Open mike 03/03/2021

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, March 3rd, 2021 - 74 comments
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Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

74 comments on “Open mike 03/03/2021 ”

  1. Tiger Mountain 1

    Damn you National.

    Judith Collins is advocating direct payment, at 100%, to workers for personal COVID related absence from work, via MSD, I like IRD better but whatever, it is a positive suggestion.

    The Govt. has distributed “COVID cash” to employers with gay abandon but been tight as when it comes to the working class, and has not promoted what is available with much vigour until the last week or so.

    Greens and unions/NZCTU seem to support the basic proposition put forward by National. ‘Pay to isolate’ seems an approach worth trying as lockdowns become more problematic on many fronts.

    It is stating the obvious that NZ National by default usually shafts low paid workers, and puts the boot in for dessert, but in this pandemic situation, the Govt. should urgently adopt Collin’s idea.

    • AB 1.1

      I suspect Collins is quite keen to see the budget deficit go sky-high under Labour – so that at some time in the future a National government can point at it in horror and start selling assets and cutting government services to pay for it. It's part of setting up the conditions where an austerity narrative can take over. And the fact that she proposed an upper limit for the payment at nearly $3k/week, rather than at (say) the living wage or median wage, makes it clear who she is trying to help.

      • Tiger Mountain 1.1.1

        Working class people need proper, easier to access assistance right now, not in future. If the debate over Collins proposal rectifies the Govt. blindspot and provokes action then good in my view.

        Of course National will have ulterior motives, but the future is not yet here. If the Labour Caucus can be shifted, details such as the high upper limit would likely be dealt with.

      • Nic the NZer 1.1.2

        Have the RBNZ write off all the govt debt it holds. And if that doesn't go far enough get the RBNZ to buy more and write that off too.

    • Muttonbird 1.2

      It's certainly an admission by National that employers can't be trusted to pass on subsidies and that the private sector is not able to be relied upon in a post pandemic world.

      There's hope for them yet!

    • Sabine 1.3

      Frist – The government has distributed Covid Cash to employers with gay abandon – not so fast Hoss please hold your horse.

      You actually have to fill out forms, provide all business and employee details for every employee for which you then get a set amount depending on the criteria and besides in order to get that sweet sweet easy Covid Cash you actually have to prove to have lost quite a bit of business before Grant Robertson is happy to part with what he seems to consider his money. So much so that many businesses in NZ only received the original payment for lockdown l4 that was handed out to pretty much every one in NZ. Never mind, blame everyone for the big businesses that did not need it but took it anyways.

      There have been many – including me – that already at the time last year in March said that the 'wage subsidy' was the wrong approach and that the payment should have gone to individuals via IRD or ACC for that matter. I.e. an isolation payment when it is needed.

      Many have also asked – like me – that the government actually hire bodies to have their governmental 0800 lines answered in a timely fashion. Individuals like me have also pointed out that if hte government requires people to stay at home – that then they should be paying that individual – rather then the business. All the government did was outsourse – for no pay i might add – a task that they could not be bothered to hire people – to businesses.

      The wage subsidy is also before tax 200 odd NZD below the min wage, take another hundered off on Tax and you end up with approx $ 480 (for full time – part time is even less) after tax, and for that money in AKL you don't even rent a dog kennel let alone live for a whole week. And the government knows that, as do all the guys preparing food parcels in the various Temples, Churches and Marais in South Auckland and elsewhere.

      All of these issues were raised last year by various groups, and the government did an awesome job of not listening. then and it appears it is still not listening.

      I give them the first wage subsidy as they made it up as they went along, but we are 1 year in now in this pandemic and we are still working with the same model.

      I don't think i ever agreed with J.C ever on anything, but i agree with her on that. IT should not be the employers cost and time to assure their staff goes into isolation and stays there when it is the government that 'requires' it. Anyone in NZ who is on Home D gets paid their cost of living via Winz. ….Just saying.

      And to those that want to not pay people enough to be able to self isolate and keep their roof over their heads so that we could keep a surplus or go not into debt needs to understand that people who can't pay rent and eat will go out and do what needs to be done in order to do so.

      Has everyone already forgotten the stories of young people not going back to school so that they can grab a job and help families? Or do we not care about these things on the left anymore?

      Anytime someone has a test and is required to isolate they should be handed a piece of paper with an 0800 number that is answered within the first three calls and gives his 'testing number' and applies for the isolation payment, and what to do. That is how it should be done, and to boot it would boost employment, specifically for the many women who don't have jobs anymore.

      • Tiger Mountain 1.3.1

        Agree with most of your points Sabine, and after a year it is past time for a relook by Govt. and a “reset” of how much payments are, and how they are made.

      • Adrian Thornton 1.3.2

        That was a good overall look at the situation Sabine, I guess the takeaway is, that if The National under the leadership of Collins tracks left of our left party (not left, actually centrist liberal) then we know we have got some real problems…whatever the motives of JC are.

        We live in the hood in Napier, and can feel an undeniable tension brewing in our neighborhood, there is a lot of very stressed fellow citizens out there.

      • Graeme 1.3.3

        The wage subsidy went through the business’s account to help both the business, by providing cashflow, and the employees, by providing cash to pay their wages.

        If it had gone directly to the employees a large number of businesses would have failed because there was no money flowing through the account. Banks don’t like that.

        It’s also the way business wanted it done, so really strange that National are coming out now and saying it should be paid direct to the employee.
        One thing the wage subsidy structure has done is sort out the dodgy fuckers who weren’t paying tax or pulling other rorts, they had to sort their affairs out pdq or go down. Maybe that’s who Collins is speaking for.

        • Foreign Waka 1.3.3.1

          Graeme, we know that companies had been left with mega profits and surplus cash.

          Could it be that they spend this on assets? How that works is like this: you cash in on as much of the subsidy you can, pay staff 80% (some did not but lets assume, benefit of doubt etc.). Make a bundle as they had their "doors" open, maybe as a "essential" businesses and competition is dead. Post mega profits, don't pay back the cash that was given in good faith and naively so (my mind still bogles), and buy assets under the heading: we need this to give the employees the best tools- yeah. Now not only have the assets now been bought with taxpayer money, no no no…this can get better still. Now these assets will depreciate through the books and claimed back via tax credits. These are being now for years to come supported in the main by the lowest paid via tax take that supports that the tax refund of the assets bought. Clever eh? I am sorry but this does not speak for a finance minister unless he has a plan to check via IRD what the business has done with the subsidy.

      • Incognito 1.3.4

        You know what subsidy means, don’t you?

        You know the original intent and purpose of the Wage Subsidy Scheme, don’t you? If not, read Graeme’s reply to you @ 1.3.3.

        The Wage Subsidy Scheme was much more generous than bog-standard benefits for unemployed, for example. It perversely created a 2-tier social welfare system and beneficiary category for middle class Kiwis.

  2. Anker 2
    • The first worthy contribution National has made in the last year. Seriously.

    it is ironic though because the problem with the rule breakers (other than the kfc worker) was not that they broke the rules to go to work. Theybroke the rules to ….let’s see….go for a walk, go to the gym, go to their mit course, go get takeaways etc.

    I feel completely sorry for Ardern. The stress on her must be enormous and she has indicated this is the case. She has done extremely well, outstandingly well in fact. Imagine the “shambles” we would be in if National had of been in charge. Understandably she would have been furious with the rule breakers, if for no other reason she has to front late on Saturday night and Sunday and any precious time she gets off is gone. Now Pagani and some business goon, not to mention Seymour are yapping like stupid little dogs. Beat off.

    I think the rule breakers are completely responsible for there own actions. I know a commenter yesterday mentioned getting contradictory advice, and this may be the case at a healthline level. But generally the messaging has been excellent. People do know what to do. We all did it last March. All 5 million of us. Anyone with half a brain and an ounce of thoughtfulness about other people would do everything they can to avoid passes the virus on to other people, even if they are a casual contact.

    I watch an amazing travel blog and the guy goes to remote parts of the old Soviet Union. He visited Chernobyl where a few elderly people stayed on after the nuclear accident in 1986. Even these very isolated people were socially distancing from him saying “corona virus”.

    ok rave over……..and btw incognito, agree I was wrong on dr last night. Btw the travel blog is called bald and bankrupt with Benjamin Rich. Thoroughly recommend

    • Sabine 2.1

      And again,

      if the government had thrown the book at the first rule breakers – those that broke out of the quarantine hotels for some beersies and pie, or to go to a funeral, or even to break in – maybe people would take it a bit more serious.

      People fuck up, young people more then old people and the onus is on the Government to make sure people are aware of their responsabilites and when they break the rules, bring down the hammer.

      Now it appears that we can't do that to some people coming back from overseas, but we are happy to do so with people who live in South Auckland.

      Yeah, lets be really kind and gentle with the government, that is what being kind and gentle is all about, right? It never was meant for hte population, specifically not the population that lives in over crowding, has min wage jobs, lives in areas not so nice and leavy, and is young and dumb.

      • Incognito 2.1.1

        Anyone who intentionally breaches these rules can be prosecuted, with a potential penalty of up to six months imprisonment or a $4000 fine.

        And these sorts of prosecutions do occur; apparently there’s been over 800 of them since Covid-19 hit our shores a year ago. Of course, that’s only a small sample of total lockdown breaches as police practice has been to only prosecute egregious, or repeat, offenders. Which probably is fair enough if we want to avoid completely clogging up our courts.

        https://www.pundit.co.nz/content/how-best-to-get-covid-19-contacts-to-do-the-right-thing

        • Sabine 2.1.1.1

          So the guys who broke out of the Hotels got charged? or did not cause we do n't want to not clog up our courts?

          and this here

          So, perhaps what is needed is for medical officers of health to start using their s 70 powers more widely and give some legal teeth to the self-isolation requirements. And then for the police to move more aggressively with prosecutions against those who fail to comply with these requirements.

          as i said above, hand out a piece of paper with the O800 number to apply for financial aid and self isolate as per legal requirements of face this or that punishment.

          And fwiw, all of this could have been prevented if the government would have not lifted the lockdown from the 15th feb after three days – cause its all under controll-, that too was dumb, foolish and quite premature.

          Maybe someone tell the government to not call a lockdown 3 unless they are happy to keep it for the two weeks of incubation period. Or is that unkind to mention, rather then blame all this brouhaha on a 21 year old.

          • Drowsy M. Kram 2.1.1.1.1

            that too was dumb, foolish and quite premature

            So kind Sabine – of course our reckons here are of no consequence, and maybe that's for the best. I for one wouldn't want to be in Ardern's, Hipkin’s or Bloomfield's shoes given the number of snipers out and about.

            Covid 19 coronavirus: Health chief Ashley Bloomfield to update on latest Covid-19 test results
            https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/covid-19-coronavirus-health-chief-ashley-bloomfield-to-update-on-latest-covid-19-test-results/SOY5BIUYPRBM3WHWQJL3GINSY4/

            • Sabine 2.1.1.1.1.1

              Well it was dumb, premature and hindsight given, foolish, considering that since the lifting of that lockdown every other day someone tested positive and that was before the foolish fellow went to the gym rather then home.

              As for stress? Well, anyone who currently has to manage a job, family, homeschooling, etc under covid and can not safely work from home has high levels of stress. How about we have some compassion for them? How about living in South Auckland under Covid, with no increase in benefits, crap job prospects, over crowding and kids not going to school because the money they make frying chips at KFC is needed to pay rent at home. Stress, we all have it, and not one of us has the resources the PM has to take care of that stress.

              • Drowsy M. Kram

                My opinion is that the PM is under more stress than most, so my compassion extends to include her. If giving Ardern grief could somehow reduce community stress levels, then I could get behind that.

                Maybe I'm under-estimating the benefits of venting wink

                Why Venting

                One of the main reasons why we vent is to reduce our stress levels. Rime (2009) states that disclosing stress is a coping mechanism. Venting is a 2-way process: the person venting and the person hearing the vent. As a matter of fact, positive venting can reduce stress, but negative venting can lead to heightened stress and physical health concerns.

                • Sabine

                  Well your opinion stands, as does mine. I however don't measure stress in Unities of stressdessness, but rather consider the stress of someone on a benefit not having the money to pay rent as equally important then the stress of a PM who again has to tell people to be kind and gentle, and stand up and explain why another fuck up has happened, that frankly would not have happened had she not lifted the previous lock up for the cases that started all that.

                  I don't care at all actually, but the blaming this whole situation on this one dude is pathetic. He ain't responsible for the outbreak, as of now we still don't know the source of the original infection, and again, if the initial outbreak had been contained in the Level 3 declared on the 15th Feb maintained, chances are we would be discussing something else.

                  As for J.A. if she feels that she can't cope she needs to delegate. She has a good team of highly paid advisors, helpmeets and courtiers, she should make use of them. That should help with the stress.

                  • Drowsy M. Kram

                    Being in debt can be stressful. Fortunately I can only imagine the stress that the 10% of NZers who have accumulated a collective debt of $13 billion experience daily. I favour a fair tax on wealth, such as that advocated by the Green party, as a relatively painless method of transferring wealth to alleviate stresses associated with a life in debt.

                    As to Ardern's "helpmeets and couttiers", she may be using them, but (as they say) "the buck stops here", and I reckon there's a fair bit of stress associated with her leadership role, delegation notwithstanding. Put it this way, it's not a role that I would wish on anyone, and I believe that NZ lucked out when Ardern became PM.

                    It's a hard road finding the perfect PM…

                    • Andre

                      I'll take a guess that many of those with substantial net negative wealth are actually those not long out of completing their tertiary education and embarking on lucrative careers. With substantial student loans. That's kinda hard to get our heads around for those of my generation and older, that got our tertiary educations more or less free.

                      The ones I'm more concerned about are probably in the next decile or two – more or less zero net wealth and really no prospects of ever building any, just struggling every day to pay the rent, power, food and other bills on minimal incomes that don't have prospects of improving and are vulnerable to displacement by automation.

                    • Foreign Waka

                      Imagine if the 16 billion would have gone there instead.

          • Incognito 2.1.1.1.2

            So the guys who broke out of the Hotels got charged?

            No, of course not, only law-abiding citizens who were walking their dog in the wrong suburb without a facemask for their furry friend and bikers biking on the wrong beach while wearing lycra \sarc

            You seem to think that National’s plan is simple to implement. It is not; it is impractical and would be hopelessly inefficient as pointed out by others:

            Unite Union national secretary Gerard Hehir doubted it would be as simple as that.

            https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/437583/covid-19-government-rejects-full-wage-for-isolation-payments

            IMO, Government made the right call to lift the lockdown; they had no evidence to support longer lockdown. If people had followed the rules, we would not be in the current situation.

    • Anne 2.2

      Thank-you Anker for noting the rule breakers broke the rules (bar one of them) for recreational reasons and not to go to work. These people may not have English as a first language etc., and granted there needs to be more thorough tracking of individuals, but after a year of Covid lockdowns you can't tell me they don't have some idea what the rules are when caught up in these situations.

      And I agree about Pagani (who I mentioned on DR last evening) and others flinging accusations around like confetti which don't stack up with what actually happened.

    • aj 2.3

      +100 Anker

    • Jimmy 2.4

      This is interesting now that more info. has come to light…..seems like KFC worker didn't break the rules.

      Covid 19 coronavirus: Government website contradicts Jacinda Ardern's KFC worker claim – NZ Herald

      • Sabine 2.4.1

        But but but………

      • Louis 2.4.2

        Jimmy, suggest you watch Minister Hipkins and Dr Bloomfield's presser

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnVfwP4vIaU&feature=emb_logo

        • Jimmy 2.4.2.1

          Yes I saw this, when they were questioned about case L they really struggled, then Hipkins got absolutely reamed by Heather DPA on ZB later too. Not sure if English is case L's first language, but when the web site says no need to isolate, she probably took that as being what to go by. Did they even receive the letters that were posted? It highlights the fact the communication needs to be clearer.

          • Louis 2.4.2.1.1

            "At the end of the day they were all asked to be tested and none of them were"

            I didnt think they struggled. Maybe you should watch the presser again, you appear to have missed a number of facts, example the school sent out 3 letters and the vast majority complied, 98% and case L still went to work despite 2 people in her household were sick. If a Newshub clip is anything to go by, language isn't the problem

            https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2021/03/covid-19-kfc-worker-says-she-was-never-told-to-self-isolate-wants-an-apology-from-pm.html

            I thought Hipkins stood up well against Heather's badgering, who should have acquainted herself with the following:

            14 -2 – 2014

            “The letters will tell staff and parents of students if

            • a student or staff member is a close contact because they have been in the same class or room as the student, or
            • a student or staff member is a casual contact, meaning they are a lower risk of developing the disease because they have NOT been in the same class or room as the student.

            Everyone at the school last week – staff, students and visitors – will be asked to get tested.

            Close contacts are asked to get tested and stay home until the end of Feb 24 in case they are infectious. Family members in their household are also asked to get tested and stay at home until they receive a negative test result.

            Casual contacts are asked to get tested and remain at home until they receive a negative test result”

            https://www.arphs.health.nz/news/confirmed-covid-19-case-at-papatoetoe-high-school/

            • Jimmy 2.4.2.1.1.1

              Even Claire of the NZ Herald seems to think the message was confusing and she normally never has a bad word to say about this government.

              "Further confusion came from a Facebook post by the Covid-19 team which stated in black and white that L and her family "complied with advice they were given at the time".

              Claire Trevett: The Prime Minister, Case L and the pickle of confusion – NZ Herald

              • Incognito

                Oh no! Not Claire as well! The last remaining supporter of the PM left in MSM has succumbed after a long brutal battle with the facts 🙁

                • Sabine

                  how about

                  the messaging from the government was not the best

                  AND

                  the individual fucked up?

                  How about that? Would that work, would that may be the closest to what happened?

                  And for the idea that people should by now know? Heck even Weka stated she has no idea what level three means, and she also stated that in the South Island hardly anyone scans into shops and hte likes. Maybe everyone got a bit complacent and its about time to ramp it all up again and be serious?

                  • Louis

                    Or more like case L picked which advice she wanted to take notice of.

                    • Sabine

                      well there you go again.

                      Why not that both? Simply the government message could have been more detailed, more forceful, and maybe even speak about things that happen when not complying and the cases could have done better too.

                      So the guy who went to the gym, dude we have whole youtube channels of 21 year old blokes doing stupid shit even tho they know better. Go figure. Fine him. He will remeber that. \

                      The girls that went to work? How flush in cash is the family? Was it well communicated that they are supposed to get the wage subsidy? Did KFC disclose that to the girls?

                      how about both parties could have done better, and we can move on without anyone frothing any further on the seams.

                    • Louis

                      Well then again it could be just a simple matter of picking what suited too. The guy who went to the gym after getting tested had also been though MIQ, he most certainly knew better.

                    • Sabine

                      and as he had been tested several times and came out negative he just thought…..Oh well, she'll be right. Which is about as Kiwi as Kiwi can get.

                      Both sides could have done better.

                    • Louis

                      But the guy, case M, tested positive, along with his mother.

                  • Jimmy

                    I have sympathy for the KFC worker as the website said she didn't need to isolate at the time. She is standing up for herself as she believes she's correct based on the web site. Also if she is willing to take on Jacinda she is obviously very confident she is correct (or needs to pick her fights better). I don't have any sympathy for the bloke that went to the gym after getting a test.

              • Louis

                That doesnt help your argument Jimmy. I thought case L said she had no advice, no communication what so ever? I also thought you said you watched the presser. Bloomfield made the distinction that it didnt come from the MoH website, it was general information & not up to date.

  3. Muttonbird 3

    The other day I said returnees were contributing to continued house price inflation but that didn't sit well with some determined to blame the government and the government only.

    But here's further evidence of the Covid world supercharging the housing market. Both the inability to travel, and the change to working from home is also putting pressure on prices.

    Housing crisis: Kiwis can't travel so they're pouring money into property, expert claims

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/money/2021/03/housing-crisis-kiwis-can-t-travel-so-they-re-pouring-money-into-property-expert-claims.html

    • Sabine 3.1

      So these are not returning kiwis but stuck kiwis? I think that was what led to a bit of pushback? The wholesale blame of 'returning kiwis' while it is our homegrown established kiwis with access to easy money that are fucking up for pretty much anyone.

      Because the article essentially says that this is "kiwis' not returning.

      And yes, the government – all of them for decades now – have not done anything to curb speculation.

      But fear not, soon there will be another travel bubble (one way of course ) and then that Kiwi money will go overseas and surely that will then lead to a total collapse of the housing market and its prices.

      And did you know that Kiwis just love love love Auctions?

      • Foreign Waka 3.1.1

        Sabine, a lot of kiwis living overseas buying property at auctions unseen to secure a retirement home. First they F… up the economy and then they come back demanding that the taxpayer pays for their pension. Yep, it seems there is a certain slice of the population who preach compassion but then take everybody to he cleaners.

        • Sabine 3.1.1.1

          and our government is a ok with it.

          Simple as. It is time to actually start laying the blame where it belongs, government inaction, personal greed, lax lending rules to those that have enough 'equity' for a down payment, and so on and so forth.

          the thing with the 'cashed up kiwis from overseas' they are kiwis, firstly, secondly they all went overseas to make hte money they need to get a a million dollar shack here, cause they will never make enough money here.

          So frankly this 'kiwis' this and 'kiwis' that is getting tiresome. We are a low income country, our benefits all sit below the poverty line, we feed millions in accom benefit to landlords who rent shacks for hundreds of dollars unaffordable to most, and our government is doing fuck all other then paying lipservice sand doling out that sweet sweet accom benefit..

          The people do as the government does and promotes, and no one likes to be poor, and sadly in NZ hard work does not pay, if it would some of our poor immigrant workers would be rich. So property it is. Thanks government for doing fuck all.

  4. Adrian Thornton 4

    Some thoughts on politics from the criminally overlooked John S. Hall…

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j–Bkf_Ur90&list=RDj–Bkf_Ur90&start_radio=1

    • Ad 5.1

      Philip's gone to two different hospitals undergoing multiple scans and transfusions and they still can't find a soul.

      He's the living link between Covid19 and the Undead.

  5. Unexpected 2 day holiday.

    Went for my induction at work this morning, expecting to get on the job after, only to have the pre employment drug screen fail to show me clear of meth. Now I have to wait until the lab clears me, hopefully before Monday.

    Checking online as to how I, not being a p head, could have failed and, as I suspected, found one of my diabetes meds is known for false positives. Metformin users, be forewarned. The people have been quite kind about it, but you know, good way to make a great first impression.

    As a note for type 2 fellows, I just got put on a new drug to control high blood sugar levels for when diet and exercise isn't working. It's called Jardiance, which makes your kidneys pee out sugar. Drastically dropped my levels after 1 pill, and after only 5 days, I've got bang on numbers. Ask your GP or diabetes nurse.

  6. Robert Glennie 7

    The recent concerns about how New Zealand treats this who cannot work, or need social assistance just to do basic activities, reminded me of my own time dealing with Work and Income New Zealand. It reminded me of the culture of treating clients with suspicion, where staff commented on clothing, social life and relationships. It reminded me of a pedantic, straight jacketed system with no flexibility for extraordinary cases.

    As a response to that I have started a petition that asks the Minister of Social Development and Minister Of Finance to urgently enable a substantial increase in the size of social welfare payments.

    Please sign and share. I am happy to write a short guest article about my time dealing with Work and Income.

  7. Peter chch 8

    Papatoetoe Police shooting.

    I copped a lot of abuse in here the other day when I said that I had zero sympathy for the 501 killed by Police.

    Now we know the crimes he was in bail for. No, not 'domestic violence'. This 501 was a violent criminal pos both in NZ and Australia. His 'mental problems' no doubt stem from his meth abuse In Australia (well documented – just Google search his name). A long history of extreme violence.

    Rather he is gone than innocents suffer. Why do so many hand wringung extreme leftists defend these garbage people?

    https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/300243284/man-shot-dead-by-police-was-awaiting-sentence-for-sledgehammer-bank-robbery

    • Jimmy 8.1

      No abuse from me Peter. I think the police were right to shoot him. He did not put down the weapon when instructed and had fired through a window. He was a danger to the public. NZ is a better safer place without him.

    • Jilly Bee 8.2

      No abuse from me either Peter chch, I don't believe the cops had an option in this case, but they're damned if they do or damned if they don't. Perhaps Simon Bridges should go out with the cops in South Auckland one evening – or any city for that matter just to update himself with what the wokester police have to cope with.

    • McFlock 8.3

      His 'mental problems' no doubt stem from his meth abuse In Australia

      "no doubt"?

      Pretty sure of yourself there.

      But then you'd have to be. God forbid there could ever have been an intervention point in aus or nz, even years ago, that could have stopped him getting shot the other day.

      You can't even refer to him as a human being, just label him with the number of the section that was used to inflict another institutional abuse.

      Yes, he did wrong. But I suspect he was a more complex individual than most people who cheer at his killing.

    • Drowsy M. Kram 8.4

      Pchch, is this killing regrettable? "Zero sympathy" – OK. "Garbage people" – hmm. But if you're pleased that Turia is dead (say it isn’r so), then you would have a problem, imho.

    • Jester 8.5

      I agree Peter. Better that this bloke decides on suicide by cop, than he goes on to hurt / maim / kill someone else.

      • Muttonbird 8.5.1

        I love it when reactionaries completely ignore wider societal issues in favour of disseminating particular narrow consequences.

        • Jester 8.5.1.1

          I'm sure his mother will say he was a really nice bloke but was a misunderstood guy, and this was really out of character, and he simply got mixed up with the wrong crowd!

          Would you have liked him living next door to you? He may have shot through your window then.

    • gsays 8.6

      Well done, you get the othering award for today.

    • Incognito 8.7

      One person is dead and his children, family & friends will never see him again and you whinge about rather tame ‘abuse’ aimed at you here on TS!? FWIW, I asked two commenters to stop the ad homs.

      As with so many unthinking knee-jerk Law & Order proponents, you offer nothing. Shooting is no solution to the underlying problems and causes. Shoot them all? Lock them all up? Or deport them? That will sort things out, won’t it?

      Until the root causes are understood, acknowledged, accepted, and acted upon, it will be BAU. Oh, they are complex issues that require more than a simpleton’s reckons.

      • RedLogix 8.7.1

        Our role as individuals here is to be compassionate, while the role of the justice system is to be just.

        All too often we get them mixed up.

        • Incognito 8.7.1.1

          Showing compassion and trying to help fellow humans in dire need apparently turns people into “hand wringung extreme leftists [who] defend these garbage people” [sic]. Thank God the cancel culture is alive and well to deal with misguided folks like those devil

  8. aj 9

    Destiny Church leaders justify escaping lockdown

    https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/destiny-church-leaders-justify-escaping-lockdown

    Don't read unless you mute your puke button…

    "Hannah Tamaki took to the stage during the Sunday service to explain their reasons.

    "So of course we escaped down to Rotorua, got here just after 12am because the shutdown was at 6am, and Mark and Daniel got down here to help us do this," she said.

    "But it was better for us to be here – be in the atmosphere, be able to do this for you. So thank you for all the team that has made this happen."

    Tamaki went on to encourage members to do more than just tithe to the church.

    The thing about Brian and I the whole time is that we've always believed you never come to the house of the Lord empty-handed, even though you may do an AP [automatic payment].

    "One dollar coin, two dollar coin, bring something into the house of the Lord. Bring what you can, over and above, because really it's the offering where God commands the blessing.

    And it keeps going downhill after that….

    • Pat 9.1

      To go downhill from that point is truly miraculous.

      • Anne 9.1.1

        I listened to some of it and she talked about God giving gifts to people and he had gifted her a Tesla . Fancy that she said – a Teslaand God will gift to you too

        I bet it won't be a Tesla.

    • Macro 9.2

      🤮

    • Sabine 9.3

      so many aucklanders doing that…..so many – escaping to elsewhere rather stay in akl.

      the grifting is them tho…..

    • mary_a 9.4

      @ aj (9) … In their greedy, menacing and selfish quest to extract money from the vulnerable, the charlatan Tamaki duo, are prepared to risk the nation's safety and well being, by hitting the road regardless of the present Covid-19 situation, to top up their dubious coffers! The pair of them are vile to their rotten cores. They deserve to be locked away!

      How some people can possibly go along with, let alone believe the Tamakis' brainwashing propaganda BS beggars belief. It really does.

      • Peter 9.4.1

        "In 2004, Tamaki predicted the Destiny Church would be "ruling the nation" before its tenth anniversary in 2008." Imagine that!

        I see they've condemned the government (naturally) for failing to keep Covid out of the country. Of course if Bishop Brian were the Prime Minister covid wouldn't have got into the country in any way shape or form. And if it had it would have been because it was "God's plan."

        Actually if you're reading this Brian and Hannah, if it is here it must be by God's design surely.

    • Foreign Waka 9.5

      Maybe its time to tax these people? Same with all churches. It is archaic to still have them not paying tax.

  9. NZJester 10

    Dirty Politics case close to settlement

    One of the final public battles over the Nicky Hager book Dirty Politics – a defamation trial over the defunct Whaleoil blog site – could be over within hours of its High Court opening today. Tim Murphy reports.

    https://www.msn.com/en-nz/news/national/dirty-politics-case-close-to-settlement/ar-BB1eayXU

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  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Government moves to quickly ratify the NZ-EU FTA
    "The Government is moving quickly to realise an additional $46 million in tariff savings in the EU market this season for Kiwi exporters,” Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay says. Parliament is set, this week, to complete the final legislative processes required to bring the New Zealand – European ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago
  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
    The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.  “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
    Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today.  “The Amendment Paper represents ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024.  “Lower fruit and vege ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
    Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
    The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trustee tax change welcomed
    Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister’s Ramadan message
    Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness.  It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister appoints new NZTA Chair
    Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to Life Sciences Summit
    Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.  It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Progress continues apace on water storage
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
    Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister to attend World Anti-Doping Agency Symposium
    Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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