While our health ministry has announced a review on puberty blockers (but not yet produced a brief AFAIK), Channel 7 broke the silence in Australia last night.
The Spotlight programme "Detransitioners" was shown at 7 pm.
At present there is no link to the full programme, but some of the interviews have been posted on their YouTube channel.
Snip starting at 6m, mostly the Australian paediatrician speaking,
Dr: The problem is when the issues of harm and the stories of harm come about and people still do nothing, that’s when the true scandal is here.
Journo: Do you think we’ve reached that stage now?
Dr: Yes, it’s been here for a few years. There’s been clear stories of medical harm, regretting their treatments, the true realities of what the treatment is causing for children, the lack of any discussion around sexual function and fertility, what that does to children in the long term. These are all stories and information that’s been freely available, but we still in this country fail to acknowledge that… we’ve done nothing in this country to move the discussion forward.
He goes on to say that he won't refer any of his patients to gender clinics. When has asked them how many of the clinic patients aren't deemed suitable for medical (hormonal and surgical) treatment, the clinic refused to say.
For those still not getting it, as an example from my reading, a young lesbian struggling with her sexed body because she is a sexual abuse survivor and whose friends are telling her she is really a boy, won't be treated for trauma but instead will have her gender identity as a boy affirmed and be put on a transition pathway that includes blocking puberty, eventual removal of breasts, and possible reconstruction of genitals (imo this is still experimental surgery). Lifelong effects include dependence on medication, pain, physical dysfunction, impacts on fertility and sexual function. No treatment for the trauma, or affirmation that it's really ok for women to love women.
Tens of thousands of people gathered for the Burning Man festival remained stranded in the Nevada desert on Sunday after storms that swept through the area, as authorities investigated a possible death and worked to open exit paths by the end of the Labor Day weekend.
The ACT party has called for Pharmac to take a “productivity perspective” to decisions on who gets funded medicine – full interview with candidate Todd Stephenson:
Went to the pharmacy to day to pick up a prescription. The young man handed smiled and said "I trust you have been economically productive today sir – it is a Monday and you are out and about. You seem to be an older gentleman but otherwise fit and sprightly. Do you have a timesheet or authorisation from your employer to be idle on a Monday morning? Your lingering painful death would be regrettable at a personal level, but makes sense economically".
The add was not from a political party but the Union who spend 20k of fees for that. To which Chris Hipkins said it has nothing to do with Labour. Really?
And herein lies the character flaw. The add is in itself very questionable if an organisation who lives of the money of wage earners is openly electioneering and takes sides in political terms to influence the public.
We want to hear what the vision for NZ is but all we see is what it ought not to be.
First you say the CTU/trade unions should not be involved in politics, despite their affiliation to the Labour Party. The Taxpayers Union is registered as a trade union and clearly aligned to the National Party. Not an issue?
Second in some paradox then say Labour is to blame for what the union did, because of the affiliation to the Labour Party ….unions not being involved in politics …
Does National not take donations from businesses?
The idea that the union movements and workers have no political interest in the removal of the Fair Pay Agreement – which is akin to that in Oz, where wages are higher and working conditions better is absurd.
You never were going to vote Labour. I called Luxon a phony just now in that he pretends to be somebody he isn't. I call you out as a phony pretending to be an honest citizen when in reality you just make things up to suit some pitiful, personal little agenda.
OMG. How almost spiteful that comment is. I wasn't aware that the standard of discussion is dropping that low. But this seems to fit the issue at hand. For the record, I have been a fan of Helen Clark and Michael Cullen in years past. But this government is incapable of showing a vision, uniting people and providing some firm direction. So lets just look at some of the facts lately, shall we? For example, Immigration. What kind of policy is that where criminals are allowed to enter the county and NZ is now open to the underworld of other nations? Ok, Education. Why is it that we still have an issue with kids going back to school? No, I do not accept any more of this softly softly something. 40% functional illiteracy is unacceptable. Who will pay for their upkeep in 20 years time? Lets move to finance. The amount of money that is wasted on consultants is mind boggling. Meanwhile the infrastructure falls apart. No one talks anymore about the sewer and water pipes that fall into disrepair. To confronting? It must be election time. I will not go to the cost of living issue because this would take too long. Suffice to say that the decisions of this government has got us way beyond what was necessary, i.e. printing money like confetti. These points are wort a discussion and I want to know what the practical and real plans are to get a far better outcome than what we see. This is not for hobby professionals, we need the real McCoy here.
So, with that said I doubt that a recovery out of this is in sight. Prove me wrong.
Three cheers for the CTU. I'd donate serious money if they did same for Seymour.
One wonders what that lot are planning to wrap up into a nice little package of govt departments that they can sell off. Pharmac and the hospitals springs to mind. We've seen a precursor of this by the brown skid mark and the auckland airport shares.
What is the higher ground of which you speak? And, am I correct that you seem to be ascribing it to the Nats, those of the bottom feeder mentality.
Pretty low ground I would have thought to call any fellow human being 'a bottom feeder'. Especially from one who ostensibly espouses a Christian ethos, even allowing for the fact that churches of the type he attends are ones called prosperity churches. .
Saw this poster on a street in Wellington's Taranaki Street last night, Luxon looking like a cross between Muldoon and Mussolini. Too much risk is right, considering the likes of who would be in cabinet, ref. Joe90 at #3 above.
You have to be very careful what sort of pictures you use on posters, billboards.
I remember way back in 1975 there was a rather bad picture of Bill Rowling used on posters that when a small moustache was drawn on it made him look uncomfortably close to Hitler, and of course the Rugby Men for Rob did exactly that thinking it was a huge joke.
Luxon's roadmap for foreign buyers is building yet another cliff up to foreign super-elites to own us all. That's reminiscent of neither Mussolini nor Muldoon but I fundamentally object to policies of deliberate wealth disparity.
It's amazing they can run a whole article without bothering to ask if there's any truth to the statements. Not that Nats would admit that there is, but it would be journalistic to get them to deny it. Surely?
This is an excellent and crucial watch. The doctor in question argues only facts. The scariest bit is that these clinics place the onus of medical knowledge on the confused child. It's a vicious ploy for money.
The National party was such a cringeworthy affair. Goes to show that money cannot buy class.
I felt second hand embarrassment for the Luxon family of the glorious locks. ‘Didn’t get them from dad’ It was flat out hilarious. Only in 🇺🇸 America…. oh,wait… Manukau. Ok then. Still hilarious.
Just needed pom poms, ra ra skirts, swinging blonde ponytails (just for key) and seventy six trombones.
Does Luxon think deep down that he will be President of the Worlds newest tax haven to be. Just joking.
Instead ,if there is no justice in this world, he will be elected just a lowly Prime Minister.
Apparently there were no policies, no costing and a sprinkling of fairy dust from the ever so dim Willis, who is confident that everything will add up because she says so.
The whole show was just plain tacky. I did feel sorry for the kids however. Not so much for the wife who made me gag. Although that could have been the glass of wine I had just consumed…….The wine was the best bit by far.
Good on her for trying. I think authentic and ethical were the ones she mentioned. My partner immediately commented that the opposite of those attributes must have been very prominent in the word clouds generated from focus groups.
Claire Trevett usually backs the right but today she said this:
It was a different experience watching National’s launch on-screen to being there in person. It was very slickly produced and clearly produced to look and sound good on television. Those who watched it on screen said it did indeed look and sound high-energy.
From the back of the theatre, however, it seemed surprisingly subdued and low on energy.
That could have been down to the venue – a large theatre which National did not manage to fill, or to the differences in the party base: Labour’s supporters chant and whoop, while National’s are more prone to polite clapping and save the whoops for special occasions.
So as usual National has all the expensive glossy bells and whistles but lacks substance.
I thought it was pretty unauthentic to have American-accented kids banging on about how "kiwi" they were. Piss off, you haven't bothered to live here long enough to make an attempt at the accent, you have no idea what you're talking about.
(And no, this doesn't apply to adult immigrants, who are net contributors. Their kids are millions of times more kiwi than these Yankee phonies.)
Observations from yesterday's Sunday programme. The PM came over as completely natural, genuine, with a quirky sense of humour, likeable, and dedicated to do his best for NZ.
Luxon came over as pompous, self-important, and as if he had pre-scripted everything he said (as if he had been PR advised). Tried too hard to be likeable.
Even more so, when talking to the press about the CTU page of Luxon, and Bishop's bleat about nastiness. Chris Hipkins laughed and explained that is what happens when you put yourself up for office with dodgy numbers.
He said if Labour had called a press conference for each attack ad there would have been many, and he produced NP member ad, Tax grp ads and a National Party one, and laughingly commented about them and attacks by Ground Swell Tax payers Union and the Thompson Group, all offshoots of the National Party.
The quiet reflection of the reporters when he said he thought the complaint was actually running a diversion over their failed numbers spoke volumes.
Is it possible for some skilled body to put that stand up on here?
Having just listened for a second time to this session, the difference between Chris Hipkins and Chris Luxon is so stark. Hipkins is laid back, natural, friendly and easy to listen to. He knows exactly how to handle the media without alienating them.
Chris Luxon on the other hand comes across to me as lacking truly natural qualities. It is as though he is pretending to be someone he isn't in reality and plays cat and mouse games with his audience. In short he is a phony.
There is much talk about the "squeezed middle" (right wing/NAct talk mostly).
I remember there was this from..2020.
The number of New Zealand retirees getting their superannuation while earning more than $100,000 has topped 30,000 – costing taxpayers more than half a billion dollars each year.
Oh sorry. I had better say..I am definitely not going on at Superannuitants in general !
Its just the whole "squeezed middle", entitled "Retired" set…who are also on… quite a good income, even over a $100 K and claiming "their" Super… while as I say..punching down on the "bottom feeders."
And..they would not ever see the Irony of any of that.
The number of New Zealand retirees getting their superannuation while earning more than $100,000 has topped 30,000 – costing taxpayers more than half a billion dollars each year.
It doesn't matter how much you earn, the super amount remains the same.
Its why I am a fan of income testing (not asset testing) with superannuation paid by IRD as they can easily verify whether in any one fortnight your income will break the threshold of say, $150k p.a. ($5769 gross per fortnight).
If it's good enough to penalise low paid beneficiaries for any dollar over $150 a week they earn, it's good enough to penalise those over 65 for every dollar over $2,884.50 they earn.
Not a fan of asset testing otherwise the single widow that doesn't work living in a mortgage free home will not receive pension, therefore no way to pay their bills, and being forced to sell their own home just generates additional poverty.
You do know that max tax applies? Yes? Essentially, those who have gained an education, worked and contributed are taxed at max rate once 48K pre tax is reached. 8 hrs at living wage rate per week is still ok before the jump to max tax happens. So before you go on with those 100K earners (which cant be many) it is those who still can work and do so – not by choice but necessity -to make end meet with an inflation rate of averaging 18% who are immensely affected. Interestingly, as a tax payer you get treated as an individual, as a pensioner you are a herd animal.
2020, there were 792000 pensioners, 30000 would comprise 3.79%.
40% of retirees live off the pension only. This is where the focus ought to be in my view. What kind of country does NZ want to be? How will the future look like with 40% leaving school and unable to read comprehensively and AI being introduced. How will this impact on the living standard? Where are the discussions about how this will affect the future of all people in NZ.
Relating to my comment prior:
How much can a pensioner earn before it affects the pension NZ?
the first $160 of combined income a week (before tax) doesn't affect your payments. for every $1 you get over $160, your total NZ Super or Veteran's Pension payment is reduced by 70 cents.
I don't know what "punch down" types are. All I know is that many older people are scared that they cannot meet their rates, rent, electricity and food bills. Many actually don't if they wouldn't continue working.
"And New Zealand has one of the highest rates of people aged 65+ still working 24%. This compares to the UK rate of 10%, Australia 12%, USA 19%, Japan 20% and Iceland 35%"
Well then string me up .I’m on the pension and I also earn well over $160 a week .This affects my tax, but not my pension This goes through an old school type accountant, who is absolutely by the book , and all information goes to IRD.You are talking nonsense.
The pension only becomes abated when there is a non qualifying partner included
Facts 2023 Francesca. Fact. I posted links to the IRD website and stats above, these are not interpretations of the current tax law. But I appreciate that a person on their own gets more pension. The tax – and I can reassure you that is a FACT – after earning more than 48K including the pension is the top rate like someone earning 180K. It wont hurt if you earn 100K but it sure does on 50K.
The links supplied are official links and not an interpretation. Facts and not "I want this to be true". But hey, you live with what you belief, its all good.
National’s finance spokesperson Nicola Willis @NicolaWillisMP says their tax on foreign buyers will not be inflationary if New Zealanders “choose to save” that new money in the economy.
Chris the Lesser appears to have a very short memory. He just needs to look back at Keys days where our politics descended into the gutter. Dirty Politics. David Cunliffe. Paula Bennett gleefully publicising the benefit details of two young women who dared to stand up to her. Totally humiliating them. And the list goes on if you care to look. Verbal abuse was common from the braying national asses. So he needs to go back and do a bit of revision and see keys time in Parliament for what it truly was. Thugs mentality. Then he can put his dummy back in. He looks like he needs a good sleep.
On the weekend a finance/property commentator on radio or maybe TV,( QandA ? ), as I recall, said the value to a landlord of the return of tax deductible interest should be worth about an 8k on average to an owner. Its essentially a tax cut. Now I have a COI here as we own a renter, a house we physicly built on my own for my mother in law, which is now rented within the whanau at a below average rate, but I do not believe mortgages for leverage should be tax deductible.
Now nowhere have I heard commentary that this means that in Luxon's scheme Willis has theoreticly given him a $56,000 tax advantage and herself who apparently has 5 houses, gets $40.000.
100K for just the 2 of them. Now that's what corruption looks like boys and girls.
P.s. not sure about the Willis 5 houses, only heard about that a few days ago. Can anyone confirm please.
Care to explain, how taxpayers pay money to overseas shareholders? Shareholders are paid out of company/corporate revenues (occasionally via debt finance).
From moneys paid under good will (LOL, yeah right… hop and skip in the world of the free und honest in lala land) from the government to corporates during covid.
Weka. Apologies. New to this. Was referring to Chris Bishop spitting the dummy and accusing Chris Hipkins of dirty politics by being behind the publishing of Chris Luxons rather large photo in the Herald with accompanying article. He offered no proof relating to his accusation which in itself could be seen as libellous.
Best way to ensure readers know who or what you are referring to, is to respond to someone involved in the subject matter by hitting the 'reply' button first. For instance , I knew who you were referring to because I posted the link in the first place.
Its easy to forget to hit 'reply', in which case you end up out of the conversation and risk no-one knowing what you're talking about. 😉
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It gives me the biggest kick to learn that something I’ve enthused about has been enough to make you say Go on then, I'm going to do it. The e-bikes, the hearing aids, the prostate health, the cheese puffs. And now the solar power. Yes! Happy to share the details.We ...
Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park from the Gigafact team in collaboration with members from our team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Can CO2 be ...
The old bastard left his ties and his suitA brown box, mothballs and bowling shoesAnd his opinion so you'd never have to choosePretty soon, you'll be an old bastard tooYou get smaller as the world gets bigThe more you know you know you don't know shit"The whiz man" will never ...
..Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.The Numbers2024 could easily have been National’s “Annus Horribilis” and 2025 shows no signs of a reprieve for our Landlord PM Chris Luxon and his inept Finance Minister Nikki “Noboats” Willis.Several polls last year ...
This Friday afternoon, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced an overhaul of the Waitangi Tribunal.The government has effectively cleared house - appointing 8 new members - and combined with October’s appointment of former ACT leader Richard Prebble, that’s 9 appointees.[I am not certain, but can only presume, Prebble went in ...
The state of the current economy may be similar to when National left office in 2017.In December, a couple of days after the Treasury released its 2024 Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update (HEYFU24), Statistics New Zealand reported its estimate for volume GDP for the previous September 24 quarter. Instead ...
So what becomes of you, my love?When they have finally stripped you ofThe handbags and the gladragsThat your poor old granddadHad to sweat to buy you, babySongwriter: Mike D'aboIn yesterday’s newsletter, I expressed sadness at seeing Golriz Ghahraman back on the front pages for shoplifting. As someone who is no ...
It’s Friday and time for another roundup of things that caught our attention this week. This post, like all our work, is brought to you by a largely volunteer crew and made possible by generous donations from our readers and fans. If you’d like to support our work, you can join ...
Note: This Webworm discusses sexual assault and rape. Please read with care.Hi,A few weeks ago I reported on how one of New Zealand’s richest men, Nick Mowbray (he and his brother own Zuru and are worth an estimated $20 billion), had taken to sharing posts by a British man called ...
The final Atlas Network playbook puzzle piece is here, and it slipped in to Aotearoa New Zealand with little fan fare or attention. The implications are stark.Today, writes Dr Bex, the submission for the Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill closes: 11:59pm January 16, 2025.As usual, the language of the ...
Excitement in the seaside village! Look what might be coming! 400 million dollars worth of investment! In the very beating heart of the village! Are we excited and eager to see this happen, what with every last bank branch gone and shops sitting forlornly quiet awaiting a customer?Yes please, apply ...
Much discussion has been held over the Regulatory Standards Bill (RSB), the latest in a series of rightwing attempts to enshrine into law pro-market precepts such as the primacy of private property ownership. Underneath the good governance and economic efficiency gobbledegook language of the Bill is an interest to strip ...
We are concerned that the Amendment Bill, as proposed, could impair the operations and legitimate interests of the NZ Trade Union movement. It is also likely to negatively impact the ability of other civil society actors to conduct their affairs without the threat of criminal sanctions. We ask that ...
I can't take itHow could I fake it?How could I fake it?And I can't take itHow could I fake it?How could I fake it?Song: The Lonely Biscuits.“A bit nippy”, I thought when I woke this morning, and then, soon after that, I wondered whether hell had frozen over. Dear friends, ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to stand firm and work with allies to progress climate action as Donald Trump signals his intent to pull out of the Paris Climate Accords once again. ...
The Green Party has welcomed the provisional ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, and reiterated its call for New Zealand to push for an end to the unlawful occupation of Palestine. ...
The Green Party welcomes the extension of the deadline for Treaty Principles Bill submissions but continues to call on the Government to abandon the Bill. ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced three new diplomatic appointments. “Our diplomats play an important role in ensuring New Zealand’s interests are maintained and enhanced across the world,” Mr Peters says. “It is a pleasure to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ...
Ki te kahore he whakakitenga, ka ngaro te Iwi – without a vision, the people will perish. The Government has achieved its target to reduce the number of households in emergency housing motels by 75 per cent five years early, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. The number of households ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced the new membership of the Public Advisory Committee on Disarmament and Arms Control (PACDAC), who will serve for a three-year term. “The Committee brings together wide-ranging expertise relevant to disarmament. We have made six new appointments to the Committee and reappointed two existing members ...
Ka nui te mihi kia koutou. Kia ora, good morning, talofa, malo e lelei, bula vinaka, da jia hao, namaste, sat sri akal, assalamu alaikum. It’s so great to be here and I’m ready and pumped for 2025. Can I start by acknowledging: Simon Bridges – CEO of the Auckland ...
The Government has unveiled a bold new initiative to position New Zealand as a premier destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) that will create higher paying jobs and grow the economy. “Invest New Zealand will streamline the investment process and provide tailored support to foreign investors, to increase capital investment ...
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced the largest reset of the New Zealand science system in more than 30 years with reforms which will boost the economy and benefit the sector. “The reforms will maximise the value of the $1.2 billion in government funding that goes into ...
Turbocharging New Zealand’s economic growth is the key to brighter days ahead for all Kiwis, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. In the Prime Minister’s State of the Nation Speech in Auckland today, Christopher Luxon laid out the path to the prosperity that will affect all aspects of New Zealanders’ lives. ...
The latest set of accounts show the Government has successfully checked the runaway growth of public spending, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “In the previous government’s final five months in office, public spending was almost 10 per cent higher than for the same period the previous year. “That is completely ...
The Government’s welfare reforms are delivering results with the number of people moving off benefits into work increasing year-on-year for six straight months. “There are positive signs that our welfare reset and the return consequences for job seekers who don't fulfil their obligations to prepare for or find a job ...
Jon Kroll and Aimee McCammon have been appointed to the New Zealand Film Commission Board, Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “I am delighted to appoint these two new board members who will bring a wealth of industry, governance, and commercial experience to the Film Commission. “Jon Kroll has been an ...
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has hailed a drop in the domestic component of inflation, saying it increases the prospect of mortgage rate reductions and a lower cost of living for Kiwi households. Stats NZ reported today that inflation was 2.2 per cent in the year to December, the second consecutive ...
Two new appointed members and one reappointed member of the Employment Relations Authority have been announced by Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden today. “I’m pleased to announce the new appointed members Helen van Druten and Matthew Piper to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) and welcome them to ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has delivered a refreshed team focused on unleashing economic growth to make people better off, create more opportunities for business and help us afford the world-class health and education Kiwis deserve. “Last year, we made solid progress on the economy. Inflation has fallen significantly and now ...
Veterans’ Affairs and a pan-iwi charitable trust have teamed up to extend the reach and range of support available to veterans in the Bay of Plenty, Veterans Minister Chris Penk says. “A major issue we face is identifying veterans who are eligible for support,” Mr Penk says. “Incredibly, we do ...
A host of new appointments will strengthen the Waitangi Tribunal and help ensure it remains fit for purpose, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says. “As the Tribunal nears its fiftieth anniversary, the appointments coming on board will give it the right balance of skills to continue its important mahi hearing ...
Almost 22,000 FamilyBoost claims have been paid in the first 15 days of the year, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The ability to claim for FamilyBoost’s second quarter opened on January 1, and since then 21,936 claims have been paid. “I’m delighted people have made claiming FamilyBoost a priority on ...
The Government has delivered a funding boost to upgrade critical communication networks for Maritime New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand, ensuring frontline search and rescue services can save lives and keep Kiwis safe on the water, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “New Zealand has ...
Mahi has begun that will see dozens of affordable rental homes developed in Gisborne - a sign the Government’s partnership with Iwi is enabling more homes where they’re needed most, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. Mr Potaka attended a sod-turning ceremony to mark the start of earthworks for 48 ...
New Zealand welcomes the ceasefire deal to end hostilities in Gaza, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Over the past 15 months, this conflict has caused incomprehensible human suffering. We acknowledge the efforts of all those involved in the negotiations to bring an end to the misery, particularly the US, Qatar ...
The Associate Minster of Transport has this week told the community that work is progressing to ensure they have a secure and suitable shipping solution in place to give the Island certainty for its future. “I was pleased with the level of engagement the Request for Information process the Ministry ...
Associate Health Minister David Seymour says he is proud of the Government’s commitment to increasing medicines access for New Zealanders, resulting in a big uptick in the number of medicines being funded. “The Government is putting patients first. In the first half of the current financial year there were more ...
New Zealand's first-class free trade deal and investment treaty with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been signed. In Abu Dhabi, together with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, New Zealand Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, witnessed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and accompanying investment treaty ...
The latest NZIER Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion, which shows the highest level of general business confidence since 2021, is a sign the economy is moving in the right direction, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “When businesses have the confidence to invest and grow, it means more jobs and higher ...
Events over the last few weeks have highlighted the importance of strong biosecurity to New Zealand. Our staff at the border are increasingly vigilant after German authorities confirmed the country's first outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in nearly 40 years on Friday in a herd of water buffalo ...
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee reminds the public that they now have an opportunity to have their say on the rewrite of the Arms Act 1983. “As flagged prior to Christmas, the consultation period for the Arms Act rewrite has opened today and will run through until 28 February 2025,” ...
Complaints about disruptive behaviour now handled in around 13 days (down from around 60 days a year ago) 553 Section 55A notices issued by Kāinga Ora since July 2024, up from 41 issued during the same period in the previous year. Of that 553, first notices made up around 83 ...
The time it takes to process building determinations has improved significantly over the last year which means fewer delays in homes being built, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “New Zealand has a persistent shortage of houses. Making it easier and quicker for new homes to be built will ...
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden is pleased to announce the annual list of New Zealand’s most popular baby names for 2024. “For the second consecutive year, Noah has claimed the top spot for boys with 250 babies sharing the name, while Isla has returned to the most popular ...
Work is set to get underway on a new bus station at Westgate this week. A contract has been awarded to HEB Construction to start a package of enabling works to get the site ready in advance of main construction beginning in mid-2025, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“A new Westgate ...
Minister for Children and for Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Karen Chhour is encouraging people to use the resources available to them to get help, and to report instances of family and sexual violence amongst their friends, families, and loved ones who are in need. “The death of a ...
If you believe Prime Minister Chris Luxon economic growth will solve our problems and, if this is not just around the corner, it is at least on the horizon. It won’t be too long before things are “awesome” again. If you believe David Seymour the country is beset by much greater ...
Opinion: New Zealand’s universities are failing to prepare students for the entrepreneurial realities of the modern economy. That is a key finding of the Science System Advisory Group report released Thursday as part of the Government’s major science sector overhaul.The report highlights major gaps in entrepreneurship and industry-focused training. PhD ...
I first met Neve at a house party in Mount Maunganui. She was tall, blonde and tanned. An influencer typecast. She wore a string of pearls and a shell necklace that sat around her collarbones, and a silk dress that barely passed her crotch. Her hair was in tight curls—I ...
The Angry LeftSummer in New Zealand, and what does Christopher Luxon do about it? He goes fishing. Unbelievable.And worse, he does it in a boat. How tone-deaf is that? There he is, fishing, at sea, in a boat that would be better put to some practical use, like housing. How ...
A Complete Unknown may be fictionalised but it gets the key parts right. What is biography for? Especially the biopic, in which years and people and facts must be compressed into a mass-audience-friendly, sub-three-hour format. And what does biography do with an artist as immortal, inimitable and unwilling as Bob ...
The pool is a summery delight for swimmers and a smart move from the mayor. Last week I walked through Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter, commando and braless. After smugly setting off that morning for my second swim at the Karanga Plaza pool, dubbed Browny’s Pool by mayor Wayne Brown, I realised ...
Following his headline act in the Christchurch Buskers Festival, Alex Casey chats to Sam Wills about spending two decades as the elusive Tape Face. It’s a Thursday night at The Isaac Theatre Royal in Ōtautahi, and the fly swats, rubbish bags, and coat hangers littered across the stage make it ...
In my late 50s, I discovered long-distance hiking – and woke up to a new life infused with the rhythms of nature. The Spinoff Essay showcases the best essayists in Aotearoa, on topics big and small. Made possible by the generous support of our members.It began innocuously, just before my ...
The comedian and actor takes us through his life in television, including the British sitcom that changed his life and the trauma of 80s Telethons. You may know him best as Murray from Flight of the Conchords, or Stede Bonnet from Our Flag Means Death, but Rhys Darby is taking ...
Madeleine Chapman reflects on the week that was. Nearly every piece of advice or social trend can be boiled down to encouraging people to say “yes” more or “no” more. Dating advice has a foundation of saying yes, putting yourself out there, being open to new people and possibilities. The ...
Asia Pacific Report The Fijians for Palestine Solidarity Network (FPSN) and its allies have called for “justice and accountability” over Israel’s 15 months of genocide and war crimes. The Pacific-based network met in a solidarity gathering last night in the capital Suva hosted by the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and ...
Analysis - There needs to be recognition of the significant risks associated with focusing on mining and tourism, Glenn Banks and Regina Scheyvens write. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Patrick Taylor, Chief Environmental Scientist, EPA Victoria; Honorary Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University Andriana Syvanych/Shutterstock Most of us are fortunate that, when we turn on the tap, clean, safe and high-quality water comes out. But a senate inquiry ...
Analysis: Try as they might, Christopher Luxon and his partners in NZ First have been unable to distance themselves from the division caused by the Treaty Principles Bill, hampering the potential for further progress in areas where the Prime Minister believes the Crown and tangata whenua can collaborate.While the celebration ...
The Treaty Principles Bill continues to dog the National Party despite Luxon's repeated efforts to communicate the legislation will not go beyond second reading. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julia Richardson, Professor of Human Resource Management, Head of School of Management, Curtin University Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock US President Donald Trump has called time on working from home. An executive order signed on the first day of his presidency this week requires all ...
The prime minister says he can mend the relationship with Māori after the bill is voted down, and he would refuse a future referendum in the next election's coalition negotiations. ...
Forest & Bird will continue to support New Zealanders to oppose these destructive activities and reminds the Prime Minister that in 2010, 40,000 people marched down Queen Street, demanding that high-value conservation land be protected from mining. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Glenn Banks, Professor of Geography, School of People, Environment and Planning, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University Getty Images Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s state-of-the-nation address yesterday focused on growth above all else. We shouldn’t rush to judgement, but at least ...
RNZ Pacific Fiji’s Minister for Health and Medical Services has declared an HIV outbreak. Dr Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu announced 1093 new HIV cases from the period of January to September 2024. “This declaration reflects the alarming reality that HIV is evolving faster than our current services can cater for,” ...
Acting PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons says the ACT proposals would take money from public services and funnel it towards private providers. Privatisation will inevitably mean syphoning money off from providing services for all to pay profits ...
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A new poem by Zoë Deans. Fleeced just call me Hemingway because I’m earnest get it? I’m always falling for it, always saying “really?” mammal-eyed me, begging for the next epiphany, gagging for the magic, hot for sweetness and spring. tell me the stories of the world bounding along all ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (Piatkus, $38) “Get your leathers, we have dragons to ride,” goes ...
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Pacific Media Watch The Al Jazeera Network has condemned the arrest of its occupied West Bank correspondent by Palestinian security services as a bid by the Israeli occupation to “block media coverage” of the military attack on Jenin. Israeli soldiers have killed at least 12 Palestinians in the three-day military ...
An A-to-Z cheat sheet to help you keep up with the awards chat this year.It’s hard to stay on top of awards buzz here in Aotearoa, especially when all the announcements tend to happen when we’re all off the grid and at the beach. The Golden Globes, for example, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Lowe, Chair in Contemporary History, Deakin University After many years of heated debate over whether January 26 is an appropriate date to celebrate Australia Day – with some councils and other groups shifting away from it – the tide appears to ...
While our health ministry has announced a review on puberty blockers (but not yet produced a brief AFAIK), Channel 7 broke the silence in Australia last night.
The Spotlight programme "Detransitioners" was shown at 7 pm.
At present there is no link to the full programme, but some of the interviews have been posted on their YouTube channel.
Here is one (9min):
https://youtu.be/nTHw6a8bbLE?feature=shared
that's a very good interview.
Snip starting at 6m, mostly the Australian paediatrician speaking,
He goes on to say that he won't refer any of his patients to gender clinics. When has asked them how many of the clinic patients aren't deemed suitable for medical (hormonal and surgical) treatment, the clinic refused to say.
For those still not getting it, as an example from my reading, a young lesbian struggling with her sexed body because she is a sexual abuse survivor and whose friends are telling her she is really a boy, won't be treated for trauma but instead will have her gender identity as a boy affirmed and be put on a transition pathway that includes blocking puberty, eventual removal of breasts, and possible reconstruction of genitals (imo this is still experimental surgery). Lifelong effects include dependence on medication, pain, physical dysfunction, impacts on fertility and sexual function. No treatment for the trauma, or affirmation that it's really ok for women to love women.
Shouty dude nails it.
(nsfw language)
@DeeAngryScot
My favourite take on Burning Man Festival so far
Check out his TikTok for the full thing, bc fuk twitter blue
https://twitter.com/DeeAngryScot/status/1698301288503496842
Tens of thousands of people gathered for the Burning Man festival remained stranded in the Nevada desert on Sunday after storms that swept through the area, as authorities investigated a possible death and worked to open exit paths by the end of the Labor Day weekend.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/celebrities-flee-burning-man-mud-dj-diplo-and-chris-rock-hike-out/RPTKHMBX6JEZVO3GVGH4L5ODKA/
grifting on the grifters
cannibalising the cannibals
professionally angry(well you have to make a buck in the crowded social media world)
Useless eaters, huh.
/
@NZQandA
The ACT party has called for Pharmac to take a “productivity perspective” to decisions on who gets funded medicine – full interview with candidate Todd Stephenson:
https://twitter.com/NZQandA/status/1698209741896389005
Went to the pharmacy to day to pick up a prescription. The young man handed smiled and said "I trust you have been economically productive today sir – it is a Monday and you are out and about. You seem to be an older gentleman but otherwise fit and sprightly. Do you have a timesheet or authorisation from your employer to be idle on a Monday morning? Your lingering painful death would be regrettable at a personal level, but makes sense economically".
Only if he's poor though, if he's a trust fund baby he's all good cause he's just beterer
Is that real???
Yep, front page of The Herald. Imagine National Party HQ this morning…
A paid ad for the CTU.
One can only imagine how much they had to pay for that on the front page.
Still, I'm surprised the Granny Herald actually did it.
I suppose money from your political enemies is still money.
Holy heck, that's huge. And yes, I'm surprised the Herald ran it. Imagine the risk of lost revenue for them.
20K and The Herald gladly took it. As for my take, I am not voting for labour. Underhand bowling moves, a character flaw.
why didn't you complain about all the underhand National/Act cartoons ads etc? Chris Hipkins showed half a dozen today.
The add was not from a political party but the Union who spend 20k of fees for that. To which Chris Hipkins said it has nothing to do with Labour. Really?
And herein lies the character flaw. The add is in itself very questionable if an organisation who lives of the money of wage earners is openly electioneering and takes sides in political terms to influence the public.
We want to hear what the vision for NZ is but all we see is what it ought not to be.
First you say the CTU/trade unions should not be involved in politics, despite their affiliation to the Labour Party. The Taxpayers Union is registered as a trade union and clearly aligned to the National Party. Not an issue?
Second in some paradox then say Labour is to blame for what the union did, because of the affiliation to the Labour Party ….unions not being involved in politics …
Does National not take donations from businesses?
The idea that the union movements and workers have no political interest in the removal of the Fair Pay Agreement – which is akin to that in Oz, where wages are higher and working conditions better is absurd.
You never were going to vote Labour. I called Luxon a phony just now in that he pretends to be somebody he isn't. I call you out as a phony pretending to be an honest citizen when in reality you just make things up to suit some pitiful, personal little agenda.
OMG. How almost spiteful that comment is. I wasn't aware that the standard of discussion is dropping that low. But this seems to fit the issue at hand. For the record, I have been a fan of Helen Clark and Michael Cullen in years past. But this government is incapable of showing a vision, uniting people and providing some firm direction. So lets just look at some of the facts lately, shall we? For example, Immigration. What kind of policy is that where criminals are allowed to enter the county and NZ is now open to the underworld of other nations? Ok, Education. Why is it that we still have an issue with kids going back to school? No, I do not accept any more of this softly softly something. 40% functional illiteracy is unacceptable. Who will pay for their upkeep in 20 years time? Lets move to finance. The amount of money that is wasted on consultants is mind boggling. Meanwhile the infrastructure falls apart. No one talks anymore about the sewer and water pipes that fall into disrepair. To confronting? It must be election time. I will not go to the cost of living issue because this would take too long. Suffice to say that the decisions of this government has got us way beyond what was necessary, i.e. printing money like confetti. These points are wort a discussion and I want to know what the practical and real plans are to get a far better outcome than what we see. This is not for hobby professionals, we need the real McCoy here.
So, with that said I doubt that a recovery out of this is in sight. Prove me wrong.
So you believe right talking points about everything, and now the ad.
Stupendous demonstration of herd thinking.
Thank-you for proving my point fw. 🙂
I think you should ask your favourite party to drop off a supply of paragraphs to you.
Then you can rewrite your stream of consciousness post above.
Three cheers for the CTU. I'd donate serious money if they did same for Seymour.
One wonders what that lot are planning to wrap up into a nice little package of govt departments that they can sell off. Pharmac and the hospitals springs to mind. We've seen a precursor of this by the brown skid mark and the auckland airport shares.
National are already whinging about dirty Labour party tactics.
Yeah that's right!
National.
The party that in 2005 hired the Exclusive Bretheren to run a smear campaign against Labour and the Greens in Auckland suburbs.
The pot calling the kettle black.
And two wrongs do not make one right. If someone takes the higher ground, better not show the character flaw.
However, what's sauce for the goose IS sauce for the gander. The Nats love them some sauce.
What is the higher ground of which you speak? And, am I correct that you seem to be ascribing it to the Nats, those of the bottom feeder mentality.
Pretty low ground I would have thought to call any fellow human being 'a bottom feeder'. Especially from one who ostensibly espouses a Christian ethos, even allowing for the fact that churches of the type he attends are ones called prosperity churches. .
Saw this poster on a street in Wellington's Taranaki Street last night, Luxon looking like a cross between Muldoon and Mussolini. Too much risk is right, considering the likes of who would be in cabinet, ref. Joe90 at #3 above.
You have to be very careful what sort of pictures you use on posters, billboards.
I remember way back in 1975 there was a rather bad picture of Bill Rowling used on posters that when a small moustache was drawn on it made him look uncomfortably close to Hitler, and of course the Rugby Men for Rob did exactly that thinking it was a huge joke.
And 24 hours later, the message at the bottom of the poster on Taranaki Street has been torn away.
So much for some people's idea of Freedom.
That'll be the Free-dumb crowd. They only like their own freedom – not anyone else's.
+1000
Luxon's roadmap for foreign buyers is building yet another cliff up to foreign super-elites to own us all. That's reminiscent of neither Mussolini nor Muldoon but I fundamentally object to policies of deliberate wealth disparity.
National responds:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/gloves-off-national-party-unleashes-at-nasty-chris-hipkins-and-union-advertisement-in-the-herald/BQSJXF7ABNGFPPORVWIM35C57Q/
It's amazing they can run a whole article without bothering to ask if there's any truth to the statements. Not that Nats would admit that there is, but it would be journalistic to get them to deny it. Surely?
Viva Il Dope!
Viva Il Luce
This is an excellent and crucial watch. The doctor in question argues only facts. The scariest bit is that these clinics place the onus of medical knowledge on the confused child. It's a vicious ploy for money.
-meant to reply to comment 1 –
The National party was such a cringeworthy affair. Goes to show that money cannot buy class.
I felt second hand embarrassment for the Luxon family of the glorious locks. ‘Didn’t get them from dad’ It was flat out hilarious. Only in 🇺🇸 America…. oh,wait… Manukau. Ok then. Still hilarious.
Just needed pom poms, ra ra skirts, swinging blonde ponytails (just for key) and seventy six trombones.
Does Luxon think deep down that he will be President of the Worlds newest tax haven to be. Just joking.
Instead ,if there is no justice in this world, he will be elected just a lowly Prime Minister.
Apparently there were no policies, no costing and a sprinkling of fairy dust from the ever so dim Willis, who is confident that everything will add up because she says so.
The whole show was just plain tacky. I did feel sorry for the kids however. Not so much for the wife who made me gag. Although that could have been the glass of wine I had just consumed…….The wine was the best bit by far.
Did you see John Campbell interviewing Luxon's wife and kids?
The wifes nose grew as she spoke about Christophers compelling attribute…..'authenticity'!
Good on her for trying. I think authentic and ethical were the ones she mentioned. My partner immediately commented that the opposite of those attributes must have been very prominent in the word clouds generated from focus groups.
Claire Trevett usually backs the right but today she said this:
So as usual National has all the expensive glossy bells and whistles but lacks substance.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/election-2023-christopher-luxons-campaign-launch-mission-to-look-like-a-prime-minister-in-waiting/RCSBWNDML5FHNG5PSAGU6KYN2Q/
I thought it was pretty unauthentic to have American-accented kids banging on about how "kiwi" they were. Piss off, you haven't bothered to live here long enough to make an attempt at the accent, you have no idea what you're talking about.
(And no, this doesn't apply to adult immigrants, who are net contributors. Their kids are millions of times more kiwi than these Yankee phonies.)
Canadian ,Taxon…worked at Unilever Canada.
Observations from yesterday's Sunday programme. The PM came over as completely natural, genuine, with a quirky sense of humour, likeable, and dedicated to do his best for NZ.
Luxon came over as pompous, self-important, and as if he had pre-scripted everything he said (as if he had been PR advised). Tried too hard to be likeable.
"Likeable". Jesus wept.
Even more so, when talking to the press about the CTU page of Luxon, and Bishop's bleat about nastiness. Chris Hipkins laughed and explained that is what happens when you put yourself up for office with dodgy numbers.
He said if Labour had called a press conference for each attack ad there would have been many, and he produced NP member ad, Tax grp ads and a National Party one, and laughingly commented about them and attacks by Ground Swell Tax payers Union and the Thompson Group, all offshoots of the National Party.
The quiet reflection of the reporters when he said he thought the complaint was actually running a diversion over their failed numbers spoke volumes.
Is it possible for some skilled body to put that stand up on here?
Here's a question and answer session from Hipkins this morning. CTU Ad question starts at 2:05 mins. The whole 12 mins is worth listening to:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/497236/watch-labour-leader-chris-hipkins-speaks-to-media
Bless
Having just listened for a second time to this session, the difference between Chris Hipkins and Chris Luxon is so stark. Hipkins is laid back, natural, friendly and easy to listen to. He knows exactly how to handle the media without alienating them.
Chris Luxon on the other hand comes across to me as lacking truly natural qualities. It is as though he is pretending to be someone he isn't in reality and plays cat and mouse games with his audience. In short he is a phony.
There is much talk about the "squeezed middle" (right wing/NAct talk mostly).
I remember there was this from..2020.
I have had, the, IMO Misfortune… to work with a range of these. (Maybe not on $100 K? )
Anyway…NAct supporter/voters to a man (and woman)
Also…mostly inveterate haters of : Bene's, (the Irony ! ) Maori, Socialists, Greenies etc; etc;
IMO total self interest and selfish…jerks.
And quite keen to "punch down"….
Oh and FYI for those who “reckon” Im in some kind of “echo chamber” I sure as fuck push back…..
I want to agree… Somewhere… But I can't seem to find the point you're making. Can you clarify? (Genuine q)
Oh sorry. I had better say..I am definitely not going on at Superannuitants in general !
Its just the whole "squeezed middle", entitled "Retired" set…who are also on… quite a good income, even over a $100 K and claiming "their" Super… while as I say..punching down on the "bottom feeders."
And..they would not ever see the Irony of any of that.
If they are earning over $100.000 their pension amount will be minimal.
First paragraph in the link….
No.
It doesn't matter how much you earn, the super amount remains the same.
Its why I am a fan of income testing (not asset testing) with superannuation paid by IRD as they can easily verify whether in any one fortnight your income will break the threshold of say, $150k p.a. ($5769 gross per fortnight).
If it's good enough to penalise low paid beneficiaries for any dollar over $150 a week they earn, it's good enough to penalise those over 65 for every dollar over $2,884.50 they earn.
Not a fan of asset testing otherwise the single widow that doesn't work living in a mortgage free home will not receive pension, therefore no way to pay their bills, and being forced to sell their own home just generates additional poverty.
You do know that max tax applies? Yes? Essentially, those who have gained an education, worked and contributed are taxed at max rate once 48K pre tax is reached. 8 hrs at living wage rate per week is still ok before the jump to max tax happens. So before you go on with those 100K earners (which cant be many) it is those who still can work and do so – not by choice but necessity -to make end meet with an inflation rate of averaging 18% who are immensely affected. Interestingly, as a tax payer you get treated as an individual, as a pensioner you are a herd animal.
Hello ? In the link….In 2020 it was 30,000. Maybe re read it all…and my comments.
I repeat..its those "punch down" types…you know who.
Anti all : Bene's, (the Irony ! ) Maori, Socialists, Greenies etc; etc;
But quite OK… with their own Super Bene…..
2020, there were 792000 pensioners, 30000 would comprise 3.79%.
40% of retirees live off the pension only. This is where the focus ought to be in my view. What kind of country does NZ want to be? How will the future look like with 40% leaving school and unable to read comprehensively and AI being introduced. How will this impact on the living standard? Where are the discussions about how this will affect the future of all people in NZ.
Relating to my comment prior:
How much can a pensioner earn before it affects the pension NZ?
the first $160 of combined income a week (before tax) doesn't affect your payments. for every $1 you get over $160, your total NZ Super or Veteran's Pension payment is reduced by 70 cents.
I don't know what "punch down" types are. All I know is that many older people are scared that they cannot meet their rates, rent, electricity and food bills. Many actually don't if they wouldn't continue working.
"And New Zealand has one of the highest rates of people aged 65+ still working 24%. This compares to the UK rate of 10%, Australia 12%, USA 19%, Japan 20% and Iceland 35%"
https://retirement.govt.nz/policy-and-research/retirement-income-policy-review/
There is every chance those on $100,000 a year plus already own their homes and maybe a rental and have some super savings.
Well then string me up .I’m on the pension and I also earn well over $160 a week .This affects my tax, but not my pension This goes through an old school type accountant, who is absolutely by the book , and all information goes to IRD.You are talking nonsense.
The pension only becomes abated when there is a non qualifying partner included
Facts 2023 Francesca. Fact. I posted links to the IRD website and stats above, these are not interpretations of the current tax law. But I appreciate that a person on their own gets more pension. The tax – and I can reassure you that is a FACT – after earning more than 48K including the pension is the top rate like someone earning 180K. It wont hurt if you earn 100K but it sure does on 50K.
You have not linked to any page on the site saying that.
Fact check
Untrue.
No, coz it aint so.
The top rate kicks in at over $180,000. Income tax applies at the marginal rate – super + interest/dividends/rent + work income ….
The links supplied are official links and not an interpretation. Facts and not "I want this to be true". But hey, you live with what you belief, its all good.
The links supplied are official links. I referred to facts and not "I want this to be true". But hey, you live with what you belief, its all good.
Then provide one which says an 18% inflation rate. And stop pretending that you have already.
Pot calling the kettle black….Chris Bishop rails against CTU ads featuring Luxon.Americanised,attack ads,nasty …he says.
Election 2023: Council of Trade Unions rolls out attack ads targeting Christopher Luxon, National hits back | Newshub
National relentlessly negative for 6 years, ctu points out that millionaire cei is out of touch with kiwis , and they start crying,
No matter how the opposition is described, this was a dirty move. Full stop. And it shows a serious character flaw.
'a serious character flaw'!Are you serious ?
These are politicians ffs.
No, this was the Union living off contributions from wage earners doing electioneering.
Only from union members (and unions affiliated to the Labour Party) not all "wage earners"
And why, to retain the Fair Pay Agreement.
Apparently there's a cost of living crisis but don't spend your tax relief pittance on easing your cost of living crisis.
/
Q+A
@NZQandA
National’s finance spokesperson Nicola Willis @NicolaWillisMP says their tax on foreign buyers will not be inflationary if New Zealanders “choose to save” that new money in the economy.
https://twitter.com/NZQandA/status/1698086315835949466
I thought it was for icecream and dad's??
Chris the Lesser appears to have a very short memory. He just needs to look back at Keys days where our politics descended into the gutter. Dirty Politics. David Cunliffe. Paula Bennett gleefully publicising the benefit details of two young women who dared to stand up to her. Totally humiliating them. And the list goes on if you care to look. Verbal abuse was common from the braying national asses. So he needs to go back and do a bit of revision and see keys time in Parliament for what it truly was. Thugs mentality. Then he can put his dummy back in. He looks like he needs a good sleep.
Please explain what you are referring to rather than treating TS like twitter or FB.
On the weekend a finance/property commentator on radio or maybe TV,( QandA ? ), as I recall, said the value to a landlord of the return of tax deductible interest should be worth about an 8k on average to an owner. Its essentially a tax cut. Now I have a COI here as we own a renter, a house we physicly built on my own for my mother in law, which is now rented within the whanau at a below average rate, but I do not believe mortgages for leverage should be tax deductible.
Now nowhere have I heard commentary that this means that in Luxon's scheme Willis has theoreticly given him a $56,000 tax advantage and herself who apparently has 5 houses, gets $40.000.
100K for just the 2 of them. Now that's what corruption looks like boys and girls.
P.s. not sure about the Willis 5 houses, only heard about that a few days ago. Can anyone confirm please.
The Register of Pecuniary Interest 2023 lists four houses:
https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-financial-interests/mps-financial-interests/2023-register-of-pecuniary-and-other-specified-interests-of-members-of-parliament-and-amendments/
Micky Savage wrote yesterday that has a rental and the tax plan will net him about $8,000pa. or about %153pw. He said he didn't need it.
Imagine the return for the three Willis rentals, $461pw. Robbery!
Or Luxon's seven!!
No-one mention conflict of interest.
Corruption is when you pay 16 billion of taxpayer money to overseas shareholders. We have yet to see any action to get these large amounts back.
Care to explain, how taxpayers pay money to overseas shareholders? Shareholders are paid out of company/corporate revenues (occasionally via debt finance).
From moneys paid under good will (LOL, yeah right… hop and skip in the world of the free und honest in lala land) from the government to corporates during covid.
The money was paid to companies to maintain the wages of their New Zealand workers, instead of direct to the workers.
Weka. Apologies. New to this. Was referring to Chris Bishop spitting the dummy and accusing Chris Hipkins of dirty politics by being behind the publishing of Chris Luxons rather large photo in the Herald with accompanying article. He offered no proof relating to his accusation which in itself could be seen as libellous.
You say that you’re “New to this” but as far as I can tell you’ve made 982 comments on this blog site since 29 Nov 2011!?
Best way to ensure readers know who or what you are referring to, is to respond to someone involved in the subject matter by hitting the 'reply' button first. For instance , I knew who you were referring to because I posted the link in the first place.
Its easy to forget to hit 'reply', in which case you end up out of the conversation and risk no-one knowing what you're talking about. 😉
Point taken. If I hit reply my device doesn’t let me use text so I can’t continue from that point.