Open Mike 02/11/2017

82 comments on “Open Mike 02/11/2017 ”

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1. Robert Guyton 1

   2 November 2017 at 7:18 am

   “The major failures confronting New Zealand today stem from the neoliberal economic agenda that has dominated the past four decades with its blind faith in ‘free’ markets, the increasing privatisation of public policy and the out-dated approach to measuring our economic and fiscal performance. As articulated by Treasury during the 1980s and 90s the neoliberal agenda has played a critical role in reinforcing class differences, in generating a low wage economy and in promoting the social conditions for child poverty and for what is best described as a major social deficit.”

   http://briefingpapers.co.nz/the-challenges-ahead-for-the-new-government/
   • tracey 1.1

     2 November 2017 at 7:28 am

     Fascinating article, thanks for sharing.

     Selective faith in free markets… cos when labour is short the market woukd rise the wages/conditions to attract workers but in NZ we important people to offset the usual market response and to retain profit margins
     • Carolyn_nth 1.1.1

       2 November 2017 at 7:43 am

       And in relation to the repeal of the 3 strikes law, one of the many problems now facing NZ is stated as:

       The archaic practices in justice and policing that have led to bulging prisons and incarceration levels that are among the highest in the developed world; and

       With an embedded link to a briefing paper on our prison system.
       • tracey 1.1.1.1

         2 November 2017 at 7:52 am

         But we need to read yesterdays announcement with Nash’s announced priorities. He gives me little (no pun intended) faith in a paradigm shift to funding/resourcing programmes proven to reduce recidivism, addictions, and so on.
         • Draco T Bastard 1.1.1.1.1

           2 November 2017 at 8:54 am

           Nash still seems to be a neo-liberal clingon.
           • tracey 1.1.1.1.1.1

             2 November 2017 at 9:07 am

             I was trying to make the point without saying that in light of the aversion of some to early criticism of the Labour/NZF C abinet.
             • Karen …

               2 November 2017 at 11:10 am

               Any criticism of Nash is welcome by me! Or Shane Jones for that matter. Can’t stand either of them.

               Luckily Andrew Little will be leading the review of the Justice Department and Kelvin Davis as Corrections Minister will be working with him to reform the prison system. Andrew has already said that the planned new prison being will probably be canned.

               Nash is an idiot and will be stomped on if tries to overplay his hand. I hope that he will eventually lose that Police portfolio. I’d like to see one of the Māori MPs in that role.
   • DH 1.2

     2 November 2017 at 7:54 am

     I’m not a subscriber to the ideology excuse. It’s convenient to blame a belief system for the ills of society but also somewhat self-defeating. Followers are ideologues and followers only … follow. IMO behind the so-called neo-liberalism is plain old greed; thirst for power, money, influence, social status etc.

     If the political left really wanted to fight neo-liberalism they might take a leaf out of the old policeman’s book; follow the money.
     • tracey 1.2.1

       2 November 2017 at 8:18 am

       +1
     • Draco T Bastard 1.2.2

       2 November 2017 at 8:55 am

       There is certainly a large amount of that. It seems truly amazing how many authoritarian followers don’t realise that they are followers.
   • Venezia 1.3

     2 November 2017 at 10:58 am

     Best analysis I’ve read about situation prior to election. Prof Ian Shirley taught me back in the day at Massey Palmerston North. Always clear and comprehensive explanations. I would like to read more of his recent writing.
2. eco maori 2

   2 November 2017 at 7:43 am

   You no how I said I had been examining my past and a few Incidence that I took no notice of well here is one.
   Back in the day I had a M8 that I had known for 10 years through work .
   I use to have a cup of tea with this person and he and another guy whom was like a scientist really onto it guy well every time I wen’t over these two would be playing Chest .
   I new how the game was played and all the moves that the pieces can make and played a few games. I use to just watch tv while the battled away. Well one day I took on my M8 challenge and I played him and he whipped ass in three moves LOL.
   Well I took that challenge seriously and I was playing my wife my children a computa I was clocking up 5 hours a day playing chest . And after 2 weeks I kicked my mate ass 4 times I had met the Challenger head on and won so I gave up playing him. You see I had all ready made up my mind that playing game’s I.E crash bandicoot video games was a waste of my precious time that I needed to build my Maunga so my children got the run of there video games lol .
   Well there is a correction for my statements made yesterday which is I should have said that I try not to affect most people negatively, But some people get to feel the Thunder and some people are feeling the Thunder and they don’t even no it .
   And I will keep using the Thunder to fight for equal right’s for all and my fight for OUR Mother Earth P.S to my clients you are just innocent bystanders and I have OUR whole World as my witness . Kia Kaha
   • tracey 2.1

     2 November 2017 at 7:54 am

     Kia ora Eco Maori
     • eco maori 2.1.1

       2 November 2017 at 7:58 am

       Thank’s Tracy That’s the way Jack Promoting OUR science for our Moko to learn science is one of the tools we have to make OUR future bright Ka pai
   • ianmac 2.2

     2 November 2017 at 8:13 am

     “But some people get to feel the Thunder and some people are feeling the Thunder and they don’t even no it.”
     What do you mean by “the Thunder” eco Maori?
     • james 2.2.1

       2 November 2017 at 8:47 am

       You might be feeling it and not even knowing right now.
       • The decrypter 2.2.1.1

         2 November 2017 at 9:42 am

         james, —james -james –hold the ladder steady,, hold the ladder steady-
       • ianmac 2.2.1.2

         2 November 2017 at 11:17 am

         “Georg was a goat and his beard was yellow,
         And James was a very small snail.”
         A.A.Milne.
         • The decrypter 2.2.1.2.1

           2 November 2017 at 11:31 am

           Knew a thing or two did AA.Milne.
           • Robert Guyton 2.2.1.2.1.1

             2 November 2017 at 12:15 pm

             He knew about Gerry Brownlee.

             http://voetica.com/voetica.php?collection=3&poet=685&poem=3335
             • The decrypter …

               2 November 2017 at 1:05 pm

               Amazing, -knew bout –james, — also “Gerry I’m coming through”, Brownlee, ARHH !! –but did he know bout “button it sweetie” Paula? She would have a crush on our james me thinks.
               • Robert Guyton …

                 2 November 2017 at 2:16 pm

                 Only if she rolled over in her sleep. I’m sure A.A. had something on Paula; the first paragraph of “Teddy Bear”?

                 https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/teddy-bear-by-aa-milne
                 • james …

                   2 November 2017 at 2:27 pm

                   Nice to know that you are the kind of per son who is happy to “fat shame” a woman – classy.

                   “A bear, however hard he tries,
                   Grows tubby without exercise.
                   Our Teddy Bear is short and fat,
                   Which is not to be wondered at;
                   • The decrypter …

                     2 November 2017 at 2:43 pm

                     He-He Robert.
                   • Robert Guyton …

                     2 November 2017 at 2:47 pm

                     Oh, James, you are a duffer!

                     The last paragraph reads:
                     “A bear, however hard he tries,
                     Grows tubby without exercise.
                     Our Teddy Bear is short and fat,
                     Which is not to be wondered at.
                     But do you think it worries him
                     To know that he is far from slim?
                     No, just the other way about –
                     He’s proud of being short and stout.”

                     Sometimes I wonder if your head isn’t stuffed like a Teddy bears!
             • greywarshark …

               2 November 2017 at 1:38 pm

               Could be a little exercise to use each time a troll gets going – think up a suitable poem or piece of music for them. It would be like turning them into an art installation that we add to, and make them a feature that is less annoying and obstructive, and more inspirational so that we get creative. Also it would add to our artistic appreciation, so making a silk purse out of a sows ear, as traditionally spoken.
3. Pat 3

   2 November 2017 at 8:04 am

   no effect?….we’ll see

   https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2017/11/01/57702/what-happened-without-a-foreign-ban-and-cgt
   • tracey 3.1

     2 November 2017 at 8:17 am

     Found the following part interesting cos we also do not know the value of their purchases and if they may be a small number but buying high end properties?

     “LINZ reported that five percent of buyers of 12,951 Auckland properties in the June quarter were not New Zealand tax residents, while 20 percent of properties were bought by 2,637 corporate or business entities. All but six of those entities stated they were resident in New Zealand for tax purposes, but no information was given on the ultimate residency status of the owners of those New Zealand companies or trust.

     So the actual percentage of properties that could involve people without permanent residency could range between five percent and 20 percent. The data itself is therefore not useful in determining the actual scale of the foreign buying.

     The simple answer is that no one knows exactly how much overseas capital has flowed into Auckland and how much of an impact it has had on prices, alongside the pressures of record high net migration and the lowest house building rate in history. It could be a lot or it could be not much.

     But it’s clear that the difference in New Zealand’s policies with Australia have been a factor in New Zealand prices outperforming Australia’s.

     “
     • DH 3.1.1

       2 November 2017 at 9:41 am

       The LINZ data is even more flawed than that Tracey. It is reporting property transfers, not property sales, but the narrative from it is persistently that of sales. Even in their reports they transpose the word ‘transfer’ for ‘sale’ when they’re not all sales.

       A number of transfers would simply be change of title; transferring from an individual to a trust, family estate changes, business to business transfers etc. Just what the proportions are they don’t say and they absolutely should be saying because the data is untruthful without that information.
       • Karen 3.1.1.1

         2 November 2017 at 11:13 am

         Eugenie Sage is the new Minister in charge of LINZ. I am looking forward to her getting her teeth into that portfolio.
         • DH 3.1.1.1.1

           2 November 2017 at 1:12 pm

           I hope she can make a difference. Labour have been very weak on numbers, they rarely pulled National up when they made shit up like that.

           The LINZ reports were pretty blatant and the response really should have been….

           “Hang on a minute, you keep saying that only 5% of sales were to foreign tax residents when your own data says that the 5% is of total transfers …. not total sales.”

           It’s pretty simple maths too, they only need to know how many houses were actually sold and that data is available elsewhere. LINZ report 48,603 property transfers from April 2017 to June 2017, somewhat more than the numbers of genuine sales the likes of REINZ report.

           If half of all property transfers were not sales, and there was no foreign content in those non-sales, then the true number would be 10% of sales were to foreign tax residents.

           It was a little convenient that the approach National took would invariably understate the true percentage of foreign buyers.
     • greywarshark 3.1.2

       2 November 2017 at 1:32 pm

       @Tracey 8.17
       ‘outperforming’ – like on the highwire on a bicycle?
   • ianmac 3.2

     2 November 2017 at 8:21 am

     Thanks Pat.
     Bernard Hickey: “So the actual percentage of properties that could involve people without permanent residency could range between five percent and 20 percent. The data itself is therefore not useful in determining the actual scale of the foreign buying.”

     The previous Government was not trying to deceive us was it?
     Sadly the changes might take a long time to have an effect and meantime the dropping of capital value of houses will annoy some investors.
     • tracey 3.2.1

       2 November 2017 at 9:00 am

       And amidst it all please let us remember that

       A. Agents told us the market always slows pre election

       B. LVR by RB may be the factor in lower prices in Auckland although I note Wellington is up 10% year on year, not anything the “nothing to see here” Nats did
4. mauī 4

   2 November 2017 at 9:08 am

   Max Blumenthal on the dangers for the left of the cynical russia narrative in us politics.
   • Psycho Milt 4.1

     2 November 2017 at 10:34 am

     1. It’s always possible that the reason the American left is going after Russian influence on elections in western countries isn’t because they’re dupes of the establishment, but because they’re concerned about Russian influence on elections in western countries.

     2. Jamie Raskin is right. Instead of quibbling about this or that detail, the pro-Putin left needs to ask itself why it’s backing conservative authoritarian nationalists against liberal democracy. And if they won’t ask themselves, the rest of us should at least think about what the reasons might be.
     • greywarshark 4.1.1

       2 November 2017 at 11:20 am

       Can you just clear up the point – which country is the conservative authoritarian nationalists and which the liberal democracy vis a vis Russia and the USA? They both seem in a state of flux, and I’m not sure whether you are being ironic?
       • Psycho Milt 4.1.1.1

         2 November 2017 at 12:54 pm

         Why are you confused? There’s a serious problem of left-wingers backing Putin but none I’m aware of left-wingers backing Trump. Context is important.

         Also: false equivalence ought to be embarrassing but apparently isn’t for a lot of people.
     • spikeyboy 4.1.2

       2 November 2017 at 9:13 pm

       I think you might have the wrong end of the stick there. Its not about backing Putin or Trump or whoever. Its about how its possible to believe the fantasy which is #russiagate. Its a bit like reading the bible and thinking its a real story. Bush may have said “you’re either with us or against us” but there are more options. We may just think your story really sucks
   • joe90 4.2

     2 November 2017 at 2:18 pm

     Definitely no Russian interference in the US. Not a bit.

     /

     1/ A Russian Facebook page organized a protest in Texas. Then a different Russian page launched the counter-protest. https://t.co/tKOZ6u6Yd0 pic.twitter.com/50F1GqGzPu— Texas Tribune (@TexasTribune) November 1, 2017

     2/ Heart of Texas, a Russian-controlled Facebook group that promotes secession, planned an anti-Muslim rally in May. https://t.co/tKOZ6u6Yd0— Texas Tribune (@TexasTribune) November 1, 2017

     3/ A separate Russian-sponsored group, United Muslims of America, advertised a “Save Islamic Knowledge” rally. https://t.co/tKOZ6u6Yd0 pic.twitter.com/vd0YMMrFdB— Texas Tribune (@TexasTribune) November 1, 2017

     4/ There were confrontations. Verbal attacks. It cost the Russians $200 to make this happen. https://t.co/tKOZ6u6Yd0 pic.twitter.com/VTGo6bFsHH— Texas Tribune (@TexasTribune) November 1, 2017

     5/ Again — $200. That's all it took. https://t.co/tKOZ6u6Yd0 pic.twitter.com/xNi3vIZq5W— Texas Tribune (@TexasTribune) November 1, 2017

     6/ Someone with a computer in Russia and $200 was able to create an event to "tear apart our society." https://t.co/tKOZ6u6Yd0 pic.twitter.com/Or257uPp6p— Texas Tribune (@TexasTribune) November 1, 2017

     https://twitter.com/TexasTribune/status/925861609628676096

     https://www.texastribune.org/2017/11/01/russian-facebook-page-organized-protest-texas-different-russian-page-l/
     • mauī 4.2.1

       2 November 2017 at 3:52 pm

       So if I have this correct. Russia supposedly used some super mind control techniques to convince patriotic texans to be involved in large scale protests and counter protests inside the US from its troll farm somewhere in Russia all for the cost of $200?

       This would neatly fit in with the work they were doing with Pokemon Go I suppose where they were leading unsuspecting gamers to black lives matter events so they would end up voting for the Donald.

       It’s fucking ridiculous.
5. marty mars 5

   2 November 2017 at 9:15 am

   RIP Dennis Banks – a true hero of the people

   https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Banks
6. greywarshark 6

   2 November 2017 at 10:57 am

   Amongst ways of managing the country better for better outcomes for all of us, this procedure from Harvard Business Review is probably behind the leaner and meaner, ‘cutting out the fat’ philosophy. It no doubt works when first reviewing a business or department and trying for more efficiency, but how often can it then be repeated still retaining good quality of resource, and good quality of adequate staff on reasonable wages?

   https://hbr.org/1991/05/profit-priorities-from-activity-based-costing
   Fully exploiting ABC as a guide to profitability, however, requires a conceptual break from traditional cost accounting systems and a willingness to act on the insights ABC analysis provides. Managers must refrain from allocating all expenses to individual units and instead separate the expenses and match them to the level of activity that consumes the resources. Very simply, managers should separate the expenses incurred to produce individual units of a particular product from the expenses needed to produce different products or to serve different customers, independent of how many units are produced or sold.

   Then managers must be prepared to act. First, they should explore ways to reduce the resources required to perform various activities. Then to transform those reductions into profits, they must either reduce spending on those resources or increase the output those resources produce. The actions allow the insights from ABC to be translated into increased profits at the bottom line.
7. greywarshark 7

   2 November 2017 at 11:14 am

   I’m reading a book set in 11th century Britain, and these quotes refer to Wales at the time.

   …here in a half-barbaric Welsh landholder, no great lord, but a mere squireling elevated among his inferiors to a status he barely rated, at least in Norman eyes. It was the difference between them that Robert [the Norman] thoughtin hierarchies, and Rhisiart [the Welshman] thought in blood-ties, high and low of one mind and in one kinship, and not a man among them aware of inferiority, only of his due place in a united family…. p67

   [A bribe was offered by Robert to Rhisiart to persuade the village people to give up a religious treasure to Robert] ‘Money!’ said Rhisiart in the most extraordinary of tones, at once curious, derisory and revolted. He knew about money, of course, and even understood its use, but as an aberration in human relations. In the rural parts of Wales, which indeed were almost all of Wales, it was hardly used at all, and hardly needed. Provision was made in the code for all necessary exchange of goods and services, nobody was so poor as to be without the means of living, and beggars were unknown. The kinship took care of its helpless members, and every house was open as of right. p.69
   from A Morbid Taste for Bones by Ellis Peters.

   The author Ellis Peters had made a study of Wales at that period and has a good take on conditions and practices. This approach of the Welsh sounds interesting and could serve us in the times to come. It should be noted that some of the Welsh found the English way of doing things and their moneyed way of life offered more opportunity for luxury and extravagance and the English were determined to absorb Wales, and were able to subvert them and take control of the land and people and ensure that their royalty died out.
   • syclingmad 7.1

     2 November 2017 at 11:36 am

     With respect, that is not the sort of model for society that I believe in, and looking backwards is not a roadmap for the future. Those were feudal times …

     Social enterprise is the way forward.
     • greywarshark 7.1.1

       2 November 2017 at 11:42 am

       syclingmad
       Perhaps you will be able to hop on your cycle and go towards the future with great confidence and belief that all will be well.

       I do not have such confidence and looking at how poorly we have applied knowledge and let standards slip up till now, I believe such lack of confidence is entirely justified. We are slipping back into colonial times in NZ with shonky and make-do houses, laws and lack of respect for those without money or the means to earn it. So good luck to you. I want to have a circle of mutual assistance for those who don’t hit the jackpot.
       • syclingmad 7.1.1.1

         2 November 2017 at 12:02 pm

         I didn’t say I have confidence – I presented an alternative pathway forward. Circle the wagons isn’t the approach to succeed. And everyone has the resources to contribute in some way, even just employing the grey matter in creative and innovative ways is what we need into the future.
     • Robert Guyton 7.1.2

       2 November 2017 at 12:06 pm

       syclingmad – can you tell me, in not too many words, what you mean by “social enterprise”?
       Thanks.
       • syclingmad 7.1.2.1

         2 November 2017 at 12:12 pm

         Sure – re-imagining the way business is done. Thinking beyond profit. Impact on people and the environment.

         The sorts of initiatives and broader thinking espoused and put into action by Christopher Luxon. And before people start regaling me with stories of deplorable wages at Air NZ or shutting down maintenance facilities, Rome wasn’t build in a day, as they say.

         Derek Handley also advocates this approach.
         • Robert Guyton 7.1.2.1.1

           2 November 2017 at 12:18 pm

           Thanks, syclinmad. Do you think neoliberalism will already have assimilated social enterprise and made it its own? Bastardised it to suit? Captured and corrupted it (It’s what neo-lib does 🙂
           • syclingmad 7.1.2.1.1.1

             2 November 2017 at 12:31 pm

             See I don’t get hung up on the labels and the categorising. What we have is a mixed economy with a “capitalist” (I hate using that term) organising principle. It will ever be so. What we need to do is find a way to make it more compassionate for all its members and to care for the great provider – mother earth.

             So I choose to work within rather than throw rocks from the outside. Can it be done – who knows, but dire predictions for the climate sure hold everyone’s feet to the flames. And recruit everyone to this cause rather than exclude on the basis of ideology or past deed.
             • Robert Guyton …

               2 November 2017 at 2:27 pm

               How can a person think “beyond profit”? Is that profit with a small “p”, ’cause every organism seeks to profit from its actions; few want to lose. Actually, none.
           • weka 7.1.2.1.1.2

             2 November 2017 at 1:07 pm

             Neoliberalism is well skilled at coopting and bastardising social justice and Good Things. I like the idea of subverting that. No reason we can’t colonise them.
     • Molly 7.1.3

       2 November 2017 at 5:11 pm

       “Social enterprise is the way forward.”

       Unfortunately in this capitalist framed society, social enterprise will be as cynically used by some entrepreneurs as “greenwashing.”

       There was a great site for advertising awards for ads highlighting the appropriation of good intent, but random delivery (but I can’t recall the name), but did find this one on Youtube:

       https://youtu.be/5jx0ZjAXWwQ
       • syclingmad 7.1.3.1

         2 November 2017 at 5:33 pm

         By some, maybe. But I’d rather be trying to subvert for the better than being perpetually disappointed that the revolution hasn’t happened yet …
         • Molly 7.1.3.1.1

           3 November 2017 at 11:12 am

           I’m not being clear, so I’ll try to clarify.

           I’ve been following the social enterprise movement for a while now, and agree with the stated intent of many of those disseminating the information, and have been heartened to see some of the (usually overseas) examples of social enterprise.

           However, despite those examples, have been cynical about the use of this term in regards to NZ, because the few workshops I did attend were more about creating standard business opportunities rather than true social enterprise.

           It is not “subversion” if it appropriated and used to bolster the same attitude towards growing business and what constitutes success.

           I support – like you – a change, but I am trying to be vigilant that the change I support is fundamental and not just window dressing. I will be heartened to see true social enterprise take place in NZ, and would be very glad to see government support in the way of grants or tax rebates for businesses that follow a robust new model. A step up from Maryland recognising B-Corps in the US.

           It has been a while since I checked the number of B-Corps in NZ, but they have increased. Interestingly, a cluster around Christchurch that didn’t exist before, but may be reflective of the growth in community that has happened since the 2011 earthquake.
8. ianmac 8

   2 November 2017 at 11:26 am

   As our local paper diminishes so they have pulled out Sports reporters. As she gave me a haircut my barber pointed out that the children’ sports teams that her husband’s work sponsored, would no longer get the exposure. So should they pull the sponsorship?
   • Sacha 8.1

     2 November 2017 at 4:21 pm

     Do they now get local exposure via Facebook etc rather that the chip-wrapper?
   • Molly 8.2

     3 November 2017 at 11:15 am

     Well, if they consider the children purely as running billboards then I guess so.

     If they consider the benefit that their contribution makes to community wellbeing, with the added kudos afforded their business by the team members, their family and their supporters – well they should keep contributing. As sacha points out, they will still get their support noted on social media.
     • ianmac 8.2.1

       3 November 2017 at 1:25 pm

       I wonder if the big sponsors for the All Blacks would still sponsor if advertising stopped?
9. eco maori 9

   2 November 2017 at 11:42 am

   Many Thanks to Forbes Magazine and CNN new’s for seeing the Great Potential of OUR great Lady leader and prime minister Jacinda Ardern and showing the man that crowned her Winston Peters OUR coalition government is the BEST . Kia Kaha
10. Sanctuary 10

    2 November 2017 at 12:06 pm

    Has anyone else seen Susie Ferguson’s twitter post? I am sure Standard readers would like to wish her a trouble free operation and a speedy recovery.
    • veutoviper 10.1

      2 November 2017 at 12:59 pm

      Here is a link to Suzie’s twitter post on her announcement at the end of Morning Report today that she is having major surgery tomorrow – a possible hysterectomy – due to long term endometriosis. She will probably not be back on air this side of Christmas.

      https://twitter.com/SusieFergusonNZ/status/925819569855328256

      RNZ are apparently putting together an article or something on endometriosis etc which will then be put up on their website.

      Kim Hill, Mihingarangi Forbes, John Campbell and Philippa Tolley will be filling in on Morning Report.

      I have not had this awful condition but have family and friends who have had it. And I know that we have a couple of absolutely excellent (female) doctors/surgeons here in Wellington who are experts in endometriosis. So hoping Suzie will be well looked after and back to full health in the near future.

      EDIT – here is a link to the Endometriosis Support NZ website with a good explanation of Endo.

      Yes guys – there is no reason why you should not also have a look and find out more.

      http://www.nzendo.org.nz/about-endometriosis/index.html
      • greywarshark 10.1.1

        2 November 2017 at 1:19 pm

        Thanks for putting that up vv and I’m sure we all wish Suzie well. It is good if we have the means to do away with painful debilitating chronic conditions.
11. Puckish Rogue 11

    2 November 2017 at 12:09 pm

    Well now the left certainly can’t complain about the situation they’ve found themselves in:

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/business/342833/unemployment-falls-as-wages-rise-from-equity-deal

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/98450261/qv-reports-first-yearonyear-price-drop-since-2011

    That’s a pretty good situation to come into I’d say

    🙂
12. Sanctuary 12

    2 November 2017 at 12:19 pm

    Kiwiblog these days:

    First post of the day: Sun spots! Will they drive a wedge in the coalition between Labour and the Greens?

    145 comments denying climate change, 68 more blaming sunspots on Winston, 113 demanding a military coup against the communists.

    Second post of the day: Will NZ First/Green tension over rival favourites in the Great British Bake off bring down the coalition?

    120 comments calling the Greens communists. 100 more denying climate change.

    Third post of the day: Halloween – Will Jacinda’s distribution of lollies cause coalition tensions with the social conservatives of NZ First?

    45 comments claiming Jacinda was spotted on a broom flying over Wellington, 148 comments of even more vile women hatred, 98 demanding euthenasia of all NZ First voters over 65, and 102 making an incredibly lame comparison between socialism and free lollies.
    • lprent 12.1

      2 November 2017 at 1:43 pm

      Yeah it is a pretty boring zone for misogynist dickheads there at present.

      I have had to curtail my reading at kiwiblog because they are too boring.
13. stunned mullet 13

    2 November 2017 at 12:30 pm

    “45 comments claiming Jacinda was spotted on a broom flying over Wellington, 148 comments of even more vile women hatred, 98 demanding euthenasia of all NZ First voters over 65, and 102 making an incredibly lame comparison between socialism and free lollies.”

    😆 It’s like an episode of the Goon show.
    • greywarshark 13.1

      2 November 2017 at 1:22 pm

      The Goon show were weird but funny. These people are weird and off-putting, even scary. The loons show.
14. Antoine 14

    2 November 2017 at 12:53 pm

    Here’s a good reason to get James Shaw into Stats:

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/98452880/economist-brands-government-review-of-unemployment-measures-as-a-bit-nonsense
    • Draco T Bastard 14.1

      2 November 2017 at 2:32 pm

      “They’ve already got a measure of underemployment in there, which counts people who are working less than full time who would like to be working more hours,” Crampton said.
      “They’re already tracking this. If it’s something you care about, you should be tracking the underemployment measure.”

      Need to be tracking the over employment figure as well – those working more than 40 hours per week.

      Crampton said it was important that the Government Statistician not be seen to be making changes at the request of her political masters.

      “They shouldn’t be under any pressure to redefine measures with a change of government.”

      The government does need to be confidant of the information that they’re getting from a state department and just because they meet ILO standards doesn’t mean that they’re at best practice. In fact, saying that they meet standards sounds remarkably like an excuse not to better themselves.

      Former Reserve Bank special advisor Michael Reddell said the merit of existing measurements was the fact they can be compared internationally “and that isn’t something to sacrifice lightly”.

      Meeting standards is the minimum needed, exceeding them is what we need to be doing if at all possible (and it usually is).

      Standards aren’t static no matter how much some people seem to think that they should be.

      And there’s a serious question about those standards actually being good enough.

      “From a macro policy perspective, it usually doesn’t matter much which measure one uses – they all usually (but not always) move quite similarly cyclically – and so people like the Reserve Bank will sensibly prefer the series with the longest run of data (current official measure).”

      Translation from EX-RBNZ governor: The RBNZ regularly ignores data it doesn’t like.

      “But they are independent and they measure things independently and it’s one of the checks and balances on our government system.”

      They may be independent but the last government still managed to use them to lie after a change in the statistic gathering/interpretation dropped the unemployment rate by ~0.5% which they claimed as a government success. This would probably explain the lack of belief in those statistics.
      • Incognito 14.1.1

        2 November 2017 at 3:10 pm

        The problem as I see it is that RBNZ, Treasury, and Statistics NZ, for example, produce reports and press releases that are not easily digestible for general consumption by the general public. So, complex information gets reduced down to singular indices such as CPI, GDP, and Unemployment that are really aggregate measures and thus completely misunderstood by most if not all.
        • Draco T Bastard 14.1.1.1

          2 November 2017 at 3:51 pm

          Yep.

          Well, it’s either that or they’re simply not being reported in their full.
15. eco Maori/kiwi 15

    2 November 2017 at 1:42 pm

    Our nation’s employment insurance organization is charging me insurance cost based on $31.720 but they forecast my income for 20018 at $22.466 and we no that if I get injured they are not going to pay me out 80 % of 31.720 they will pay me 80 % of 22.466.
    There excuse is that is the minimum charge out rate WTF my reply was I will agree to disagree with that Policy Ka pai
16. Andre 16

    2 November 2017 at 2:11 pm

    Heh. Seth Meyers gets his chance to ask Sarah Huckabee Sanders some questions.

    https://youtu.be/65vOUdre1nI
17. Puckish Rogue 17

    2 November 2017 at 3:11 pm

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11939417

    9th in the world but behind Rwanda, not quite sure how that works
    • Andre 17.1

      2 November 2017 at 3:21 pm

      You could just google rwanda gender equality and a veritable cornucopia of information will appear before your eyes.
      • Puckish Rogue 17.1.1

        2 November 2017 at 3:37 pm

        I guess they may have better equality but I’m still guessing its better overall to be a woman in NZ than it is Rwanda
        • McFlock 17.1.1.1

          2 November 2017 at 3:46 pm

          You’re more of a reverse Milton, then? Better to serve in heaven than reign in hell, sort of thing?
          • Puckish Rogue 17.1.1.1.1

            2 November 2017 at 3:57 pm

            Well I dunno, theres something to be said for the other side every now and then…

            http://www.monologuedb.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Al-Pacino-as-John-Milton-in-The-Devils-Advocate.jpg
18. Muttonbird 18

    2 November 2017 at 4:01 pm

    Haahahhahahahahha!

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/98475675/hagaman-estate-loses-appeal-against-andrew-little-in-defamation-case

    That is all.
    • McFlock 18.1

      2 November 2017 at 4:06 pm

      lol

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