Could the next airline flight you catch be piloted by an All Black?
You are not feeling well. And you need to see a medical professional about your health. Would you be happy to see a top flight netball player instead?
You are in trouble with the law. Would you choose to be represented by a squash player, even one with a newly minted honorary doctorate?
I didn’t think so.
Nobody would be criminally stupid enough to use sporting prowess as a measure of competency for the above roles.
But if, the airlines and health boards ditched their standard selection guidelines, for the revolutionary selection criteria used by Judith Collins, to select the Race Relations Commissioner……
Abandoning the written guidelines, a former All Black, and a net ball player, were Judith Collins first choices for the position of race relations Commissioner, before she settled on a well known squash player.
“He has vast experience in the law at a local and international level, years of community service and engagement with some of our more challenged communities, and a real desire to do the job.
All factors that seemed in accord with the written guidelines that are meant to govern the appointment. But Mr Lovegrove was told, five months after he applied for the position and had heard nothing, that he didn’t make the shortlist because there wasn’t one. Two weeks later he was told there was a shortlist but he didn’t get on it and despite repeated requests for some guidance as to why not he has heard nothing more……”
“…….All I wanted to know was what process was used to appoint Dame Susan Devoy who, by her own admission, was shoulder tapped for the job and never applied.
We also understand she was third choice behind former All Black Michael Jones and netballer Irene Van Dyk”.
Would you be happy to see a top flight netball player instead?
Only if she had a medical qualification – but I’d definitely let Bernice Mene teach my kids. Heck, I’d even elect a double national player to Parliament.
I’m highly critical of Devoy’s appointment, and I’m very suspicious of the fact that Michael Jones and Irene van Dyk were also offered it, but let’s not make this about “sports players are automatically idiots”, shall we?
Felix.
Apparently Susan Devoy has “a spine” So,if you have a spine you can expect a phone call from a ghost offering you a really good job. Brilliant,everybody should be employed very shortly. Really annoyed with devoy on Campbell Live with her snide arrogance saying that she did not know who rang her and shoulder tapped her. Following the party line of not knowing anything about anything but everything is “above board” Silly simpering woman!
Campbell Live should run a poll asking – whose identity do you think Susan Devoy is hiding when she said she did not know who rang her?
A. Her crony cabinet minister
B. The Prime Minister
C. Baldrick’s turnip
D. Her creative truth-telling telephone which rang itself
E. Her neighbour Tony who was had been talking to the responsible minister
Glad to see this waiter excelling in performing his duties, he should be commended for his actions. http://m.alcohol.org.nz/sites/default/files/useruploads/Resourcepdfs/Wheres_the_line.pdf
It’s illegal to serve alcohol to a person who is or has become intoxicated.
It’s also illegal to let an intoxicated person onto a licensed premise.
Finally, it is against the law to serve a patron in such as way that leads them to become intoxicated.
FYI….. Worth checking out RNZ Sunday this morning:
0840 Sandra Gray Dissent and Democracy and
10:06 Ideas: The Public Service – Past, Present and Future
The former – the obvious democracy deficit we’re in the middle of.
The latter – (In my view) the way in which corporatiation of the PS has simply meant PS Senior Managers and CEO’s operate with LESS accountability, and run their various depts as little feifdoms. The real Public Servants under those Snr Managers and CEOs do their work IN SPITE of their overlords rather than BECAUSE of their ‘leadership’ . We were promised the exact opposite.
“Can’t we have a “Labour representative” who actually says what the party thinks?”
Not sure I like our chances MS. It’ll probably come some time AFTER we get a “From the Left ….. and From the Right” on Nine to Noon, and a change to the FOX News approach on “The Panel”
What does “the party” think micky? IMHO this is the key problem, “the party” is dysfunctional serving itself to the detriment of its founding principles, it’s supporters and its members. What exactly do Labour stand for? How are its values expressed in its policies and how does being unthinking opposition constitute a political force worth supporting?
Saying that Labour doesn’t stand for anything burt just shows that you’re ignorant… However the issue here isn’t that Labour may or may not have an opinion, it’s that interested parties aren’t being giving the opportunity to express an opinion to counter the right wing theme that pervades programs like Q+A.
I was pretty disappointed with today’s lopsided program as well… Not only in terms of yet another puff piece for Peter Dunne, but also in terms of the criticism of bitcoins that was largely based on an inaccurate account from Kirk Hope.
The New Zealand Bankers’ Association CEO clearly has a vested interest in criticizing bitcoins, because the banks haven’t yet figured out how to take their pound of flesh. The panel didn’t question any of his claims, even though many of them were clearly false.
There’s relevant legislation here that should have been adhered to… Under the Broadcasting Act 1989 (PDF) there’s a responsibility of broadcasters to be fair, accurate and give people the opportunity to hear both sides of the story:
(d) the principle that when controversial issues of public importance are discussed, reasonable efforts are made, or reasonable opportunities are given, to present significant points of view either in the same programme or in other programmes within the period of current interest.
In my opinion, Q+A is a long way away from adhering to those rules. That doesn’t just make for biased broadcasting, it makes for boring broadcasting as well. Only a truly ignorant person could enjoy the dross that Susan Wood seems determined to serve up each weekend on Q+A.
But she does not criticise him for supporting asset sales.
In fact, she went so far as to praise him for always being above-board in how he voted on things.
I keep trying to get into watching Q&A regularly, as a politically-minded Kiwi, but inevitably I get 5 minutes in (or fast-forward to the panel and get 5 minutes into that) and have to bail out to save my brain from excess headdesking.
But mickysavage she’s photogenic, and has long black hair which looks good on the telly. That’s more important than what Labour Party members think!!! We’ve already seen what the TV media think of ordinary Labour Party members. In short, we don’t count.
Oh dear war is so costly. The citizens will just have to cut down on what they think of as necessities which are in fact luxuries, so that the machinery that protects our wonderful country and each cherished person within it, can keep functioning.
Better hide your turnips to ensure you last the winter folks.
Well it is Sunday TRP, someone gave me this DVD that was shot over 3 nights in Texas, and edited non chronologically. The other band members all have various costume changes but Keith Richards has the same satin shirt, jeans and boots on in every take.
it only has a couple of Steadman’s illustrations, but that makes finding the others that much more enjoyable, look for ‘Gonzo, The Art’ for the full collection
Housing New Zealand bids up price to purchase ahead of first home buyer.
And?
Labour Party spokesman on Housing Phil Twyford said, “It makes no sense for HNZ to be buying houses on the open market when they could be building new ones.
Actually, it does. They buy the house, knock it down and build apartments on the site.
Sean Bignell of Housing NZ said the housing agency was redeveloping sites around Auckland to build more houses on the land for state, social and private housing.
This makes me really angry.
The freaking Labour Party objecting to Housing NZ buying property to provide homes for the homeless and those in dire straits because home buyers might be adversely affected.
Not content with their policy of building 10,00 subsidised homes for the middle-class, Phil Twyford’s Labour Party is now actively oppsosing HNZ assistance for those whose housing needs are greatest. Fuck you Phil Twyford.
Housing NZ buying property to provide homes for the homeless and those in dire straits
Except the amount of state houses has dramatically declined under this National government. Between 2008 and 2011, the amount of vacant state houses increased by a whopping 471 and the overal state houses available declined by 171 in the same time period. 256 houses were demolished.
That makes your claim that HNZ is providing homes for the homeless and those in dire straits by outbidding a few first-home buyers at auctions entirely incorrect.
Labour Party is now actively oppsosing HNZ assistance for those whose housing needs are greatest. Fuck you Phil Twyford.
Labour has actually said that they will reverse National’s anti-state housing regime by increasing the amount of state houses that are available for people in need. That makes your statement entirely inaccurate just saying.
Except the amount of state houses has dramatically declined under this National government. Between 2008 and 2011, the amount of vacant state houses increased by a whopping 471 and the overal state houses available declined by 171 in the same time period. 256 houses were demolished.
Yup, and yet right now Labour is complaining about the help HNZ is attempting to provide to those with the greatest housing needs….
…….Which makes Labour’s so-called committment to increasing housing for those most in need pretty freaking dubious, in my humble opinion Jackal.
The only commitment Twyford was talking about today was Labour’s commitment to provide 10,000 subsidised homes for those that can afford them, and he talked about this commitment in the context of complaining about HNZ buying property to house the poor.
You’re comparing a single property with the 171 that National got rid of and saying that; “HNZ is attempting to provide to those with the greatest housing needs.” C’mon just saying, they aren’t proving shit to people in need, hence the 171 less state houses between 2008 and 2011.
The only commitment Twyford was talking about today was Labour’s commitment to provide 10,000 subsidised homes.
The number of state houses increased under the last Labour government. If reelected, the’ve also said they will increase the number of state houses over and above the 10,000 subsidized homes… Despite those facts you somehow think that National is more committed to helping people in need of a state house?
Phil Twyford’s Labour Party is now actively oppsosing HNZ assistance for those whose housing needs are greatest.
Which is complete bullshit! It’s even a bigger pile of bullshit when you understand that National is dismantling the state housing sector piece by piece.
I didn’t mention National at all. A criticism of a Labour MP is not an endorsement of the government.
You said that HNZ was:
Buying property to provide homes for the homeless and those in dire straits.
HNZ isn’t providing for people in need, because there are at least 171 less state houses available since 2008. National has instructed HNZ to reduce costs by having less state houses… Or do you think that HNZ somehow operates autonomously from the government just saying?
It could have been a property developer outbidding buyers, or an investment group, or even just a rich person who liked the light and the soil and decided to buy up the whole neighbourhood to build a giant silver-framed geodesic dome. And no-one would have complained. It would have been accepted as just the way things are. You got the money – you buy what you want, as long as its legal, and often even if its not if you’re rich enough.
The reason for the complaints, for the outrage, and the reason Twyford chimed in, in my opinion, is that the poor and downtrodden aren’t believed to deserve anything that anyone else wants. That’s the society we are now. I wasn’t talking about anything outside of this instance, this example of what I believe to be a fact of our communities now. And Labour’s endorsement of it.
Twyford wasn’t saying that the “poor and downtrodden” don’t deserve to be housed just saying, he’s merely disagreeing with the way HNZ is currently acquiring new housing stock.
There’s no doubt that increasing competition will, to a degree, push up prices and make rents even less affordable. How exactly is that going to help the majority of poor people find affordable housing?
With the number of vacant state houses increasing by at least 471 since National gained power, competing on the open market isn’t going to increase the amount of people in need of housing assistance acquiring it through the HNZ. In contrast, fixing those dilapidated state houses and building more would help.
Therefore the basis of your argument is entirely flawed just saying… Not that I expect you to admit it.
We’ve actually already had this debate QoT, and without getting into the nitty gritty may I just conclude that there’s lots of land available to build new houses on in New Zealand.
In fact there are easily enough bare sections in residentially zoned areas that the government already owns for Labour’s housing policy to be realized. The only issue is that there are no longer enough sections available in Auckland for people to live the half-acre section dream… They might have to compromise and have smaller sections.
Is that perhaps what you mean by available land not being infinite?
No, Jackal, I meant that land isn’t an infinite resource. Try reading things people write and not imposing your own presumptions on them for once, would you?
underreported struggles is a monthly posting by ahni at Intercontinental Cry that details indigenous struggles around the world. It is essential reading for those interested in human rights and shows the continued battles that indigenous people are engaged in to save their lands and themselves.
new barter currency
“Esquimalt First Nation, in an effort to reform the monetary system, unveiled a new barter currency on their territory known as Tetlas. Similar to a gift certificate, the Tetla was developed by the organization Tetla Tsetsuwatil to assist economic development in the S’amuna’ Nation and other native nations, and to encourage trade with non-natives and among non-natives. So far, 35 businesses have signed on to the Tetla system, but wit the constant problems first Nations have with the Canadian economy, you can be sure there will be more.”
opposing mining
“In northern Chile, Environmental groups and indigenous Diaguita communities celebrated a court decision to suspend the controversial Pascua Lama mine owned by the world’s largest gold mining company, Barrick gold. The court suspension was in response to a legal action that was brought forth by the affected indigenous communities who warned that the mine threatens their water supply and several local glaciers. Lorenzo Soto, a lawyer representing the Diaguita, said the suspension will remain in effect until the company addresses the pollution issue and properly consults the indigenous peoples.”
just two examples from many which show the interconnectedness of our struggles
barter currency
No country will agree to ignore widespread bartering with or without cash exchange. Sooner or later there will have to be some declaration of revenue equivalence gained through bartering and something to be paid to the tax department.
Perhaps although I’m not totally convinced. I’m a member of HANDS (How about a no money system) which although small and humble is working and there is no tax issue there, but I’m sure if it got big enough they would send the men in black around.
as they say from the link, “Simply by keeping track of who receives what from whom we can dispense with the ancient idea of exchange media and the apparatus required to manage them. This helps us focus on providing and requesting what is really needed instead of chasing after money. It creates an environment of openness and transparency; it promotes equality, fairness and balance; it builds community and helps us respect our environment and appreciate the limits of our finite world.”
Good luck with that marty mars. For success it requires commitment of all members to the system with provision and purchase following each other at regular intervals.
Does anybody know anything about this and/or the effect that NZ Power or the MRP float might have on this on this market?
from the Electricity Authority:
In late 2011, new market-maker arrangements for New Zealand electricity futures trading were adopted by the ASX and the large generators. These arrangements sharply reduced the bid-ask spreads for futures contracts and substantially boosted trading volumes, providing the foundation for an increasingly active hedge market, which other parties, such as financial institutions, are expected to enter over time.
it’ll probably depress activity in this hedge market as NZ Power will significantly improve price predictability and stability. However, although their use in financialised market games will reduce, hedges will still be used for protection against the results of unexpected climate or severe events (i.e what they are designed for).
Though it’s from Wednesday, a few quotes from Pope Francis at Mass 1 May – the Feast of St Joseph the Worker, prompted also by the Bangladesh killing of over 400 workers:
A society that “does not pay a just wage”, that “does not give work” to people; a society that only looks to its balance books, that only seeks profit” is unjust and goes against God.
“Not paying a just wage, not providing work, focussing exclusively on balancing the books, only looking at making personal profit. That goes against God! The headline that impacted me so much concerning the Bangladesh tragedy, ‘Living on 38 Euros a month’: this was the payment of these people who have died … And this is called slave labour. And today there is slavery that is made with the most beautiful gift that God has given to human-kind: the ability to create, to work, to be the makers of our own dignity. How many brothers and sisters throughout the world are in t his situation because of these, economic, social, political attitudes and so on…”
“The human person is more important than the brick. If people are less important than the things that give profit to those who have political, social, economic power, what point have we come to? To the point that we are nota ware of the dignity of the person and the dignity of labour. May the figures of St Joseph and especially of Jesus, of ‘God who works” – be our model – for they teach us the way forward, through dignity.”
“The human person is more important than the brick.”
Not by much. The human person is considered to have rights, but the brick isn’t.
person:
A man considered according to the rank he holds in society, with all the rights to which the place he holds entitles him, and the duties which it imposes. 1 Bouv. Inst. no. 137. A human being considered as capable of having rights and or being charged with duties, while a “thing” is the object over which rights may be exercised. (Black’s 2nd (1910))
Man is subject to the law of his creator/creators. Law is consistent with reason, opinions about law can be wrong, especially when they are based on faith in an assumed authority.
John Key’s plan to prostrate the country before the oil industry causes disquiet, even in National’s true blue heartland.
Even in a true blue country area, in what should have been the bosom of his support. Farmers tell Key that the oil companies have too much power.
Just like a Mafia Capo addressing the ‘Made Men’ of the Gambino Family. Key demands that fealty must be paid towards the local Mafia Don. “it was in everyone’s interest” to be “respectful” to the oil companies, he said.
Farm owner Graham Robinson said he had experience of oil wells on his own land, and exploration companies could drill wherever they wanted – pointing to the land near his house.
“At the end of the day, they have got too much power,” Mr Robinson said.
Mr Key said the value of the industry to the country meant it was in everyone’s interest to form a respectful partnership with the exploration companies.
However, he promised to raise their concerns with Energy Minister Simon Bridges.
Another farmer alleged some companies were pitting farmers against one another in a bidding war and taking the lowest deal.
One company went so far as buying a farm because it was unable to get an agreement “so they have got the upper hand”.
A woman told Mr Key the money paid to farmers was widely variable. She knew of farmers paid $4000 plus compensation for the loss of productive land while others were paid $200,000 plus compensation.
Wash your load promptly and return on-line with the programme
(glanced at The Witches of Oz, yet Emeralds not fine stone)
did have the money, apprenticeship afternoons, Ruby Tuesdays
“please send me evenings and weekends, please send me evenings and weekends,
your kiss so sweet, your sweat so sour” Gladys, “Little Miss S. in a mini-dress
living it up to die (New Bohemians)
in a blink of the Public Eye”.
“We, we’re a part of your Circle of Friends
and we notice you don’t come around
We, we think it all depends
on you
Touching ground with us.
And NBR thinks Williamson will be a challenger to Brown because..
He says [Dick Quax] Mr Williamson doesn’t carry as much “baggage” as Mr Banks in the eyes of voters, particularly those in area outside the old Auckland City Council.
Going to be interesting to see who actually steps up, I think Maurice will fold his tent. 26 years in Wellington and what’s your biggest achievement? Leaky buildings. Thanks Maurice
Sometimes amongst the crap there are illustrations of kindness and good people. This compilation of positive russian dash cams bought a wee tear to my eye and reminded me that there are lots and lots of kind, good people out there everywhere.
The ‘Open Letter’ to Solicitor-General Michael Heron, requesting Crown Law to intervene and take over the prosecution of John Archibald Banks for alleged electoral fraud is available here:
The evidence that John Banks has been summonsed to attend the Auckland District Court (first appearance) on Wednesday 8 May 2013 (at 9am) is available here:
When is Prime Minister John Key going to stand down John Banks as Minister of Regulatory Reform, Minister of Small Business, Associate Minister of Education and Associate Minister of Commerce?
If National MP Aaron Gilmore is regarded as not being ‘fit for duty’ – what about Minister John Banks who is facing COURT proceedings, and will exit stage left (errr right?) immediately from the House if convicted?
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Has Winston Peters got a ferries deal for you! (Buyer caution advised.) Unfortunately, the vision that Peters has been busily peddling for the past 24 hours – of several shipyards bidding down the price of us getting smaller, narrower, rail-enabled ferries – looks more like a science fiction fantasy. One ...
Completed reads for March: The Heart of the Antarctic [1907-1909], by Ernest Shackleton South [1914-1917], by Ernest Shackleton Aurora Australis (collection), edited by Ernest Shackleton The Book of Urizen (poem), by William Blake The Book of Ahania (poem), by William Blake The Book of Los (poem), by William Blake ...
First - A ReminderBenjamin Doyle Doesn’t Deserve ThisI’ve been following posts regarding Green MP Benjamin Doyle over the last few days, but didn’t want to amplify the abject nonsense.This morning, Winston Peters, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister, answered the alt-right’s prayers - guaranteeing amplification of the topic, by going on ...
US President Donald Trump has shown a callous disregard for the checks and balances that have long protected American democracy. As the self-described ‘king’ makes a momentous power grab, much of the world watches anxiously, ...
They can be the very same words. And yet their meaning can vary very much.You can say I'll kill him about your colleague who accidentally deleted your presentation the day before a big meeting.You can say I'll kill him to — or, for that matter, about — Tony Soprano.They’re the ...
Back in 2020, the then-Labour government signed contracted for the construction and purchase of two new rail-enabled Cook Strait ferries, to be operational from 2026. But when National took power in 2023, they cancelled them in a desperate effort to make the books look good for a year. And now ...
The fragmentation of cyber regulation in the Indo-Pacific is not just inconvenient; it is a strategic vulnerability. In recent years, governments across the Indo-Pacific, including Australia, have moved to reform their regulatory frameworks for cyber ...
Welcome to the March 2025 Economic Bulletin. The feature article examines what public private partnerships (PPPs) are. PPPs have been a hot topic recently, with the coalition government signalling it wants to use them to deliver infrastructure. However, experience with PPPs, both here and overseas, indicates we should be wary. ...
Willis announces more plans of plans for supermarketsYesterday’s much touted supermarket competition announcement by Nicola Willis amounted to her telling us she was issuing a 6 week RFI1 that will solicit advice from supermarket players.In short, it was an announcement of a plan - but better than her Kiwirail Interislander ...
This was the post I was planning to write this morning to mark Orr’s final day. That said, if the underlying events – deliberate attempts to mislead Parliament – were Orr’s doing, the post is more about the apparent uselessness of Parliament (specifically the Finance and Expenditure Committee) in holding ...
Taiwanese chipmaking giant TSMC’s plan to build a plant in the United States looks like a move made at the behest of local officials to solidify US support for Taiwan. However, it may eventually lessen ...
This is a Guest Post by Transport Planner Bevan Woodward from the charitable trust Movement, which has lodged an application for a judicial review of the Governments Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024 Auckland is at grave risk of having its safer speed limits on approx. 1,500 local streets ...
We're just talkin' 'bout the futureForget about the pastIt'll always be with usIt's never gonna die, never gonna dieSongwriters: Brian Johnson / Angus Young / Malcolm YoungMorena, all you lovely people, it’s good to be back, and I have news from the heartland. Now brace yourself for this: depending on ...
Today is the last day in office for the Governor of the Reserve Bank, Adrian Orr. Of course, he hasn’t been in the office since 5 March when, on the eve of his major international conference, his resignation was announced and he stormed off with no (effective) notice and no ...
Treasury and Cabinet have finally agreed to a Crown guarantee for a non-Government lending agency for Community Housing Providers (CHPs), which could unlock billions worth of loans and investments by pension funds and banks to build thousands of more affordable social homes. Photo: Lynn GrievesonMōrena. Long stories shortest:Chris Bishop ...
Australia has plenty of room to spend more on defence. History shows that 2.9 percent of GDP is no great burden in ordinary times, so pushing spending to 3.0 percent in dangerous times is very ...
In short this morning in our political economy:Winston Peters will announce later today whether two new ferries are rail ‘compatible’, requiring time-consuming container shuffling, or the more efficient and expensive rail ‘enabled,’ where wagons can roll straight on and off.Nicola Willisthreatened yesterday to break up the supermarket duopoly with ...
A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 23, 2025 thru Sat, March 29, 2025. This week's roundup is again published by category and sorted by number of articles included in each. The formatting is a ...
For prospective writers out there, Inspired Quill, the publisher of my novel(s) is putting together a short story anthology (pieces up to 10,000 words). The open submission window is 29th March to 29th April. https://www.inspired-quill.com/anthology-submissions/ The theme?This anthology will bring together diverse voices exploring themes of hope, resistance, and human ...
Prime minister Kevin Rudd released the 2009 defence white paper in May of that year. It is today remembered mostly for what it said about the strategic implications of China’s rise; its plan to double ...
In short this morning in our political economy:Voters want the Government to retain the living wage for cleaners, a poll shows.The Government’s move to provide a Crown guarantee to banks and the private sector for social housing is described a watershed moment and welcomed by Community Housing Providers.Nicola Willis is ...
The recent attacks in the Congo by Rwandan backed militias has led to worldwide condemnation of the Rwandan regime of Paul Kagame. Following up on the recent Fabian Zoom with Mikela Wrong and Maria Amoudian, Dr Rudaswinga will give a complete picture of Kagame’s regime and discuss the potential ...
New Zealand’s economic development has always been a partnership between the public and private sectors.Public-Private-Partnerships (PPPs) have become fashionable again, partly because of the government’s ambitions to accelerate infrastructural development. There is, of course, an ideological element too, while some of the opposition to them is also ideological.PPPs come in ...
How Australia funds development and defence was front of mind before Tuesday’s federal budget. US President Donald Trump’s demands for a dramatic lift in allied military spending and brutal cuts to US foreign assistance meant ...
Questions 1. Where and what is this protest?a. Hamilton, angry crowd yelling What kind of food do you call this Seymour?b.Dunedin, angry crowd yelling Still waiting, Simeon, still waitingc. Wellington, angry crowd yelling You’re trashing everything you idiotsd. Istanbul, angry crowd yelling Give us our democracy back, give it ...
Two blueprints that could redefine the Northern Territory’s economic future were launched last week. The first was a government-led economic strategy and the other an industry-driven economic roadmap. Both highlight that supporting the Northern Territory ...
Today, the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill has passed its third and final reading, but there is one more stage before it becomes law. The Governor-General must give their ‘Royal assent’ for any bill to become legally enforceable. This means that, even if a bill gets voted ...
Abortion care at Whakatāne Hospital has been quietly shelved, with patients told they will likely have to travel more than an hour to Tauranga to get the treatment they need. ...
Thousands of New Zealanders’ submissions are missing from the official parliamentary record because the National-dominated Justice Select Committee has rushed work on the Treaty Principles Bill. ...
Today’s announcement of 10 percent tariffs for New Zealand goods entering the United States is disappointing for exporters and consumers alike, with the long-lasting impact on prices and inflation still unknown. ...
The National Government’s choices have contributed to a slow-down in the building sector, as thousands of people have lost their jobs in construction. ...
Willie Apiata’s decision to hand over his Victoria Cross to the Minister for Veterans is a powerful and selfless act, made on behalf of all those who have served our country. ...
The Privileges Committee has denied fundamental rights to Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Rawiri Waititi and Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, breaching their own standing orders, breaching principles of natural justice, and highlighting systemic prejudice and discrimination within our parliamentary processes. The three MPs were summoned to the privileges committee following their performance of a haka ...
April 1 used to be a day when workers could count on a pay rise with stronger support for those doing it tough, but that’s not the case under this Government. ...
Winston Peters is shopping for smaller ferries after Nicola Willis torpedoed the original deal, which would have delivered new rail enabled ferries next year. ...
The Government should work with other countries to press the Myanmar military regime to stop its bombing campaign especially while the country recovers from the devastating earthquake. ...
The Green Party is calling for the Government to scrap proposed changes to Early Childhood Care, after attending a petition calling for the Government to ‘Put tamariki at the heart of decisions about ECE’. ...
New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill today that will remove the power of MPs conscience votes and ensure mandatory national referendums are held before any conscience issues are passed into law. “We are giving democracy and power back to the people”, says New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters. ...
Welcome to members of the diplomatic corp, fellow members of parliament, the fourth estate, foreign affairs experts, trade tragics, ladies and gentlemen. ...
In recent weeks, disturbing instances of state-sanctioned violence against Māori have shed light on the systemic racism permeating our institutions. An 11-year-old autistic Māori child was forcibly medicated at the Henry Bennett Centre, a 15-year-old had his jaw broken by police in Napier, kaumātua Dean Wickliffe went on a hunger ...
Confidence in the job market has continued to drop to its lowest level in five years as more New Zealanders feel uncertain about finding work, keeping their jobs, and getting decent pay, according to the latest Westpac-McDermott Miller Employment Confidence Index. ...
The Greens are calling on the Government to follow through on their vague promises of environmental protection in their Resource Management Act (RMA) reform. ...
“Make New Zealand First Again” Ladies and gentlemen, First of all, thank you for being here today. We know your lives are busy and you are working harder and longer than you ever have, and there are many calls on your time, so thank you for the chance to speak ...
Hundreds more Palestinians have died in recent days as Israel’s assault on Gaza continues and humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, is blocked. ...
National is looking to cut hundreds of jobs at New Zealand’s Defence Force, while at the same time it talks up plans to increase focus and spending in Defence. ...
It’s been revealed that the Government is secretly trying to bring back a ‘one-size fits all’ standardised test – a decision that has shocked school principals. ...
The Green Party is calling for the compassionate release of Dean Wickliffe, a 77-year-old kaumātua on hunger strike at the Spring Hill Corrections Facility, after visiting him at the prison. ...
The Green Party is calling on Government MPs to support Chlöe Swarbrick’s Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence and illegal actions in Palestine, following another day of appalling violence against civilians in Gaza. ...
The Green Party stands in support of volunteer firefighters petitioning the Government to step up and change legislation to provide volunteers the same ACC coverage and benefits as their paid counterparts. ...
At 2.30am local time, Israel launched a treacherous attack on Gaza killing more than 300 defenceless civilians while they slept. Many of them were children. This followed a more than 2 week-long blockade by Israel on the entry of all goods and aid into Gaza. Israel deliberately targeted densely populated ...
Living Strong, Aging Well There is much discussion around the health of our older New Zealanders and how we can age well. In reality, the delivery of health services accounts for only a relatively small percentage of health outcomes as we age. Significantly, dry warm housing, nutrition, exercise, social connection, ...
Shane Jones’ display on Q&A showed how out of touch he and this Government are with our communities and how in sync they are with companies with little concern for people and planet. ...
The Government’s new planning legislation to replace the Resource Management Act will make it easier to get things done while protecting the environment, say Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop and Under-Secretary Simon Court. “The RMA is broken and everyone knows it. It makes it too hard to build ...
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has today launched a public consultation on New Zealand and India’s negotiations of a formal comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. “Negotiations are getting underway, and the Public’s views will better inform us in the early parts of this important negotiation,” Mr McClay says. We are ...
More than 900 thousand superannuitants and almost five thousand veterans are among the New Zealanders set to receive a significant financial boost from next week, an uplift Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says will help support them through cost-of-living challenges. “I am pleased to confirm that from 1 ...
Progressing a holistic strategy to unlock the potential of New Zealand’s geothermal resources, possibly in applications beyond energy generation, is at the centre of discussions with mana whenua at a hui in Rotorua today, Resources and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is in the early stages ...
New annual data has exposed the staggering cost of delays previously hidden in the building consent system, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I directed Building Consent Authorities to begin providing quarterly data last year to improve transparency, following repeated complaints from tradespeople waiting far longer than the statutory ...
Increases in water charges for Auckland consumers this year will be halved under the Watercare Charter which has now been passed into law, Local Government Minister Simon Watts and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown say. The charter is part of the financial arrangement for Watercare developed last year by Auckland Council ...
There is wide public support for the Government’s work to strengthen New Zealand’s biosecurity protections, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard. “The Ministry for Primary Industries recently completed public consultation on proposed amendments to the Biosecurity Act and the submissions show that people understand the importance of having a strong biosecurity ...
A new independent review function will enable individuals and organisations to seek an expert independent review of specified civil aviation regulatory decisions made by, or on behalf of, the Director of Civil Aviation, Acting Transport Minister James Meager has announced today. “Today we are making it easier and more affordable ...
The Government will invest in an enhanced overnight urgent care service for the Napier community as part of our focus on ensuring access to timely, quality healthcare, Health Minister Simeon Brown has today confirmed. “I am delighted that a solution has been found to ensure Napier residents will continue to ...
Health Minister Simeon Brown and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey attended a sod turning today to officially mark the start of construction on a new mental health facility at Hillmorton Campus. “This represents a significant step in modernising mental health services in Canterbury,” Mr Brown says. “Improving health infrastructure is ...
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has welcomed confirmation the economy has turned the corner. Stats NZ reported today that gross domestic product grew 0.7 per cent in the three months to December following falls in the June and September quarters. “We know many families and businesses are still suffering the after-effects ...
The sealing of a 12-kilometre stretch of State Highway 43 (SH43) through the Tangarakau Gorge – one of the last remaining sections of unsealed state highway in the country – has been completed this week as part of a wider programme of work aimed at improving the safety and resilience ...
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters says relations between New Zealand and the United States are on a strong footing, as he concludes a week-long visit to New York and Washington DC today. “We came to the United States to ask the new Administration what it wants from ...
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has welcomed changes to international anti-money laundering standards which closely align with the Government’s reforms. “The Financial Action Taskforce (FATF) last month adopted revised standards for tackling money laundering and the financing of terrorism to allow for simplified regulatory measures for businesses, organisations and sectors ...
Associate Health Minister David Seymour says he welcomes Medsafe’s decision to approve an electronic controlled drug register for use in New Zealand pharmacies, allowing pharmacies to replace their physical paper-based register. “The register, developed by Kiwi brand Toniq Limited, is the first of its kind to be approved in New ...
The Coalition Government’s drive for regional economic growth through the $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund is on track with more than $550 million in funding so far committed to key infrastructure projects, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. “To date, the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) has received more than 250 ...
[Comments following the bilateral meeting with United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio; United States State Department, Washington D.C.] * We’re very pleased with our meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio this afternoon. * We came here to listen to the new Administration and to be clear about what ...
The intersection of State Highway 2 (SH2) and Wainui Road in the Eastern Bay of Plenty will be made safer and more efficient for vehicles and freight with the construction of a new and long-awaited roundabout, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop. “The current intersection of SH2 and Wainui Road is ...
The Ocean Race will return to the City of Sails in 2027 following the Government’s decision to invest up to $4 million from the Major Events Fund into the international event, Auckland Minister Simeon Brown says. “New Zealand is a proud sailing nation, and Auckland is well-known internationally as the ...
Improving access to mental health and addiction support took a significant step forward today with Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announcing that the University of Canterbury have been the first to be selected to develop the Government’s new associate psychologist training programme. “I am thrilled that the University of Canterbury ...
Health Minister Simeon Brown has today officially opened the new East Building expansion at Manukau Health Park. “This is a significant milestone and the first stage of the Grow Manukau programme, which will double the footprint of the Manukau Health Park to around 30,000m2 once complete,” Mr Brown says. “Home ...
The Government will boost anti-crime measures across central Auckland with $1.3 million of funding as a result of the Proceeds of Crime Fund, Auckland Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee say. “In recent years there has been increased antisocial and criminal behaviour in our CBD. The Government ...
The Government is moving to strengthen rules for feeding food waste to pigs to protect New Zealand from exotic animal diseases like foot and mouth disease (FMD), says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard. ‘Feeding untreated meat waste, often known as "swill", to pigs could introduce serious animal diseases like FMD and ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held productive talks in New Delhi today. Fresh off announcing that New Zealand and India would commence negotiations towards a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, the two Prime Ministers released a joint statement detailing plans for further cooperation between the two countries across ...
Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay signed a new Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) today during the Prime Minister’s Indian Trade Mission, reinforcing New Zealand’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with India in the forestry sector. “Our relationship with India is a key priority for New Zealand, and this agreement reflects our ...
Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay signed a new Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) today during the Prime Minister’s Indian Trade Mission, reinforcing New Zealand’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with India in the horticulture sector. “Our relationship with India is a key priority for New Zealand, and this agreement reflects our ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of two new Family Court Judges. The new Judges will take up their roles in April and May and fill Family Court vacancies at the Auckland and Manukau courts. Annette Gray Ms Gray completed her law degree at Victoria University before joining Phillips ...
Health Minister Simeon Brown has today officially opened Wellington Regional Hospital’s first High Dependency Unit (HDU). “This unit will boost critical care services in the lower North Island, providing extra capacity and relieving pressure on the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and emergency department. “Wellington Regional Hospital has previously relied ...
Namaskar, Sat Sri Akal, kia ora and good afternoon everyone. What an honour it is to stand on this stage - to inaugurate this august Dialogue - with none other than the Honourable Narendra Modi. My good friend, thank you for so generously welcoming me to India and for our ...
By Harlyne Joku and BenarNews staff Residents of an informal Port Moresby settlement that was razed following the gang rape and murder of a woman by 20 men say they are being unfairly punished by Papua New Guinea authorities over alleged links to the crime. Human rights advocates and the ...
Nearly 25 years after the "corngate" saga, the debate on genetic modification is back thanks to the Gene Technology Bill currently in select committee. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Brodie, Research Scientist in Marine Ecology, CSIRO jittawit21, Shutterstock Picture this: you’re lounging on a beautiful beach, soaking up the sun and listening to the soothing sound of the waves. You run your hands through the warm sand, only to ...
By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist Although New Zealand and Australia seem to have escaped the worst of Donald Trump’s latest tariffs, some Pacific Islands stand to be hit hard — including a few that aren’t even “countries”. The US will impose a base tariff of 10 percent on all ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton both agree Australia should react to US President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff regime by continuing to seek a special deal. They just disagree about which of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joanne Orlando, Researcher, Digital Literacy and Digital Wellbeing, Western Sydney University UK Prime Minster Keir Starmer met with Adolescence writer Jack Thorne to discuss adolescent safety at Downing Street on Monday. Jack Taylor/ GettyImages Netflix’s Adolescence has ignited global debate. ...
By Anneke Smith,RNZ News political reporter A stoush between the Chief Human Rights Commissioner and a Jewish community leader has flared up following a showdown at Parliament. Appearing before a parliamentary select committee today, Dr Stephen Rainbow was asked about his recent apology for incorrect comments he made about ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rakesh Gupta, Associate Professor of Accounting & Finance, Charles Darwin University US President Donald Trump’s new trade war will not only send shockwaves through the global economy – it also upsets efforts to tackle the urgent issue of climate change. Trump has ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Toohey, Professor of Law, UNSW Sydney It had the hallmarks of a reality TV cliffhanger. Until recently, many people had never even heard of tariffs. Now, there’s been rolling live international coverage of so-called “Liberation Day”, as US President Donald Trump ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Fuller, Clinical Trials Director, Department of Endocrinology, RPA Hospital, University of Sydney mavo/Shutterstock In the ever-changing wellness industry, one diet obsession has captured and held TikTok’s attention: protein. Whether it’s sharing snaps of protein-packed meals or giving tutorials to ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sebastian Maslow, Associate Professor, International Relations, University of Tokyo Two months into US President Donald Trump’s second term, the liberal international order is on life support. Alliances and multilateral institutions are now seen by the United States as burdens. Europe and ...
Starving public services of resources, gutting the workforce and then proposing private market solutions has been a key strategy of this government, says Vanessa Cole, spokesperson for Public Housing Futures. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hayley Geyle, Ecologist, Charles Darwin University Sarah Maclagan/Author provided The greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) is one of Australia’s most iconic yet at-risk animals — and the last surviving bilby species. Once found across 70% of Australia, its range has contracted by ...
The government’s own Regulatory Impact Statement acknowledges that organic producers will bear the financial burden of adapting to the risks posed by GMO expansion. ...
The committee has "rammed it through with outrageous haste", with a report now expected tomorrow, but excluding thousands of submissions, Duncan Webb says. ...
The US president’s sweeping programme of global tariffs will hit every country abroad, including New Zealand, and dramatically raise prices at home. This is an excerpt from The World Bulletin, our weekly global current affairs newsletter exclusively for Spinoff Members. Sign up here.In a dramatic, flag-draped address from the White ...
Alex Casey talks to Bariz Shah and Saba Afrasyabi, the couple who launched a project to change 51 lives in honour of those lost in the Christchurch mosque attacks. When Bariz Shah and Saba Afrasyabi walked into Naeem’s house in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, they knew immediately that he needed their help. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Deane, Professor of Trade Law, Taxation and Climate Change, Queensland University of Technology US President Donald Trump has imposed a range of tariffs on all products entering the US market, with Australian exports set to face a 10% tariff, effective April ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra US President Donald Trump singled out Australia’s beef trade for special mention in his announcement that the United States would impose a 10% global tariff as well as “reciprocal tariffs” on many countries. In ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hayley Geyle, Ecologist, Charles Darwin University Sarah Maclagan/Author provided The greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) is one of Australia’s most iconic yet at-risk animals — and the last surviving bilby species. Once found across 70% of Australia, its range has contracted by ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra US President Donald Trump singled out Australia’s beef trade for special mention in his announcement that the United States would impose a 10% global tariff as well as “reciprocal tariffs” on many countries. In ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Rudge, Law lecturer, University of Sydney Shutterstock Recent media coverage in the Nine newspapers highlights a surge in non-medical ultrasound providers offering “reassurance ultrasounds” to expectant parents. The service has resulted in serious harms, such as misdiagnosed ectopic pregnancies and ...
The three MPs whose rule-breaking haka caught the world’s attention didn’t attend their scheduled hearing yesterday. Constitutional law expert Andrew Geddis has the rundown of what happened, why, and what’s likely to come next. I see Te Pāti Māori and the privileges committee are in some sort of stand-off – ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Turner, Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University The Eurasian and North American tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland.Nido Huebl/Shutterstock Earth is the only known planet which has plate tectonics today. The constant movement of these giant slabs of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra US President Donald Trump singled out Australia’s beef trade for special mention in his announcement that the United States would impose a 10% global tariff as well as “reciprocal tariffs” on many countries. In ...
Meta has stolen millions of books to train its AI, including books by kaituhi Māori. What does that mean for mātauranga and its status as taonga? New Zealand authors are among the millions whose books have been pirated and scraped by Meta to train its AI. The New Zealand Society of ...
Some hoped the open of the New Zealand markets would open with a bounce as certain tariffs fell short of the worst-case scenario, but investors were met with a deflated thud.The New Zealand market fell immediately as stock market darling Fisher & Paykel Healthcare’s shares were punished, with no update ...
Healthcare dominated the debate in an unusually sober and serious question time. “Hey David!” a group of high school students in the public gallery called out as Act leader David Seymour entered the debating chamber. Standing in the middle of the floor, before any other MPs had arrived, he happily ...
Could the next airline flight you catch be piloted by an All Black?
You are not feeling well. And you need to see a medical professional about your health. Would you be happy to see a top flight netball player instead?
You are in trouble with the law. Would you choose to be represented by a squash player, even one with a newly minted honorary doctorate?
I didn’t think so.
Nobody would be criminally stupid enough to use sporting prowess as a measure of competency for the above roles.
But if, the airlines and health boards ditched their standard selection guidelines, for the revolutionary selection criteria used by Judith Collins, to select the Race Relations Commissioner……
Abandoning the written guidelines, a former All Black, and a net ball player, were Judith Collins first choices for the position of race relations Commissioner, before she settled on a well known squash player.
Good On Sean Plunket for tackling the refusal to be accountable.
Maybe RNZ could learn from him.
Very disturbing indeed!
talking of ‘disgusting’
let the children eat grass signs off the New Zealand Ministry of Health.
Could the next airline flight you catch be piloted by an All Black?
It’s not impossible.
Would you be happy to see a top flight netball player instead?
Only if she had a medical qualification – but I’d definitely let Bernice Mene teach my kids. Heck, I’d even elect a double national player to Parliament.
I’m highly critical of Devoy’s appointment, and I’m very suspicious of the fact that Michael Jones and Irene van Dyk were also offered it, but let’s not make this about “sports players are automatically idiots”, shall we?
Yeah, the correct question is: Why does the Govt think being a sports celebrity is a relevant qualification?
And note it’s celebrity sportspeople they’re headhunting.
Felix.
Apparently Susan Devoy has “a spine” So,if you have a spine you can expect a phone call from a ghost offering you a really good job. Brilliant,everybody should be employed very shortly. Really annoyed with devoy on Campbell Live with her snide arrogance saying that she did not know who rang her and shoulder tapped her. Following the party line of not knowing anything about anything but everything is “above board” Silly simpering woman!
Campbell Live should run a poll asking – whose identity do you think Susan Devoy is hiding when she said she did not know who rang her?
A. Her crony cabinet minister
B. The Prime Minister
C. Baldrick’s turnip
D. Her creative truth-telling telephone which rang itself
E. Her neighbour Tony who was had been talking to the responsible minister
Agreed Alanz. If someone called you to offer you a job and you did not know who, would you not find out who?
This fact alone makes her too stupid for most jobs, let alone something this sensitive.
God, I bet she’d fall for “I am calling from your computer support department, please turn on your computer so I can debug it” scams too.
Good skit on this on Down the List this morning.
“Tosser” can now be added to the various words recently used to describe Aaron “Happy” Gilmore …
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10881590
Yes those higher standards the Nats bleat on about look very lofty and moral in action.
Glad to see this waiter excelling in performing his duties, he should be commended for his actions.
http://m.alcohol.org.nz/sites/default/files/useruploads/Resourcepdfs/Wheres_the_line.pdf
It’s illegal to serve alcohol to a person who is or has become intoxicated.
It’s also illegal to let an intoxicated person onto a licensed premise.
Finally, it is against the law to serve a patron in such as way that leads them to become intoxicated.
http://www.drugfoundation.org.nz/alcohol/law-and-penalities
FYI….. Worth checking out RNZ Sunday this morning:
0840 Sandra Gray Dissent and Democracy and
10:06 Ideas: The Public Service – Past, Present and Future
The former – the obvious democracy deficit we’re in the middle of.
The latter – (In my view) the way in which corporatiation of the PS has simply meant PS Senior Managers and CEO’s operate with LESS accountability, and run their various depts as little feifdoms. The real Public Servants under those Snr Managers and CEOs do their work IN SPITE of their overlords rather than BECAUSE of their ‘leadership’ . We were promised the exact opposite.
We should exhort John Key to please, please keep Aaron Gilmore on, at least for the next 18 months.
Yes yes yes
There is yet some more stuff to come out …..
Help Josie Pagani on Q&A just praised Peter Dunne and in particular his stance on paid parental leave and mondayising of Waitangi Day and Anzac Day.
But she does not criticise him for supporting asset sales.
Can’t we have a “Labour representative” who actually says what the party thinks?
“Can’t we have a “Labour representative” who actually says what the party thinks?”
Not sure I like our chances MS. It’ll probably come some time AFTER we get a “From the Left ….. and From the Right” on Nine to Noon, and a change to the FOX News approach on “The Panel”
What does “the party” think micky? IMHO this is the key problem, “the party” is dysfunctional serving itself to the detriment of its founding principles, it’s supporters and its members. What exactly do Labour stand for? How are its values expressed in its policies and how does being unthinking opposition constitute a political force worth supporting?
Saying that Labour doesn’t stand for anything burt just shows that you’re ignorant… However the issue here isn’t that Labour may or may not have an opinion, it’s that interested parties aren’t being giving the opportunity to express an opinion to counter the right wing theme that pervades programs like Q+A.
I was pretty disappointed with today’s lopsided program as well… Not only in terms of yet another puff piece for Peter Dunne, but also in terms of the criticism of bitcoins that was largely based on an inaccurate account from Kirk Hope.
The New Zealand Bankers’ Association CEO clearly has a vested interest in criticizing bitcoins, because the banks haven’t yet figured out how to take their pound of flesh. The panel didn’t question any of his claims, even though many of them were clearly false.
There’s relevant legislation here that should have been adhered to… Under the Broadcasting Act 1989 (PDF) there’s a responsibility of broadcasters to be fair, accurate and give people the opportunity to hear both sides of the story:
In my opinion, Q+A is a long way away from adhering to those rules. That doesn’t just make for biased broadcasting, it makes for boring broadcasting as well. Only a truly ignorant person could enjoy the dross that Susan Wood seems determined to serve up each weekend on Q+A.
coloured blue this morning Jackal
But she does not criticise him for supporting asset sales.
In fact, she went so far as to praise him for always being above-board in how he voted on things.
I keep trying to get into watching Q&A regularly, as a politically-minded Kiwi, but inevitably I get 5 minutes in (or fast-forward to the panel and get 5 minutes into that) and have to bail out to save my brain from excess headdesking.
refrain from damage to that unique brain Queen. stick with the agave, thats the only blue you need to rest your eyes.
Now you’re speaking my language.
But mickysavage she’s photogenic, and has long black hair which looks good on the telly. That’s more important than what Labour Party members think!!! We’ve already seen what the TV media think of ordinary Labour Party members. In short, we don’t count.
Captain Adder says you do count and what we he do without cannon fodder to send over the top ?
well, the yanks might need more turnips to process into biofuel;
The US War Machine over a Barrel
Oh dear war is so costly. The citizens will just have to cut down on what they think of as necessities which are in fact luxuries, so that the machinery that protects our wonderful country and each cherished person within it, can keep functioning.
Better hide your turnips to ensure you last the winter folks.
20 minutes to the Kentucky Derby, folks. Here’s an appropriate song:
Well it is Sunday TRP, someone gave me this DVD that was shot over 3 nights in Texas, and edited non chronologically. The other band members all have various costume changes but Keith Richards has the same satin shirt, jeans and boots on in every take.
Kentucky Derby yee haa!
I’m a little concerned that Jagger appears to have a vegetable stuffed in his trousers. Very Spinal Tap!
Riding through dustlands and barren wastes
great horse races often inspire great stories, this is one of them
http://brianb.freeshell.org/a/kddd.pdf
it only has a couple of Steadman’s illustrations, but that makes finding the others that much more enjoyable, look for ‘Gonzo, The Art’ for the full collection
from the other side of the oasis
a memorable Vigjam
I bought a steadman piece not too long ago. An original from the fear and loathing collection
Housing New Zealand bids up price to purchase ahead of first home buyer. So, where’s ma house?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10881566
And?
Actually, it does. They buy the house, knock it down and build apartments on the site.
Which seems to be HNZs plan.
This makes me really angry.
The freaking Labour Party objecting to Housing NZ buying property to provide homes for the homeless and those in dire straits because home buyers might be adversely affected.
Not content with their policy of building 10,00 subsidised homes for the middle-class, Phil Twyford’s Labour Party is now actively oppsosing HNZ assistance for those whose housing needs are greatest. Fuck you Phil Twyford.
just saying
Except the amount of state houses has dramatically declined under this National government. Between 2008 and 2011, the amount of vacant state houses increased by a whopping 471 and the overal state houses available declined by 171 in the same time period. 256 houses were demolished.
That makes your claim that HNZ is providing homes for the homeless and those in dire straits by outbidding a few first-home buyers at auctions entirely incorrect.
Labour has actually said that they will reverse National’s anti-state housing regime by increasing the amount of state houses that are available for people in need. That makes your statement entirely inaccurate just saying.
Except the amount of state houses has dramatically declined under this National government. Between 2008 and 2011, the amount of vacant state houses increased by a whopping 471 and the overal state houses available declined by 171 in the same time period. 256 houses were demolished.
Yup, and yet right now Labour is complaining about the help HNZ is attempting to provide to those with the greatest housing needs….
…….Which makes Labour’s so-called committment to increasing housing for those most in need pretty freaking dubious, in my humble opinion Jackal.
The only commitment Twyford was talking about today was Labour’s commitment to provide 10,000 subsidised homes for those that can afford them, and he talked about this commitment in the context of complaining about HNZ buying property to house the poor.
You’re comparing a single property with the 171 that National got rid of and saying that; “HNZ is attempting to provide to those with the greatest housing needs.” C’mon just saying, they aren’t proving shit to people in need, hence the 171 less state houses between 2008 and 2011.
The number of state houses increased under the last Labour government. If reelected, the’ve also said they will increase the number of state houses over and above the 10,000 subsidized homes… Despite those facts you somehow think that National is more committed to helping people in need of a state house?
Jackal, when did I say that “National is more committed to helping people in need of a state house”?
I didn’t mention National at all. A criticism of a Labour MP is not an endorsement of the government.
What you actually said was:
Which is complete bullshit! It’s even a bigger pile of bullshit when you understand that National is dismantling the state housing sector piece by piece.
You said that HNZ was:
HNZ isn’t providing for people in need, because there are at least 171 less state houses available since 2008. National has instructed HNZ to reduce costs by having less state houses… Or do you think that HNZ somehow operates autonomously from the government just saying?
Don’t you get it Jackal?
It could have been a property developer outbidding buyers, or an investment group, or even just a rich person who liked the light and the soil and decided to buy up the whole neighbourhood to build a giant silver-framed geodesic dome. And no-one would have complained. It would have been accepted as just the way things are. You got the money – you buy what you want, as long as its legal, and often even if its not if you’re rich enough.
The reason for the complaints, for the outrage, and the reason Twyford chimed in, in my opinion, is that the poor and downtrodden aren’t believed to deserve anything that anyone else wants. That’s the society we are now. I wasn’t talking about anything outside of this instance, this example of what I believe to be a fact of our communities now. And Labour’s endorsement of it.
Twyford wasn’t saying that the “poor and downtrodden” don’t deserve to be housed just saying, he’s merely disagreeing with the way HNZ is currently acquiring new housing stock.
There’s no doubt that increasing competition will, to a degree, push up prices and make rents even less affordable. How exactly is that going to help the majority of poor people find affordable housing?
With the number of vacant state houses increasing by at least 471 since National gained power, competing on the open market isn’t going to increase the amount of people in need of housing assistance acquiring it through the HNZ. In contrast, fixing those dilapidated state houses and building more would help.
Therefore the basis of your argument is entirely flawed just saying… Not that I expect you to admit it.
Sounds like a cunning plan Baldrick.
This just in, Twyford: land available to build on isn’t an infinite resource.
We’ve actually already had this debate QoT, and without getting into the nitty gritty may I just conclude that there’s lots of land available to build new houses on in New Zealand.
In fact there are easily enough bare sections in residentially zoned areas that the government already owns for Labour’s housing policy to be realized. The only issue is that there are no longer enough sections available in Auckland for people to live the half-acre section dream… They might have to compromise and have smaller sections.
Is that perhaps what you mean by available land not being infinite?
No, Jackal, I meant that land isn’t an infinite resource. Try reading things people write and not imposing your own presumptions on them for once, would you?
lolz…sometimes it’s the simplicity which stumps them.
underreported struggles is a monthly posting by ahni at Intercontinental Cry that details indigenous struggles around the world. It is essential reading for those interested in human rights and shows the continued battles that indigenous people are engaged in to save their lands and themselves.
new barter currency
“Esquimalt First Nation, in an effort to reform the monetary system, unveiled a new barter currency on their territory known as Tetlas. Similar to a gift certificate, the Tetla was developed by the organization Tetla Tsetsuwatil to assist economic development in the S’amuna’ Nation and other native nations, and to encourage trade with non-natives and among non-natives. So far, 35 businesses have signed on to the Tetla system, but wit the constant problems first Nations have with the Canadian economy, you can be sure there will be more.”
opposing mining
“In northern Chile, Environmental groups and indigenous Diaguita communities celebrated a court decision to suspend the controversial Pascua Lama mine owned by the world’s largest gold mining company, Barrick gold. The court suspension was in response to a legal action that was brought forth by the affected indigenous communities who warned that the mine threatens their water supply and several local glaciers. Lorenzo Soto, a lawyer representing the Diaguita, said the suspension will remain in effect until the company addresses the pollution issue and properly consults the indigenous peoples.”
just two examples from many which show the interconnectedness of our struggles
http://intercontinentalcry.org/underreported-struggles-73-april-2013-19405/
barter currency
No country will agree to ignore widespread bartering with or without cash exchange. Sooner or later there will have to be some declaration of revenue equivalence gained through bartering and something to be paid to the tax department.
Perhaps although I’m not totally convinced. I’m a member of HANDS (How about a no money system) which although small and humble is working and there is no tax issue there, but I’m sure if it got big enough they would send the men in black around.
https://www.community-exchange.org/
as they say from the link, “Simply by keeping track of who receives what from whom we can dispense with the ancient idea of exchange media and the apparatus required to manage them. This helps us focus on providing and requesting what is really needed instead of chasing after money. It creates an environment of openness and transparency; it promotes equality, fairness and balance; it builds community and helps us respect our environment and appreciate the limits of our finite world.”
Good luck with that marty mars. For success it requires commitment of all members to the system with provision and purchase following each other at regular intervals.
Thanks prism – the best thing about HANDS is that it works best with transactions not accumulation.
Does anybody know anything about this and/or the effect that NZ Power or the MRP float might have on this on this market?
from the Electricity Authority:
In late 2011, new market-maker arrangements for New Zealand electricity futures trading were adopted by the ASX and the large generators. These arrangements sharply reduced the bid-ask spreads for futures contracts and substantially boosted trading volumes, providing the foundation for an increasingly active hedge market, which other parties, such as financial institutions, are expected to enter over time.
http://www.ea.govt.nz/dmsdocument/12292
it’ll probably depress activity in this hedge market as NZ Power will significantly improve price predictability and stability. However, although their use in financialised market games will reduce, hedges will still be used for protection against the results of unexpected climate or severe events (i.e what they are designed for).
Though it’s from Wednesday, a few quotes from Pope Francis at Mass 1 May – the Feast of St Joseph the Worker, prompted also by the Bangladesh killing of over 400 workers:
A society that “does not pay a just wage”, that “does not give work” to people; a society that only looks to its balance books, that only seeks profit” is unjust and goes against God.
“Not paying a just wage, not providing work, focussing exclusively on balancing the books, only looking at making personal profit. That goes against God! The headline that impacted me so much concerning the Bangladesh tragedy, ‘Living on 38 Euros a month’: this was the payment of these people who have died … And this is called slave labour. And today there is slavery that is made with the most beautiful gift that God has given to human-kind: the ability to create, to work, to be the makers of our own dignity. How many brothers and sisters throughout the world are in t his situation because of these, economic, social, political attitudes and so on…”
“The human person is more important than the brick. If people are less important than the things that give profit to those who have political, social, economic power, what point have we come to? To the point that we are nota ware of the dignity of the person and the dignity of labour. May the figures of St Joseph and especially of Jesus, of ‘God who works” – be our model – for they teach us the way forward, through dignity.”
Good to hear the Pope on Mayday.
Beautiful Ad : I humbly wager a Young Man leaps to conclude their second entry of influence in temporal affairs.
“The human person is more important than the brick.”
Not by much. The human person is considered to have rights, but the brick isn’t.
person:
A man considered according to the rank he holds in society, with all the rights to which the place he holds entitles him, and the duties which it imposes. 1 Bouv. Inst. no. 137. A human being considered as capable of having rights and or being charged with duties, while a “thing” is the object over which rights may be exercised. (Black’s 2nd (1910))
man is subject to law, but not defined by law.
Man is subject to the law of his creator/creators. Law is consistent with reason, opinions about law can be wrong, especially when they are based on faith in an assumed authority.
Deep and meaningless.
What it means is that the state is lying to you about the basics.
Then
May indigestion rack their chests
And ants invade their pants and vests.
For rugged rhymes Arfamo quests
And brings bon mots back to the nest.
hidden talents to check
Kind thoughts and support to Georgina Beyer!
A courageous woman, and one who knew when the careerist bullshitters were in ascendancy.
Pushing shit uphill was never her style.
John Key’s plan to prostrate the country before the oil industry causes disquiet, even in National’s true blue heartland.
Even in a true blue country area, in what should have been the bosom of his support. Farmers tell Key that the oil companies have too much power.
Just like a Mafia Capo addressing the ‘Made Men’ of the Gambino Family. Key demands that fealty must be paid towards the local Mafia Don. “it was in everyone’s interest” to be “respectful” to the oil companies, he said.
Surprise surprise.
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2013/05/04/1000-attend-anti-Semitic-rally-in-Budapest/UPI-35021367695435/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013/jan/27/ukip-far-right
hard case joe, i read that Hungary article this morning and left it ’til they rally the followers a bit more.
To whom the memory remains,
(some Godley, some Cremesome Art, some Noise)
Wash your load promptly and return on-line with the programme
(glanced at The Witches of Oz, yet Emeralds not fine stone)
did have the money, apprenticeship afternoons, Ruby Tuesdays
“please send me evenings and weekends, please send me evenings and weekends,
your kiss so sweet, your sweat so sour” Gladys, “Little Miss S. in a mini-dress
living it up to die (New Bohemians)
in a blink of the Public Eye”.
“We, we’re a part of your Circle of Friends
and we notice you don’t come around
We, we think it all depends
on you
Touching ground with us.
–Spaceman
Auckland Mayor Len Brown has a serious challenger on his hands.
Millionaire businessman John Palino has thrown his hat in the ring for the mayoralty and says the campaign could cost around a million dollars.
He says Len Brown’s policies have driven him to enter politics.
Who?? Going to cost more than a million buddy, your name recognition is non existent.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10881643
And NBR thinks Williamson will be a challenger to Brown because..
He says [Dick Quax] Mr Williamson doesn’t carry as much “baggage” as Mr Banks in the eyes of voters, particularly those in area outside the old Auckland City Council.
Note to Mr Quax – you aint helping.
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/why-len-brown-should-fear-%E2%80%98mayor-mo-nk-p-139536
Going to be interesting to see who actually steps up, I think Maurice will fold his tent. 26 years in Wellington and what’s your biggest achievement? Leaky buildings. Thanks Maurice
Sometimes amongst the crap there are illustrations of kindness and good people. This compilation of positive russian dash cams bought a wee tear to my eye and reminded me that there are lots and lots of kind, good people out there everywhere.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzBInt4zljQ
Would we stop our personal transportation device and help an elder across the road?
FYI folks!
The ‘Open Letter’ to Solicitor-General Michael Heron, requesting Crown Law to intervene and take over the prosecution of John Archibald Banks for alleged electoral fraud is available here:
http://www.dodgyjohnhasgone.com/
The evidence that John Banks has been summonsed to attend the Auckland District Court (first appearance) on Wednesday 8 May 2013 (at 9am) is available here:
http://www.dodgyjohnhasgone.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/JOHN-BANKS-Applicatio-Media-coverage-Banks-8-May-2013.pdf
This has been a LONG time coming………..
When is Prime Minister John Key going to stand down John Banks as Minister of Regulatory Reform, Minister of Small Business, Associate Minister of Education and Associate Minister of Commerce?
If National MP Aaron Gilmore is regarded as not being ‘fit for duty’ – what about Minister John Banks who is facing COURT proceedings, and will exit stage left (errr right?) immediately from the House if convicted?
Seriously?
Where’s the FUSS about John Banks?
Penny Bright
‘Anti-corruption / anti-privatisation’ campaigner
2013 Auckland Mayoral candidate
(Further background on attempts to get ‘one law for all’ to apply to ACT Leader, MP for Epsom John Banks is available here:
http://www.pennybright4epsom.org.nz
Banks attending court, away from work, on Ministerial salary and still getting paid during his absence. Thanks, taxpayers!