure out, fisihaw-haw, is if you’re so good at persuading taxi drivers and people in their homes that national aren’t evil lying parasites sucking the soul of the nation, why do you make such a shit job of it here?
Maybe your voice is hypnotic, like the legendary Sirens whose song tormented sailors and dragged them to their doom…
Maybe it’s his broad shoulders McFlock? His chiselled jaw and those steely piercing eyes that cause women and men alike to swoon and once rendered weak of will, submit to his wisdom ?
NBR is reporting that Slater has been given a pile of money to run a new website with ten staff. The funder, Tony Lentino, is apparently doing this because he is frustrated with the quality of NZ journalism. I can understand that but this venture will only make things worse …
The left can only dream at getting the same sort of resources.
the left does not need that sort of stuff. What we need is micropulse radio stations that can be bought for less than $5 grand each and are line of sight. They go 24 hours A DAY. Play the right sort of music and the networked radio staions will be creamed.
Wise up fast. Its all about money and unless the NZLP gets the idea they have to spend some then we will be forever lost.
Wise up fast. Its all about money and unless the NZLP gets the idea they have to spend some then we will be forever lost.
Uh, what’s left leaning media channels got to do with the NZLP? I think we need a far broader range of left views and debate than a mainstream political party can currently provide in terms of public discussion.
The radio station idea is a good one, it should be live streaming with podcasts, also video interviews put up on Youtube etc. That the Left finds it so difficult to put together a budget of say $250K pa to do something like this is a bit disheartening when you consider that hundreds of millions of dollars of Auckland real estate change hands every week.
I really wonder about all these fantasies of micro radio stations.
People listen to the commercial radio because of the personalities, content and constant cash give-away and prizes. No one is going to listen to a radio station that goes on about politics and plays music.
@dimebag r
Sounds good. But have you just heard about them from overseas, from boffins, or know about these line of sight radios? So how do these work? Top of a hill to top of a high building?
I was part of getting a local one in Nelson when Labour made some radio space available for community radio, and we had to get our system up on a pylon. Are new ones needed? There are already community stations probably interested in getting more input.
Here’s a list of community stations – they would probably be interested in doing more if there was some money of which they are usually short.
Planet FM (Auckland)
Free FM (Waikato)
Radio Kidnappers (Hawkes Bay)
Access Radio Taranaki
Access Manawatu
Coast Access FM (Kapiti/Horowhenua)
Arrow FM (Wairarapa)
Wellington Access Radio
Fresh FM (Nelson/Tasman Region)
Plains FM 96.9 (Christchurch)
Otago Access Radio (Dunedin)
Radio Southland
How many readers? Zero? It’s unreadable. But it probably gets hits in the same way whaleoil does, by catering to bots.
As I’ve said before, Phil has an absolute contempt for potential readers there and here which he shows by way of his wretched, retching style of writing. Phil posts, but he doesn’t communicate. It’s almost like he’s stoned and incapable of carrying on a normal conversation … oh, wait.
@Lanthanide
Pity you just take the piss about whoar.
phillip – ..the left is so shit at supporting each other…
Lanthanide – And how many readers?
(Just confirming phillip’s point. And underlying is the true poppy syndrome. The fact that only some people are allowed to put forward ideas without being beheaded by ideas vandals, and the flowers of thought are wasted. Ideas often get squashed like ants or by apathy. Yawn – this hasn’t come from the approved inner circle so we aren’t interested.)
How is asking how many readers a site has “taking the piss”?
phillip put his site up as the answer to micky lamenting that the left don’t get fully resourced alternative media opportunities like the right seem to. Seems relevant to ask how many readers his site gets, so we can evaluate his claim.
I presume you say I am taking the piss, because you know that actually whoar has bugger-all readers. Unfortunately until phillip actually tells us, we really can’t know for sure how many readers it has, but his silence on this topic is suggestive.
Lolz, and as abusive as well, poor deranged Phillis believes He is telling millions how to think, if He had any readership base as what He has made claim to having in previous discussions about ”Attention Whore” he would by now be rolling in the filthy lucre,(another aspect of ”Attention Whore previously discussed)…
“Yeah, but you’re as impartial and credible as slater.”
That’s a joke, Seriously do you think phills blog could win best blog at the media awards.
All of the blogs are biased and bumber bradburys frothing sewer would be the worst.
A good analogy is to think of is, that it’s all a bit like creating a house
The HTML is the foundations/walls etc.
The CSS is the paint and paper, decorative stuff.
The javascript,php,java,ruby etc is the pluming/wiring eg: the stuff the moves and does shit.
Try toking on less cones per day and the paranoia might disappear, if it doesn’t then you might begin to suspect a disease of the mind has responsibility for such paranoia…
..as far as the standard is concerned..whoar has never existed..
..ditto with daily blog..
(tho’..funny story there..for a little while they did a daily blog-roundup..
..and whoever did that was fullsome in their praise for what i do…
..but that roundup didn’t last for long..
..and that has been about it..)
..and that’s not ‘paranoia’..that’s fact..
..like i said..the left are real shit at supporting each other..
..(something the right does well..)
..this is nothing new/not starting with me/whoar..
..this is an historical-pattern in/with the left..
..(that life of brian..’we’re not the fucken palestinian liberation movement..!..we’re the fucken ‘liberation movement for the liberation of palestine-movement..!’..they’re fucken wankers!.’
Tsk tsk Phillis, this particular rant smacks of an attempt to ”tell” those who manage both the Standard and the Daily Blog how they should run their web-sites,
What’s paranoia provoking about either site not linking to your’s Phillip, your propensity to fly off into out-right abuse and the absurd ‘style’ of your plagarized …from… Cummings would have plenty after having de-cyphered the content wondering why they would bother to continually subject themselves to it…
Did you ever do an extra-mural course on ‘needling’ bad 12? Is it something that you would put on your CV if you bothered with one, and is that why you practise on phillip? Practise makes perfect perhaps.
No, greywarbler, if you see any ”needling” in my comments, perhaps it is just how you ”see” things, or, if real and not imagined by you, a natural reaction to Phillis’s propensity to spray utter crap into the conversation…
What the right do is logrolling. They do it for money – a good habit-former for them – but it gets them in trouble when they change contexts – eg Collins/Oravida.
..as far as the standard is concerned..whoar has never existed..
..ditto with daily blog..
So when I casually glance to the right hand side of The Standard pages every visit and see The Daily Blog having its very own tab in the feeds box, I am imagining it?
You will find it right there beside the tab for Scoop.
Honestly Phillip, sometimes you need to turn your head to see what you are missing.
Abuse me however you like, but taking a break from the boards for a few days may do you a world of good.
Thankyou for the clarification Phillip, but you must be aware it is just one of many recent examples where your delivery is less than clear in its intention and you and others have to waste words explaining what you originally failed to.
I still think you would benefit from a few days of blog respite, but that is just an opinion (and yes, everyone has one of those too )
Quote “the left is so shit at supporting each other…” Philip Ure
So why on earth would you think that the famously missing 800,000 voters from last time, would think that the left, lead by the NZLP team could possibly run a functioning Government if by pure chance, they got 50.5% of the vote on 20 September?
As each week goes by, the left looks worse than the week before – and my measure is reading what its supporters have to say on here. You lot are unified in your hatred of the Nats, but I cant see any unity in anything else.
Someone’s got money to burn. The only reason I can imagine to invest money in Whalespew would be for the sheer sadistic delight of seeing him crash and burn. And this is what will happen, as sure as the sun will be up tomorrow.
Produce something that those who wish to rule over (work to death, sell shit to, denigrate, blame, rent properties to) people want and are willing to pay for
The left can only dream at getting the same sort of resources.
Only if we keep whinging about it. I’ve already shown how Labour alone could have a $7.8 million dollar per year income. More than enough to fund 10 dedicated journalists and a web site.
The problem seems to be that the political parties of the left aren’t willing to do what’s needed and require a $5/wk membership fee. Wouldn’t need to go after the big donors then either.
Didn’t last long, did it? Last update on June 11 which actually appears to be a blog post by Pete George (no other posts are signed by the author/editor), and the previous one to that was on May 23rd.
Nevermind we’ve just had the perfect little story for them to stake their claim in cleaning up the smear against Labour over Liu, but not nary a peep from them.
What else do you expect of any project with which PG is involved? He even had me avoiding TS for a while, a couple of months back; because I couldn’t be bothered scrolling past his interminable drivel. Fortunately, it does seem that his drivel has been terminated.
Lolz it was pretty much dead in the water upon the appointment of 🙄 who then began to whore for serfs to do the work required to make the site work presumably so that 🙄 could sit at the apex of the magic triangle making all the ‘big decisions’ like the lord and master His delusion has Him thinking He is…
I would be inclined to give the benefit of the doubt and suggest that those who run it just dont have the time to keep updating it and are caught up with other commitments.
Ive been looking at doing a few online projects myself, but a whole lot of other commitments (not prepared to elaborate), have taken up most of my time.
So it would be understandable.
And in case anyone is wondering, PG posts at Public Address now, driving them crazy..
Police are investigating after bullet holes were found in the front window of Mana Leader Hone Harawira’s electorate office… At least two shots were fired through the front window of the office last Thursday night.
Harwaira said he believed it was a targeted and personal attack, though he had no idea who might have been behind it. “It is a worry, I get criticism, I get threats and I get death threats, but when people start taking shots at you and your office it’s a whole different ball game,”…
“It’s not like you could make a mistake between my office and the bush. It’s surrounded by a number of other houses and just around the corner is an early childhood centre as well.”
I doubt it’s something that Kelvin Davis or Labour had a hand in (unless there are some rogue volunteers with more enthusiasm than sense). But someone is clearly feeling threatened by the prospect of an IMP-supported progressive government. Can’t help thinking that they picked the wrong target though; Harawira has his faults, but lack of courage is not one of them.
Yeah i seen that on my TeeVee the other night, have been waiting for NzJackson to re-appear here at the Standard for a Q and A about the involvement or not of Dearlove supporters in the attack…
@Paupail…Yes Media Double Standards in treatment of John Key candle lit vigil and bullets for New Zealand Maori social welfare activist and Springbok protester Hone Harawira ( a demonstration of media racist and fascist values?)
‘Hone Harawira’s electorate office shot at – mainstream media indifferent’
By Martyn Bradbury / July 2, 2014
When you consider all the criticism that erupted over a candle lit vigil outside Key’s house for his support of civilian deaths via drone strikes, you would expect there to be a similar outcry over someone shooting at Hone Harawira’s electorate office…..
The double standards are extraordinary. You would think a political leader having his electorate office shot at would be massive news – apparently not if that political leader is Hone Harawira
If someone had fired shots at Key’s electorate office the media would be giving 24/7 live coverage of the bullet holes. It happens to Hone and barely a whisper.
Tim Selwyn threw an axe through then PM Clark’s window in protest against the seabed and foreshore bill. He then got sent to prison for; wilful damage, sedition and pulling a Garrett (what is it about Act people and stealing dead childen’s identities anyway? Was there a how-to seminar or did they just all read the same book?). Bomber took over his Tumeke blog while Selwyn was in prison, and stayed on until he set up TDB.
It’ll be interesting to see whether the police pursue the perpetrators of this incident with the same zeal.
Hmm, misspelled my own nom de clave – must have been low on caffeine! But then again I’m just a solo commenter, Stuff had; “Harwaira, and they’re supposed to be a reputable new-source with editors and everything.
yes i am a terrible speller…so have to check everything…hence my checking resulted in my changing your name from what I thought to your misspelling… lol
Ngati poaka saying it was a slug gun. Something doesn’t smell right here. There are plenty of pig hunters up around Kaitaia and they know the difference between bullets and slugs.
This should be a good item. About us and whether we are a mini US or a Chinese ally or a conjuror practising juggling while standing on a tightrope.
8:12 am Sunday 6 July: Insight: NZ’s tiptoe relationship with the US and China
The Prime Minister, John Key’recent trip to New York was focused on lobbying permanent ambassadors at the United Nations to support New Zealand’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council in 2015/1.New Zealand has been selling itself as a sensible and moderate nation that prides itself on taking an independent view.
But the main reason for John Key’s visit to the United States was to spend time with the President , Barack Obama, reinforcing Wellington’s warming relationship with Washington.
America’s so-called “rebalance” towards the Asia-Pacific region, a policy thought to be prompted by the rising presence of China in the region. But could that also put NZ in a difficult position as it tries to balance its important relationships with both the US and China?
Radio New Zealand Political reporter, Chris Bramwell, travelled with Mr Key to the US and explores how difficult that balancing act might be.
Independent view? Maybe we were headed in that direction before Key came along, but now we wait for Washington’s instructions as to what our independent views are. Having us on the Security Council would be a complete waste of time at the moment. Just give the US and A two votes.
One thing that was disturbing to me was when during their press conference, US Secretary of State John Kerry said he knows New Zealand stands with America on Iraq – and he doesn’t need to ask to know that!
halfcrown. About 60 years ago on 3ZB radio the announcer of the day started to read an advertisement for some item: “Ladies!Winter drawers on….” He collapsed into hysterical laughter. Silence. Tries again: “Ladies! Winter drawers on….” Collapsed into hysteria again. Music starts playing.
This lapse for the time was big news and becomes a radio Blooper. The announcer was reprimanded or maybe fired?
Thanks for that Ianmac It was a saying of my father-in-law, one of the finest people I had the privilege to know. No doubt that is where he got it from.
I do admire people who have a great command of the English language and can come up with these witty two meaning sayings. A gift I wish I had.
I remember living in London in the sixties there was a weekly satire programme run by David Frost called “That Was The Week That Was
Incidentally these were the days when we had real journalist and commentators that would take ANY politician to task irrespective of their political colour.
The then conservative party appointed a Lord Home as the PM . It was stated in the press that Lord Home’s name was pronounced as Lord Hume.
Frost was on to this immediately, and on his next programme said “If we are going to pronounce an “O” as a “U” then I suppose we should pronounce U’s as O’s” That being the case the following statement can be read one of two ways
Do you recall At Last the 1948 Show and I’m Sorry I’ll Read That Again? I was a babe in arms when these gems emerged but thanks to being at the younger end of the family line I was pretty much raised on their humour. Alongside the Goons of course.
Without such treasure we would never have been delivered Q, The Goodies or Python. If you want a great trip down memory lane I heartily recommend From Fringe to Flying Circus.
A fantastic book full of script-bites and insight, to the mayhem and the manipulations.
Thanks for that Freedom. I will get that book. I will see if I can download an ePUB of it.
Yes I do remember the 1948 show and I’m Sorry I’ll Read that again.. Beginning to show my age here. and I agree with you without them the likes of the The Goodies or Python would never existed
You must also remember then we had magazines like the Punch which in the 70’s had writers like a guy called Coren I think, can’t remember his first name. He had a hilarious column as a regular item taking the piss out of Idi Amin called “From Our Correspondent In Uganda
It has been said that Idi Amin stated when he finally invaded and beat Britain, Coren was going to be the first to be hanged.
Good days seeing the pommie sense of humour at it’s best.
Once again thanks but to TRP this time. I forgot about Private Eye which I used to get now and then. Thanks for the website, I was aware of the BBC one but not Private Eye.
I think I might subscribe to it and I have bookmarked it for future reference.
Cheers, halfcrown. PE is available by airmail, not email as I wrote. D’oh! Arrives about 3 or days after hitting the shops in the UK.
I gather it’s now the biggest selling news mag in Britain, which is long way from its humble gestetner’d beginnings. I recently had a beer in the Coach and Horses, Soho, the notorious pub where Cook and the PE staff used to hang out. Some great photos from the heydays of the mag on the walls.
And if you want a further recommendation, the four part series ‘Why Bother?’ is easily found. It’s Peter Cook being interviewed by Chris Morris, but in the guise of Sir Arthur Streeb-Greebling. And there’s also Cookie and Clive Anderson here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjE7XlYIAIY
Damn it TRP now I’ll spend hours watching Steptoe. But I do like Open All Hours I have all of it, and the special that David Jason did a couple of years ago, which was brilliant.
Recent comments from those who were in the Goon Show or Python and so on, say they got their programs on air because either the bosses didn’t know just what the programs were going to be, or that the bosses were willing to take a risk. But today, in NZ, nail everything down, avoid risk, and stick to the safe predictable programs. (Then wait till the audience has all gone somewhere else.)
Old newspapers used for wrapping with good information. Another reason not to go totally on-line. A few people, thoughtful and dedicated to good results, can achieve change that is in the public good.
Daphne Steele born 1928, in 1990 joined a local walking group and shared concerns about the management of escalating subdivison on the Kapiti Coast. Here is part of an obituary from the dompost 7/Dec/2013 about her work with a small group of dedicated older women in saving their Kapiti coastline from rampant development
that would have swallowed protective sand dunes and wetlands.
At the age of 62, when most people are thinking about retiring, Daphne Steele launched a career as an environmental campaigner fighting and winning legal battles to safeguard natural landscape features on the Kapiti Coast.
Co-founder of Kapiti Environmental Action, Mrs Steele dedicated 20 years to research, leading the group’s planning section and winning seven court cases against the Kapiti Coast District Council. She and two fellow white-haired KEA members, supported by lawyers and expert witnesses, might have looked like an insignificant group of small elderly women when they confronted the council on planning issues but, after winning several court cases, their carefully worded submissions were received with hushed respect…
Her friend Mrs Rowland attributed some of their success to working on ‘Quaker lines’ – non confrontational, focusing on issues, not personalities, thorough research and a holistic approach.
Note: Dompost were in Dec 2013 running A Life Story of NZs who helped to shape their community and invite you ‘if you know of someone whose story should be told’ to email obituaries@dompost.co.nz
Ups to Maori Television who this election plan to broadcast polling from within all the Maori electorates leading into the election,
As yet they have not said specific programs where we can view the results so as to attempt to ascertain the fortunes of the various contestants in the 7 Maori electorates,
Hopefully Native Affairs has full coverage…
Edit: last nights ‘Media Take’ while given a small ok here for the first attempt, if it is to become a ‘must watch’ needs to be far more robust in its attention upon the media with a critique of ‘bias’ in the various arms of media especially important leading into the election…
This is a hip pocket issue, particularly at lower decile schools. Parents who are cajoled into paying school donations would be pleased with this. Clever move from Labour.
Pete, you may find that contrary to popular belief, most non-payers of school fees are well-off people who can afford it and who publicly whinge the loudest. I remember when my older child started her first year at the local Decile 1 primary and the long queue of predominantly PI parents waiting to pay the fees.
I don’t doubt that. Pasifika communities have a reputation for generosity when it comes to things like tithes and remittances. And they can also suffer from predatory pay-day loans and other unethical practices when it comes to meeting these obligations. I think Labour’s plan is a very good way of making things a little easier for people.
McCully blaming his ministry for the “confusion” over who said what, when. This has been standard practice for this government. Any screw ups are firmly the fault of public service officials. Meat on Chinese wharves, Novopay, Oravida meetings, and now this.
Someone needs to make more of the link between these events and the restructuring which has gone on willy-nilly over the last 6 years.
if key does that deal with craig..i think it will hurt him more than help him..
..there will be some of nationals’ soft-vote who won’t want to have a bar of a moon-landing-denier/chem-tails-conspiracy-theorist/believer the world is 10,000 yrs old..
..and i see them dividing up between going back to labour..to the greens..or to the internet party..
Mr Key AND HIS ROCK STAR / election/ economy needs a song
This might suit
Hes AN OLD CON WHO BEEN AWAY now he thinks hes back to stay
STOOL PIDGEON
Have you heard the news thats going around
Hes turning our country up side down
STOOL PIDGEON
Fill in the rest as you see fit
I see mr key has made an annoucement about family violence. At first i thought it meant he had killed mccully in a fit of pique but it is, surprisingly serious.
He said
“I would like to thank Ministers Judith Collins, Anne Tolley and Tariana Turia for leading the work to foster a long-term change in behaviour, and to protect people from the misery of violence in the home,” says Mr Key. ”
does he mean like mr williamson tried to protect mr liu from the misery of violence in the home?
In the face of this govts attitude toward an attempted rape, the last two paragraphs would be funny if not so sad…
Sad to hear of the death of Dave Feickert. Dave worked tirelessly to improve safety standards in mining in the UK, China and Australasia. He was appalled at the lapses that led to the Pike River disaster and, as he says in this clip (from 2.40) was embarrassed to have to explain to Chinese miners just how bad things were in NZ.
It is telling that our PM considers his worst year in office wasnt the year 29 people died in a badly run mine, or the first chchch earthquake struck, or even the following year when 110 died and thousands of lives were shattered.
Well put, Tracey. Dave’s funeral is 1 pm next Tuesday, at the Forrest Lawn Chapel, 208 Guyton St, Whanganui. I’m sure any standardistas in the area will be most welcome to attend.
cartels and their farmers complain that marijuana legalization is hurting their business. And some reports could suggest that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is more interested in helping to protect the Mexican cartels’ hold on the pot trade than in letting it dissipate.
Take a bow David Cunliffe, it is about time you stopped turning the other cheek to the insults of the Prime Minister,
In the House today, the Prime Minister labeled Cunliffe ”tricky David Cunliffe” once to often getting a bite from Cunliffe that had the PM looking like He had swallowed His tongue,
”Can Slippery John” began David Cunliffe in His follow up question,
Points to Cunliffe, and, my view is he might as well simply address the Liar in Chief as Slippery the Prime Minister to save any confusion…
Little change!?! Nats down 1.5%, NZF back in play and Labour undamaged despite the most vicious smear attack since Muldoon’s dancing cossacks is a fantastic result!
ps, another poll, another cock up from Roy:
“At the 2011 New Zealand Election National won every regional seat in New Zealand bar West Coast Tasman.”
“Today’s New Zealand Roy Morgan Poll shows a fall in support for National (48%, down 1.5%) but National are still well ahead of a potential Labour/Greens alliance (40%, unchanged).
Support for Key’s Coalition partners has raised slightly overall with the Maori Party 1.5% (up 0.5%), Act NZ (1%, up 0.5%) and United Future 0% (unchanged).
Support for the Labour Party is unchanged at 28%, the Greens are unchanged at 12%, New Zealand First is 5.5% (up 1.5%) and the Internet-Mana Party alliance is at 2.5% (unchanged). Support for the Conservative Party of NZ is 1% (down 0.5%) and support for Independent/ Others is 0.5% (down 0.5%).
Today’s poll shows that despite allegations concerning Labour Leader David Cunliffe’s conduct in relation to Chinese businessman Donghua Liu in recent weeks, the controversy hasn’t negatively impacted on Labour support.”
All upwards from here!
PS: I didn’t add the graphs. How did that happen???
PPS Now they have gone!
[lprent: I added them (I often do when I see a link to something interesting). Drat where have they gone? Oh you edited and because you can’t ‘add’ them, the system removed them. Replacing. ]
In the Roy Morgan notes:
““If a New Zealand Election were held today which party would receive your party vote?”
“This latest New Zealand Roy Morgan Poll on voting intention was conducted by telephone – both landline and mobile telephone, with a NZ wide cross-section of 817 electors from June 16-29, 2014. Of all electors surveyed 5.5% (up 0.5%) didn’t name a party.”
The weighting of canvassing would have been towards the first part of the sampling period. According to me and the list of posts, this poll would have largely only picked up the start of the saga – the proforma electorate letter.
The pathetic Liu “signed statement” smear with its tragic reporting by the NZ Herald happened on the 22nd. The follow up explanatory letter with its even more tragic lack of details happened on 24th?
I don’t think that this poll has much of the Donghua Liu “scandal” in it yet – Roy Morgan’s lousy analysis strikes again.
I agree. I am inclined to take a slightly optimistic view of this poll actually.
What struck me is that though Labour support is still lower than what I would like, (35 plus), it is actually National that has lost 1.5% (nearly 2%) of support while Labour has held its support! That IS a good sign under the circumstances. 48% to 40% will only need a swing of about 4% in our favour to even things out. Anything over that is what is crucial. Two to three months is quite a long time in politics when a mere 24 hours can alter perceptions. The abysmal butt covering/distancing/passing the buck episode by Key and McCully in this shocking burglary/rape diplomatic episode unearthed today is just one such example.
Labour, while addressing any planned potential mud slinging, from what Key has said he keeps in his ‘top draws’, by the National dirty tricks spin machine, shouldn’t get bogged down in it and instead, must primarily concentrate on our policies, vision and principles.
Remains to be seen what the impact of Mr Cunliffe’s major speech and any announced policies will be after this week’s Labour Party Congress in Wellington.
I think the next set of five to six polls will begin to change, hopefully in a favourable way for the three progressive parties, Labour, Greens and the InternetMana alliance.
Without Key’s spoon feeding of political rancid honey and adulterated Oravida milk to ACT, UF and the CONS, National is kaput. And without their smiling cult poster head, Hash-Key, Nats are nothing but naught! That is as clear as the mud they try to throw at Cunliffe and Labour.
Back Benches,
Wednesday 10:50PM
Tonight’s MP panel debate the necessity of National’s proposed $212M upgrade to regional roads. Plus, a measles outbreak has Wallace and Damian questioning the need for mandatory immunisations. PGR
Weird how the incidence rate of measles in un- or under-immunised people is dozens if not hundreds of times the rate in immunised folk. Almost like there’s some sort of protection immunised folks get from a vaccine…
Weird how the incidence rate of measles in un- or under-immunised people is dozens if not hundreds of times the rate in immunised folk.
Bullshit.
I challenge you to find any NZ stats whatsoever on the relative risk comparing those who are measles immunised vs not immunised, which back your BS inflated estimates above.
Over 90 percent of people are protected with one dose. This increases to 95 percent, if people have two doses. By getting immunised you are not only protecting yourself or your child – you’ll also stop this disease from spreading.
OK. This doesn’t answer my very simple question. Which is about the relative risk of getting measles between these two groups in NZ i.e. vaccinated vs unvaccinated.
80:4. More than a dozen, all things being equal.
With an immunisation rate greater than 70%, “hundreds” becomes realistic. population of Waikato DHB 373,220
80/111966= 71 per 100k
4 per 261254 = 1.5 per 100k.
You can do the math yourself as the immunisation rate approaches its 90% target.
So it’s a 20:1 ratio, and that’s been skewed to look that good by your lumping in partially vaccinated cases with non-vaccinated cases, in addition to putting aside the likely 1 or 2 fully vaccinated but undocumented/documentation not found individuals who also got sick. So the ratio is not “dozens”, and not “hundreds” to 1, except in your hypothetical future scenario.
Further the difference in absolute risk between fully vaccinated and all others is miniscule, using your own figures i.e. 71 per 100K (not fully vaccinated) vs 1.5/100K (fully vaccinated).
Basically, being fully vaccinated in the DHB region changed your absolute chance of getting measles in this outbreak by 0.07%. Assuming the risk of serious complications is 10%, then being fully vaccinated improved your chances of avoiding serious disease by 0.007%.
The risk ratio (what you asked for), even assuming “under vaccinated” is as good as “fully vaccinated” at a 70% imms rate is:
Relative risk 22.1667
95 % CI 10.6985 to 45.9282
Unvac incidence of 0.06%, Vaccinated rate of 0.003%
At 90% immunisation (DHB target), the rate ratio is:
Relative risk 90.5908
95 % CI 43.7244 to 187.6914
Unvac incidence of 0.2%, Vaccinated rate of 0.002%
so “dozens if not hundreds”. Which is what I said. And what you tried to call bullshit on before bothering with a quick google search.
So now you’re arguing that a low incidence rate in a highly-immunised society means the vaccine program isn’t needed.
A normal person might think that a low incidence rate of a highly-transmissable disease simply shows that the vaccine program works, but you can read the code in the matrix and know better, I guess.
The risk ratio (what you asked for), even assuming “under vaccinated” is as good as “fully vaccinated” at a 70% imms rate is:
Relative risk 22.1667
95 % CI 10.6985 to 45.9282
Unvac incidence of 0.06%, Vaccinated rate of 0.003%
Nice calculator thanks for doing this work. There is no need to assume that “under vaccinated” is as good as “fully vaccinated” as supposedly they are very close in performance: a single dose of MMR is claimed to provide “more than” 90% protection according to official NZ websites.
So I appreciate you plugging that into the RR.
Now. The infectious period for measles is supposedly 7-12 days. Assumption: every one of those 84 sick will have been in close proximity with at least 50 different people over that time period (friends, family members, class mates, sports team members etc).
Therefore we are dealing with 4200 people total exposed to the pathogen (likely an underestimate I think). 84 got sick, 4116 did not. Out of those 4200 people, assuming 70% were vaccinated = 2940 (8 sick out of those), 30% were not = 1260 (76 sick out of those).
If you were vaccinated and exposed to the disease you had a 2.7/1000 chance of getting sick. If you were unvaccinated and exposed to the disease you had a 60.3/1000 chance of getting sick.
In this outbreak then, the actual advantage displayed by those who were vaccinated and exposed was 22.3 fewer cases of sickness per 1000 people exposed (when compared to 1000 unvaccinated and exposed peeps).
Assuming a 10% serious complication rate, a benefit of 2.2 fewer severe complications resulted per 1000 people vaccinated and exposed. In this outbreak, 997.8 out of every 1000 people vaccinated did not experience this level of benefit.
In this outbreak then, the actual advantage displayed by those who were vaccinated and exposed was 57.6 fewer cases of sickness per 1000 people exposed (when compared to 1000 unvaccinated and exposed peeps).
Assuming a 10% serious complication rate, a benefit of 5.8 fewer serious complications resulted per 1000 people vaccinated and exposed. In this outbreak, 994.2 out of every 1000 people vaccinated experienced less than this level of benefit.
Even if the math were fine, you still miss the fact that the direct personal benefit is at that level because we have such a high vaccination rate. If an unvaccinated person is less likely to meet an infected person, they’re freeloading off everyone else, but you’d still say it’s evidence that the vaccine isn’t needed.
And your math depends entirely on my low-ball estimate of the vaccination rate. As itincreases, the “direct personal benefit” of vaccination increases non-linearly because the population on unvaccinated people decreases dramatically.
Googling with fresh eyes says Waikato DHB has an imms rate of 84%. So the unvaccinated incidence rate is closer to 2 per thousand. Multiply 76 by 6 (15%) to get the 0% vaccinated population incidence and you have 456 cases in Waikato alone, without incorporating any modelling for increased transissability because of lower population immunity. With 100% vaccination, it would be down to 10 or 12.
No-o I’m not entirely sure about the validity of back-calculating an R0 based on purely numeric data and a rough estimate of interpersonal contact.
It’s sort of the cut-off between pop stats no longer sufficient and getting into network theory. We don’t know if there are clusters (e.g. unvac families) or large nodes (e.g. a receptionist who has contact with hundreds of people a day).
But what we do know via wikipedia (because it’s 2:30am and I’m off to be soon) is that in about 0.1% of cases the “complication” is “death”. We’re up to 190 since december. If Waikato DHB is anything to go by (76:8), I think we know what failed to forestall the inevitable when it finally happens.
Still believe it is best for the immune system to get the measly virus when you are a child and be done with it…man made vaccines in this case are not working and have their own complications
And apparently the current NZ outbreak has higher hospital admission rates than average, which suggests the mort rate might also be higher.
But this is all quibbling over what level of harm and mortality you find acceptable.
To return to my original and now demonstrated point, measles rates in unvaccinated people are dozens if not hundreds of times higher than those in vaccinated people.
And the US saw 3 deaths per thousand cases 1987-2000.
The UK site – an official government site – has UK data for over half a century. A death rate which is 10x higher in the US than the UK may demonstrate little more than the effects of large pockets of bitter poverty across the US and its privatised healthcare system, despite the compulsory vaccination policies in many states.
The CI goes from 10 to 45. Observed rate is almost two dozen times higher for unvaccinated folk.
But that’s at 70% immunisation rate, the best scenario for your argument.
At 90%, the DHB target, observed rate in unvaccinated people is 90 times higher than vaccinated people, with a confidence interval of 43 to 187 times higher. Actual immunisation rate is apparently 84%, so you can do the math yourself on that one.
Definitely “dozens”. If not “hundreds” (which is still a reasonable estimate if unvaccinated people cluster rather than being uniformly distributed throughout the population).
A death rate which is 10x higher in the US than the UK may demonstrate little more than the effects of large pockets of bitter poverty across the US and its privatised healthcare system, despite the compulsory vaccination policies in many states.
… which might be why the CDC count 539 cases this year in a population of 300 million, while we’re on 190 cases in a pop of 4 million.
It may demonstrate what you say. It may demonstrate any number of things. It might just demonstrate that when numbers are small, mort rates can bounce around
Keep quibbling over how many deaths you’re happy with.
Unvaccinated folk are still dozens if not hundreds of times more likely to get measles.
I missed the bit where you actually linked to your source, btw – although I only had a few hours sleep, so might be my fault 🙂
I find it astounding that CV and Chooky are still pushing the don’t vaccinate your kids line.
If we did not have the levels of vaccination we have in this country (which I believe are too low at present) the outbreaks in auckland at the beginning of the year and that in the Waikato would be exponentially worse.
For those not immunised against the Measles virus there is well over a 90% chance of becoming infected if one comes into contact with the virus the impact on schools, families and medical resources is significant enough in our current situation – in a completely non immunised society it would be catastrophic.
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A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
“You talking about me?”The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
Roger Partridge writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title 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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
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 ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
ACT's Rural Communities and Veterans spokesman Mark Cameron responds to cancellations and protests of ANZAC Day commemorations in Wellington. He says, "These pitiful attempts to detract from ANZAC Day are not at all indicative of the feelings of mainstream ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Pōneke based peace activists staged a silent protest at the ANZAC day service to highlight New Zealand’s complicity in war and genocide, and urge the government to take concrete steps to stop the genocide in Palestine. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magdalena M.E. Bunbury, Postdoctoral Researcher, James Cook University Burial with a horse at the Rákóczifalva site, Hungary (8th century AD).Sándor Hegedűs, Hungarian National Museum, CC BY How do we understand past societies? For centuries, our main sources of information have been ...
Amanda Thompson doesn’t really do Anzac Day. But what she does do is remember the people she knew who had a lifetime to remember stuff they didn’t really want to, because of a war they didn’t ask for. And she does make Anzac biscuits.First published in 2021.All my ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathryn Willis, Postdoctoral Researcher, CSIRO Xavier Boulenger/Shutterstock In the two decades to 2019, global plastic production doubled. By 2040, plastic manufacturing and processing could consume as much as 20% of global oil production and use up 15% of the annual carbon ...
With our collective remembrance, and steadfast belief in our common humanity, we strengthen our hope and resolve to do what we can to foster dialogue and understanding, and to heal divisions in our pursuit of peace. ...
Principal reasons for the opposition is the loss of the public’s democratic right to have “a fair say” and the vital need for a government free from corruption, said Casey Cravens of Dunedin, president of the New Zealand Federation of Freshwater ...
Never mind the scoreboard – in the 2000 Bledisloe Cup decider, the real trans-Tasman battle was won before kickoff.First published in 2016. The dawn of the new millennium was a dark time for the All Blacks. Their final game pre-Y2K was a 22-18 loss to South Africa in the ...
I’m on the wrong side of 40, I never pursued creative work and now my job is killing my soul. Help! Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nzDear Hera,May I start with the least original conversation opener you’re likely to hear around the motu at the moment, particularly in Wellington: ...
“Never again - No AUKUS” was the message of the wreath laid at this morning’s national ANZAC Day commemorative service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park this morning by the Stop AUKUS group. ...
Until this month, Auckland swimmer Hazel Ouwehand had never met a qualifying time in an Olympic event for a New Zealand team, even as a junior. Now she’s very likely off to the Paris Olympics after swimming well under the qualifying standard in the 100m butterfly twice – both in ...
While Anzac Day has experienced a resurgence in recent years, our other day of remembrance has slowly faded from view.The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. Original illustrations by Hope McConnell.First published in 2022.The high school’s head girl and ...
Australian and New Zealand volunteers fought together in the Waikato War, yet still its place in the Anzac tradition is unacknowledged by our defence forces or Returned Services Association.First published in 2018.When I was a boy cub I attended Anzac Day services in the South Auckland suburb of ...
A poem by Wellington writer Tayi Tibble.Hoki Mai She kisses him goodbye with her eyes still wet and alight from their last swim in the Awatere river. At the train station celebration, she leads the Kapa Haka but her voice keeps breaking under and over itself like waves. ...
A poem from Bill Manhire’s 2017 book of verse Some Things to Place in a Coffin.My World War I Poem Inside each trench, the sound of prayer. Inside each prayer, the sound of digging. Image courtesy of Auckland War Memorial Museum. ...
There are three books I have wolfed down in one sitting over the last two years. Colleen Maria Lenihan’s gorgeous and sad debut Kōhine, Noelle McCarthy’s memoir Grand about becoming her mother and then unbecoming her, and now Hine Toa, a staunch yet gentle self-portrait by living legend Ngāhuia te ...
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Asia Pacific Report Students and activist staff at Australia’s University of Sydney (USyd) have set up a Gaza solidarity encampment in support of Palestinians and similar student-led protests in the United States. The camp was pitched as mass graves, crippled hospitals, thousands of civilian deaths and the near-total destruction of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James B. Dorey, Lecturer in Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong Australian teddy bear bees are cute and fluffy, but get a look at that massive (unbarbed) stinger! James Dorey Photography Most of us have been stung by a bee and we ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jen Roberts, Senior Lecturer, School of Humanities and Social Inquiry, University of Wollongong Aussie~mobs/FlickrVictor Farr, a private in the 1st Infantry Battalion, was among the first to land at Anzac Cove just before dawn on April 25 1915. Victor Farr ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Gregory Moore I had the good fortune to care for the sugar gum at The University of Melbourne’s Burnley Gardens in Victoria where I worked for ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, ARC Future Fellow & Professor of Economics, Curtin University Just when we think the price of rentals could not get any worse, this week’s Rental Affordability Snapshot by Anglicare has revealed low-income Australians are facing a housing crisis like ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tracey Holmes, Professorial Fellow in Sport, University of Canberra When the news broke last weekend that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive to a banned drug in early 2021 and were allowed to compete at the Tokyo Olympic Games six months later ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cally Jetta, Senior Lecturer and Academic Lead; College for First Nations, University of Southern Queensland Australian War MemorialAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and images of deceased people, as well as sensitive historical information ...
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‘
Dear John – we know what you are . . . http://youtu.be/H_dRe21rH18
wow BLiP? that is way powerful. I am facebooking the link now and encourage others to do the same.
Can you post the full lyrics?
Dear John
Dear John, Im writing to extend an invitation.
An opportunity to join us for a feast of food and celebration
Far beyone imagination, of what
you made of them or me, you made us what we are.
Cos you’re all heart John.
you’re all heart John.
Please take off your shoes and I will welcome you into my home
Oh it might seem kind of lonely till the other guests make themselves known
and thankyou for your commendation of my choices, but there is only one
that would keep you in the style to which you’ve become acccustomed.
But you’re all heart John.
you’re all heart John.
Delicacy of flavour, oh it fill the senses, feel it come
in rarity anf favours, all laid out since you were bred and born
and we only get to do this once, cos it’s far beyond our means.
Dont let me bore you with the details – I know you want to taste a part of each
Cos, you’re all heart John.
you’re all heart John.
A moments silence, please.
To thank our guests and bless this food that’s only yours to eat.
Oh and their names are written underneath each plate
each dish, each tasteless grave
but yes, you like the flavour
and you wont change.
you’re all heart John.
you’re all heart John.
you’re all heart John.
There but for the grace of god goes you or I
you taste every story, but do you recognise?
you’re so free with the glaze, and it disguises the taste
of what you know this if for.
What its for.
We, we’re all here. We feel each bite, we feel each tear as you sew the seeds
your pound of flesh, your fiscal year.
Know what you are know what you need know what you want, know on what you feed
dear
dear
john.
dear john.
The Shadow Line
Beautiful, strong and succinct. Jordan Reyne is a talented song writer and singer. I hadn’t heard any of her work for awhile and that brilliant song has inspired me to look at her EP releases planned for the year, A trilogy entitled Maiden, Mother, Crone with the Crone EP being released back in April, which Dear John is on.
http://jordanreyne.com/music.html
Excellent video too.
Thanks for the inspiration of the day BLiP
+100 BLip
Wow thanks!…fantastic voice and lyrics from someone young…like Pink’s ‘Dear Mr President’…the famous protest song against Bush
( …as well as appealing to youth ….. the visuals should make waves with the vegetarians ….completely put me off eating meat!)
this should be played often!…so it becomes a popular rallying call for youth against John Key and NACT!
After having read questions and comments on David Cunliffe’s Q+A on The Standard last Sunday, I was sadly at best only “moderately impressed”: http://thestandard.org.nz/david-cunliffe-qa/
Stephanie Rodgers asked David:
“Would your government set benefits at levels which allow people to live with dignity, and ensure benefits increase to match rises in the cost of living? Will Labour in government stop categorising beneficiaries who are unable to work as “Jobseekers” – and the subsequent harassment from WINZ to justify their situation/seek jobs they can’t do?”
David answered:
“I’m not going to announce our welfare policy here. But what I can tell you is that the systematic victimisation and demonisation of beneficiaries we’ve seen under National has absolutely no place in Labour’s values or a Labour Government.”
(http://thestandard.org.nz/david-cunliffe-qa/#comment-841174)
CV commented further to that, mentioning that welfare issues have been of great concern to many here on TS.
After reading that, which seems to have been the one and only real, firm question about social security and welfare policy in the Q+A session with David, I had to ask myself again, why are Labour leaving potential votes of say at least 100 to 200 thousand on benefits lie on the roadside, and why do they not deliver us honest answers and firm policy commitments, 11 weeks out from the general election?
Affordable housing, regional development, promoting value added manufacturing, making power prices affordable, bringing in fairer taxation, higher minimum wages, and more support for parents of newborns, all that is admittedly important, but it is IRRESPONSIBLE to NOT address major issues that can be resolved by delivering FIRM policy now. The trust of the many without jobs, and those unable to work due to sickness and disability, and those struggling as sole parents, could deliver potential votes that can make a difference this election.
Last election some “welfare policy” was announced days before the election, and it did not gain any traction, and I fear Labour are again “playing” with us on benefits, announcing a tiny, half-hearted carrot just before the election, which will be too late to win over tens if not 100 to 200 thousand, who have given up on Labour and other parties, and are likely to stay away again.
I demand answers NOW! Even a vote for Greens or Mana, depending on Labour as the main partner in an alternative government, may not be able to deliver much for us on benefits, as Labour may not give them much leeway in negotiations.
Especially us sick and disabled want answers, do you in Labour support the UK style welfare reforms and the “findings” by one Mansel Aylward, who talks about “illness belief” and “malingering” of beneficiaries, and propagates the supposed “health benefits of work”, claiming paid work is “therapeutic”? Do you support Principal Health Advisor David Bratt (at WINZ / MSD) who likens benefit dependence to “drug dependence”? He got his job under your party’s last government!
And why do you not make the following an election issue? On Public Address Michael Fletcher raises major questions about the lack of transparency in policy implementation and evaluation at MSD and WINZ, as the secrecy going on there is appalling:
http://publicaddress.net/speaker/how-is-government-evaluating-its-welfare/
Labour must present their position on issues raised in the following forums and blogs:
http://nzsocialjusticeblog2013.wordpress.com/2014/06/21/work-ability-assessments-done-for-work-and-income-a-revealing-fact-study-part-a/
http://accforum.org/forums/index.php?/topic/15188-medical-and-work-capability-assessments-based-on-the-bps-model-aimed-at-disentiteling-affected-from-welfare-benefits-and-acc-compo/
http://accforum.org/forums/index.php?/topic/15463-designated-doctors-%e2%80%93-used-by-work-and-income-some-also-used-by-acc/
http://accforum.org/forums/index.php?/topic/15264-welfare-reform-the-health-and-disability-panel-msd-the-truth-behind-the-agenda/
David Cunliffe, Sue Moroney and others in Labour, and also Jan Logie and others in the Green Party, we want answers and commitments soon, and assurances that you will REVERSE the draconian welfare reforms Key, English and Bennett forced through in 2012 to 2013, thanks!
+1
That’s one of the main reasons I cannot give Labour my party vote this election after a lifetime of supporting them – another being an unequivocal commitment to dropping neo-liberal policy.
They may or may not get an electorate vote – we’ll see. I’ll wait till 2017 (if they’re still around), but given the last 3rd term in which they chose to have a lay down and not continue to reverse much of the damage to this country in the Neshnool 90’s – to everything from the ‘social contract’, to the arts, to the continued corporatisation/destruction of the public service, I want proof they’re returning to their roots.
Get up off your arse and do some work in the party instead of waiting to be spoon fed. The NZLP is made up of people and you are missing.
what’s ‘missing’ is some coherent/effective poverty-busting policies from labour/grns..
..(and not just aspirational-bullshit – that will be instantly shelved/tucked away in the ministerial-bmw glovebox…there to be forgotten..)
..and if they don’t deliver on any of these..
..both labour and the greens will hear the sound of marching-feet..
..as their respective party-components that care about matter thus..
..walk off to vote for the only party/vote that has such policies..
..(that you can believe they are sincere about..)
..in the hope/realisation the higher the internet/mana vote..
..the higher the chances for such real change..
At the moment, I prefer to assist elsewhere with those who already have stated policies. As I say, I want proof after having my vote taken for granted for too long. I’m already compromising by giving consideration to the electorate vote. Sorry DR, but it’s gone on for too bloody long!
+1
I get a bit tired of Labour people telling me I have to join and work inside the party to change things. Nah, not going to happen. I’d rather grow bamboo in my rectum. I’ll support movements that are working to change something, and do something on the ground. The last thing I want to do is push shit uphill in a basically neoliberal fanclub with a load of deluded followers who think they’ll get Labour back to its roots.
Labour will not help those who need it the most. Therefore I will not help Labour. They might get my electorate vote, but that’s all.
But is it not true, that Labour have the highest membership since 1984? And that the majority of members feel, at the very least, neo-liberalism is a failing economic model? Why has the parliamentary wing clung so desperately, and policy been so aligned with to neo-liberalism if people make up the labour party, as you assert dimebag russell?
Why would anyone passionate about welfare vote or spend any time working for red national?
+1
“..After reading that, which seems to have been the one and only real, firm question about social security and welfare policy in the Q+A session with David..”
(ahem..!..you mean of the ones that were answered..i presume..)
“….i understand that you have yr own timetable of policy-release..(and i am not requesting any premature details)..
..but cd you assure us that labour will be releasing ‘poverty-busting’ policies in that timetable..?
..policies that will address the plights of the worst off..both children and adults..
..thank you..”
(the four questions before this number five on the list of questions..were answered/addressed..
..as was the one after..which was about someone ‘pulling something out of their arse’..
..but this question was swerved around..
..and i did so try to make it both polite..and to the point..
..so make of that non-answer/ringing-silence on these issues from cunnliffe/labour..what you will..
..but i am not encouraged..)
..and all we have seen from logie/the greens so far..is green-tinged crocodile-tears/much-hand-wringing..
..all of which adds up to diddly-squat..to my mind..
..i do hope to be proved wrong..but i don’t think that will happen..eh..?
Oh i am sure X that there will be some movement from Labour that addresses the Paula Bennett deforming of the system,(incidently the 3 categories now in place were first proposed by Steve Maharey as Minister),
i would suggest that such changes, around just who sits within which category will not be announced by Labour as election policy,
i would expect as was the case with the Clark Government that WINZ will be told to loosen the criteria surrounding the granting of special needs grants which in effect raises the income of some beneficiaries quite considerably if they become part of the furniture at the local office,
i would further suggest that you are wasting your time and energy at this point in the electoral cycle complaining or demanding answers,
Your energy would be far better spent choosing an electoral vehicle you believe is likely to deliver the best outcome for beneficiaries and then printing up some leaflets to be handed out at your local WINZ office in an attempt to get beneficiaries out voting in September…
“i would further suggest that you are wasting your time and energy at this point in the electoral cycle complaining or demanding answers,
Your energy would be far better spent choosing an electoral vehicle you believe is likely to deliver the best outcome for beneficiaries and then printing up some leaflets to be handed out at your local WINZ office in an attempt to get beneficiaries out voting in September…”
Thanks for your comment, bad12. You may well be right with the first above.
As for the other suggestion, to be honest, I was leafleting and doing some talking and lobbying for the GP last election campaign, but the response by many potential voters out in the streets, especially young ones, was rather reserved and also indifferent.
Also have I repeatedly been leafleting outside WINZ offices before, with moderate interest. Some clients were keen to learn more about what goes on, but most were not really prepared to talk or read, as they all are so disillusioned, a leaflet and some good talk will not change the views shaped by disappointments and neglect they have experienced over years. That is also the reason, that there has over recent years been such a low turnout at pickets or protest events.
I think it is rather naive to expect the hundreds of thousands of non voters to suddenly take an interest in politics and voting, when they have for years given up on it, are totally disconnected, and need to be trained up with intensive political discourse and policy issues and options, to really understand what is going on, and what needs to be done. That is if they are open to that.
The idea that a short, intensive social media campaign, leafleting, campaign door knocking and so will get people out and on our side is an outdated idea, as most in the public feel, they are suddenly only wanted as voters, when elections are due in a few weeks time. Most have very personal expectation, but do not trust any party anymore.
That in essence is what Labour, but increasingly also Greens and other parties are up against, while Key and Nats get the pampering of 24/7 media attention, as being the ones in government, “doing things” (albeit badly and shockingly).
It is exactly this arrogant attitude by Labour, to think they can suddenly shortly before an election drop some “carrots” or lollies in a scramble, to gain votes, that is NOT GOING TO WORK. Labour should have been door knocking and networking throughout the last few years, and done more, so should others. For the first time in years, I myself feel, I cannot really recommend ANY PARTY, to vote for, with full conviction and from my heart.
Best of luck to those that have the strength and motivation to keep it all up.
You are not wrong xtasy, an answer earlier, rather than later, would be very welcome. But when you are facing a Government with a long long history of stealing policy the public responds to, and face a media complicit in suppressing the policy hypocrisy such moves usually expose, I can understand why Labour are not leading the campaign with whatever policy changes they have planned.
If this is the reason for the delay, it is a reason that makes some sense to me. This delay suggests to me what they have planned might actually be practical and supportive and worth protecting. That said, like hundreds of thousands of kiwis I really would love to know what the plan is before we enter the last month of the campaign, so I can properly weigh the options against the other parties. Help share them if I feel they are worthwhile. Maybe Labour can win back my vote with it.
Till we see it though our daily reality continues to be one of boot stomping hardship where we are subjected to pointless obligations and unreasonable judgements that barely disguise the behind the hand whispers where the holier than tho insinuate not finding a job is somehow our fault.
Truth is any changes on the ground would still be 6 months away. Today, there are no relevant jobs in my region I have not already applied for. Till 10/06, I have exactly 40 cents to my name, and bills due. Once I spend a few hours with various call centres I will no doubt be peckish. Good thing I like red-beans and rice because my pantry is not exactly overflowing and there is no way I am ever going back through the cavity search that is today’s foodgrant application.
Kia kaha xtasy and all who live this life of less.
“Good thing I like red-beans and rice because my pantry is not exactly overflowing and there is no way I am ever going back through the cavity search that is today’s foodgrant application.”
Haha, thanks for that comment.
Yes, I have also learned to do something fancy with red beans, a few tomatoes, a bit of puree and humble veges, add that into some mince, fry and cook it up as Chili Con Carne or Spaghetti, and a good meal is made, that can last for days, some kept for further meals in the fridge.
I am here serving as a constant reminder, so Labour – and other parties and their candidates – get the message, re what they need to think and act on in the social security area. It will be at their peril to ignore it, as letting us down yet again will NOT go down well.
A constant prick in the side, ensuring we are not forgotten, is a measure that is needed.
Like you, I remain hopeful there may be light at the end of a long, dark tunnel, and a sudden positive announcement at some time, not just for those with little kids and those fit to look for full- or part time jobs they can do.
“After reading that, which seems to have been the one and only real, firm question about social security and welfare policy in the Q+A session with David, I had to ask myself again, why are Labour leaving potential votes of say at least 100 to 200 thousand on benefits lie on the roadside, and why do they not deliver us honest answers and firm policy commitments, 11 weeks out from the general election?”
Quite simple- they don’t want our votes. So let’s not vote for them.
And don’t forget the Lovely Christmas Present that Jenny and Ruth gave the Beneficiaries in the 90’s
On telecanvassing it seems clear that people are reasonably content with their life and do not want to put it at risk. The lack of understanding of MMP is staggering and some people fail to appreciate that only a Party Vote for National will produce a strong stable government led by John Key that is working for New Zealand. It takes me up to three minutes to convince swing voters. Any advice on how I can get my conversion rate up to the calling room average of 6/hr. We work 4 hours a day with 20 callers, 80 x20 x 6 x 4 equates to another 3 MP’s.
” It takes me up to three minutes to convince swing voters. ”
That’s after you’ve taken your morning prayers and daily programming with Jamie Lee eh?
… oops, I just broke my own rule of not feeding the pigeons
“..after you’ve taken your morning prayers and daily programming with Jamie Lee..”
..i wonder if they sing ‘the star-spangled-banner’..?
..chant ‘usa..!..usa..!’..just to get all fired-up/primed..?
With a largely “collaborating” and biased mainstream media so busy misinforming the wider, ill informed public, this useless and rotten, self serving government gets away with lies and even murder (see recent revelations about SAS involvement in Afghanistan)!
Listening to “enemy” radio broadcasts at times, like Radio Live in the late morning and late afternoon, I know what bullshit is fed into people’s minds 24/7.
Tom Fruean did in his daily “Report” about what happened in Parliament yesterday (paid for by the Office of the Clerk!) only go on about Trevor Mallard’s tongue in cheek “Moa policy” idea, and what ministers had to say to that during question time. This happens ALL the time, and people do not learn about real questions and answers or policies.
So consequently the uninformed hear this and shape a dim view of what goes on in NZ politics, and Key and Nats thrive on such created sad “realities” and rubbish, like rats on rotting food and so in the sewer. Ill informed and dumbed down make disinterested potential voters who will not bother.
Fisiani and like minded love it, as it suits their agenda. Pride and decorate yourselves with endless ignorance and manipulations, the truth will be reported here and on the Daily Blog and in a few other places!
You mean it takes 3 minutes for them to realize what they have on the other end of the phone in the form of you and most being to polite to just tell you to fuck off quickly agree with you in order not to be subjected to more of your drivel…
“equates to another 3 MP’s.”
Good job fisi, if you keep it up at that rate, National will be sure to get 110% of the party vote.
Here the advice you are seeking to help increase your ‘conversion’ rate.
This is all you need to do. Just introduce yourself as:
‘I am Fisi, from hashtag teamKey! Come hither into our dark side, now!’
Those 13 memorable words alone will convince people to get ‘converted’ in about 3 seconds flat. Trust me!
Come to think of it, at that rate…..
In 1 hour, you should get approximately 1,200 converts.
That would give you,
80 x20 x 1,200 x 4 equates to another extra 600 MP’s!
Cool bananas! You are welcome!
What I can’t figure out, fisihaw-haw, is if you’re so good at persuading taxi drivers and people in their homes that national aren’t evil lying parasites sucking the soul of the nation, why do you make such a shit job of it here?
Maybe your voice is hypnotic, like the legendary Sirens whose song tormented sailors and dragged them to their doom…
Maybe it’s his broad shoulders McFlock? His chiselled jaw and those steely piercing eyes that cause women and men alike to swoon and once rendered weak of will, submit to his wisdom ?
NBR is reporting that Slater has been given a pile of money to run a new website with ten staff. The funder, Tony Lentino, is apparently doing this because he is frustrated with the quality of NZ journalism. I can understand that but this venture will only make things worse …
The left can only dream at getting the same sort of resources.
Also a major investor in Mega, has a seat on the board.
‘had’ a seat on the board..(just in the interest of accuracy..)
Moved on has he? My info is only as up-to-date as Wikipedia – more fool me 🙂
the left does not need that sort of stuff. What we need is micropulse radio stations that can be bought for less than $5 grand each and are line of sight. They go 24 hours A DAY. Play the right sort of music and the networked radio staions will be creamed.
Wise up fast. Its all about money and unless the NZLP gets the idea they have to spend some then we will be forever lost.
And where will this money come from?
from you..bm..from you..
Uh, what’s left leaning media channels got to do with the NZLP? I think we need a far broader range of left views and debate than a mainstream political party can currently provide in terms of public discussion.
The radio station idea is a good one, it should be live streaming with podcasts, also video interviews put up on Youtube etc. That the Left finds it so difficult to put together a budget of say $250K pa to do something like this is a bit disheartening when you consider that hundreds of millions of dollars of Auckland real estate change hands every week.
I really wonder about all these fantasies of micro radio stations.
People listen to the commercial radio because of the personalities, content and constant cash give-away and prizes. No one is going to listen to a radio station that goes on about politics and plays music.
“No one is going to listen to a radio station that goes on about politics and plays music.”
I do.
http://www.radioactive.fm/
@dimebag r
Sounds good. But have you just heard about them from overseas, from boffins, or know about these line of sight radios? So how do these work? Top of a hill to top of a high building?
I was part of getting a local one in Nelson when Labour made some radio space available for community radio, and we had to get our system up on a pylon. Are new ones needed? There are already community stations probably interested in getting more input.
Here’s a list of community stations – they would probably be interested in doing more if there was some money of which they are usually short.
Map of New Zealand
http://www.acab.org.nz/stations/
Planet FM (Auckland)
Free FM (Waikato)
Radio Kidnappers (Hawkes Bay)
Access Radio Taranaki
Access Manawatu
Coast Access FM (Kapiti/Horowhenua)
Arrow FM (Wairarapa)
Wellington Access Radio
Fresh FM (Nelson/Tasman Region)
Plains FM 96.9 (Christchurch)
Otago Access Radio (Dunedin)
Radio Southland
the question is lack of quality journalism and the answer is Slater???? God help us all…
there is always fucken whoar..eh..?
..40-50 progressive local/international news-stories/links/commentaries/analysis-pieces..each/every fucken day..eh..?
..and an archive/searchengine of over 90,000 such stories/links..
..stop the handwringing..and open yr eyes..
..to what is right under yr bloody-noses..
(so far this morn..full local-coverage..and 16 stories/links from progressive international sources..
..and i’m only getting started..
..the left is so shit at supporting each other…)
And how many readers?
Phillips ”Attention Whore” has absolutely millions of viewers don’t you know…
sneer on fuckhead..!
..and then show me another nz site that is on the best-sites-list of over 20,000 foreign websites..(source:..zeald-audit..)
Pity you can’t just answer the question I asked.
How many readers? Zero? It’s unreadable. But it probably gets hits in the same way whaleoil does, by catering to bots.
As I’ve said before, Phil has an absolute contempt for potential readers there and here which he shows by way of his wretched, retching style of writing. Phil posts, but he doesn’t communicate. It’s almost like he’s stoned and incapable of carrying on a normal conversation … oh, wait.
@Lanthanide
Pity you just take the piss about whoar.
phillip – ..the left is so shit at supporting each other…
Lanthanide – And how many readers?
(Just confirming phillip’s point. And underlying is the true poppy syndrome. The fact that only some people are allowed to put forward ideas without being beheaded by ideas vandals, and the flowers of thought are wasted. Ideas often get squashed like ants or by apathy. Yawn – this hasn’t come from the approved inner circle so we aren’t interested.)
I’d love it if phil put forward a coherent, fully-considered idea that wasn’t largely gibberish.
If he can deal with HTML/CSS coding (syntactically much less forgiving than English), he can create a legible comment.
How is asking how many readers a site has “taking the piss”?
phillip put his site up as the answer to micky lamenting that the left don’t get fully resourced alternative media opportunities like the right seem to. Seems relevant to ask how many readers his site gets, so we can evaluate his claim.
I presume you say I am taking the piss, because you know that actually whoar has bugger-all readers. Unfortunately until phillip actually tells us, we really can’t know for sure how many readers it has, but his silence on this topic is suggestive.
Yeah, but you’re as impartial and credible as slater.
Lolz, and as abusive as well, poor deranged Phillis believes He is telling millions how to think, if He had any readership base as what He has made claim to having in previous discussions about ”Attention Whore” he would by now be rolling in the filthy lucre,(another aspect of ”Attention Whore previously discussed)…
Using Philip’s style and logic, it’s conclusive proof that all vegans are nasty with it arsehats, whereas I, an omnivore, are neither. 😉
“Yeah, but you’re as impartial and credible as slater.”
That’s a joke, Seriously do you think phills blog could win best blog at the media awards.
All of the blogs are biased and bumber bradburys frothing sewer would be the worst.
“That’s a joke, Seriously do you think phills blog could win best blog at the media awards.”
If both blogs were printed on paper, I wouldn’t wipe my arse with either.
The website link in your name is broken.
Too many of those silly dots you put on each line.
no i didn’t know that..maybe the website admin cd fix that..?
..or should i get even more paranoid..?
Just change it yourself where you write comments.
Take off the dots at the end of the URL in the website field.
test..
..chrs bm..
(i owe you one..i’ll ask them not to take so much of yr money off you..)
..and aren’t labour just bleeding the rich..with their tax-raise..(which kicks in at $150,000)..?
..you realise what that means for someone on $160,000..?..(just above an mp’s income..they do look after their own.eh..?..)
..that ‘poor’ rich person will have to pay an extra $6 per wk..(!)
..oh..!..the humanity..!..won’t somebody think of the rich..?’..)
Bit of helpful advice for you and your website Phil.
Go learn a bit about HTML,CSS,Javascript, PHP and all that other good webby stuff.
Your site looks a bit dull and could do with some work.
Start here and go for broke, it’s nice and easy with heaps of interactive examples, also it’s free.
http://www.w3schools.com
It’s how I got started in programming.
chrs bm..yeah..i’m on a promise for all that work to be done..
..a full site re-vamp..
..so..hopefully..soon..
and chrs 4 that resource-link..
..i’ve put it up you-know-where..
or here.
chrs..
Thanks DTB, I might have a go at the html and css myself.
It’s not particularly difficult
A good analogy is to think of is, that it’s all a bit like creating a house
The HTML is the foundations/walls etc.
The CSS is the paint and paper, decorative stuff.
The javascript,php,java,ruby etc is the pluming/wiring eg: the stuff the moves and does shit.
it’s ‘scary’…
Try toking on less cones per day and the paranoia might disappear, if it doesn’t then you might begin to suspect a disease of the mind has responsibility for such paranoia…
it’s not imagined..
..as far as the standard is concerned..whoar has never existed..
..ditto with daily blog..
(tho’..funny story there..for a little while they did a daily blog-roundup..
..and whoever did that was fullsome in their praise for what i do…
..but that roundup didn’t last for long..
..and that has been about it..)
..and that’s not ‘paranoia’..that’s fact..
..like i said..the left are real shit at supporting each other..
..(something the right does well..)
..this is nothing new/not starting with me/whoar..
..this is an historical-pattern in/with the left..
..(that life of brian..’we’re not the fucken palestinian liberation movement..!..we’re the fucken ‘liberation movement for the liberation of palestine-movement..!’..they’re fucken wankers!.’
..is actually about the left in nz..)
“like i said..the left are real sit at suporting each other..”
If by sit you mean sh!t, then your smear campaign against the Greens and Labour reeks of it.
‘smear-campaign’..
..show me one thing i have said that is not fact/fair-commentary..?
..we have a labour party (who duck/weave/avoid around any poverty-questions)..seeming little different from their last lamentable outing..
..and we have a green party so jonesing to be ministers with them..
..that all/any bottom-lines have been thrown out the window/stuck down the back of the filing-cabinet..
..and i should just keep fucken schtum about that..?
..yeah..right..!
“show me one thing i have said that is not fact/fair”
You mean just today? Logie’s croc tears and the continuing boo hoo because DC didn’t answer your question.
“i should just keep fucken schtum”
First thing I’ve read I agree with.
Tsk tsk Phillis, this particular rant smacks of an attempt to ”tell” those who manage both the Standard and the Daily Blog how they should run their web-sites,
What’s paranoia provoking about either site not linking to your’s Phillip, your propensity to fly off into out-right abuse and the absurd ‘style’ of your plagarized …from… Cummings would have plenty after having de-cyphered the content wondering why they would bother to continually subject themselves to it…
Did you ever do an extra-mural course on ‘needling’ bad 12? Is it something that you would put on your CV if you bothered with one, and is that why you practise on phillip? Practise makes perfect perhaps.
No, greywarbler, if you see any ”needling” in my comments, perhaps it is just how you ”see” things, or, if real and not imagined by you, a natural reaction to Phillis’s propensity to spray utter crap into the conversation…
What the right do is logrolling. They do it for money – a good habit-former for them – but it gets them in trouble when they change contexts – eg Collins/Oravida.
So when I casually glance to the right hand side of The Standard pages every visit and see The Daily Blog having its very own tab in the feeds box, I am imagining it?
You will find it right there beside the tab for Scoop.
Honestly Phillip, sometimes you need to turn your head to see what you are missing.
Abuse me however you like, but taking a break from the boards for a few days may do you a world of good.
daily blog also ignores whoar..not standard ignoring db..
.mm-kay..?
Thankyou for the clarification Phillip, but you must be aware it is just one of many recent examples where your delivery is less than clear in its intention and you and others have to waste words explaining what you originally failed to.
I still think you would benefit from a few days of blog respite, but that is just an opinion (and yes, everyone has one of those too )
way to project/transfer yr basic-mistake..!
..own it..!
..heh..!
ok Phillip, whatever gets you through the day.
I won’t be bothering you again.
Whoar is a hopeless mess
minimalist..devoid of bells and whistles..
..but ‘messy’ isn’t a way i’d describe it..
..a simple-scrolling gives/shows all that is on offer..
..care to quantify..?
Yeah it’s is a hopeless mess written in your fucked up short hand
bit anal about yr grammer/punctuation there..eh..?
..and contrarian…i am actually doing what yr name just implies..eh..?
..so you are contrarian in name only then..?
..heh..!
..you’re funny..!
Whoar is virtually unreadable
@ The Contrarian
I like someone who has the integrity claimed in their brand.
Quote “the left is so shit at supporting each other…” Philip Ure
So why on earth would you think that the famously missing 800,000 voters from last time, would think that the left, lead by the NZLP team could possibly run a functioning Government if by pure chance, they got 50.5% of the vote on 20 September?
As each week goes by, the left looks worse than the week before – and my measure is reading what its supporters have to say on here. You lot are unified in your hatred of the Nats, but I cant see any unity in anything else.
For the country’s sake, I hope I am wrong.
http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2014/07/cameron-slater-next-media-venture/
If you want the other side of the story
“The left can only dream at getting the same sort of resources.”
i predict, Blubber boy’s latest venture will have all the grand success that ”its” stint as the Editor of the truth had,
Giving that thing even more oxygen is entirely suggestive that indeed the loonies have taken over the assylum…
maybe, but they merely give him large cheques to release propaganda, not for it to be read.
With any luck he’ll get his arse sued or break the law again.
itt is probably intended as a backdoor campaigning tool, having sought qc opinions on how to exploit a loophole of course.
Someone’s got money to burn. The only reason I can imagine to invest money in Whalespew would be for the sheer sadistic delight of seeing him crash and burn. And this is what will happen, as sure as the sun will be up tomorrow.
Produce something that those who wish to rule over (work to death, sell shit to, denigrate, blame, rent properties to) people want and are willing to pay for
Only if we keep whinging about it. I’ve already shown how Labour alone could have a $7.8 million dollar per year income. More than enough to fund 10 dedicated journalists and a web site.
The problem seems to be that the political parties of the left aren’t willing to do what’s needed and require a $5/wk membership fee. Wouldn’t need to go after the big donors then either.
How would you raise 7.8 million? (I didn’t see your post on this)
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-28052014/#comment-820852
Looks like politicheck is dead: http://www.politicheck.org.nz/
Didn’t last long, did it? Last update on June 11 which actually appears to be a blog post by Pete George (no other posts are signed by the author/editor), and the previous one to that was on May 23rd.
Nevermind we’ve just had the perfect little story for them to stake their claim in cleaning up the smear against Labour over Liu, but not nary a peep from them.
La
What else do you expect of any project with which PG is involved? He even had me avoiding TS for a while, a couple of months back; because I couldn’t be bothered scrolling past his interminable drivel. Fortunately, it does seem that his drivel has been terminated.
Lolz it was pretty much dead in the water upon the appointment of 🙄 who then began to whore for serfs to do the work required to make the site work presumably so that 🙄 could sit at the apex of the magic triangle making all the ‘big decisions’ like the lord and master His delusion has Him thinking He is…
I would be inclined to give the benefit of the doubt and suggest that those who run it just dont have the time to keep updating it and are caught up with other commitments.
Ive been looking at doing a few online projects myself, but a whole lot of other commitments (not prepared to elaborate), have taken up most of my time.
So it would be understandable.
And in case anyone is wondering, PG posts at Public Address now, driving them crazy..
I think they underestimated the work load involved, and then hired an idiot as editor.
+1
This is interesting:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/10222550/Bullet-holes-in-Mana-office
I doubt it’s something that Kelvin Davis or Labour had a hand in (unless there are some rogue volunteers with more enthusiasm than sense). But someone is clearly feeling threatened by the prospect of an IMP-supported progressive government. Can’t help thinking that they picked the wrong target though; Harawira has his faults, but lack of courage is not one of them.
Yeah i seen that on my TeeVee the other night, have been waiting for NzJackson to re-appear here at the Standard for a Q and A about the involvement or not of Dearlove supporters in the attack…
First the death threats, then the bullets. What’s next in the right wing hate-crime handbook?
Oh, so it’s a right-winger?
Jeez you’re a fuckwit.
A Titford sympathiser, for example.
Hardly beyond the realms of possibility: I don’t see too many lefties getting all bent out of shape about Hone.
nah..!..it’s probably a leftie..eh..?
..get thee to a mirror..fuckwit..!
..and/or..w.t.f. r u smoking..?
@Paupail…Yes Media Double Standards in treatment of John Key candle lit vigil and bullets for New Zealand Maori social welfare activist and Springbok protester Hone Harawira ( a demonstration of media racist and fascist values?)
‘Hone Harawira’s electorate office shot at – mainstream media indifferent’
By Martyn Bradbury / July 2, 2014
When you consider all the criticism that erupted over a candle lit vigil outside Key’s house for his support of civilian deaths via drone strikes, you would expect there to be a similar outcry over someone shooting at Hone Harawira’s electorate office…..
The double standards are extraordinary. You would think a political leader having his electorate office shot at would be massive news – apparently not if that political leader is Hone Harawira
If someone had fired shots at Key’s electorate office the media would be giving 24/7 live coverage of the bullet holes. It happens to Hone and barely a whisper.
See more at: http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2014/07/02/hone-harawiras-electorate-office-shot-at-mainstream-media-indifferent/#sthash.F2uApHs1.dpuf
aye..!
Didn’t one of Bombers right hand men throw an axe through Helen Clark’s office window once?
A one-time ACT member and current Maori Party supporter, according to Wikipedia.
theC
Tim Selwyn threw an axe through then PM Clark’s window in protest against the seabed and foreshore bill. He then got sent to prison for; wilful damage, sedition and pulling a Garrett (what is it about Act people and stealing dead childen’s identities anyway? Was there a how-to seminar or did they just all read the same book?). Bomber took over his Tumeke blog while Selwyn was in prison, and stayed on until he set up TDB.
It’ll be interesting to see whether the police pursue the perpetrators of this incident with the same zeal.
Selwyn is also a frequent poster at The Daily Blog.
Chooky
Hmm, misspelled my own nom de clave – must have been low on caffeine! But then again I’m just a solo commenter, Stuff had; “Harwaira, and they’re supposed to be a reputable new-source with editors and everything.
yes i am a terrible speller…so have to check everything…hence my checking resulted in my changing your name from what I thought to your misspelling… lol
When investigating political terrorism always be sure to ignore evidence of right wing hate crimes.
Ngati poaka saying it was a slug gun. Something doesn’t smell right here. There are plenty of pig hunters up around Kaitaia and they know the difference between bullets and slugs.
This should be a good item. About us and whether we are a mini US or a Chinese ally or a conjuror practising juggling while standing on a tightrope.
8:12 am Sunday 6 July: Insight: NZ’s tiptoe relationship with the US and China
The Prime Minister, John Key’recent trip to New York was focused on lobbying permanent ambassadors at the United Nations to support New Zealand’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council in 2015/1.New Zealand has been selling itself as a sensible and moderate nation that prides itself on taking an independent view.
But the main reason for John Key’s visit to the United States was to spend time with the President , Barack Obama, reinforcing Wellington’s warming relationship with Washington.
America’s so-called “rebalance” towards the Asia-Pacific region, a policy thought to be prompted by the rising presence of China in the region. But could that also put NZ in a difficult position as it tries to balance its important relationships with both the US and China?
Radio New Zealand Political reporter, Chris Bramwell, travelled with Mr Key to the US and explores how difficult that balancing act might be.
Independent view? Maybe we were headed in that direction before Key came along, but now we wait for Washington’s instructions as to what our independent views are. Having us on the Security Council would be a complete waste of time at the moment. Just give the US and A two votes.
One thing that was disturbing to me was when during their press conference, US Secretary of State John Kerry said he knows New Zealand stands with America on Iraq – and he doesn’t need to ask to know that!
I cringed at those words., ‘doesn’t need to ask’!
Here is the news report:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11278098
And now for something completely different. A little light relief and humour.
The winter has finally arrived with very cold weather. The following statement can be read one of two ways
Winter draws on. or
Winter drawers on.
halfcrown. About 60 years ago on 3ZB radio the announcer of the day started to read an advertisement for some item: “Ladies!Winter drawers on….” He collapsed into hysterical laughter. Silence. Tries again: “Ladies! Winter drawers on….” Collapsed into hysteria again. Music starts playing.
This lapse for the time was big news and becomes a radio Blooper. The announcer was reprimanded or maybe fired?
Thanks for that Ianmac It was a saying of my father-in-law, one of the finest people I had the privilege to know. No doubt that is where he got it from.
I do admire people who have a great command of the English language and can come up with these witty two meaning sayings. A gift I wish I had.
I remember living in London in the sixties there was a weekly satire programme run by David Frost called “That Was The Week That Was
Incidentally these were the days when we had real journalist and commentators that would take ANY politician to task irrespective of their political colour.
The then conservative party appointed a Lord Home as the PM . It was stated in the press that Lord Home’s name was pronounced as Lord Hume.
Frost was on to this immediately, and on his next programme said “If we are going to pronounce an “O” as a “U” then I suppose we should pronounce U’s as O’s” That being the case the following statement can be read one of two ways
Lord Home is in bed with flu. Or,
Lord Hume is in bed with flo.
That has always made me laugh.
Do you recall At Last the 1948 Show and I’m Sorry I’ll Read That Again? I was a babe in arms when these gems emerged but thanks to being at the younger end of the family line I was pretty much raised on their humour. Alongside the Goons of course.
Without such treasure we would never have been delivered Q, The Goodies or Python. If you want a great trip down memory lane I heartily recommend From Fringe to Flying Circus.
A fantastic book full of script-bites and insight, to the mayhem and the manipulations.
All I can say in closing is … Spot!
Thanks for that Freedom. I will get that book. I will see if I can download an ePUB of it.
Yes I do remember the 1948 show and I’m Sorry I’ll Read that again.. Beginning to show my age here. and I agree with you without them the likes of the The Goodies or Python would never existed
You must also remember then we had magazines like the Punch which in the 70’s had writers like a guy called Coren I think, can’t remember his first name. He had a hilarious column as a regular item taking the piss out of Idi Amin called “From Our Correspondent In Uganda
It has been said that Idi Amin stated when he finally invaded and beat Britain, Coren was going to be the first to be hanged.
Good days seeing the pommie sense of humour at it’s best.
Alan Coren? I think he edited Punch for a while.
Private Eye is always consistently good value and surprisingly affordable via email. https://privateeye.subscribeonline.co.uk/
A lot of the old shows get played on the BBC. Hancock and the Goons every week, ISIRTA, Steptoe etc quite regularly during the year. http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4extra/programmes/genres/comedy/current
You can get them via the BBC website or TuneIn.
What a great constructive day
Once again thanks but to TRP this time. I forgot about Private Eye which I used to get now and then. Thanks for the website, I was aware of the BBC one but not Private Eye.
I think I might subscribe to it and I have bookmarked it for future reference.
Once again thank you all for your suggestions.
Cheers, halfcrown. PE is available by airmail, not email as I wrote. D’oh! Arrives about 3 or days after hitting the shops in the UK.
I gather it’s now the biggest selling news mag in Britain, which is long way from its humble gestetner’d beginnings. I recently had a beer in the Coach and Horses, Soho, the notorious pub where Cook and the PE staff used to hang out. Some great photos from the heydays of the mag on the walls.
I also recommend the PE covers site, which never fails to amuse. http://www.private-eye.co.uk/covers.php
And if you want a further recommendation, the four part series ‘Why Bother?’ is easily found. It’s Peter Cook being interviewed by Chris Morris, but in the guise of Sir Arthur Streeb-Greebling. And there’s also Cookie and Clive Anderson here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjE7XlYIAIY
Damn it TRP now I’ll spend hours watching Steptoe. But I do like Open All Hours I have all of it, and the special that David Jason did a couple of years ago, which was brilliant.
Recent comments from those who were in the Goon Show or Python and so on, say they got their programs on air because either the bosses didn’t know just what the programs were going to be, or that the bosses were willing to take a risk. But today, in NZ, nail everything down, avoid risk, and stick to the safe predictable programs. (Then wait till the audience has all gone somewhere else.)
Old newspapers used for wrapping with good information. Another reason not to go totally on-line. A few people, thoughtful and dedicated to good results, can achieve change that is in the public good.
Daphne Steele born 1928, in 1990 joined a local walking group and shared concerns about the management of escalating subdivison on the Kapiti Coast. Here is part of an obituary from the dompost 7/Dec/2013 about her work with a small group of dedicated older women in saving their Kapiti coastline from rampant development
that would have swallowed protective sand dunes and wetlands.
At the age of 62, when most people are thinking about retiring, Daphne Steele launched a career as an environmental campaigner fighting and winning legal battles to safeguard natural landscape features on the Kapiti Coast.
Co-founder of Kapiti Environmental Action, Mrs Steele dedicated 20 years to research, leading the group’s planning section and winning seven court cases against the Kapiti Coast District Council. She and two fellow white-haired KEA members, supported by lawyers and expert witnesses, might have looked like an insignificant group of small elderly women when they confronted the council on planning issues but, after winning several court cases, their carefully worded submissions were received with hushed respect…
Her friend Mrs Rowland attributed some of their success to working on ‘Quaker lines’ – non confrontational, focusing on issues, not personalities, thorough research and a holistic approach.
Note: Dompost were in Dec 2013 running A Life Story of NZs who helped to shape their community and invite you ‘if you know of someone whose story should be told’ to email obituaries@dompost.co.nz
Ups to Maori Television who this election plan to broadcast polling from within all the Maori electorates leading into the election,
As yet they have not said specific programs where we can view the results so as to attempt to ascertain the fortunes of the various contestants in the 7 Maori electorates,
Hopefully Native Affairs has full coverage…
Edit: last nights ‘Media Take’ while given a small ok here for the first attempt, if it is to become a ‘must watch’ needs to be far more robust in its attention upon the media with a critique of ‘bias’ in the various arms of media especially important leading into the election…
Oh great, just what we want, a whole bunch of Wellingtoness …..
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/10221374/Govt-to-move-staff-back-into-Christchurch
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11286161
This is a hip pocket issue, particularly at lower decile schools. Parents who are cajoled into paying school donations would be pleased with this. Clever move from Labour.
Pete, you may find that contrary to popular belief, most non-payers of school fees are well-off people who can afford it and who publicly whinge the loudest. I remember when my older child started her first year at the local Decile 1 primary and the long queue of predominantly PI parents waiting to pay the fees.
I don’t doubt that. Pasifika communities have a reputation for generosity when it comes to things like tithes and remittances. And they can also suffer from predatory pay-day loans and other unethical practices when it comes to meeting these obligations. I think Labour’s plan is a very good way of making things a little easier for people.
Yep, and a helping hand to schools who don’t want to make these charges anyway.
McCully blaming his ministry for the “confusion” over who said what, when. This has been standard practice for this government. Any screw ups are firmly the fault of public service officials. Meat on Chinese wharves, Novopay, Oravida meetings, and now this.
Someone needs to make more of the link between these events and the restructuring which has gone on willy-nilly over the last 6 years.
Maybe as punishment McCully has to go list only, thus parachuting in, (probably literally, great promo shot) Colin Craig!
Yep, it has lined up rather nicely. Funny that.
A lot of people in East Coast Bays do not like Colin Craig though.
if key does that deal with craig..i think it will hurt him more than help him..
..there will be some of nationals’ soft-vote who won’t want to have a bar of a moon-landing-denier/chem-tails-conspiracy-theorist/believer the world is 10,000 yrs old..
..and i see them dividing up between going back to labour..to the greens..or to the internet party..
Mr Key AND HIS ROCK STAR / election/ economy needs a song
This might suit
Hes AN OLD CON WHO BEEN AWAY now he thinks hes back to stay
STOOL PIDGEON
Have you heard the news thats going around
Hes turning our country up side down
STOOL PIDGEON
Fill in the rest as you see fit
I see mr key has made an annoucement about family violence. At first i thought it meant he had killed mccully in a fit of pique but it is, surprisingly serious.
He said
“I would like to thank Ministers Judith Collins, Anne Tolley and Tariana Turia for leading the work to foster a long-term change in behaviour, and to protect people from the misery of violence in the home,” says Mr Key. ”
does he mean like mr williamson tried to protect mr liu from the misery of violence in the home?
In the face of this govts attitude toward an attempted rape, the last two paragraphs would be funny if not so sad…
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/prime-minister-addresses-family-violence
Sad to hear of the death of Dave Feickert. Dave worked tirelessly to improve safety standards in mining in the UK, China and Australasia. He was appalled at the lapses that led to the Pike River disaster and, as he says in this clip (from 2.40) was embarrassed to have to explain to Chinese miners just how bad things were in NZ.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/pike-river-mine-disaster/7912552/Pike-River-report-like-horror-story
He was a lifelong supporter of unions and a regular in the media. His analysis of the ’84 miners’ strike is well worth a read:
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/feb/11/tradeunions.uk
thanks for posting this.
It is telling that our PM considers his worst year in office wasnt the year 29 people died in a badly run mine, or the first chchch earthquake struck, or even the following year when 110 died and thousands of lives were shattered.
Well put, Tracey. Dave’s funeral is 1 pm next Tuesday, at the Forrest Lawn Chapel, 208 Guyton St, Whanganui. I’m sure any standardistas in the area will be most welcome to attend.
edit: a nice note on Dave’s passing from the European TUC: http://www.etuc.org/press/memory-dave-feickert#.U7S74bHQbZc
Legal Pot in the US Is Crippling Mexican Cartels
https://news.vice.com/article/legal-pot-in-the-us-is-crippling-mexican-cartels
cartels and their farmers complain that marijuana legalization is hurting their business. And some reports could suggest that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is more interested in helping to protect the Mexican cartels’ hold on the pot trade than in letting it dissipate.
Take a bow David Cunliffe, it is about time you stopped turning the other cheek to the insults of the Prime Minister,
In the House today, the Prime Minister labeled Cunliffe ”tricky David Cunliffe” once to often getting a bite from Cunliffe that had the PM looking like He had swallowed His tongue,
”Can Slippery John” began David Cunliffe in His follow up question,
Points to Cunliffe, and, my view is he might as well simply address the Liar in Chief as Slippery the Prime Minister to save any confusion…
Roy Morgan courtesy of Daily Blog – little change.
Little change!?! Nats down 1.5%, NZF back in play and Labour undamaged despite the most vicious smear attack since Muldoon’s dancing cossacks is a fantastic result!
ps, another poll, another cock up from Roy:
“At the 2011 New Zealand Election National won every regional seat in New Zealand bar West Coast Tasman.”
1.5% is likely to be within margin of error. Means little in the overall scheme of things.
“Today’s New Zealand Roy Morgan Poll shows a fall in support for National (48%, down 1.5%) but National are still well ahead of a potential Labour/Greens alliance (40%, unchanged).
Support for Key’s Coalition partners has raised slightly overall with the Maori Party 1.5% (up 0.5%), Act NZ (1%, up 0.5%) and United Future 0% (unchanged).
Support for the Labour Party is unchanged at 28%, the Greens are unchanged at 12%, New Zealand First is 5.5% (up 1.5%) and the Internet-Mana Party alliance is at 2.5% (unchanged). Support for the Conservative Party of NZ is 1% (down 0.5%) and support for Independent/ Others is 0.5% (down 0.5%).
Today’s poll shows that despite allegations concerning Labour Leader David Cunliffe’s conduct in relation to Chinese businessman Donghua Liu in recent weeks, the controversy hasn’t negatively impacted on Labour support.”
All upwards from here!
PS: I didn’t add the graphs. How did that happen???
PPS Now they have gone!
[lprent: I added them (I often do when I see a link to something interesting). Drat where have they gone? Oh you edited and because you can’t ‘add’ them, the system removed them. Replacing. ]
In the Roy Morgan notes:
““If a New Zealand Election were held today which party would receive your party vote?”
“This latest New Zealand Roy Morgan Poll on voting intention was conducted by telephone – both landline and mobile telephone, with a NZ wide cross-section of 817 electors from June 16-29, 2014. Of all electors surveyed 5.5% (up 0.5%) didn’t name a party.”
Date of the polling was 16th-29th of June.
The weighting of canvassing would have been towards the first part of the sampling period. According to me and the list of posts, this poll would have largely only picked up the start of the saga – the proforma electorate letter.
The pathetic Liu “signed statement” smear with its tragic reporting by the NZ Herald happened on the 22nd. The follow up explanatory letter with its even more tragic lack of details happened on 24th?
I don’t think that this poll has much of the Donghua Liu “scandal” in it yet – Roy Morgan’s lousy analysis strikes again.
I agree. I am inclined to take a slightly optimistic view of this poll actually.
What struck me is that though Labour support is still lower than what I would like, (35 plus), it is actually National that has lost 1.5% (nearly 2%) of support while Labour has held its support! That IS a good sign under the circumstances. 48% to 40% will only need a swing of about 4% in our favour to even things out. Anything over that is what is crucial. Two to three months is quite a long time in politics when a mere 24 hours can alter perceptions. The abysmal butt covering/distancing/passing the buck episode by Key and McCully in this shocking burglary/rape diplomatic episode unearthed today is just one such example.
Labour, while addressing any planned potential mud slinging, from what Key has said he keeps in his ‘top draws’, by the National dirty tricks spin machine, shouldn’t get bogged down in it and instead, must primarily concentrate on our policies, vision and principles.
Remains to be seen what the impact of Mr Cunliffe’s major speech and any announced policies will be after this week’s Labour Party Congress in Wellington.
I think the next set of five to six polls will begin to change, hopefully in a favourable way for the three progressive parties, Labour, Greens and the InternetMana alliance.
Without Key’s spoon feeding of political rancid honey and adulterated Oravida milk to ACT, UF and the CONS, National is kaput. And without their smiling cult poster head, Hash-Key, Nats are nothing but naught! That is as clear as the mud they try to throw at Cunliffe and Labour.
Cheers!
+100 hope so….lets hope Nactional goes into a spin it cant get of ….and freefall
Back Benches,
Wednesday 10:50PM
Tonight’s MP panel debate the necessity of National’s proposed $212M upgrade to regional roads. Plus, a measles outbreak has Wallace and Damian questioning the need for mandatory immunisations. PGR
God made the measles….let the measles run wild…weird how immunised kids keep getting measles…where is McFlock ?
God allegedly made satan too.
Weird how the incidence rate of measles in un- or under-immunised people is dozens if not hundreds of times the rate in immunised folk. Almost like there’s some sort of protection immunised folks get from a vaccine…
Bullshit.
I challenge you to find any NZ stats whatsoever on the relative risk comparing those who are measles immunised vs not immunised, which back your BS inflated estimates above.
https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/measles/measles-frequently-asked-questions
OK. This doesn’t answer my very simple question. Which is about the relative risk of getting measles between these two groups in NZ i.e. vaccinated vs unvaccinated.
using the numbers below plugged into an online calculator:
Relative risk 46.6350
95 % CI 17.0846 to 127.2977
here, for a start.
84 cases.
4 documented fully immunised.
80:4. More than a dozen, all things being equal.
With an immunisation rate greater than 70%, “hundreds” becomes realistic.
population of Waikato DHB 373,220
80/111966= 71 per 100k
4 per 261254 = 1.5 per 100k.
You can do the math yourself as the immunisation rate approaches its 90% target.
So it’s a 20:1 ratio, and that’s been skewed to look that good by your lumping in partially vaccinated cases with non-vaccinated cases, in addition to putting aside the likely 1 or 2 fully vaccinated but undocumented/documentation not found individuals who also got sick. So the ratio is not “dozens”, and not “hundreds” to 1, except in your hypothetical future scenario.
Further the difference in absolute risk between fully vaccinated and all others is miniscule, using your own figures i.e. 71 per 100K (not fully vaccinated) vs 1.5/100K (fully vaccinated).
Basically, being fully vaccinated in the DHB region changed your absolute chance of getting measles in this outbreak by 0.07%. Assuming the risk of serious complications is 10%, then being fully vaccinated improved your chances of avoiding serious disease by 0.007%.
No.
The ratio of cases is 20:1.
The risk ratio (what you asked for), even assuming “under vaccinated” is as good as “fully vaccinated” at a 70% imms rate is:
Relative risk 22.1667
95 % CI 10.6985 to 45.9282
Unvac incidence of 0.06%, Vaccinated rate of 0.003%
At 90% immunisation (DHB target), the rate ratio is:
Relative risk 90.5908
95 % CI 43.7244 to 187.6914
Unvac incidence of 0.2%, Vaccinated rate of 0.002%
so “dozens if not hundreds”. Which is what I said. And what you tried to call bullshit on before bothering with a quick google search.
So now you’re arguing that a low incidence rate in a highly-immunised society means the vaccine program isn’t needed.
A normal person might think that a low incidence rate of a highly-transmissable disease simply shows that the vaccine program works, but you can read the code in the matrix and know better, I guess.
Nice calculator thanks for doing this work. There is no need to assume that “under vaccinated” is as good as “fully vaccinated” as supposedly they are very close in performance: a single dose of MMR is claimed to provide “more than” 90% protection according to official NZ websites.
So I appreciate you plugging that into the RR.
Now. The infectious period for measles is supposedly 7-12 days. Assumption: every one of those 84 sick will have been in close proximity with at least 50 different people over that time period (friends, family members, class mates, sports team members etc).
Therefore we are dealing with 4200 people total exposed to the pathogen (likely an underestimate I think). 84 got sick, 4116 did not. Out of those 4200 people, assuming 70% were vaccinated = 2940 (8 sick out of those), 30% were not = 1260 (76 sick out of those).
If you were vaccinated and exposed to the disease you had a 2.7/1000 chance of getting sick. If you were unvaccinated and exposed to the disease you had a 60.3/1000 chance of getting sick.
In this outbreak then, the actual advantage displayed by those who were vaccinated and exposed was 22.3 fewer cases of sickness per 1000 people exposed (when compared to 1000 unvaccinated and exposed peeps).
Assuming a 10% serious complication rate, a benefit of 2.2 fewer severe complications resulted per 1000 people vaccinated and exposed. In this outbreak, 997.8 out of every 1000 people vaccinated did not experience this level of benefit.
(sorry my math wandered off above)
In this outbreak then, the actual advantage displayed by those who were vaccinated and exposed was 57.6 fewer cases of sickness per 1000 people exposed (when compared to 1000 unvaccinated and exposed peeps).
Assuming a 10% serious complication rate, a benefit of 5.8 fewer serious complications resulted per 1000 people vaccinated and exposed. In this outbreak, 994.2 out of every 1000 people vaccinated experienced less than this level of benefit.
Even if the math were fine, you still miss the fact that the direct personal benefit is at that level because we have such a high vaccination rate. If an unvaccinated person is less likely to meet an infected person, they’re freeloading off everyone else, but you’d still say it’s evidence that the vaccine isn’t needed.
And your math depends entirely on my low-ball estimate of the vaccination rate. As itincreases, the “direct personal benefit” of vaccination increases non-linearly because the population on unvaccinated people decreases dramatically.
Googling with fresh eyes says Waikato DHB has an imms rate of 84%. So the unvaccinated incidence rate is closer to 2 per thousand. Multiply 76 by 6 (15%) to get the 0% vaccinated population incidence and you have 456 cases in Waikato alone, without incorporating any modelling for increased transissability because of lower population immunity. With 100% vaccination, it would be down to 10 or 12.
Which is broadly in line with the pre/post-vaccine incidence rates in the US.
No-o I’m not entirely sure about the validity of back-calculating an R0 based on purely numeric data and a rough estimate of interpersonal contact.
It’s sort of the cut-off between pop stats no longer sufficient and getting into network theory. We don’t know if there are clusters (e.g. unvac families) or large nodes (e.g. a receptionist who has contact with hundreds of people a day).
But what we do know via wikipedia (because it’s 2:30am and I’m off to be soon) is that in about 0.1% of cases the “complication” is “death”. We’re up to 190 since december. If Waikato DHB is anything to go by (76:8), I think we know what failed to forestall the inevitable when it finally happens.
Time to catch some zees.
Thanks guys…. but is God a statistician?
Still believe it is best for the immune system to get the measly virus when you are a child and be done with it…man made vaccines in this case are not working and have their own complications
I agree with you Chooky, particularly if the child is well supported through the disease process. Same goes with the seasonal flu.
Even “well supported” one case in a thousand die.
The vaccine works fine.
More like one case in 3000-5000 according to official UK Public Health figures since 1960.
And the US saw 3 deaths per thousand cases 1987-2000.
And apparently the current NZ outbreak has higher hospital admission rates than average, which suggests the mort rate might also be higher.
But this is all quibbling over what level of harm and mortality you find acceptable.
To return to my original and now demonstrated point, measles rates in unvaccinated people are dozens if not hundreds of times higher than those in vaccinated people.
That’s the figure mate, not “dozens” or “hundreds” of times for a hypothetical optimal situation which does not exist in the Waikato.
The UK site – an official government site – has UK data for over half a century. A death rate which is 10x higher in the US than the UK may demonstrate little more than the effects of large pockets of bitter poverty across the US and its privatised healthcare system, despite the compulsory vaccination policies in many states.
The CI goes from 10 to 45. Observed rate is almost two dozen times higher for unvaccinated folk.
But that’s at 70% immunisation rate, the best scenario for your argument.
At 90%, the DHB target, observed rate in unvaccinated people is 90 times higher than vaccinated people, with a confidence interval of 43 to 187 times higher. Actual immunisation rate is apparently 84%, so you can do the math yourself on that one.
Definitely “dozens”. If not “hundreds” (which is still a reasonable estimate if unvaccinated people cluster rather than being uniformly distributed throughout the population).
… which might be why the CDC count 539 cases this year in a population of 300 million, while we’re on 190 cases in a pop of 4 million.
It may demonstrate what you say. It may demonstrate any number of things. It might just demonstrate that when numbers are small, mort rates can bounce around
Keep quibbling over how many deaths you’re happy with.
Unvaccinated folk are still dozens if not hundreds of times more likely to get measles.
I missed the bit where you actually linked to your source, btw – although I only had a few hours sleep, so might be my fault 🙂
I find it astounding that CV and Chooky are still pushing the don’t vaccinate your kids line.
If we did not have the levels of vaccination we have in this country (which I believe are too low at present) the outbreaks in auckland at the beginning of the year and that in the Waikato would be exponentially worse.
For those not immunised against the Measles virus there is well over a 90% chance of becoming infected if one comes into contact with the virus the impact on schools, families and medical resources is significant enough in our current situation – in a completely non immunised society it would be catastrophic.
Neoliberalism as a Water Balloon (video)
Ok. Finished playing around with the system now.
Changed the caching system to use some storage that costs a lot less, but which shouldn’t cause the site to be much slower.
I’ll check the dailies tomorrow.
Time to find a nice warm bed.