Open mike 05/08/2021

120 comments on “Open mike 05/08/2021 ”

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1. aom 1

   5 August 2021 at 7:40 am

   Not good to wake up the the first report on RNZ Morning report today.

   The interview was with a Ms Birt, a UK resident Kiwi who sounded as though she may be a self-entitled millenial. She has initiated a petition to reform the Managed Isolation and Quarantine booking system, increase capacity, and consider alternatives for returnees who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

   Admittedly, she made brief mention of 'dire cases' which will inevitably exist and should be dealt with more efficiently and raised the issue of the system being rorted by the IT manipulators. Both are legitimate issues that only the meanest would take exception too.

   However, the overall impression was that are target for signatures are of a different demographic. People like herself who want to swan back home to see family then piss off back overseas, probably to well paid jobs and comfortable life styles, without having the grind of MIQ to contend with.

   Her arguments included that she should be excused the inconvenience of MIQ because she has had covid and both injections. She seems to think that the experts should be guided by the science but what is the science? Just because she has been infected and vaccinated, does that ensure she is not a carrier? It is also a bit rich to imply that our world leading response is not being guided by science.

   Of course, Ms Birt trumpeted the fact that returnees have to wait in line behind the likes of sports people and entertainers. Great God in heaven, haven't those who have remained in NZ, made compromises and acted in the good of all entitled to a bit of payback in the form of liver entertainment?

   Lets hope that RNZ don't sit on their hands all day but seek a countervailing opinion to represent the bulk of NZers, not just the self-entitled who want to have a brief face to face catch-up when the same can be achieved with the help of a bit of technology.
   • Incognito 1.1

     5 August 2021 at 7:50 am

     She should write a letter to The Listener.
   • Janice 1.2

     5 August 2021 at 8:49 am

     Morning Report has become Moaning Report. Anything that shows the Government in a negative leads. They need a good clean out of producers and some reporters need to go as well.
     • Bearded Git 1.2.1

       5 August 2021 at 9:16 am

       Agreed Janice….far too much small-scale moaning and way too little important news such as events in the wider world…except the obsession with the USA of course.

       And when is Moaning Report going to get rid of the weather forecast for every village in NZ at 7.30 and 8.30….I lose 2 minutes of my life every time this useless info comes on. Haven't RNZ realised yet that you can get a far better local forecast in 30 seconds on your phone? Replace it with feedback from listeners-often inciteful.
       • Rosemary McDonald 1.2.1.1

         5 August 2021 at 9:50 am

         Haven't RNZ realised yet that you can get a far better local forecast in 30 seconds on your phone?

         Hmmm…I'm no fan of Natrad, and I'll happily adopt the "Moaning" Report rename, but steady on there with the dismissal of the "village" forecasts.

         Believe it or not, City Folk, there are live human being living out here in the comparative wop wops who are actually engaged with the rest of the country. It doesn't hurt one little bit have our national broadcaster acknowledge our existence once in a while. The weather forecast is just as important to us as it is to you urbanites…perhaps more so. Get rid of our forecast and you might as well ditch radio weather altogether.

         As for the …30 seconds on your phone?… I'm so glad you added the question mark.

         We had a power cut the other day, from Waiharara north to the end of the power lines at Te Paki. Six hours. No internet or 'landline' phone as these don't work in a power cut. Cellphone reception is rubbish most of the time…hence the Uber. The local Four Square had to close and there was no fuel available at the local self serve pumps. We do, however, keep a battery powered radio handy. Just to connect us with the rest of the world. Just in case.

         Quaint, I know, but it is what is is.
         • Stuart Munro 1.2.1.1.1

           5 August 2021 at 10:18 am

           there are live human being living out here in the comparative wop wops who are actually engaged with the rest of the country.

           Hence the popularity of Peter Godfrey's incomparable The New Zealand Weather Forecast (A metrical Psalm)

           Author:Peter Godfrey; St. Mary's Cathedral (Auckland, N.Z.). Choir
       • aj 1.2.1.2

         5 August 2021 at 10:39 am

         Replace it with feedback from listeners-often inciteful.

         You mean insightful I think ? although sometime listen feedback is inciteful.

         
         • Bearded Git 1.2.1.2.1

           5 August 2021 at 10:57 am

           haha AJ …yes I screwed up there big time. Agreed though that feedback often does incite.
       • gsays 1.2.1.3

         5 August 2021 at 1:06 pm

         If we are to edit MR, keep the weather and ditch the reports on the 'markets'. Replace it with a horoscope, far more accurate.
         • Bearded Git 1.2.1.3.1

           6 August 2021 at 11:25 am

           gsays
     • tc 1.2.2

       5 August 2021 at 11:25 am

       Like that's ever happening with this centralist govt.
     • Patricia Bremner 1.2.3

       5 August 2021 at 11:55 am

       Janice I agree!!
   • Bearded Git 1.3

     5 August 2021 at 9:11 am

     +100 aom……heard her interviewed a few days ago and got exactly the same impression. Self-entitled rich kid.
     • aom 1.3.1

       5 August 2021 at 9:43 am

       Bearded Git, I made the comment, "She seems to think that the experts should be guided by the science but what is the science?" I have just come across this on Stuff.

       Also noticed that I referred to 'liver' entertainment – poor editing eh. The mind boggles!
       • Molly 1.3.1.1

         5 August 2021 at 10:18 am

         Back in the day, I used to indulge in quite a lot of 'liver entertainment', till the rest of my body started complaining…
         • aom 1.3.1.1.1

           5 August 2021 at 10:24 am

           Love it Molly!!!
         • Bearded Git 1.3.1.1.2

           5 August 2021 at 10:58 am

           I still do
         • Patricia Bremner 1.3.1.1.3

           5 August 2021 at 12:01 pm

           oh yes!! Red red wine!!
           • Bearded Git 1.3.1.1.3.1

             6 August 2021 at 11:27 am

             Yep….somehow drank a whole bottle while watching NZ do so brilliantly in the cycling last night.
       • McFlock 1.3.1.2

         5 August 2021 at 1:24 pm

         I suspect more than a few have watched the elite sports while having a few drinks 🙂
   • KSaysHi 1.4

     5 August 2021 at 10:57 am

     Agree with her apart from giving vaccinated people more options. They carry the same viral load as unvaccinated, and are just as contagious.

     The idea that vaccinated people are safer to be around is possibly the worst misrepresentation of this entire pandemic.

     Edit: Reference for that claim https://youtu.be/NRP-_2v8mSQ?t=2718
     • Bearded Git 1.4.1

       5 August 2021 at 11:01 am

       Agreed KSays. Boris and friends are spinning this as an excuse to open up the economy….29,000 cases of Covid in UK today.
     • McFlock 1.4.2

       5 August 2021 at 1:30 pm

       2 million vaccinations in NZ, still no community infections from the "just as contagious".

       Should we let hundreds of thousands of people who actually have covid into the country to confirm your "just as contagious" theory?

       Or do you mean "the minority of vaccinated people who become infected with covid after exposure and develop symptoms are as infectious as any other person who catches covid"?
       • WeTheBleeple 1.4.2.1

         5 August 2021 at 6:07 pm

         Thank you. Some BS should not be allowed to fly.
2. Incognito 2

   5 August 2021 at 7:44 am

   Oh no! All they’re doing is collecting data, sitting on their hands, and doing nothing instead of taking action and making policies that are evidence-based. They’ve already ruled a Wealth Tax and a Capital Gains Tax and now we can kiss goodbye an Empty Homes Tax as well. Bloody useless and as bad as that other lot!

   https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/housing-affordability/300373992/government-project-targets-ghost-houses-to-encourage-owners-to-fill-empty-homes
   • Sabine 2.1

     5 August 2021 at 8:24 am

     that is truly encouraging.

     A new government project is investigating how to locate empty ‘ghost homes’, find their owners, and encourage them to bring them back to being occupied.

     Stuff can reveal the Government has allocated $500,000 towards testing initiatives that aim to encourage owners to fill their empty properties.
     • Incognito 2.1.1

       5 August 2021 at 8:36 am

       It has been long in the making and as far as I can tell goes back to at least Census-2013. Obviously, the problem has become more urgent and perhaps we do also have slightly better politicians now although the mind boggles at that idea
     • weka 2.1.2

       5 August 2021 at 9:04 am

       encourage how?
       • Sabine 2.1.2.1

         5 August 2021 at 11:09 am

         well i guess that is 'encouraging'?

         Stuff can reveal the Government has allocated $500,000 towards testing initiatives that aim to encourage owners to fill their empty properties.
         • Molly 2.1.2.1.1

           5 August 2021 at 3:20 pm

           I'm guessing some of that will be spent on surveys.

           Just got one in my inbox today.
   • WeTheBleeple 2.2

     5 August 2021 at 6:08 pm

     Meme time.

     You know I can't live in your ghost houses bro.
   • McFlock 2.3

     5 August 2021 at 6:24 pm

     Good. Another sign of the housing fubar: Stuff is touting some Auckland couple who made double their home value in five years.

     Bought for $1mil, sold for $2mil.

     BUT the thought occurs that if they could service an $800k mortgage, they actually probably did more than merely double their money in five years. Quintipling, more like.

     Meanwhile, most of us rent (individuals, not homes with owner-occupants and maybe a renter). Gotta love class warfare.
3. Jimmy 3

   5 August 2021 at 7:53 am

   Seems like interest rates are now going to rise faster than anticipated. ANZ predicting OCR to be 1.28% this time next year (currently 0.25%). I wonder how many landlords have budgeted for this or will there be numerous articles complaining when the mortgage rates are say 4%-5% (which is still very low historically).
   • WeTheBleeple 3.1

     5 August 2021 at 8:08 am

     This is how the moneyed folks do land grabs these days. Clearing out the natives is frowned upon but given a chance many would still do that too.

     It's really simple. Get everyone buying in seemingly good conditions then jack up the interest rates and BOOM, just like that, mortgagee sales to pounce on. Not only do you knock people out of their properties but you can leave them with sizable debts to keep them down.

     All it takes is a few suits in high places to decide to raise interest rates – because unemployment is low? Or is it those undesirable working class types are gaining ground. They'll waffle for days about how the real reasons are complex beyond mere mortals understanding.

     Whenever the working classes begin to do well be rest assured some rich prick somewhere is planning a way to take what they have.
   • Sabine 3.2

     5 August 2021 at 8:27 am

     Not worried about the landlords, who chances are will simply roll these costs over to the tenants and of course to Winz – who of course will increase Accomodation Benefits if and where they can, just to keep a few of the poor sods in houses.

     I am however worried for everyone who is not a speculator and who bought an over inflated house in the last year. These guys now have houses that will cost way more then many can afford.
   • Bearded Git 3.3

     5 August 2021 at 9:21 am

     A one percent rise in interest rates is not going to bring the world's financial system to its knees. It's a minor correction. Way too much air time is being given to this.

     Now if interest rates were to go up 5-6 percent that might start to hurt.
     • WeTheBleeple 3.3.1

       5 August 2021 at 9:55 am

       1% interest on $900 000 (average NZ house price, June 2021) is $9 000 or paying an extra $180 pw ish – to banks, no gain at all for it. That's all it will take to completely smash the budgets of many.

       Nobody said anything about bringing financial systems to their knees, you just made that up.
       • Nic the NZer 3.3.1.1

         5 August 2021 at 10:02 am

         If an interest rate hike will smash heaps of budgets then the RBNZ won't hike. Your narrative requires the RBNZ to make a serious error in their judgement about this.
       • Molly 3.3.1.2

         5 August 2021 at 10:23 am

         As per recently released information from ASB, we know that it is probable that it will hit at least 39% of their customers, who are at present living pay day to pay day if that increases either their mortgage or rental payments. It may also take in the other !8%, who are currently spending 80% of their income.
   • Patricia Bremner 3.4

     5 August 2021 at 12:04 pm

     Geedy banksters and their ilk!!
4. Incognito 4

   5 August 2021 at 8:17 am

   Judith Collins is back and focussing on matters that matter to Kiwis such as crushing cars of boy & girl racers.

   https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/125964113/crushing-a-car-is-a-good-way-to-remind-street-racers-of-the-law–collins
   • aom 4.1

     5 August 2021 at 8:31 am

     Re Collins, But she said this legislation has worked and can work.

     Wasn't there just one car crushed as a photo-op for JC's successor. Pretty damned ineffective since the targeted behaviour has never diminished. More drivel from the 'ghost that walks' National leader. ACT must love it?
     • Incognito 4.1.1

       5 August 2021 at 8:33 am

       Nicole McKee sounded as the more reasonable one.
     • Patricia Bremner 4.1.2

       5 August 2021 at 12:06 pm

       'The ghost that talks' would fit as well aom.
5. Cricklewood 5

   5 August 2021 at 8:20 am

   It's ironic that the DHB's are headed to the employment court about guaranteed staffing that yet another notice has been served around work conditions. What a fucking shit show in any other industry especially this would be completely unacceptable.

   'Someone will die': ED staff take legal action on work conditions | Otago Daily Times Online News (odt.co.nz)
   • Sacha 5.1

     5 August 2021 at 9:39 am

     yet another notice has been served around work conditions

     Any links about previous notices please? I like what the staff have done here (and would like to see more of it) but not aware it had been done before.
     • Cricklewood 5.1.1

       5 August 2021 at 9:54 am

       On mobile so cant link atm. Offhand similar was issued at Palmerston North hospital on or about the 15th of July. A quick google will find it.
       • Molly 5.1.1.1

         5 August 2021 at 10:26 am

         This? Emergency Department Nurses issue notice to fix workplace safety risks
         • Cricklewood 5.1.1.1.1

           5 August 2021 at 10:48 am

           Thats the one, thanks Molly
         • Patricia Bremner 5.1.1.1.2

           5 August 2021 at 12:08 pm

           More grist to their elbow!!
         • Sacha 5.1.1.1.3

           5 August 2021 at 7:09 pm

           Thank you. It is a great tactic.
           • McFlock 5.1.1.1.3.1

             5 August 2021 at 7:17 pm

             Nothing can screw with management like well-filed paperwork.
             • Sacha …

               5 August 2021 at 7:27 pm

               And the bosses cannot insure their way out of personal liability either. Love it.
     • Cricklewood 5.1.2

       5 August 2021 at 10:06 am

       To elaborate a little, I have freind who is an ED nurse. She's been assaulted twice this year and has found herself in potentially dangerous situations on other occasions mainly due to a lack of staff on shift.

       As she very eloquently puts it, extra money is nice but it doesn't stop the anxiety and fear that she feels when heading to a friday or sat night shift.

       Nor does it compensate for the assualts or address the effect this has had on her ability to do her job.

       The Dhbs and even the minister seem to be keen to make this about money, its not the real issue and everyone has the right to work in a safe environment.
       • gsays 5.1.2.1

         5 August 2021 at 1:27 pm

         I can echo that. I am very close to senior ED nurse. Who has been assaulted twice in the last 12 months after years of it not occuring.

         In the last 2 months I have seen a calling with genuine passion, morph into a reluctant worker. Arriving to a full department, full waiting room in a full hospital.

         The practice of 'ramping ambulances' is starting to occur. The ambulance is treated as a bed space and the ambos keep the patient stable. I am aware it is already happening in some of the bigger cities.

         Incident report is a form that is filled out when something untoward occurs. Classically they are patient focussed. For the last three months they have started filling them out with the nurse in charge being the name on the form. When the department is unsafe eg staff/patient ratios, long wait times etc. All to no avail.

         Last negotiation round, a traffic light system was introduced. It has made no difference to the powers that be.

         Couple all this with a very high turnover rate, morale is at rock bottom. Social events have dwindled to nil. There was a business-house small bore shooting event organised. Low turnout. When asked about it staff were saying they didn't want to look at the staff FB page….

         They used to be a formidably social, right and enthusiastic bunch. Now, not so much.

         When does the governance/Ministry get held to account and by whom?

         Rant over.
         • Cricklewood 5.1.2.1.1

           5 August 2021 at 1:54 pm

           Essentially I think the unions aee going to have to seriously consider withdrawing their support and donations. They are getting taken for granted and the smoke screens the minister etc are throwing up are disgraceful.
         • Anker 5.1.2.1.2

           5 August 2021 at 2:21 pm

           Shocking situation for ED nurses. Pscyh nurses also at risk of assault.

           I visited local hospital recently and there were numerous signs that abuse of staff wouldn't be tolerated.

           WTF is going on……………………

           We should be bending over backwards to treat health professionals with the greatest respect.
           • Cricklewood 5.1.2.1.2.1

             5 August 2021 at 2:38 pm

             Substance abuse + chronic understaffing make life pretty shit for a nurse these days.

             Very galling to get taken to employment court to ensure safe staffing and just as galling having a minister who was a union leader no less, basically using obfuscation in public statements to make it sound like money is the issue and nurses are greedy.
             Seems he’s using a playbook that the last Nat minister left in the bottom drawer.
           • gsays 5.1.2.1.2.2

             5 August 2021 at 3:56 pm

             As to wtf is going on…

             I think as a society we are descending towards fuck-wittedness at a fairly disturbing rate. The fabric of community is unraveling strand by strand.

             The family unit is not as strong nor paramount as it used to be. Community groups are dwindling.

             Meanwhile a running down of the health system by under-funding, under delivery of mental health services, successive governments keeping the migration tap on providing the sugar hit to the economy.

             Inequality growing in a FIRE economy where we rent houses to each other.

             Add to the mix methamphetamine, a habit that is through every strata of society.

             Nurses are the front line facing this, without body armour, tasers or a rifle in the boot.
6. Andre 6

   5 August 2021 at 8:34 am

   Battery swap for electric cars got a brief moment of the limelight, and has since died out. But an Australian company is having a go at it for long-haul trucking.

   https://cleantechnica.com/2021/08/03/truckies-going-electric-in-australia/

   It makes a helluva lot more sense to me than hydrogen.
   • WeTheBleeple 6.1

     5 August 2021 at 8:56 am

     That's outstanding. So much practical (and forward) thinking. Impressed.

     The fuel savings must be huge.
     • weka 6.1.1

       5 August 2021 at 9:05 am

       I'm impressed too, both the battery swap and the retrofitting diesel to ev.
   • Bearded Git 6.2

     5 August 2021 at 9:28 am

     Good article-thanks Andre. Some trucking companies in NZ should be looking at this.

     I also agree about hydrogen. I have read that the benefits of hydrogen have been much-hyped and that the climate change benefits, as the technology currently exists, are minor or even negative (sorry I read this a while ago and have no link).
   • cricklewood 6.3

     5 August 2021 at 9:32 am

     I've seen an electric truck on the motorway in Auckland recently one of these ones same battery swap tech.

     https://etrucks.co.nz/
   • bwaghorn 6.4

     5 August 2021 at 10:12 am

     Ha I've been saying that for years (atleast a couple if your bored they'll be in my archives here somewhere)

     That battery swapping was the way to go for evs

     Think about it the vehicle owner wouldnt need to own the buttery, the company's that supply the batteries ould need to deal with the end of life batteries.

     And it would keep service stations operating and providing jobs , and cookie time bikkies!!
     • WeTheBleeple 6.4.1

       5 August 2021 at 11:03 am

       Agreed. What I like most about this idea is that, with only a few operators having 'all the batteries' – the issue of dumping will be markedly less, and the issue of recycling will be worth pursuing.

       Also, very high financial incentives to bring in solar, wind etc to make charging businesses more profitable, and relatively immune/resilient to the vagaries of weather smashing the grid.
   • Molly 6.5

     5 August 2021 at 10:33 am

     My partner works for a transport company in Auckland that intends to be fully carbon-neutral (without carbon credits) by 2025, which by necessity regarding current electrical generation includes providing their own clean energy system to charge vehicles.

     They are looking forward to doing the NZ trials for a couple of different model electric trucks next year. They took action to get on the waiting lists a few years ago, and have built relationships with the European manufacturers. All smaller work vehicles have been electric for about five years now.

     I personallly believe it is the agility of a small family owned firm that has allowed them to look forward and implement in such a decisive manner.

     The interesting aspect is that the family members that run the firm are dedicated car and motorcycle enthusiasts. They retain their love of motors, but have the foresight to know that change is necessary and have embraced it wholeheartedly.
     • Spa 6.5.1

       5 August 2021 at 10:52 am

       How will they manage this without buying carbon credits when only 80 something per cent of the electricity supply is from renewable sources?
       • Molly 6.5.1.1

         5 August 2021 at 10:56 am

         Their warehouse roof will be constructed from solar panels, which provides them enough capacity to charge the return to base vehicles.

         (Using carbon credits they are already considered carbon neutral).
         • WeTheBleeple 6.5.1.1.1

           5 August 2021 at 11:06 am

           "only 80 something percent" – the glass is nearly 20% empty – do you not see!
           • Molly 6.5.1.1.1.1

             5 August 2021 at 11:46 am

             
           • bwaghorn 6.5.1.1.1.2

             5 August 2021 at 12:44 pm

             It's the fact that we're topping it up with 20% and increasing dodgy Indonesian coal that's the problem
             • Molly …

               5 August 2021 at 1:11 pm

               As mentioned, they will be charging from their own solar system.
             • WeTheBleeple …

               5 August 2021 at 3:56 pm

               You know I had some clown stand on his feet in a cafe and start jabbing his finger at me while stating exactly this fact(indonesian coal); only last Sunday. That has me believe yours is hardly an original thought, but is, in fact, a Newstalk ZB talking point for manly men who hate this government and will only ever see a glass nearly 20% empty.

               This loud and aggressive know-all had also "been told by an electrician" EV's will crash the power grid. Thoughts, sparky?

               It's about time some folks get over themselves and get the hell out of the way of the people progressing toward change. feedback is fine, a horde of idiots spreading the same old shit for the sake of it is boring, BORING.

               The assumption seems to be the system changes overnight flawlessly, or Labour are (insert string of invectives, accusations of falsehoods and paranoid delusions here).

               Instead of patrolling for places to insert your talkback talking points, how about you stop resisting the inevitable, and look how it might advantage you and yours.
               • bwaghorn …

                 5 August 2021 at 4:03 pm

                 So just sweep it under the carpet a?

                 Doesnt fit with meme that nz is taking climate change seriously.

                 Can you point me to the solid plan the gets us off coal . ?
                 • WeTheBleeple …

                   5 August 2021 at 4:15 pm

                   Look, if you are really concerned with using 20% coal just put some solar on your roof and get on with it.

                   Your concern is as fake as the angry man in the cafe.

                   We wean off coal as we increase renewable capacity. That'd be my plan, anyway.
                   • bwaghorn …

                     5 August 2021 at 9:53 pm

                     I don't own roof
                 • Graeme …

                   5 August 2021 at 10:18 pm

                   The NZ Battery Project, that's pumped hydro at Lake Onslow. If it goes ahead it'll provide dry year storage and peak load capacity, effectively eliminating Huntly. Still some questions about how it will be integrated into the current electricity market, it's huge and whoever owns it will dominate the market.

                   Also the proposals to produce hydrogen form electricity currently used at Tiwai. Lots of questions about hydrogen but a lot of big players are very keen.

                   Fonterra are going pretty hard on changing from coal to biomass too.

                   Probably wouldn't be putting any investment into the coal mine right now…
         • Spa 6.5.1.1.2

           5 August 2021 at 11:11 am

           Thanks – hadn't thought of that.
   • joe90 6.6

     5 August 2021 at 7:22 pm

     Dunners leading the charge…

     The Dunedin quarry’s XCMG electric mining dump truck, the first of its kind in New Zealand, carried a 30-tonne load, compared with 20 tonnes on the diesel equivalents, Mr Hunter said.

     The electric vehicle was slower and it had presented some headaches, but it did the job, he said.

     "I don’t know how ‘saviour of the world’ they are, but for us it works because we get so much regeneration coming down the hill, we power it ourselves essentially, it’s just a bit of top-up.

     "We’re using 5% or 6% battery on the way up and then we’re gaining about 5% or 6% on the way down."

     Every three days, when the battery dropped to 50%, it would be charged at the quarry’s on-site charging station for the cost of about $12.

     Compared with the diesel trucks on site that were running through about 90 litres of diesel a day, it was a noteworthy saving.

     https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/electric-truck-has-plenty-muscle
7. Pete 7

   5 August 2021 at 10:37 am

   "Billionaire Google co-founder Larry Page visited New Zealand amid Covid-19border restrictions after his child fell ill in Fiji, Stuff can reveal…

   Page, who founded Google with Sergey Brin in the 1990s, is the sixth-richest person in the world with a reported wealth of US$121b (NZ$171b).

   https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300373505/google-billionaire-larry-page-travelled-to-nz-amid-covid-border-restrictions

   May this year: "Locally, Google NZ paid NZ$3.6m in income tax in its last earnings year, off a profit of $10.6m and revenues of $36.2m, according to financial statements filed with the Companies Office.

   Revenue Minister David Parker was somewhat scathing of Google's reticence to pay more tax – and of its claims to already be paying its fair share.

   Google was estimated to take $800m per annum out of the New Zealand economy, he said."

   https://www.newsroom.co.nz/budget-google-is-not-paying-fair-share-of-tax-says-government

   So we're a chickenshit country to be treated with contempt – until they need us.
   • Gabby 7.1

     5 August 2021 at 2:14 pm

     Did his extreme wealth inoculate him against the need to isolate?
     • Cricklewood 7.1.1

       5 August 2021 at 2:39 pm

       Yes, and he's not the only one thats had a um special exemption…
       • Gabby 7.1.1.1

         5 August 2021 at 5:50 pm

         It would probably be an invasion of privacy to ask whether Citizen Thiel has been popping in and out to see to his estate.
8. Rosemary McDonald 8

   5 August 2021 at 11:33 am

   In an unusual swerve from his Covid-vaccines-all- good narrative, top UK Youtube nurse educator expresses some concern regarding the push to vaccinate British Young People.

   The vaccine of choice for the UK kids is the Pfizer/BioNTech offering, perceived to be safer than the more common Astra Zeneca because of the unfortunate TTP safety signal.

   Unfortunately, the Pfizer jab is not without it's issues, especially in young men, and the Good Doctor of Nursing advises young men to refrain from sports etc for a week after after having the vaccine and seek medical help immediately if symptoms of myocarditis or pericarditis appear.

   And although there are soothing noises from the FDA and CDC regarding the 'short-lived-and -transient' nature of these side effects Dr Campbell notes that viral induced myocarditis is one of the most common causes of heart failure requiring transplant.

   Campbell examines the stats for Covid infections, hospitalisations and fatalities in children and young people (Survival rate after testing positive = 99·995% , 40% of under 18s already have Covid antibodies. etc)

   Campbell also spends some time discussing the practice, or not, of aspirating before giving an intramuscular injection. This used to be SOP…to draw back a little to check the needle hasn't inadvertently found a blood vessel…but seems to have fallen by the wayside. Failure to perform this basic precautionary procedure could place the vaccine into the bloodstream rather than into the muscle, thereby facilitating the circulation of the vaccine throughout the body.
   • KSaysHi 8.1

     5 August 2021 at 11:48 am

     I've heard (from someone who wrote to MoH/DHB) that aspiration isn't taught as part of the MoH training for those giving the shots. One more reason to worry.
     • Macro 8.1.1

       5 August 2021 at 12:48 pm

       One more reason to worry.

       Here is one very good reason for those who think that this virus does not pose a threat to them to think again.

       A “fit and healthy” 42-year-old who loved climbing mountains and lifting weights has died of Covid-19 after refusing to get vaccinated, leaving his twin sister and mother heartbroken.

       The two women warned others not to think they are invulnerable to the dangers of the virus.

       The father of one, John Eyers, a construction expert from Southport in Merseyside, was described by his sister Jenny McCann as “the fittest, healthiest person I know”.

       She added that her brother had been climbing Welsh mountains and camping in the wild four weeks before his death.

       …

       Dr Samantha Batt-Rawden, a senior intensive care registrar, said she had come across only one patient in critical care who had received both vaccination doses, and that the “vast majority” of people she was seeing were “completely unvaccinated”.

       Batt-Rawden said it was difficult to witness the look of regret on patients’ faces when they became unwell and needed to go on a ventilator.

       “You can see it dawn on them that they potentially made the biggest mistake of their lives [in not getting the vaccine], which is really hard,” she said, adding that she had overheard people telling family members about their remorse.
       • Rosemary McDonald 8.1.1.1

         5 August 2021 at 1:38 pm

         And here's just one good reason to avoid dismissing and discounting adverse effects from Covid jabs.

         A woman whose fiance died after having the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine is urging people not to be "fobbed off" when reporting side effects.

         Former rock singer Zion, 48, of Alston, Cumbria, had an "excruciating" headache eight days after his injection.

         Vikki Spit said a paramedic "completely dismissed" any connection, saying it had developed too long after the jab.

         The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) said it could not comment until it had investigated what happened.

         Zion's interim fact-of-death certificate lists complications of the vaccine as a possible factor.

         Zion was healthy and fit and she believes he would have had a good chance of survival if he had received treatment earlier.

         "I don't want to scare people off from being vaccinated because I know this is an extremely rare side effect," she said.

         "I also know, if it's caught early, the chances of survival are extremely high.

         "But, for whatever reason, the paramedic didn't pick up on it.

         "So what I want is for all people to be aware, if you have a headache or you have some sort of symptom after having a vaccine, don't be fobbed off."

         Zion took painkillers but, after two further days, looked so unwell Ms Spit called an ambulance.

         The first responder noted Zion had recently been vaccinated but the paramedic did not think it was relevant, Ms Spit said.

         "She was adamant – it's nothing to do with that, it was too long ago – and she diagnosed a migraine," she said.

         Zion stayed at home but, when he began to slur his words and had a seizure two days later, Ms Spit called an ambulance again.

         "He couldn't speak. At this point, he couldn't put three words together," she said.

         Zion was taken to hospital, had surgery, but "didn't wake up".

         We all know about the deaths from Covid…they are very highly publicised in our mainstream media.

         It is equally important that we do not dismiss or minimise serious adverse effects or deaths following the Covid vaccines. For each tragic vaccine outcome there are family and friends who are affected. Having the powers that be adopt a 'nothing to see here move on' tone, even with 19 deaths reported to CARM since the roll out began, is merely fueling vaccine hesitancy.
         • Incognito 8.1.1.1.1

           5 August 2021 at 1:57 pm

           We all know about the deaths from Covid…they are very highly publicised in our mainstream media.

           It is equally important that we do not dismiss or minimise serious adverse effects or deaths following the Covid vaccines. For each tragic vaccine outcome there are family and friends who are affected. Having the powers that be adopt a 'nothing to see here move on' tone, even with 19 deaths reported to CARM since the roll out began, is merely fueling [sic] vaccine hesitancy.

           Fortunately, the NZ media know better than to spread rumours and unsubstantiated facts that could stoke fear and anger. Your own link contradicts you and they clearly are monitoring and reporting everything. In addition, when Medsafe approved the Pfizer it was conditional with a whole string of requirements. You know this.

           Your ignorant misinformation and fearmongering are becoming beyond tedious. I will start moderating your comments if you don’t improve your comments related to Covid vaccination.
         • Brigid 8.1.1.1.2

           5 August 2021 at 3:22 pm

           Rosemary, the article has not given any evidence that the man's death could be attributed to the vaccine. It's a dreadful piece, full of innuendo. It's clickbait Rosemary.

           Your own declaration that the death was 'an adverse effect of the covid jab' isn't supported unless you're referring to this: "Vikki Spit said she did not understand why the paramedic dismissed possible vaccine side effects". Which of course is just demonstrating how arrogant the ignorant are.

           Why did she assume a paramedic would take her advice?
           • Rosemary McDonald 8.1.1.1.2.1

             5 August 2021 at 4:58 pm

             Why did she assume a paramedic would take her advice?

             Because her man had symptoms as described on the page linked to below.

             (These symptoms are quite well known in countries where the Astra Zeneca vaccine is widely used.)

             https://covid19-sciencetable.ca/sciencebrief/vaccine-induced-immune-thrombotic-thrombocytopenia-vitt-following-adenovirus-vector-covid-19-vaccination/ ( Don't panic. This is a site for the Ontario Covid Advisory, and there's an easy to understand flow-chart as well.)

             Severe headache, between 4 and 28 days post vaccination, seizures, etc.

             When recognized early, VITT can be successfully treated.

             And… Zion's interim fact-of-death certificate lists complications of the vaccine as a possible factor.

             And I highlighted where the woman states that she knew it was a very rare side effect and she didn't want to put folks off being vaccinated. Why is it automatically assumed that this is an anti-vaxx induced article?

             I find it very strange that folks continue to deny, to the peril of some, that that these rare but serious adverse effects are real. This is not some batshit crazy conspiracy theory.

             What the BBC article is trying to convey to the Covid Vaccine Serious Side Effects deniers is that early recognition and treatment of VITT (and any other side effects) is vital.

             Continued denial that shit can go horribly wrong for some vaccine recipients is costing lives.

             Continued claims that even suggesting a Covid vaccine can cause serious side effects (and death) in a few very unlucky people is 'spreading vaccine disinformation/misinformation' is just so utterly fucking bizarre that I am not at all surprised that some are falling headfirst down the rabbit hole of hardcore conspiracy theory.

             Simply…anaphylaxis (to the vaccine) is a known possible adverse effect and can be treated on site by medical staff. No one has a problem with this being discussed. Lives are saved.

             VITT, myocardidtis and pericarditis are also know adverse effects of the vaccine(s) which can be successfully treated if recognised early. Discussing this is not acceptable. Lives are lost.
             • Brigid …

               6 August 2021 at 12:16 am

               The interim fact-of-death certificate is issued to establish the fact that death has occurred. It does not state cause of death.

               It lists factors that may have contributed to the death. What other factors were listed? We aren't told.

               "Zion was taken to hospital, had surgery," What surgery? We aren't told that either.

               The only person interviewed was Zion's fiancee. Why were the doctors and nurses who attended him not questioned?

               The writer has deliberately led the reader to believe the cause of death is a serious, deadly, reaction to the vaccine. And it seems that you believe that. But there's no evidence of that and until the coroner's report is released no body knows what the cause was.

               There is no doubt that some will react badly to the vaccine; any vaccine for the matter. This article has not established that that was the case in this instant.

               What bothers me is this sort of unfounded fear mongering designed to alarm those whose bullshit metre is sorely out of whack.
             • Drowsy M. Kram …

               6 August 2021 at 2:32 am

               I find it very strange that folks continue to deny, to the peril of some, that that these rare but serious adverse effects are real. This is not some batshit crazy conspiracy theory.

               Rosemary, the relevant "very strange" "batshit crazy conspiracy theory" is that "folks continue to to deny… that these rare but serious adverse effects are real."

               WHO, for goodness sake, are these "folks" who are denying that serious adverse effects are real? It's "just so utterly fucking bizarre".

               C'mon, don't keep us in suspense – who are these folks; these "Covid Vaccine Serious Side Effects deniers"? Who is promulgating this fanciful "Continued denial that shit can go horribly wrong…" shit? Have you got a link?

               I smell a rat.
       • Macro 8.1.1.2

         5 August 2021 at 1:40 pm

         Just to clear up any confusion:

         

         [image resized]
         • Macro 8.1.1.2.1

           5 August 2021 at 1:47 pm

           sorry tried to resize but can't seem to get the code right.
           • Incognito 8.1.1.2.1.1

             5 August 2021 at 1:53 pm

             ‘kay
     • psych nurse 8.1.2

       5 August 2021 at 7:22 pm

       To what should a vacinator aspire to.
   • Incognito 8.2

     5 August 2021 at 12:32 pm

     What’s so bad about the vaccine circulating throughout the body? Isn’t that what you’d want?
     • Rosemary McDonald 8.2.1

       5 August 2021 at 12:48 pm

       https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2021-01-08/covid-19-vaccine-injection-upper-arm-muscle-deltoid-immune/13031918

       Muscle contains and recruits immune cells called dendritic cells, which take up antigens quickly and stick them on their surface, like a flag.

       Dendritic cells then migrate to and slip into lymph nodes, "which are like large meeting places for the immune system", Dr Groom says.

       There, they encounter T cells and B cells — white blood cells that help defend our body against specific pathogens.

       A dendritic cell will present its flag to T and B cells until it finds those that recognise the antigen, then gives them the signal to multiply and, in the case of B cells, start manufacturing antibodies.

       "In the case of COVID-19 vaccines, that amplification means they can block SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins so that the virus can no longer get into a cell," Dr Groom says.

       "But they also start to form that pool of long-lived memory, which is really what we want from an outcome of a vaccine."

       Muscle is a bit of a Goldilocks tissue for doling out vaccines to our immune cells: not too slow, but not too fast either.

       As well as providing a ready pool of dendritic cells, muscle acts as a "deposit", where the vaccine can linger a while and be used over a longer period.

       This allows for an extended immune system training session, Dr Groom says, which "is thought to result in maximal activation of the immune system".

       A vaccine injected directly into the bloodstream, on the other hand, is vulnerable to destruction.

       "There are other nonspecific immune cells that can mop up the vaccine and degrade it before it has the opportunity to get to the lymph node," Dr Groom says.

       "Then it doesn't have the opportunity for this information to be shared with B and T cells."

       As well as being easier to do, injecting vaccines into muscle also has very few severe side effects, and overall invokes less inflammation than a vaccine in a vein.
       • Incognito 8.2.1.1

         5 August 2021 at 1:00 pm

         In other words, you don't know.
         • Rosemary McDonald 8.2.1.1.1

           5 August 2021 at 1:17 pm

           Err… you asked. I provided information from a reasonably respected source that is written in 'fuckwit's guide' language.

           What is your problem?
           • Incognito 8.2.1.1.1.1

             5 August 2021 at 1:38 pm

             Well, I thought that since you had listened, read, and watched The Gospel of Dr Campbell about this that you would know these things and could explain it in your own words and in simple terms. Instead, you parrot a certain Dr Groom in a nice copy & paste job demonstrating that you know how to use a device but not that you know anything about what you’re talking about. Go figure.

             I still don’t know why it would be a bad thing if you don’t aspirate when injecting the Covid vaccine into the muscle and why some of it ending up in the circulation would or could be considered bad. The official advice is not to aspirate. The chances of hitting a larger blood vessel in the upper arm are low but it also depends on the person doing the injection and whether they’re properly trained and skilled. But you already know this, obviously.

             Meanwhile, others here seem to think that this is “[o]ne more reason to worry”. FFS.

             SSDD
       • Populuxe1 8.2.1.2

         5 August 2021 at 5:45 pm

         That's why they factor degradation factors into the size of the dosage.
   • Drowsy M. Kram 8.3

     5 August 2021 at 1:38 pm

     Is that the same Dr Campbell who favours dosing with ivermectin to combat Covid?

     Presumably vaccination of anyone against anything (including young people against Covid-19) remains a matter of choice in the UK, even with 130,000+ dead from Covid, and Covid deaths currently averaging ~80 per day. What is the good doctor’s problem?

     Meanwhile, in the US of A, with 631,000 tragic deaths from Covid (only ~340 of which were in the 0-17 age range, i.e. ~0.05%, or 1 in 2000), 5.5 million currently active cases, and Covid deaths averaging ~400 per day, regrettably it looks like at least some of the population won't be getting back to "Normal life" anytime soon.

     https://www.statista.com/statistics/1191568/reported-deaths-from-covid-by-age-us/

     But I do want to give a shout out to those who are stoking vaccine hesitancy in NZ – without you, public health initiatives such as this one simply wouldn't be possible.

     This is a one off opportunity and is open to anyone, but please make sure you phone to book and if they fill their numbers you may not get in this time.

     Mid Central District Health Board’s COVID vaccination team have vacancies for COVID19 vaccinations this Friday 6th, Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th . Vaccinations will take place at the COVID19 vaccination clinic 38, Fitzherbert Ave (behind Toy World), in Palmerston North. There are no restrictions on who can be vaccinated on these days.

     Phone 0800 634 2829 to book.

     We don't know how lucky we are – to live in this country of ours.

     Charlie Kirk, Unsurprisingly, Is Out Here Stoking Vaccine Hesitancy -29 July
     Turning Point USA is apparently teaching young people the best tactics in rejecting the covid-19 vaccine
     Joe Biden and Olivia Rodrigo have teamed up to promote the covid vaccine among Americans under 25, but now they’re up against the youthful energy and persuasive powers of *checks notes* Charlie Kirk. The battle for the upper arms of America’s youth continues as one side is encouraging teens and newly minted adults to get vaccinated and the other is actively working to instruct high school and college students on how to reject the vaccine and sound like an utter douchebag while doing it.
     • Rosemary McDonald 8.3.1

       5 August 2021 at 2:10 pm

       Campbell is not "stoking vaccine hesitancy". He is, as a highly qualified and experienced health professional, giving information and advice (in the case of young male vaccine recipients not doing sport for a week after being jabbed) so as to try and prevent serious negative outcomes to what is an known safety signal for the Pfizer vaccine.

       Campbell has been the loudest and most enthusiastic cheerleader for the Covid vaccine rollout in the UK. To the point that as side effects from the vaccines have been increasing in number, he has copped some criticism from his adoring fans for failing to discuss vaccine harm.

       I posted this particular clip today because it is a significant departure from his usual spiel.

       I don't watch telly…I guess there have been warnings from our Ministry of Health that myocarditis is a known safety signal with the Pfizer vaccine? What with them vaccinating schoolkids in Whanganui at the moment.
       • Drowsy M. Kram 8.3.1.1

         5 August 2021 at 2:53 pm

         Campbell is not “stoking vaccine hesitancy”.
         …
         I posted this particular clip today because it is a significant departure from his usual spiel.

         Didn’t consider the possibility that Dr Campbell was/is "stoking vaccine hesitancy", so thanks Rosemary for explaining why you chose to post this particular clip today.

         I don't watch telly…I guess there have been warnings from our Ministry of Health that myocarditis is a known safety signal with the Pfizer vaccine?

         Don't watch much tele either, but do know that Medsafe issued a warning:

         Alert communication 21 July 2021
         Myocarditis and pericarditis – rare adverse reactions to Comirnaty (Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine)
         The benefits of vaccination with Comirnaty continue to outweigh the risk of experiencing a side effect for people of all ages in the approved indication.

         Good to know there wasn’t a cover-up eh – that really would have put the 'Pfizer cat' amongst the 'pro-vaccine hesitancy pigeons'.
       • Andre 8.3.1.2

         5 August 2021 at 4:09 pm

         Myocarditis after vaccination against covid happens at about 1/6 the rate of myocarditis after actual covid.

         https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25133462-800-myocarditis-is-more-common-after-covid-19-infection-than-vaccination/

         The very few unfortunates that do develop myocarditis after vaccination are at much lower risk of a severe case than those that get myocarditis following a viral infection. So far, I have yet to see any reliable reports of a death from myocarditis after vaccination, whereas as death from myocarditis following a viral infection is a genuine risk.

         Vaccine Safety Datalink findings in 12- to 39-year-olds revealed an overall myocarditis rate of 12.6 cases per million in the 3 weeks after the second dose, though most occurred within 5 days of vaccination, Shimabukuro reported.

         He concluded that overall the condition was highly treatable and most patients recovered well.

         That's very different from when myocarditis is caused by a viral infection, Paul Offit, MD, of Children's Hospital Philadelphia (CHOP), told STAT News. When myocarditis is caused by coxsackie or parvovirus, for instance, "it's a serious disease, often involving ICU admission, and occasionally fatal. It can require a heart transplant. That's not this. This is often transient, lasting 2 or 3 days, and resolves on its own for the most part or can be treated with anti-inflammatories."

         https://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/exclusives/93265 (not paywalled, but you need to register)
9. KSaysHi 9

   5 August 2021 at 11:40 am

   It is outright tyranny at this point. Medicine is becoming homogenised much like our free speech.

   Whatever you think of Mercola he did provide a well researched perspective, ALL of which is about to be lost as it is mass deleted.

   https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2021/08/04/why-im-deleting-all-content-after-48-hours.aspx
   • KSaysHi 9.1

     5 August 2021 at 11:44 am

     From Mercola's latest post.

     I can deal with the CNN crews that chase me by car while I bicycle from my home. I feel sorry for the people in media that have to follow the orders they are given.

     It is easy to dismiss the media pawns, but the most powerful individual on the planet has targeted me as his primary obstacle that must be removed. Every three letter agency is at his disposal, and the executive powers have grown beyond what an individual American's rights can protect against.

     A dissenter of medical mandates is now a target and obstacle to be removed. I know – that's 25 years' worth of blood, sweat and tears coming down.

     I can hardly believe these words are coming out of my mouth. It's a testament of just how radical things have degenerated in the recent past. However, I will continue to publish new articles, BUT going forward, each article I publish will be available for only 48 hours and will then be removed from the website.

     We are at the crossroad where change is unavoidable. We all must make choices that determine our future. To many, this looks like a war … but what we need to find is peace. I am going to find peace through this sacrifice.
     • McFlock 9.1.1

       5 August 2021 at 1:54 pm

       Dude suggested huffing peroxide.

       Mercola claimed that inhaling 0.5–3% hydrogen peroxide solution using a nebulizer could prevent or cure COVID-19.[36][37]

       Screw that guy.
       • dvally the 9.1.1.1

         5 August 2021 at 3:29 pm

         Actually there's a long list of chemicals that will kill covid.

         The problem is that they all kill the patient too.
         • weka 9.1.1.1.1

           5 August 2021 at 5:13 pm

           Please fix your username on next comment, thanks.
   • Andre 9.2

     5 August 2021 at 3:38 pm

     Well researched indeed. On how to grift millions and millions from the gullible, that is.

     https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/joe-mercola-an-antivaccine-quack-tycoon-pivots-effortlessly-to-profit-from-spreading-covid-19-misinformation/
10. Anker 10

    5 August 2021 at 2:24 pm

    Shocking situation for ED nurses. Pscyh nurses also at risk of assault.

    I visited local hospital recently and there were numerous signs that abuse of staff wouldn't be tolerated.

    WTF is going on……………………

    We should be bending over backwards to treat health professionals with the greatest respect.
11. McFlock 11

    5 August 2021 at 2:44 pm

    So according to Henry cooke @ stuff, the govt only raised benefits by $25 (matching drop in accommo supplement notwithstanding) because the ministry said people might not want to work or study.

    “If benefits are increased by $50 per week, they would generally be around $25 per week higher than equivalent rates of student support. This would have significant implications for the benefit and student interface and would likely reduce the financial incentives to study,” they wrote.

    […]

    “While financial incentives are only one factor that affect people’s decisions to work, increasing out-of-work incomes without a subsequent increase to in-work incomes reduces the financial return from work. This can have implications for broader income adequacy objectives, as encouraging paid work is an important tool for alleviating poverty,” they wrote.

    “There are already relatively weak financial incentives to work full-time for some people, such as sole parents and secondary earners in couples with children on low wages/earning the minimum wage. These benefit increases will weaken these incentives further.”

    I mean, maybe they could also increase student support and the minimum wage by $25/wk…
    • pat 11.1

      5 August 2021 at 2:47 pm

      No workers, no economy…..and how then will the rentiers get a return on their capital.
      • arkie 11.1.1

        5 August 2021 at 2:53 pm

        The Benefits of Labour
    • Tiger Mountain 11.2

      5 August 2021 at 4:42 pm

      by their actions…

      so a likely once in a generation MMP majority Labour Govt. takes the advice of filthy neolib managerialists above service to vulnerable working class children
      • McFlock 11.2.1

        5 August 2021 at 4:55 pm

        Well, she still ignored the "disincentive to work" angle.

        The decider might well have been the extra cost to education if they increased student allowances (or whatever they're called now) to match – especially if the plan is continuing to transition to full allowances.

        If.
      • Sacha 11.2.2

        5 August 2021 at 7:10 pm

        Robertson does seem to love kissing Treasury ass.

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