Open mike 04/06/2021

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1. Ad 1

   4 June 2021 at 7:01 am

   Peru votes for its fifth president in five years.

   Marxist Castillo v hard right Fujimori.

   Neck and neck.

   Not a recipe for stable government.
   • Incognito 1.1

     4 June 2021 at 7:44 am

     Covid would not have helped with stability.

     https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/443817/peru-tops-covid-19-deaths-per-capita-stats-after-revision
   • Adrian Thornton 1.2

     4 June 2021 at 9:12 am

     …Aaahh…good ol' Ad, you are like The Standards ghost of Thatcher for Free market Liberlisim…No turning back!!

     Pedro Castillo Can Help End Neoliberalism in Peru

     https://www.jacobinmag.com/2021/06/pedro-castillo-peru-libre-keiko-fujimori-runoff-election-june-6-neoliberalism
     • Ad 1.2.1

       4 June 2021 at 10:33 am

       Neither Peruvian candidate result will last a year.

       Bolivian hard left looks now identical to the right locking up opponents and weaponising the judiciary.

       Both states heading for failure.
       • Adrian Thornton 1.2.1.1

         4 June 2021 at 12:10 pm

         Of course you fail to mention that any Left Wing project that gets fairly elected in Latin America will be instantly made to suffer terribly through all kinds of nefarious mean and ways by the neo liberal imperilaists and their cronies, so neither you nor I can ever know how any Left Wing project would either sink or swim on their own merits or lack of such…but the same cannot be said of failures of the extreme and brutal Right wing Governments from those same regions, whom your liberal governments supports….

         even Wikipedia has a serious list…

         https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_involvement_in_regime_change_in_Latin_America

         "Participation of the United States in regime change in Latin America involved US-backed coups d'état aimed at replacing left-wing leaders with right-wing leaders, military juntas, or other authoritarian regimes"

         Contents1.1Argentina

         • • 1.2Bolivia
           • 1.3Brazil
           • 1.4Chile
           • 1.5Costa Rica
           • 1.6Cuba
           • 1.7Dominican Republic
           • 1.8El Salvador
           • 1.9Guatemala
           • 1.10Nicaragua
           • 1.11Panama
           • 1.12Paraguay
           • 1.13Peru
           • 1.14Uruguay
           • 1.15Venezuela

         "The "soft line" was, in Nixon’s words, to "make the economy scream." The "hard line" was simply to aim for a military coup."

         https://chomsky.info/secrets04/
2. RosieLee 2

   4 June 2021 at 7:23 am

   Seriously? The Northern Pathway for a cyclists' harbour crossing? It's an eyesore totally destroying what is an iconic Auckland view of the existing Harbour Bridge.
   • cricklewood 2.1

     4 June 2021 at 7:45 am

     This is complete dumbfuckery of the highest order.

     It's clear a new bridge is needed, but lets sort and build a proper replacement for the existing bridge which is multi use and fit for purpose.
     • Treetop 2.1.1

       4 June 2021 at 9:14 am

       A bridge for cyclists and walkers could have benefits. Reduce traffic on the already struggling Auckland Harbour Bridge. Reduce carbon emissions. Joggers and walkers would keep fit. A tourist attraction with a few cafes along the way. The Green Party would be a more likely coalition party as the government would be seen as delivering on reducing emissions. Employ people in the building. The cost means the project could be started sooner than later.

       Some sort of two way vehicle lane would need to be constructed in the project as a back up for essential vehicles were a major closure of the existing Auckland Harbour Bridge to occur.
       • RosieLee 2.1.1.1

         4 June 2021 at 9:33 am

         I have no argument with that. Totally agree. My point is, however, that this design in this place totally destroys what has become an iconic Auckland landmark. An absolute cockup.
         • Treetop 2.1.1.1.1

           4 June 2021 at 1:30 pm

           Aesthetically it can go horribly wrong. Just like the initial lane capacity of the bridge.
         • greywarshark 2.1.1.1.2

           4 June 2021 at 1:39 pm

           edit
           Sounds sensible to the core Treetop. I recommend that it go up for government tick and then be costed. Where would it start and finish Treetop? If close enough to the present but further enough to diminish traffic from just near the present bridge, it could use present motorway for approach.

           Could the approach be up Curran Street, turn into Sarsfield Streeet and then from a point there across to Chelsea by the Sugar Refining and through the Chelsea Heritage Park which sounds nice.

           It could have a pillar near with ladder-path down to Watchmans Island which could have some hardy bushes planted there and be a stopping off spot for picnics etc which would probably please the locals as it has deteriorated over the years.

           https://www.nzherald.co.nz/aucklander/news/who-watches-the-watchman/J3GJ4L5ROPNKCJ6N72E7WPQWZ4/

           Then over to Chelsea and join up with Colonial Road. Or alternatively it might go to Hinemoa Park and up to Birkenhead.

           Or could it go off Tamaki Drive at the end of Mechanics Bay (not owned by Ports of Auckland) and go across to Bayswater and up Bayswater Avenue or up Norwood Road, perhaps with an exit that goes off at Stanley Point to the naval base at Devonport, which would be good quick access for them.

           Let’s stop worrying about the aesthetics. Let us have a serviceable bridge that doesn’t cost too much, and we will love it. And perhaps we can paint it a different colour every five years or so, while we are giving it a regular maintenance check. Think safety, longevity and if you don’t like the aesthetics make little models of what you would like, or paintings, and make a feature of that to sell to people. The difference of opinion can be taken to extreme and people could design one made of live willow branches or something. But keep practical – it is people who wanted Mediterranean aesthetics who got the leaky buildings thing going. Let’s be wary of looks, and go to the foundations and materials and wind resistance etc etc.
           • Treetop 2.1.1.1.2.1

             4 June 2021 at 9:34 pm

             Gee you are asking the wrong person about the position of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. I have only had one return trip on it to Brown's Bay in 1978.
             • greywarshark …

               5 June 2021 at 12:30 pm

               That was an example of how citizens have to put their minds to visioning practical things they want. We can't just set up wishlists and hope government will do the right thing. We must take part in government, go forward with government not just be supplicants being handed things by the 'kindly and wise' PTB.

               What is it we want. where, and who and what will it serve? How much, is there an easier cheaper way? Who will be disadvantaged and how much? How can that be mitigated? We can get through the decision barrier that those with power are in. Make a mistake and they can be out of a job, or no further contracts; decision might be to put if off for further study and information, and keep getting the largesse of the moment.
   • Muttonbird 2.2

     4 June 2021 at 9:38 am

     Yeah, I look at this picture and just think, instead of building a biking bridge alongside, just build a whole new, spectacular bridge alongside with biking lanes on it. Then demolish the crappy old one.

     
     • Sabine 2.2.1

       4 June 2021 at 10:16 am

       this looks like a very expensive band aid.
       • Muttonbird 2.2.1.1

         4 June 2021 at 10:30 am

         Never understood why the clearance is so high. The upper Waitemata has a few yachts and the Chelsea sugar works up there and that's it.
         • weston 2.2.1.1.1

           4 June 2021 at 12:02 pm

           Spirit of adventure ?visiting replica sailing tall ships super yachts etc and if you,re the daring type you can fly youre plane through there !!
           • Margaritte 2.2.1.1.1.1

             4 June 2021 at 1:43 pm

             We need to be able to sail our AC75 under it
         • joe90 2.2.1.1.2

           4 June 2021 at 1:55 pm

           To allow access to the deep water wharf at Birkenhead and the Chelsea sugar refinery.
           • Muttonbird 2.2.1.1.2.1

             4 June 2021 at 2:00 pm

             Yes the Chelsea refinery…couple of ships a month maybe?

             I'm no bridge expert but my guess is that flatter bridges are cheaper to build, more stable, and are probably much better on fuel consumption for users.
             • greywarshark …

               5 June 2021 at 12:33 pm

               Muttonbird Should there be an opening end, where water is deep enough for large vessels?
       • RosieLee 2.2.1.2

         4 June 2021 at 11:59 am

         yes.
     • Cricklewood 2.2.2

       4 June 2021 at 12:04 pm

       My thoughts exactly
     • greywarshark 2.2.3

       4 June 2021 at 1:47 pm

       Oh King Muttonbird waving his hand expressively – I don't like that bridge take it away – scrap it. Build me another better one. Pfffttt.
       • Muttonbird 2.2.3.1

         4 June 2021 at 1:57 pm

         Weeelll. I'd be interested to know what the tunnel costs are. It seems a given we are going to build one.

         Am assuming the idea there is existing bridge takes northbound traffic and tunnel taels southbound + rail.

         If that were the case there'd be room for bike/pedestrian on the existing bridge so no need for the stand alone???

         Also the existing bridge isn't going to last forever, unlike a lot of bridges in the world.

         My idea was to abandon the tunnel and just build a bridge fit for road/rail/cycle/ pedestrian which will last 200 years.
         • greywarshark 2.2.3.1.1

           4 June 2021 at 2:05 pm

           Oh weelll sounds okay. I am just exercised at the moment about all the things that those in power are going to build – it seems cost is no worry, and of course they will be interesting things, not like tiny houses or affordable homes for people to rent/buy. Sorry to bite as it is probably a secret wish of mine and for many of us that we could for once make something happen that needs to. Has anyone thought of a stadium that converts to bed sitting rooms after 10 pm for instance. Hah hah.
           • Muttonbird 2.2.3.1.1.1

             4 June 2021 at 2:13 pm

             Good point about the real urgency being ignored on affordable housing and other even less glamourous stuff than that, water infrastructure, etc, seemingly in favour of big, visible projects like this.

             However, if we are determined as a nation to dramatically increase or population then transport infrastructure planning is also vital. It is something we have always done very, very poorly.

             I don't even mind about cost, I just want it done once and done right. Maybe some of these hotshot Covid refugees who have returned home in their tens of thousands can set us straight!
             • greywarshark …

               4 June 2021 at 2:46 pm

               What about cyclists crossing by ferry as part of the transport structure so you are not left to the profitable constraints of ferry owners as the Waiheke Islanders have suffered? I fondly remember the ferries from Bayswater chugging across the water. They did so in a regular pattern and could be relied on for time for those working on the other side – the City or North Shore.

               There could even be uber-boaters but they would have to be watched for seaworthiness. Or they could be boat owners who ran themselves to work and took regular passengers with them on a season ticket arrangement. They would be given the sort of tax allowances that the rentier landlords and house owners get now.

               And what do other people in cities by the sea do? We seem to look at dysfunctional USA for models of how to mistreat people. Can we look away to other countries, probably European or perhaps Singapore and Hong Kong, for the clued-up cities on how they run things effectively at reasonable cost?
     • Stuart Munro 2.2.4

       4 June 2021 at 2:29 pm

       I'm not sure why a couple of light composite tubes can't be slung underneath for cycle traffic – one for each direction. Must be cheaper than new crossings, and not disruptive to existing use.
       • Margaritte 2.2.4.1

         4 June 2021 at 7:01 pm

         Funny how confirmation bias works. I thought for you suggest compost-able tubes for cyclists. Probably cheaper and more user friendly than other solutions.
         • greywarshark 2.2.4.1.1

           5 June 2021 at 12:37 pm

           But could you get your yacht under the tubes Margaritte 1.43pm?

           We need to be able to sail our AC75 under it. What is it by the way?
   • Ad 2.3

     4 June 2021 at 10:35 am

     Separating the structures means NZTA can replace main bridge with tunnel, providing for all modes.

     Makes good sense.

     And of course it's a powerful anti combustion engine signal just days from Climate Commission plan.

     Good operationally and excellent politically.
     • Cricklewood 2.3.1

       4 June 2021 at 12:07 pm

       Maybe the govt can put Phil Twyford in charge..
     • Muttonbird 2.3.2

       4 June 2021 at 1:10 pm

       And have that skinny little thing the only surface crossing?

       All other commuters banished to the underground like Wells' Morlocks?

       Nope. Build a huge state of the art 10 (or 8) lane bridge reflecting 21st Century New Zealand, with rail and cycle capacity.
     • greywarshark 2.3.3

       4 June 2021 at 1:50 pm

       Ad I think you want to use semaphore signals to wake people up to what is coming and needed for the future. But you are apparently prepared to do that by demolishing systems and structures while they are still needed. Bad as Roger Douglas you are. That comment yesterday about Marsden Point close-down did not convince me of the practicality and far-seeing nature of whatever committee you are on.
   • Westykev 2.4

     4 June 2021 at 10:38 am

     Don't worry about it, it is only an announcement
   • Jenny How to get there 2.5

     4 June 2021 at 3:15 pm

     Like most motorways the Auckland Harbour Bridge doesn't lend itself to being retrofitted for bikes and pedestrian traffic, The traditional answer has been to construct separate cycleways to the side. And this is being done on the Southern and Western motorways. But the Harbour Bridge presents a unique problem.

     There was a plan to build a sky-path for cyclists and pedestrians under or beside the main carriageway. But it proved to be a hugely complicated and expensive engineering project.

     The engineering nightmare that was the sky-path has been ditched.

     Taking a lane for a bikeway is not practical.

     The new plan is for a new and separate bike and pedestrian bridge to be built beside the existing bridge.

     When he was Prime Minister John Key announced the construction of $7 billion road tunnel under the harbour.

     This plan did not survive the change in government

     With a price tag of $250 million and a delivery date of 5 years, I doubt whether this latest plan for a pedestrian and cycle bridge would survive a change of government either.

     A fare free busway with an option for bicycle stowage is a far cheaper solution and can be implemented immediately. All of the infrastructure is already there

     Why don't we do this?.
     • William 2.5.1

       4 June 2021 at 10:17 pm

       Today's Herald story briefly mentions this;

       "He also revealed that Waka Kotahi has considered getting bikes across the bridge using gondolas and a dedicated ferry or bus service. However, all those options were rejected."

       He is Michael Wood, Minister of Transport.

       It was your big suggestion here on Sunday, I suggest you make an OIA request.

       On Sunday you also said "There will not be a three month bike lane trial. There will not even be a one week bike lane trial."

       And yet that Herald story also quotes the Minister as saying

       "With the new bridge five years away, Wood also said he had asked Waka Kotahi to present him with options for a cycling and walking lane on the current bridge now. This would involve a trial conversion of an existing vehicle lane or lanes."

       and

       "Waka Kotahi will continue to work on how to provide safe temporary trials of using lanes on the existing harbour bridge for cyclists and pedestrians," Wood said.
       • Jenny How to get there 2.5.1.1

         5 June 2021 at 7:29 am

         I personally have a lot of time for Michael Wood.

         If Michael Wood can get 20 thousand commuters to give up one lane of the motorway for a bikeway he has my support.

         Anything but this eyesore.
   • Jenny How to get there 2.6

     4 June 2021 at 10:01 pm

     A camel is a horse designed by a committee

     This latest proposal has succeeded in uniting cyclists and truckers, (and possibly everyone in between) in opposing the proposed bike pedestrian bridge.

     Because when you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody.

     At least now we know what we all don't like, and we all don't like this.

     Auckland harbour cycle and pedestrian bridge facing criticism from both sides

     A cycling advocate says building an entire bridge from the ground up – at a cost of at least $780 million – is totally unnecessary when cyclists and walkers could just have a lane on the existing Auckland harbour bridge.

     And a trucking leader says the priorities are backwards – a new harbour crossing for vehicles should be first, not a few cyclists.

     Auckland harbour cycle and pedestrian bridge facing criticism from both sides (msn.com)

     Of course there is, (as there always is), ideologues that can be counted on to endorse something like this. The good thing is that at least the spokesperson for this minority are honest in admitting that the proposed bike pedestrian bridge is nothing to do with relieving or even addressing Auckland's traffic woes.

     Auckland harbour cycle and pedestrian bridge facing criticism from both sides

     "I think we're underestimating the fact that people will use it just for the joy of being able to walk over the water, to stop in the middle of the bridge, take photos, to go over on a jog in the morning, walk their dog, take their kids over… I think people are underestimating how popular a bridge like that would be."

     Cyclist and urban designer Emma McInnes

     Auckland harbour cycle and pedestrian bridge facing criticism from both sides (msn.com)
   • Jenny How to get there 2.7

     4 June 2021 at 10:40 pm

     If anyone deserves a new bridge in their town, it is the people of Ashburton.

     'Why should Auckland get everything?': Residents of flood-ravaged Ashburton frustrated by city's second bridge (msn.com)
3. Tricledrown 3

   4 June 2021 at 7:49 am

   National Party candidate makes world news headlines for his revenge porn scandal .

   Collins looks like a goner.She looked 10 years older last night on TV desperately avoiding any responsibility when questioned last night

   Collins big talking at the recent queenstown conference where Bazant was one of the headline acts a rising star the new young face of the National Party .Has turned into a complete disaster.

   [putting you on the ban list. Really happy to let you out when you reply to this mod note. I need to have a conversation with you, so you will need to check replies to your comments before I will end the ban. I will keep an eye out for your comments in the Trash.

   https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-03-06-2021/#comment-1796295

   • weka]
   • Incognito 3.1

     4 June 2021 at 8:30 am

     Former or ex-National Party candidate, to be more precise.

     Collins’s responsibility lies with the future of the Party, not so much the past, which cannot be undone. She has the top-secret review reports; she knows what needs to be done. A real Leader has what it takes to do what needs to be done. Crickets.

     Nicola Willis, please step forward and up, and save the Party from more self-inflicted embarrassment and pain.
   • Adrian Thornton 3.2

     4 June 2021 at 9:20 am

     These scandals are useful as an opportunity for an outsider to snatch a glimpse into the fetid mind of the National party politician…..confirming what we already know is their primary thought pattern, just nasty shit.
   • Treetop 3.3

     4 June 2021 at 9:27 am

     Did Collins say in the last month or two that there were no more scandals and that the party was united?

     Keeping a straight face while holding a dud poker hand once again.
   • weka 3.4

     4 June 2021 at 10:25 am

     Mod note above.
     • greywarshark 3.4.1

       5 June 2021 at 12:39 pm

       Treetop and Tricledrown – different.
4. Adrian 4

   4 June 2021 at 8:48 am

   Thanks Ghost and Grey for your messages about the Vaccine Stab number yesterday. I got a call in but no reply as yet. In no hurry anyway would rather it went to someone younger who may be more vulnerable.
   • alwyn 4.1

     4 June 2021 at 9:55 am

     Depending upon what group you are in you might not want to get too excited about getting any reply at all before summer arrives.

     If you are in the most at risk group, the immediate frontline workers, it appears that only about 60% of them have had even a first dose. In the next category, the household members of the most at risk people, less than 50% have had a first dose.

     Group 2, which is the frontline health workers, people living or working in long-term residential care, older Maori and Pacific people and those over 65 living in Counties Manakau has only had about 40% who have received a first dose.

     For those of us who are over 65 but aren't Maori or Pacific people only about 4% have had a first dose. These were the ones who were supposedly going to be able to get vaccinated starting at the beginning of last month remember. That date of course then slipped back and appears to be slipping further.

     The Government Health Ministers seem to be quite happy. ""Our plan to vaccinate New Zealanders is on track," Dr Ayesha Verrall". Well I suppose she would say that. She has been vaccinated.

     Ashley Bloomfield is also quite happy about the situation it would seem.

     "Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said on Thursday he's happy with the progress.

     "I think what we're seeing is ongoing increased uptake amongst our priority groups."

     Meanwhile, while the vast majority of us haven't been vaccinated, our Government is going to allow people in from Melbourne next week without any form of quarantine. The people involved chose to go there. Either stay there or go into quarantine when you get back should be their options. When the elderly, like me, have had a chance to get vaccinated they can open up the borders. Until then to hell with it.

     https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2021/06/coronavirus-60-percent-of-group-labelled-high-risk-still-yet-to-get-first-covid-19-vaccine-dose.html

     In the meantime you probably shouldn't get too excited about getting anything. My local DHB said early this week that they had no idea when vaccination might be available. My Medical Centre also say they haven't been told anything and they have no idea what is going on.
     • Sabine 4.1.1

       4 June 2021 at 10:20 am

       my BiL and his wife – both in their forties and in no group of anything – had their vaccination last week in Whangarai as walk ins.

       His mother and father, both in their seventies, she is Pakeha and he is Maori, have yet to get a notification of being even on some list, they are in Whakatane.

       Here in Rotorua, who knows.

       i agree that the border should be closed again until a few more people here have had their jab.

       As for those that don't want the jab, who cares, leave them be, and vaccinated those that want to be vaccinated.
     • swordfish 4.1.2

       4 June 2021 at 10:47 am

       Agree on all points.

       No sign of vaccination for my 90 year old Parents (one with hypertension & diabetes).

       In most Anglosphere Countries, the elderly were placed in the second group to be vaccinated rather than thrown in with over 65s in general in Group 3 … with the really high-risk over 80s (those with comorbidities) right at the front of the Group 2 queue … we apparently do things differently here …

       Meanwhile, widespread complacency around the threat posed by the new dangerous Covid variants continues unabated.
       • Sabine 4.1.2.1

         4 June 2021 at 11:03 am

         it seems that there really is no co-ordination or anything really. Again, have all old people in Auckland be vaccinated?

         https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-coronavirus-auckland-vaccination-centre-metres-away-from-miq-facility/KJFR5UM5YGLDN65B4WA3P2P6PI/

         Auckland resident Andrew Johnson aired his concerns after he arrived at the city's CBD vaccination centre for his first jab at the Atrium on Elliott shopping centre on Monday.

         Entering from Albert St as opposed to the Elliott St entrance, the 41-year-old was shocked when he realised he was walking past potentially infectious MIQ residents in the exercise area at the Crowne Plaza hotel, which was in the same building complex as the shopping mall.
         • Foreign Waka 4.1.2.1.1

           4 June 2021 at 11:23 am

           #8 wire….
         • Sanctuary 4.1.2.1.2

           4 June 2021 at 2:28 pm

           His comment is a rubbish reckon from a guy exercising his white privilege to have a whine and get it reported in the Herald, the home of the relentless middle class whinge about everything.

           So what if it is next to an MIQ facility? Journalists in their stampede to get the next alarmist reckon from a know nothing have forgotten to ask the most basic of questions – like has anyone, anywhere in NZ in the past year, ever caught covid by walking past a MIQ hotel? The answer of course is NO.

           It is interesting they’ve removed from earlier stories his complaint that no one was being scanned, something in my experience of getting vaccinated (twice now) is simply an outright untruth.

           You could criticise that it is hard to get to if you are disabled and poorly signposted/a bit hard to find from the advertised Elliot street entrance, but no some wally get to have a free bitch about… nothing really.
           • Sabine 4.1.2.1.2.1

             4 June 2021 at 2:56 pm

             did actually not care much about his whinge but his age.

             the conversation up top is in regards to age groups and vaccination groups and the reigning confusion about it.
           • greywarshark 4.1.2.1.2.2

             4 June 2021 at 3:41 pm

             Sanctuary I don't know how your comment sits in with the recent media release about the aerosol effect of people just passing by with the more infection strain.

             And has everyone noted how there isn't a new super infectious strain in Victoria. It seems to have been a fib by the pollie in charge feeling the heat of failure. It is such a hot country, Australia.
       • greywarshark 4.1.2.2

         4 June 2021 at 2:01 pm

         swordfish Sorry to hear about your parents waiting. I hope they have better neighbours now.

         As for the way that Covid 19 treatment has slid back it probably means that it is back with the backsliders down in the bowels of the MoH. When the leaders were appearing before cameras they would have been on their toes. Now the MoH has taken to printing an enormous number of leaflets and full page adverts in the papers and probably on tv?

         Trouble is that people don't know what to think, don't read the papers, or have time – it is a very passive approach that is so efficient for man/womanpower but not for the actual outcome of message received by those who need it the most. What do generic managers do when there is a human mass outbreak of sickness? Sit at their computers and work out the odds for people dying for each possible method used, and then work out the 'mean' figure showing the least financial cost?
         • greywarshark 4.1.2.2.1

           5 June 2021 at 12:21 pm

           Well I can't remember which media I read that there was not a new strain in Victoria but it was wrong. So should I start wearing my mask all the time when mixing? Seriously I should I suppose. And the epidemiologist Baker says that all the border workers and others involved haven't been vaccinated – still thousands to go. And what about GPs, we heard that they have been neglected. Really, if you take your eye off government they wander off into the woods and get lost!
         • swordfish 4.1.2.2.2

           5 June 2021 at 12:59 pm

           Cheers, Grey.

           No, the nightmare continues unfortunately. We thought it was all over right at the start of November last year when their violent intensely anti-social neighbour moved out, swapping houses with what we believe was his grandmother … massive relief for everyone (including other neighbours) … he was now living more than an hour away & the older lady was extremely quiet (so my Parents feeling safe, no enforced chronic sleep deprivation, no intense stress … & peace of mind for the first time in 3 years) … but only lasted 6 weeks … gave everyone a real shock when he suddenly turned up in the early hours of Boxing Day nonchalantly inflicting his usual anti-social behaviour / noise / aggression as if nothing had changed.

           My 90 year old Mother has had to be hospitalised twice since Oct 2020 for very high blood pressure & low oxygen saturation levels (bordering on mini-stoke territory) from extreme stress & sleep deprivation (both his violent explosions/noise & his kids (increasingly dropped there) running wild at all hours … really raucous relentless in-your-face noise levels right through to late at night, Parents can't escape it even in rooms away from dividing-wall with doors closed) …

           … She almost died in Wellington Hospital the day after the 2020 Election … but on Election Day was more concerned about casting her vote for the Labour Party she'd spent her life both supporting & being active within rather than worrying about her own health.

           This'd be the Labour Party with its tacit No Eviction policy & its affluent, Woke New Middle Class activist base romanticising people like the intensely anti-social Underclass Neighbour while systematically demonizing & scapegoating elderly poorer Pakeha, including lifelong Labour voters. Unfortunately, being white they're members of the ID Politics 'out-groups' currently being quietly but rapidly transformed (largely by Pakeha from financially-privileged backgrounds) into 2nd class citizens.

           Or, to put it another way, those Pakeha who have disproportionately inherited the wealth from Colonisation forcing those Pakeha (& other non-Maori) who haven't to do all the Penance, all the sacrificing, all the suffering … as they go about establishing this Brave New Woke World, bereft of universal human rights, equal citizenship & other core principles of liberal democracy.

           Ironic given my Parents history of marching against Springbok Tours (1960 / 76 / 81) & my Mother being one of the first Pakeha to learn Te Reo in a formal educational setting (as a teenager at a Wellington Educational Institute's night classes in 1948). At the age of 90 she now gets to enjoy relentless stress from an extremely violent Maori man (who never has to suffer any consequences = because Colonisation) & his clearly deeply dysfunctional family while the ex-boarding school Woke Cadre get to ostentatiously posture & pose as heroic "anti-racists" (according to deeply warped Critical Race Theory dogma) while continuing to enjoy all the inherited fruits of Colonisation (while also bravely ensuring they're living at least 20 miles away from the mayhem they've helped to create through crude social housing policies in previously peaceful, community-minded & for the most part Labour-voting neighbourhoods).
           • swordfish 4.1.2.2.2.1

             5 June 2021 at 1:17 pm

             Glad I got that off my chest … longtime coming … thanks for providing me with the opportunity, Grey
           • greywarshark 4.1.2.2.2.2

             5 June 2021 at 1:17 pm

             I am bitter about this too swordfish. See it all the time, where people are trying to transform the world that has been mostly good but they want to trash it and start again on a different set of tracks. We are to be derailed and left in a siding to stew in our own juice.

             They don't try to clean the bad up, keep the good and change habits to improve society, they just want to trash the lot and start again FGS. It took centuries and many people worked all their lives to get civilisation to the present era, at a level that decent people could be happy about.

             Now this type of activist person likely meditate when they get distressed and remove themselves from the everyday, and come back with fantastical ideas that they have absorbed in overwhelming belief. Their drive is similar to that of economists to change humans' behaviour to fit their models. I don't think they really like people though they profess to be 'caring and concerned'; again like economists they are in love with their models and designs, people's and the planet's actual needs are often at opposite positions.

             I have a few things to say about my feelings on https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-05-06-2021/#comment-1796469
           • RedLogix 4.1.2.2.2.3

             5 June 2021 at 2:18 pm

             "Or, to put it another way, those Pakeha who have disproportionately inherited the wealth from Colonisation forcing those Pakeha (& other non-Maori) who haven't to do all the Penance, all the sacrificing, all the suffering … as they go about establishing this Brave New Woke World, bereft of universal human rights, equal citizenship & other core principles of liberal democracy."

             Or as one person I read recently put it, this wokeist cult looks more and more like rich white people, lacking a moral narrative and purpose for their wealth, assuaging their guilt by punching down on poor whites.

             This woke idea that everything is oppression, starting with marxist oppression of all workers, the patriarchal oppression of all women, the white supremacist oppression of all people of colour – and now god help us the biological oppression of gender – has consistently taken what starts out as a good idea and degenerates it into corrosive, toxic soup, undermining social cohesion and trust.

             Which you have to think, is well understood, by those who create and promote them, to be the purpose of these ideologies .
             • Drowsy M. Kram …

               5 June 2021 at 4:29 pm

               "…all the Penance, all the sacrificing, all the suffering" – awful. As for "punching down on poor whites" – words fail me.

               Can't help wondering if overall long-term social cohesion and resilience might be strengthened by sharing the fruits of society just a little bit more equitably – is that idea too 'woke'; too PC?

               The Root Causes of Health Inequity
               Health inequity, categories and examples of which were discussed in the previous chapter, arises from social, economic, environmental, and structural disparities that contribute to intergroup differences in health outcomes both within and between societies. The report identifies two main clusters of root causes of health inequity. The first is the intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, and systemic mechanisms that organize the distribution of power and resources differentially across lines of race, gender, class, sexual orientation, gender expression, and other dimensions of individual and group identity (see the following section on such structural inequities for examples). The second, and more fundamental root cause of health inequity, is the unequal allocation of power and resources—including goods, services, and societal attention—which manifest in unequal social, economic, and environmental conditions, also called the social determinants of health.

               “System Conditions”, System Failure, Structural Racism and Anti-Racism in the United Kingdom: Evidence from Education and Beyond
               Racism in any society is fuelled by a number of factors, often acting independently of each other, or, at times, in concert with each other. On the one hand, anti-racism efforts rely on the alignment of four “system conditions” to stand a chance of successfully engaging and tackling racism. On the other hand, where these “system conditions” are not present, or where they are not in sync, this leads to “system failure”—a situation where racism is writ large in society and in the institutions therein, and where anti-racism efforts are severely hampered. Drawing on evidence from within the education sector and elsewhere in UK society, this paper examines how a lack of alignment between “system conditions” hampers anti-racism efforts, and simultaneously reinforces racism in society and in institutions—leading to gridlock or “system failure” around anti-racism.

               Maybe just knowing one's place makes for a happier life, not to mention a good night's sleep which (we can all agree) has value beyond measure.
               • swordfish …

                 5 June 2021 at 8:10 pm

                 Why do I get the impression you're not too keen on "sharing the fruits of society just a little bit more equitably" with low income / poorer Pakeha ? (who comprise more than half of the bottom income quartile).

                 Ever stopped to wonder about health stats for poorer Pakeha & Asians ? You know, the kind of people who, unlike the Woke & their affluent older relatives, can't afford private health insurance (and quite possibly oppose it on principle) & are destined to be the sacrificial lambs forced by the Woke to the back of the surgery queue with CRT's Health "Equity" dogma. How do you think their stats compare to affluent Pakeha, to middle class Maori, to Poor Maori ? No you've never wondered about that, have you, sweetheart … no orgy of self-congratulatory virtue-signalling, no social media prestige enhancement amongst your little clique to be derived from that sort of non-Woke Social Justice.

                 As always, socio-economic privilege is vastly more consequential than any putative "white privilege" … but that's of no use to old frauds like you, is it. By aggressively promoting the existence of the latter to the exclusion of all else, affluent Woke phoneys get to have their cake & eat it … ostentatiously playing the role of morally good progressives while scapegoating poorer whites & quietly consolidating their own power & privilege.

                 Really quite Reactionary … in so many ways the antithesis of the genuine Left.

                 So spare me your fake morality, spare me your bullshit.
                 • Drowsy M. Kram …

                   5 June 2021 at 9:55 pm

                   Why do I get the impression you're not too keen on "sharing the fruits of society just a little bit more equitably" with low income / poorer Pakeha ? (who comprise more than half of the bottom income quartile).

                   Honestly swordfish, don't know why you get that impression – imho the 'sharing' should be based on need ("From each according to his ability, to each according to their need" – Marx), but selfishness and greed ensure that disadvantaged groups are pitted against each other.

                   No you've never wondered about that, have you, sweetheart … no orgy of self-congratulatory virtue-signalling, no social media prestige enhancement amongst your little clique to be derived from that sort of non-Woke Social Justice.

                   You appear to be a bit of a mindreader – explains your "old frauds", "affluent Woke phoneys", "fake morality" and "bullshit" jibes. Fwiw I’m not naturally aggressive, and there’s no need for me or anyone else to promote “white privilege“, aggressively or otherwise. I don't have any health insurance, and yes, I was lucky enough to have a privileged start – both parents were teachers in the NZ public education system, and I did relatively well out of that system myself.

                   Wishing you and your parents all the best for the rest of your evening.
   • Treetop 4.2

     4 June 2021 at 1:39 pm

     Is anyone finding when they go to a screening or specialist appointment if they are asked if they have had a Covid vaccination?
     • Rosemary McDonald 4.2.1

       5 June 2021 at 2:30 pm

       Funny you should ask… the 70 year old, physically disabled Better Half has visited the local hospital twice in the past month. Once through A&E and once for a specialist appointment. We expected to be asked about and/or offered Te Jab both times, but alas, no.

       Despite the hospital being slap bang in the middle of 'jab any one who'll stand still long enough' central…not one medical professional seem to think it was an issue.

       We didn't see a single sign promoting Te Jab either.
5. Grumpy 5

   4 June 2021 at 9:28 am

   Looks like the world has been misled about the effectiveness of hydroxychloriquine in the early stages of Covid19 treatment. Perhaps those who instantly rejected its use because Trump may be feeling a bit embarrassed which is probably nothing compared to the feelings of the hundreds if thousands of Covid19 victims who could well have been helped and probably survived.https://c19hcq.com/
   • Incognito 5.1

     4 June 2021 at 9:36 am

     Still, these things need to be properly researched, investigated, and trialled before jumping to conclusions. What applies to the large general population may not apply to smaller sub-groups of patients, which complicates trials. Common sense is not a scientific-clinical argument and there’s usually a little more to it to justify the effort, expense, and ethics for undertaking (large) trials with sometimes very ill people.

     https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/world/2021/06/coronavirus-vitamin-d-supplements-likely-useless-against-covid-19-for-most-study.html
     • Grumpy 5.1.1

       4 June 2021 at 11:41 am

       did you look at my link?
       • McFlock 5.1.1.1

         4 June 2021 at 1:55 pm

         With a link address like that, it's obviously a thoroughly unbiased collection of the latest peer-reviewed research on the topic and no conflicts of interest /sarc
     • mauī 5.1.2

       4 June 2021 at 9:19 pm

       That is not how you approach a pandemic though, there isn't time to do comprehensive research on treatments, you use whatever works. Off-label drug treatments are a key part of rolling out rapid medical counter measures in a pandemic. The safety research has already been done as many of these medications have been in use in the general population for decades. So all you really need to do is run trials.
   • joe90 5.2

     4 June 2021 at 1:58 pm

     Why would the site owners use a dodgy registrar?

     https://fraud-reports.wikia.org/wiki/Tucows

     https://who.is/whois/c19hcq.com
6. Sanctuary 6

   4 June 2021 at 10:11 am

   Here is something to cheer everyone up on a Friday –

   https://undocs.org/S/2021/229

   Page 77:

   "…Logistics convoys and retreating HAF were subsequently hunted down and remotely engaged by the unmanned combat aerial vehicles or the lethal autonomous weapons systems such as the STM Kargu-2 (see annex 30) and other loitering munitions. The lethal autonomous weapons systems were programmed to attack targets without requiring data connectivity between the operator and the munitions…"

   Possibly the first recorded case of an autonomous Robot deliberately killing humans.

   BTW a Kargu-2 is a quadcopter armed with a powerful anti-personnel fragmentation device (i.e. a very large hand grenade) that uses machine learning and algorythms to autonomously select and attack targets.
   • arkie 6.1

     4 June 2021 at 10:29 am

     Who cares about Asimov's Laws of Robotics, or indeed, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) principles of robotics?
7. Psycho Milt 7

   4 June 2021 at 10:20 am

   @weka – apologies for lack of response on Twitter, am now completely locked out. Will provide screenshot once I have access again.
   • weka 7.1

     4 June 2021 at 10:31 am

     Damn. Will catch up when you’re out.
8. weka 8

   4 June 2021 at 10:35 am

   If they build a bigger Auckland harbour bridge won’t the traffic increase?
   • Sabine 8.1

     4 June 2021 at 10:51 am

     Well if we are all to drive electric vehicles in the future – and grow our population – then yes we will need a bigger bridges and roads.
     • weka 8.1.1

       4 June 2021 at 11:02 am

       Build a bridge that takes bikes, feet, skateboards, scooters, trains, maybe buses, maybe taxis, and increase ferries 😈
       • Sabine 8.1.1.1

         4 June 2021 at 11:04 am

         I don't disagree with you, but i don't see it happen really.
       • Herodotus 8.1.1.2

         4 June 2021 at 1:57 pm

         And who will use it ?There are only a few who live within 5km of the bridge, and of those who commute daily. I also note that the areas within 5km are some of the most expensive housing in Auckland, great for those who live in Manukau, Albany out west etc. who have to battle with very limited public transport. Nice to see our government have policies for the few – the same few who are benefitting from the housing situation pocketing over $432k from June 19 to June 20.

         https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/auckland-house-prices-defy-covid-herne-bay-homes-make-almost-seven-times-more-money-in-one-year-than-average-city-worker/Q5KFBQBTTWIBLIFJPLUBKZJOTM/

         I also noticed that last weeks demonstration was less diverse than the PGA Championship held in Kiawah Is just out from Charleston North Carolina- Even Efeso Collins noted this.

         https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/new-auckland-harbour-bridge-second-standalone-bridge-for-cyclists-pedestrians-confirmed/CM4653SLAHKBUFBNWD5XPGN3N4/
         • gsays 8.1.1.2.1

           4 June 2021 at 3:14 pm

           Good pint about the lack of diversity.

           I am surprised at the traction this story has gathered since the protest. Incredible the power of enraged lycra.
   • Ad 8.2

     4 June 2021 at 11:56 am

     NZTA are in advanced planning for a tunnel, not a new traffic bridge.
     • Sanctuary 8.2.1

       4 June 2021 at 2:43 pm

       So Existing bridge for vehicles, tunnel for trains and buses, small briddge for cycling and walking? Wow, NZTA really have protected the harbour bridge for cars only…
   • Cricklewood 8.3

     4 June 2021 at 12:23 pm

     Defends of the bridge it could have less carlanes more space for dedicated pt lanes etc.

     The very short term trick is to keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible given shorter travel times equate to lower emissions. Tbf if govt were serious they would make public transport free, increase frequency and perhaps dedicate a bridge lane to the busway… that and really push hybrid or full electric cars. They are immediate things that will be of some benefit while infrastructure work is completed.

     Its going to be a good 5-10 years before meaningful infrastructure is completed
   • Noel 8.4

     4 June 2021 at 4:06 pm

     If they build a cycle /pedestrian only bridge will that reduce the vehicle traffic on the existing bridge?
     • Cricklewood 8.4.1

       4 June 2021 at 5:26 pm

       At certain times but I'd suggest it would be insignificant… sure some will convert but between weather and distance to even get to the bridge on cycle would preclude most…

       Would get plenty of use on weekends holidays etc but its not a solution for commute based congestion. That needs rail or bus more hubs more park n rides increased frequency etc
     • RosieLee 8.4.2

       4 June 2021 at 10:32 pm

       Why can't they just put a cycleway clip on on the existing bridge? Light weight. Doesn't have to be a major drama.
       • Cricklewood 8.4.2.1

         5 June 2021 at 11:10 am

         Bridge structure is at capacity and I suspect putting an additional lane on one side would present problems around balance, weight perhaps not not biggest issue more likely wind pressure etc… its amazing how much those outer lanes flex and move…
9. Sabine 9

   4 June 2021 at 10:44 am

   oh well, parole for "public toilet rapist Daniel Peter Moore's'

   i wonder what the victim got? Some counselling sessions?

   Moore's former partner, Nicola Allen, only had confirmation of the sex offender's release when contacted by the Otago Daily Times.

   "I'm actually utterly appalled he's been let out," she said.

   The board described Moore's sex attack as "opportunistic", but Allen said she had always believed it had been premeditated.

   The man was sitting in his vehicle in the car park drinking RTDs and smoking before the rape took place……………..

   On April 20, 2018, Moore followed his victim to the toilets and grabbed her around the throat as he forced her inside the cubicle.

   He then subjected her to a half-hour ordeal during which he told her it was the first time he had raped anyone.

   The woman later told police she was convinced Moore was going to kill her once he had finished.

   In a statement read in court at sentencing, she said she had transformed from a cheerful and optimistic person to paranoid and fearful.

   but fear not, while in prison he 'bettered himself',

   While jailed, Moore had worked in the construction yard, prompting "very positive reports" about his attitude.

   He had also undertaken tertiary study and had an ambition to become a civil engineer, Judge Ellis said.

   Seriously? And the women? Just some 'collateral damage' being done by someone opportunitistic? I wonder if she got any taxpayer funded job skills and tertiary study?

   maybe that is what needs to be done, these guys get fuck all in prison, no work, no study, nothing, and the funds saved will go towards the victim and her trauma counselling, her work rehabilitation and some tertiary studies.
10. Anker 10

    4 June 2021 at 2:11 pm

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/tokyo-olympics-kiwi-medallist-lorraine-moller-says-inclusion-of-transgender-athletes-at-games-derails-womens-sport/UJZMLCP56LQILO7JX2SANUEIVE/

    t

    this headline is misleading. Not banned, just banned from competiting with women
    • weka 10.1

      4 June 2021 at 2:33 pm

      BSA complaints material I think. Pretty bad article too. Like they can’t say trans woman and trans man.
11. Noel 11

    4 June 2021 at 3:42 pm

    Didn't see that.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/125332758/pike-river-families-launch-court-action-against-sealing-of-the-mine
12. greywarshark 12

    4 June 2021 at 4:07 pm

    Ian Powell on TDB has some interesting points on what goes in the health system here. And I don't have to go far in before I get goosebumps about what we will have if the Grand Leap Forward goes forward to a centralised hospital system with a Grand Computer System that Rules Over All.

    https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2021/06/04/guest-blog-ian-powell-dirty-politics-in-action-smear-campaign-in-new-zealands-health-system/

    Broadly speaking the prevailing leadership culture in New Zealand’s health system is managerialism which involves decision-making through a very narrow lens that is management rather than clinically and patient-centred driven. Within district health boards (DHBs) this can be alleviated by the closer proximity between senior managers and health professionals and largely overcome where there is sufficient oxygen to enable genuine engagement between them. The more distributed the engagement at all levels the more clinically and fiscally effective it is.

    But with the Ministry of Health it is different. There is no equivalent proximity and the managerialism takes the form of a top-down, more distant, bureaucratic centralism leadership culture. When it comes into conflict over specific issues with a DHB that has progressed strongly in the direction of genuine engagement then it is a recipe for, at best, negative tension.

    At worst it can degenerate into dirty bureaucratic politics as was experienced by Canterbury DHB (CDHB) in its escalating conflict with the Health Ministry over the recovery response to the devastation of the Christchurch earthquakes in 2010-11. This is discussed in detail in my two online articles published by the Democracy Project: https://democracyproject.nz/2021/04/15/ian-powell-a-very-bureaucratic-coup-part-one/ and https://democracyproject.nz/2021/05/19/ian-powell-a-very-bureaucratic-coup-part-two/.

    The dirty bureaucratic politics was a smear campaign falsely claiming that CDHB’s increasing operational financial deficit was due to financial mismanagement by its senior management team. To succeed it was necessary to destroy the consensus reached between CDHB and the Health Ministry in 2018.
13. Jenny How to get there 13

    4 June 2021 at 11:14 pm

    And here it comes.

    Housing market: Risk of sharp correction rising – BNZ economists (msn.com)

    From California to Ireland to Spain, when the housing bubble burst – to keep the prices up and reduce the supply the bulldozers were brought in to level new unsold houses. Sometimes even whole new sub-divisions to artificially limit supply.

    We need urgent legislation to prevent that obscenity being repeated here.

    There needs to be a law that no new home be allowed to be demolished while there is still homelessness in this country.

    Half finished apartment blocks and new housing estates that were never occupied litter the landscape in Europe and North America just waiting to be bulldozed. No doubt this is how the housing bubble will burst here as well.

    Before we reach that place. legislation needs to be enacted that no new dwelling will be allowed to be demolished and sent to a landfill on pain of confiscation by the state.

    London:
    https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/mar/12/buyer-led-development-what-the-schemes-look-like-now

    Ireland:
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2531852/Exorcising-Irelands-ghost-estates-Demolition-begins-housing-projects-built-economic-boom-left-country-300-000-homes.html

    Spain:
    http://www.30y3.com/markel-redondo-tu-casa-es-mi-casa-2/

    US:
    http://business.time.com/2011/08/01/bulldoze-the-new-way-to-foreclose/

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