Open Mike 05/09/2016

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, September 5th, 2016 - 90 comments
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90 comments on “Open Mike 05/09/2016 ”

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  1. Paul 1
    5 September 2016 at 6:29 am

    Black Eyed Peas
    ‘Where is the love?’
    Updated for 2016.

  2. Penny Bright 2
    5 September 2016 at 7:38 am

    Fighting mainstream media effective censorship.

    FYI.
    ______________________________

    FREE!

    Screening of the film of the recent play “Bright – beyond belief” , together with a live interview of Auckland Mayoral candidate Penny Bright.

    WHEN: Thursday 8 September 2016.

    TIME: 7pm

    WHERE: Tiny Theatre, Garnet Station Cafe,
    85 Garnet Rd, Westmere.

    Places will be confirmed for the first 34 people who book
    for this FREE event 🙂

    Here’s where you book:

    http://garnetstation.com/

    “Ballot papers for the local body elections will be in the mail between 16-21st Sept so this is an opportunity to get more informed about who to vote for, and why.

    Bright Beyond Belief, a Tiny Theatre Production written and performed by Lisa Prager & Verity George to a sold out season last month, will be screened prior to Ms. Anne Speir interviewing Mayoral Candidate Penny Bright”

    FYI – here is a review of “Bright – beyond belief”

    http://www.gayexpress.co.nz/2016/08/review-bright-beyond-belief/

    Arts & Culture
    REVIEW: BRIGHT BEYOND BELIEF

    Cheers!

    Penny Bright
    2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.

    ‘Her Warship’ 😉

    ‘Activists – get things done’.

  3. jcuknz 3
    5 September 2016 at 8:46 am

    I heard an American say on Morning Report that he couldn’t understand why 35<40% were for Trump as he knows little or nothing about o'seas matters.
    I guess he forgot that a large proportion of Americans simply do not know there is anything outside the USA.

  4. Colonial Viper 4
    5 September 2016 at 9:33 am

    who’s afraid of Wolf Blitzer?

    The Atlantic tries to explain why Hillary Clinton hasn’t held a press conference in ~272 days and why she prefers comfortable preagreed one one settings, or chats with small town local news reporters.

    http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/09/whos-afraid-of-wolf-blitzer/498434/

  5. save nz 5
    5 September 2016 at 10:11 am

    Water Is Not A Human Right: Nestlé

    In the 2005 documentary We Feed the World, then CEO of Nestlé Peter Brabeck-Letmathe made an astonishing claim that there is nothing to worry about with GMO foods, that profits matter above all else, that people should work more, and that human beings do not have a right to water.

    http://anonhq.com/water-is-not-a-human-right-nestle/

    • Psycho Milt 5.1
      5 September 2016 at 11:48 am

      …then CEO of Nestlé Peter Brabeck-Letmathe made an astonishing claim that there is nothing to worry about with GMO foods…

      What’s astonishing about that claim?

  6. Colonial Viper 6
    5 September 2016 at 10:29 am

    Merkel’s CDU falls third, behind the anti-immigrant AfD party in her home state elections, according to exit polls.

    More than 20% of voters voted AfD according to the exit poll.

    • Psycho Milt 6.1
      5 September 2016 at 11:54 am

      As with France and the UK, if a large section of the electorate is filing mass immigration under DO NOT WANT and the major parties pretend that actually mass immigration is wonderful and you lot are just racists, large numbers of voters start looking for a party that doesn’t sneer at them.

      • b waghorn 6.1.1
        5 September 2016 at 12:01 pm

        ” large numbers of voters start looking for a party that doesn’t sneer at them.”

        Sneering and accusing people of racism is what the nats are doing to anyone who suggests we tai ho on immigration

        • Psycho Milt 6.1.1.1
          5 September 2016 at 1:09 pm

          And by doing that it will eventually drive a significant proportion of its support to NZ First. Takes quite a while to have an effect, though.

      • McFlock 6.1.2
        5 September 2016 at 12:15 pm

        The old conflict between a government doing what is right as opposed to what is popular.

        • Psycho Milt 6.1.2.1
          5 September 2016 at 1:14 pm

          Whether it’s right for a government to impose mass immigration on its electors is a matter of opinion – hence the change in party support.

          • McFlock 6.1.2.1.1
            5 September 2016 at 1:24 pm

            Whether to provide succour to hundreds of thousands of hungry and defenceless people who are in fear of their lives isn’t a matter of opinion.

            It’s a matter of how history judges us.

            • marty mars 6.1.2.1.1.1
              5 September 2016 at 1:37 pm

              +1 Nice comment

            • Psycho Milt 6.1.2.1.1.2
              5 September 2016 at 1:52 pm

              Germany’s already at well over 200 people per sq km and the number of people in the world who could do with a nicer place to live is in the hundreds of millions. Many German voters unsurprisingly fail to see their country as the solution to this problem. History will most likely see it the same way.

              • McFlock …
                5 September 2016 at 2:34 pm

                Reducing the refugee crisis to people looking for a “nicer place to live” is classic minimisation. These people are looking for relative safety from a particularly brutal war zone or internment camps in Turkey which aren’t much better.

                Germany alone has a population of 82 million. Half a million more isn’t the cause of their hardships. Frankly, history will most likely judge Europe, Australia, and even NZ in a similar light to the countries that turned away ships full of Jewish refugees and sent them back to Germany just before the war. Only on a bigger scale.

                • Psycho Milt …
                  5 September 2016 at 4:05 pm

                  People looking for relative safety take it where they can get it. People who must make it to Germany or the UK at any cost are looking for a nice place to live.

                  You personally may feel that it’s fine to bung into an already-crowded country an extra half mil people (and the rest) who in many cases have no idea of how to live in western society and no great interest in learning how, but the citizens of said country are entitled to take a different view.

                  Future historians will probably note that Germany, the UK and various Middle Eastern countries took heaps of refugees from Syria while a lot of other developed countries (NZ included) refused. The fact that Germany experienced a voter backlash over the numbers involved and the long-term social problems that will inevitably result from it won’t either surprise or offend those historians.

                  • McFlock …
                    5 September 2016 at 4:49 pm

                    You personally may feel that it’s fine to bung into an already-crowded country an extra half mil people (and the rest) who in many cases have no idea of how to live in western society and no great interest in learning how, but the citizens of said country are entitled to take a different view.

                    Personally, I feel that if Germany or any country had taken so many refugees that it was causing problems beyond escalating xenophobia in already marginialised communities (whose problems have nothing to do with immigration and much to do with the prevailing socioeconomic structure of the country post-reunification), you wouldn’t have to rely on false-framing in order to make your point.

                    • Psycho Milt …
                      5 September 2016 at 6:47 pm

                      Your confidence that mass immigration isn’t causing any problems in Germany and only a few xenophobes are concerned about it is very reassuring. Perhaps you could let the SPD and CDU know? They seem concerned about their falling vote share.

                    • McFlock …
                      5 September 2016 at 7:46 pm

                      Reply button definitely a bit loopy…

                      Your confidence that mass immigration isn’t causing any problems in Germany and only a few xenophobes are concerned about it is very reassuring.

                      Again, that’s not even close to what I said. Never said “only a few”. You’re also welcome to point out how Merkel’s home region has been unduly affected by swarms of refugees being settled there.

                      In the meantime, here’s an interesting wee map. It’s in the northeast of germany, good old GDR territory.

            • b waghorn 6.1.2.1.1.3
              5 September 2016 at 2:46 pm

              History will see that the so called powers failed completely to stop the mess that is the middle east in the first place , attacking every day europeans because they voted for a bit of self preservation is pointless.
              We need to start laying failures at the feet of those who deserve it .

              • McFlock …
                5 September 2016 at 3:17 pm

                meh.

                At the risk of being a fucking hippy, I’m more holistic about the entire blame thing. We each are responsible for our portion, each time we acted rashly or failed to act.

                So yeah, Sykes and Picoult have their share, Bush/Obama/Putin have theirs, Merkel has hers, and we have ours. There’s no reason we couldn’t each do more to, say, lobby Key to half the low skilled immigration and take in 30,000 more refugees this year.

  7. mosa 7
    5 September 2016 at 10:30 am

    Its official there will not be an early election because John Key thinks that we dont want one.
    Nice of him to ask me, i didnot know he had, i must have missed the phone call.
    The election is on schedule for the latter part of next year when we might be ready for one.
    One year to go….at this stage.

    • Colonial Viper 7.1
      5 September 2016 at 10:35 am

      I still think it will be sightly early eg August, not November.

      • Muttonbird 7.1.1
        5 September 2016 at 1:33 pm

        At the tail end of what will be a very hard winter for a lot of Kiwis?

        Don’t think so.

        The current issues around housing affordability, homelessness, HNZ waiting lists, poor housing quality, and high power prices will have deteriorated and winter is when the people affected will be at their most discontent.

        • Enough is Enough 7.1.1.1
          5 September 2016 at 1:54 pm

          Those affected people do not and will not vote National.

          So they don’t come into Key’s calculations

          • Muttonbird 7.1.1.1.1
            5 September 2016 at 2:05 pm

            But if those people could be motivated a winter election is a real risk for the current government.

            As Spring breaks even those most deeply affected by Key’s poverty and class-splitting agenda tend to forget the worst of it.

            I’m just suggesting the disenfranchised are at their most angry during winter and the media is at its most vocal on such topics.

      • mosa 7.1.2
        5 September 2016 at 2:25 pm

        Early August CV ? i wonder what excuse he will use for not going full term through to November ?
        Someone might pull the plug and force his hand..interesting still a lot of water with campylobacter in it to go under the bridge just yet.

  8. save nz 8
    5 September 2016 at 10:38 am

    Real or Manufactured tensions???

    Barack Obama ‘deliberately snubbed’ by Chinese in chaotic arrival at G20
    The US president was denied the usual red carpet welcome and forced to ‘go out of the ass’ of Air Force One, observers say

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/04/barack-obama-deliberately-snubbed-by-chinese-in-chaotic-arrival-at-g20?utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GU+Today+main+NEW+H+categories&utm_term=188879&subid=13842748&CMP=EMCNEWEML6619I2

    • Colonial Viper 8.1
      5 September 2016 at 11:10 am

      It’s extraordinary not to have VIP air stairs on hand to meet Air Force One.

      Just as extraordinary was Chinese officials yelling at and jostling White House senior staff.

      This is about as blunt and public a diplomatic message as the Chinese have ever sent.

      Especially contrasting with the 5 star red carpet treatment they afforded Putin shortly thereafter.

      The Americans will be pissed.

    • joe90 8.2
      5 September 2016 at 12:16 pm

      The regime leaning South China Morning Post tries to put the fire out.

      Speculation has been flying about whether China was deliberately snubbing Obama since media reports on Saturday showed the US leader exiting the Air Force One through the small stairway.

      But this was not the case, according to the Chinese official involved in the diplomatic arrangements.

      “China provides a rolling staircase for every arriving state leader, but the US side complained that the driver doesn’t speak English and can’t understand security instructions from the United States; so China proposed that we could assign a translator to sit beside the driver, but the US side turned down the proposal and insisted that they didn’t need the staircase provided by the airport,” the official told the South China Morning Post on Sunday.

      http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2014484/staircase-snub-obama-was-united-states-decision-reveals

      • save nz 8.2.1
        5 September 2016 at 1:51 pm

        The good news is Obama went to China. Maybe they don’t get along culturally, but diplomacy is a lot better for everyone than war.

        When it comes to human rights they have more in common that they think.

  9. Olwyn 9
    5 September 2016 at 10:54 am

    This quote from Winston Peters, in reference to Chester Burrows, succinctly captures a couple of points about the neoliberal right, “…common sense people with a bit of experience and an academic background and practical approach to life are not popular in the new age neo-liberal National party.” http://i.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/83870392/winston-peters-targeting-whangarei-and-whanganui-seats-in-2017-election

    While they have to put up with competence in some fields if they are to function, like IT for instance, neo-liberals seem overall to privilege ambitious mediocrity over ability, perhaps because there is a risk that a capable person might start thinking independently, or give rise to the idea that usefulness has value. The “new age” reference in the quote is pertinent as well. If you listen to the words they use, and the way they frame things, many neo-libs seem to subscribe to some sort of positive thinking cult, and a belief that association with negative things (like homelessness) poses a risk to one’s confidence. Take the word “learnings” for instance – a “lesson” is imposed on me, whereas I myself take “learnings”, and thus manage to avoid negative association in the face of my failures. It is amazing that this cocktail of ambition and silliness has gained such a strong hold on public discourse.

    • UncookedSelachimorpha 9.1
      5 September 2016 at 3:10 pm

      Interesting comments.

      I’m impressed Winston used the word ‘neoliberal’. Not a word used that much by mainstream politicians – despite describing our whole system of politics and society right now.

  11. Anne 11
    5 September 2016 at 11:51 am

    Given the similarities between the property boom in Vancouver and Auckland, this is an interesting story:

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/312550/vancouver's-property-market-slumps-after-new-foreign-buyers-tax

  12. Muttonbird 12
    5 September 2016 at 12:04 pm

    Key has another crack at beneficiaries and vulnerable Kiwis.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/312562/immigrants-needed-due-to-nzers'-work-ethic,-drug-use-pm

    I’m left wondering if even lazy and stoned locals could do a worse job at fibre installation than Chorus’ van loads of cheap imported Indians you see driving around Auckland bewildered.

    • UncookedSelachimorpha 12.1
      5 September 2016 at 12:39 pm

      An utterly despicable statement from Key.

      Vulnerable people are struggling – so the solution from Key is to blame them and also to make it even worse, by flooding the labour / housing market with more struggling people. How about allowing the market to act to increase wages instead?? Or better still – intervene and increase wages?

      • Bearded Git 12.1.1
        5 September 2016 at 12:55 pm

        @ uncooked Agreed-I didn’t think Key could reach new depths..but he has.

        There was a text on Morning Report in response to the Key interview saying roughly “surely it is easier to get unemployed people in NZ to move to where there is work in NZ rather than bringing people in from the other side of the world.”

        • Graeme 12.1.1.1
          5 September 2016 at 1:49 pm

          I wonder what’s going to happen when the penny drops with a lot of the lower income immigrants when they discover that they’re actually going backwards working for minimum wage in New Zealand. And they’ve done what savings they had buying their way here.

          • Psycho Milt 12.1.1.1.1
            5 September 2016 at 2:01 pm

            You underestimate the forces that have driven them here. I worked in the Middle East with Indian colleagues who were being paid US $100 per month. Accommodation, meals and transport to and from work were provided, but as you can imagine none of those approached a level we’d be willing to put up with. The Bangladeshi cleaners were paid a fraction of that, and the provided “meal” was a bag of rice they had to spread over the week. We westerners used to go over to the mess hall to get take-out meals even though we’d brought our own food, so we could feed the cleaners. Despite all of that, every one of these workers lived in fear of being sent back where they came from – that really did my head in.

      • Ad 12.1.2
        5 September 2016 at 1:39 pm

        “But go and ask the employers, and they will say some [New Zealand workers] won’t pass a drug test, some of these people won’t turn up for work, some of these people will claim they have health issues later on. So it’s not to say there aren’t great people who transition from Work and Income to work, they do, but it’s equally true that they’re also living in the wrong place, or they just can’t muster what is required to actually work.” – John Key

        If you go ask the employers, that’s often the answer that you will get – and there is some truth to it. Only takes one failed drug or alcohol test these days to get you kicked off site, and very difficult to hire again once word gets around about you.

        A good government would work really, really hard to bring those people out of drug and welfare dependency and into work, with the hard, hard social work that entails.

        Instead, he uses a punitive social welfare system to suppress many of the poor back into the black economy, and use mass immigration as a tool to essentially dilute the negative drag of existing underclass.

        • BM 12.1.2.1
          5 September 2016 at 2:16 pm

          Nothing to do with drug dependency,certain people especially younger guys rate smoking weed more important than having a job.

          If they can’t smoke dope they’d rather pass on work, dole life can’t be that bad if you can take that option.

          • b waghorn 12.1.2.1.1
            5 September 2016 at 2:41 pm

            Of course it’s dependency , if those same kids had never run into weed or what ever it is that’s holding them back their life would have been entirely different,
            What is it with kiwis who can’t make the link between a society and parents that fail to protect the young ones ,resulting in lost kids.
            Then to make it worse they turn around and pin that failure onto the kids who have been let down.

            think a little deeper ffs

            • BM 12.1.2.1.1.1
              5 September 2016 at 3:02 pm

              In not a dependency you fucking idiot, it’s a life style choice.

              Christ, do you think they’d be legalizing marijuana all over the US if that was the case.

              If people can’t stop smoking weed once they’ve started, there’s no why in hell it should become legal and main stream.

              • b waghorn …
                5 September 2016 at 8:27 pm

                You’re either full of it or have lived in a bubble , weed is at least as addictive as drink , i’ve seen people grovel in ash trays for slobberstained roachs and smoke the grotty tar they have removed from the stem of their pipes. some fucking lifestyle choice ah.
                Legalization for me is about getting the crooks out of the game , but it would be stupid to have it as widely available as booze.

        • UncookedSelachimorpha 12.1.2.2
          5 September 2016 at 2:43 pm

          “A good government would work really, really hard to bring those people out of drug and welfare dependency and into work, with the hard, hard social work that entails.”

          Exactly. Making things better for the poorer end of society will reduce these problems. Instead Key seems to think that making it worse will somehow fix the problem?

      • mauÄ« 12.1.3
        5 September 2016 at 1:45 pm

        Its not surprising that kiwis don’t want to take orchard work that isn’t on an hourly rate and where there’s the chance you won’t earn the min wage.

        • Muttonbird 12.1.3.1
          5 September 2016 at 2:14 pm

          Agree. Seasonal work is suited to travellers, students, young people, and temporary immigrants. It’s not an industry for resident communities to be based upon because the employers just don’t want you for 9 months of the year.

          But here Key is using this industry to attack HB Maori and as a defence for providing cheap offshore labour to employers in a bid to keep costs down. He his also then projecting this onto the wider labour market.

          It’s disgraceful.

          • Blackcap 12.1.3.1.1
            5 September 2016 at 2:47 pm

            We could have the same system as in Holland where if you are a seasonal worker ie work 9 months of the year full time, you can then get the dole for the 3 months that you do not have work. So you work for the orchadist for x months and are entitled to welfare for the remaining 12-x months in the year.
            That would be better than the current system I think.

            • b waghorn 12.1.3.1.1.1
              5 September 2016 at 3:00 pm

              If the made it so jumping on and off the benefit was just a phone call to winz. i bet more people would take casual work when its available.

        • b waghorn 12.1.3.2
          5 September 2016 at 2:31 pm

          The fact pickers kids are not allowed on orchards any more makes it hard for some kiwis to go picking to,

    • rhinocrates 12.2
      5 September 2016 at 12:58 pm

      Labour could run a mini-campaign along the lines of “This is what he thinks of you” (and station someone with a taser next to Mumblefuck in case he feels the compulsion to renew his attacks on the poor and vulnerable).

      • b waghorn 12.2.1
        5 September 2016 at 2:33 pm

        ooh now your talking , i’ll do it we’ve got a cattle prodder and i’ll work for free.

  13. Draco T Bastard 13
    5 September 2016 at 12:15 pm

    I’m having some really weird issues.

    The ‘Reply’ button has been playing up and breaking the page so that the Comments, Replies, Opinions tabs disappear and the Reply window doesn’t show. Working ATM though.

    The Gravatar image up in the top right hand corner isn’t my one. In fact, it keeps changing.

    I’d say some sort of caching issue but I couldn’t say where. Either my machine (deleted cache and cookies though), my ISP (2 Degrees) or the site itself.

    • Siobhan 13.1
      5 September 2016 at 12:36 pm

      To whomever ‘controls’ these things….All day I’ve had issues with the Standard taking an extraordinary length of time to load. Everything else is fine, and other sites are loading as per usual….and being a Luddite i have no idea what the issue is.

      • Muttonbird 13.1.1
        5 September 2016 at 12:43 pm

        Perhaps you should ask for your money back.

      • Bearded Git 13.1.2
        5 September 2016 at 1:03 pm

        @Siobhan same here-The Standard very very slow to load today. Not a criticism, just for info. I would miss my Standard fix terribly if it wasn’t around.

      • Anne 13.1.3
        5 September 2016 at 1:07 pm

        There’s a problem Siobhan. I’m the same. lprent is ‘away seeing his parents’ but he said the other day he will work on it when he retrurns.

    • Puckish Rogue 13.2
      5 September 2016 at 2:37 pm

      I don’t know if its related but todays open mike only became available for me about 10 minutes ago

  14. save nz 14
    5 September 2016 at 1:28 pm

    Good article from Mike Lee, bit late in the debate really… or maybe the right wing coup was persuading the lefties that somehow the unitary plan was going to deliver something to them…. even though all those human rights, environmental and social standard bits were removed by the government appointed process…

    GUEST BLOG: Mike Lee – The Unitary Plan – it’s about profits for the big developers not decent housing for all Aucklanders

    http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2016/09/05/guest-blog-mike-lee-the-unitary-plan-its-about-profits-for-the-big-developers-not-decent-housing-for-all-aucklanders/

  15. joe90 15
    5 September 2016 at 2:01 pm

    Barking…..
    /

    In case anyone is unsure as to who will be our next #POTUS, the Lord has chosen the people's messenger. pic.twitter.com/wopcDc7IVM— Michael Cohen (@MichaelCohen212) September 4, 2016

  16. Scott 16
    5 September 2016 at 2:07 pm

    Sad to hear about Nikki Kaye’s breast cancer diagnosis. Hope she has a fast and full recovery.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11703857

    • Ovid 16.1
      5 September 2016 at 4:01 pm

      A family member under 40 just went through breast cancer treatment over the past year. She’s fine now and awaiting reconstructive surgery, but it takes a hell of a toll.

      Best wishes to Nikki Kaye for the journey ahead.

  17. Puckish Rogue 17
    5 September 2016 at 2:34 pm

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/83895815/british-mp-reportedly-paid-for-male-escorts–while-head-of-prostitution-investigation

    Its refreshing to see an MP get to grips with a problem in such a forthright manner, like he wanted to get a hands on feel for the problem 🙂

  18. whispering kate 18
    5 September 2016 at 3:53 pm

    I also have slow pick up but that’s okay I realise the site is under going work on it. My problem is the search engine tool has disappeared from the leader page and hasn’t been there for well over two weeks. Does anybody else have this problem, when I want to search for different replies to different posts I am no longer able to do it. Would appreciate comments from others if they have experienced this.

  19. Brutus Iscariot 19
    5 September 2016 at 4:11 pm

    Why are these daily threads called “Open Mike”?

    Last time i checked, you use a Microphone, not a Mike-rophone.

  20. Takere 20
    5 September 2016 at 4:51 pm

    Will Nicky Kaye go … State or Private Health Care?

  21. Cinny 21
    5 September 2016 at 5:23 pm

    Gower believes he has something on Winny… the leader of the new NZ Peoples Party, Rohan Nauhria gave a donation to NZ First… oh it’s scandalous lolz …. is that it Gower? Sharpen up your act son, find a real story, that little tid bit won’t change a thing, we all know there are other closets that you should be digging around in.

    http://www.newshub.co.nz/politics/revealed-winston-peters-in-3k-indian-donation-controversy-2016090516

    • Rodel 21.1
      5 September 2016 at 8:32 pm

      Gower’s glee thinking he’d caught out Peters on 3 News was a sight to behold. The stupid eruption of his long standing hatred of Peters is journalism at it’s most childish level.

  22. Cinny 22
    5 September 2016 at 5:27 pm

    All the best Mr Kevin Hague, what a great new role you are taking on. Fantastic

    Dear Greens no need to put up a candidate for West Coast/Tasman, and please use the MOU to decide on a spectacular candidate for Nelson, that seat has been the wrong colour for way to long.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/312597/green-mp-kevin-hague-resigns-from-parliament

  23. McFlock 23
    5 September 2016 at 7:41 pm

    Reply button might be a bit loopy…

    Your confidence that mass immigration isn’t causing any problems in Germany and only a few xenophobes are concerned about it is very reassuring.

    Again, that’s not even close to what I said. Never said “only a few”. You’re also welcome to point out how Merkel’s home region has been unduly affected by swarms of refugees being settled there.

    In the meantime, here’s an interesting wee map. It’s in the northeast of germany, good old GDR territory.

  24. The Chairman 24
    5 September 2016 at 8:06 pm

    “We have about 70,000 members nationwide to mobilise to protect that democratic right if we need to,” Grey Power president Tom O’Connor said.

    Grey Power is the latest organisation to add its voice to the chorus of complaint about the Government’s proposed changes to local government laws.

    See more here: http://www.newshub.co.nz/politics/grey-power-joins-bid-to-defeat-councils-bill-2016090515

  25. Stunned mullet 25
    5 September 2016 at 8:52 pm

    Why do you want to know ?

  26. Iron Sky 26
    5 September 2016 at 9:39 pm

    “The right for Spy’s to break the law, bill.”

    Noticed the post, you can’t even access it?

    Is that just me or……

    http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-37232329

    In pictures: The Prisoner at 50

    He said that the “the village” was both an external and interior concept, reflecting the individual’s lack of freedom on many levels. He told author Alain Carraze: “We are all prisoners of this or that, many things, each in his own ‘Village'”.

    F them

  27. Iron Sky 27
    5 September 2016 at 10:06 pm

    http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/scotland-wind-energy-renewable-power-electricity-wwf-scotland-a7183006.html

    For the first time on record, wind turbines have generated more electricity than was used in the whole of Scotland on a single day.,,,,,,

    Oil…… it’s time to leave

    Slavery through energy……….

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  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours ago

  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
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    1 day ago

  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
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    2 days ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
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    3 days ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
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    3 days ago

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
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    3 days ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
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    4 days ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
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    5 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
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    1 week ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
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    1 week ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
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    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
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    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
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    1 week ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
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    2 weeks ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
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    2 weeks ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
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    2 weeks ago

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