Open mike 06/07/2014

Written By: - Date published: 7:29 am, July 6th, 2014 - 191 comments
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openmike Open mike is your post.

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191 comments on “Open mike 06/07/2014 ”

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  1. Jane 1
    6 July 2014 at 9:41 am

    Wow, quiet here this morning! Did everyone sleep in?

  2. Colonial Viper 2
    6 July 2014 at 9:41 am

    Veteran CIA officer destroyed by submitting an official information request

    He wanted files which were already declassified by the CIA for release to be actually released.

    Note how they dug up details about him going back decades to discredit him, then threatened him with taking away his pension.

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/cia-employees-quest-to-release-information-destroyed-my-entire-career/2014/07/04/e95f7802-0209-11e4-8572-4b1b969b6322_story.html?hpid=z5

  3. Casual Observer 3
    6 July 2014 at 9:59 am

    I recommend the following link:

    http://labornotes.org/blogs/2014/07/them-thats-got-are-them-gets-pikettys-lessons-activists

    It has a US-centric view but is equally applicable here.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 3.1
      6 July 2014 at 11:26 am

      +1

    • Chooky 3.2
      6 July 2014 at 8:47 pm

      +100…explains a lot…essentially workers /people should be fighting for laws/rights to allow collective action/bargaining…rights/laws which have eroded in the last 30 years when the unions were smashed

    • Draco T Bastard 4.1
      6 July 2014 at 10:29 am

      Dark Snow 2014: Why We’re Here (Video)

      It’s not just dust that’s darkening the snow.

      • ianmac 4.1.1
        6 July 2014 at 10:49 am

        My wife and I walked on an Icelandic Glacier a couple of years ago and it wasn’t slippery because it was covered in volcanic ash. A nearby guide was not happy to see two Kiwis just walk up as he was preparing his cramp-ons and picks to take a paying group up.

    • Jenny 4.2
      6 July 2014 at 4:16 pm

      “Nearly invisible particles of “black carbon” resulting from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels from diesel engines are being swept thousands of miles from industrial centres in the US, Europe and south-east Asia, as is dust from Africa and the Middle East, where dust storms are becoming bigger as the land dries out, with increasingly long and deep droughts. Earlier this year dust from the Sahara was swept north for several thousands miles, smothered Britain and reached Norway.”

      This is only one of the positive feedbacks resulting from the burning of fossil fuels. The others are, methane released from melting permafrost on land and methane released from shallow water clathrates at Sea, the lowered albedo of open ocean over sea ice, and bare rock over glaciers, more warning also releases more water vapor caused by increased evaporation,(Though the jury is still out on this one. Because though atmospheric water vapor is an invisible and powerful green house gas, once condensed as suspended droplets to form clouds, switches from being a positive feedback to a negative feedback)

      But added altogether the positive feedbacks greatly out weight the negative feedbacks and could if they continue much longer even overtake the general background warming due to CO2 pollution leading to an unstopplable runaway greenhouse effect, continually compounding and unknowably catastrophic. A chain reaction that quite possibly has no foreseeable end point. (at least, not as far as higher life forms like us and many others are concerned)

      The message from all this is, is that the burning of fossil fuels must come to a screeching stop, nothing less will be enough. We need to be standing on the brakes right now. No coasting to a slow stop in 2050 or even 2030, (and which are purely aspirational targets, that allow politicians to avoid having to take action in the here and now).

      New Zealand is the best country in the world to lead the way. Just by withdrawing fossil fuel subsidies to Solid Energy and Tiwai we could instantly have a fossil free power grid. As well as that we could become the first country in the world to set an example by becoming completely coal free. We could make these changes almost overnight without hardly any cost in lower living standards.

      We could switch $billions set aside for the Roads Of National Significance into public transport. For the same price as the boondoogle that is the Waterview motorway tunnel we could have funded free public transport for Auckland for the next three decades.

      (overseas examples have shown that providing city wide fare free public transport as a hassle free public service has got people out of their cars like nothing else, with resulting huge improvements in urban air quality and a complete elimination of traffic congestion. This is not even to mention the boon to the climate.)

      • Jenny 4.2.1
        6 July 2014 at 4:45 pm

        ‘

        From Fare Free New Zealand http://farefreenz.blogspot.co.nz/

        How mass protest twinned with political campaigning beat back Motorway Madness in Mangere

        Wednesday, September 18, 2013:

        The community will be “consulted” next year but we all know what that means. If the road is to be stopped NOW is the time to do it.

        Mana will not let the tarseal addicts get away with this. Our Mana Mangere team will announce plans to fight the new road at a local body election campaign launch this Saturday 2pm at East Mangere Hall (Metro Theatre) on Massey Road. Feel free to come along and help.

        In the meantime I hope all readers of this blog will know by now that Mana is proposing an alternative to big roads this election. We want to put the big roading projects on the back burner and gridlock free the city within 12 months with fare-free public transport.

        The benefits are these:

        1. EVERY Aucklander will get an extra hour at home EVERY work day. Even those who never use a bus or train will be able to travel a gridlock-free roading network.

        2. It’s cheaper than tarseal addiction – saving hundreds of millions every year.

        3. No extra charges for anyone – no rates increases, no extra fuel taxes, no congestion charges, no network charges, no toll roads, no PPPs. Those are Len Brown’s policies – not Mana’s.

        4. Improved productivity – as I mentioned a government-commissioned report released in March this year estimated lost productivity at $1.25 billion every year from clogged Auckland roads. This policy will release that lost productivity and enable better pay for workers. Note here that Business New Zealand tells us we need higher productivity to get higher wage increases. Here’s a golden opportunity to pass on these big productivity increases to workers in wages.

        5. Faster bus travel on unclogged roads and no time wasted collecting fares.

        6. Revitalisation of Auckland’s inner city as more people travel to enjoy Queen Street and the Auckland waterfront – some kids for the first time in their lives.

        7. Cleaner and greener – this will be the single greenest policy in the history of New Zealand! – less pollution, smaller carbon footprint – big ups to the environment.

        8. Savings for workers – the Mayor of Tallinn calls it the “13th monthly salary” because of estimates the policy saves a month’s pay for workers using the free transport service.

        9. Economic stimulation as workers have significantly more to spend in the real economy.

        10. Tourism boost as tourists use the system to see all parts of Auckland as we sell the city as an eco-friendly city – released from the grip of dull ideas from the middle of last century.

        Despite the fact that contractors had already started some of the preliminary work on this proposed motorway project, under intense public pressure the tarseal addicts had to back down.

  5. Ron 5
    6 July 2014 at 10:10 am

    Well day three of congress is off to a good start. Only thing that worries me is that singing of songs of praise to The Judeo Christian God of antiquity. I cannot understand why a political party feels the need to carry out this activity
    Maybe its time to move away from such outdated actions.

    • freedom 5.1
      6 July 2014 at 10:16 am

      The Houses of Parliament would be a good place to start.

      Speaker: We are honoured to be here in this House to represent the people of Aotearoa New Zealand and pledge each day to commit to the values and the responsibilities of that endeavour. So say we all.

      The House: So say we all.

      Is it such a crazy idea?

      • freedom 5.1.1
        6 July 2014 at 10:24 am

        Naturally the pledge would also be said in Te Reo Maori and MPs can respond in either or both.
        If someone can add a Te Reo Maori translation it would be appreciated.

      • Colonial Viper 5.1.2
        6 July 2014 at 10:40 am

        So say we all

        Well, I could definitely get in behind this 😈

        More seriously – some elements of tradition, incorporating symbolism, continuity and collectivity are necessary secure anchors for a steadfast and outward looking national identity. We need it.

        • ianmac 5.1.2.1
          6 July 2014 at 10:54 am

          My Mother was an atheist so for her funeral I suggested avoiding hymns but caved in for the sake of the others who were attending. Compromise? Some hymns do have great music though, but the sentiments I can do without. And the sonorous voice of Mr Speaker intoning rubbish irritates.

          • Molly 5.1.2.1.1
            6 July 2014 at 11:16 am

            Went to a young man’s funeral this year, that followed his belief in non-Christian values, and was amazing in it’s recognition of his individual personality and energy. Was appalled to witness a(nother) Maori attendee use the introduction of giving a gift of waiata – to introduce the song “Yes, Jesus loves Me”.

            There are so many different songs that acknowledge loss and grief without recourse to any specific religion.

            (In saying that I recognise my hypocrisy, one of my internal refrains when dealing with loss comes from the vocal chords of Aaron Neville – a more Christian message is hard to find….)

            • tinfoilhat 5.1.2.1.1.1
              6 July 2014 at 12:03 pm

              Hi Molly

              Just as a matter of interest what are “non-Christian values”.

              • Molly …
                6 July 2014 at 2:05 pm

                Trying – obviously inaccurately – to describe how the memorial service was specific to the individual – who was not Christian – but was a keen boater, and involved in a lot of community learning. His parents read out a letter of reference that they had recently sent off for their son, outlining his learning and achievements over the years. People who had been in contact with him over the years recalled their interactions.

                One of the songs was “Sailing” by Rod Stewart – which actually was really lyrically appropriate, and a couple of poems about journeying etc.

                It was obvious that care was taken in selection of readings and items, to reflect the beliefs of the young man – which interestingly enough was not the same as his Christian mother. She had in her time of grief, the strength of respect to deliberately choose a memorial service that reflected “his” beliefs and not her own.

                The trite offering – of “Yes, Jesus Loves Me” was ill-considered in my mind and the one jarring note of the service. An imposition of personal faith on another’s service. Especially considering the acquaintance of the singer was minimal, and not close.

                (Non-Christian was just meant to refer to a lack of Christian references during the service – which probably would have been a better way to refer to it)

                • Ron …
                  6 July 2014 at 8:26 pm

                  That is a pretty bad song in any setting, It certainly would be disowned by many religions with its line ‘The Bible tells me so’ Many Christians would not find that statement very good Theology.

                  The trite offering – of “Yes, Jesus Loves Me” was ill-considered in my mind and the one jarring note of the service. An imposition of personal faith on another’s service. Especially considering the acquaintance of the singer was minimal, and not close.

          • Murray Olsen 5.1.2.1.2
            6 July 2014 at 8:00 pm

            I got a mate who’s a Presbyterian minister to do my wedding, but told him I didn’t want any god stuff. He thought he’d get around that by mentioning Atua all the time. I wasn’t particularly worried because my atheism is more casual than militant. However, in the procedures of government, I don’t think it has any place at all.

        • freedom 5.1.2.2
          6 July 2014 at 10:54 am

          something more like this perhaps ?

          We are honoured to be here in this House to represent the people of Aotearoa New Zealand and pledge each day to the values and the responsibilities of that endeavour. We commit to govern Aotearoa New Zealand with dignity justice and humility, to respect its past, to work together for its future and to enrich and protect all its people. So say we all.

    • TheContrarian 5.2
      6 July 2014 at 10:31 am

      Cunliffe is pretty open about his Christian beliefs.

      Was at a networking breakfast a couple months back and the speakers were Cunliffe and Parker. Cunliffe spoke at some length about his faith while Parker basically started with “I’m an atheist”

      • freedom 5.2.1
        6 July 2014 at 10:43 am

        It is my opinion politicians should not try to present other than what they believe, especially their religious views and that is how having a choice of parties in a democracy accommodates religion and its influence upon society. How parties internally and externally deal with religion in that democracy is for them and their members to work out.

        I am also strongly of the opinion that Parliament should not, in the administration of its duties and protocols, be seen to show preference or allegiance to one set of beliefs over another.

        • Colonial Viper 5.2.1.1
          6 July 2014 at 10:46 am

          The protocols of Parliament should reflect the beliefs and traditions of many different groups of NZers.

          • TheContrarian 5.2.1.1.1
            6 July 2014 at 10:50 am

            I’d say the protocols of parliament should leave religion, of all stripes, out in its entirety.

            • miravox 5.2.1.1.1.1
              6 July 2014 at 10:57 am

              +1

            • Draco T Bastard 5.2.1.1.1.2
              6 July 2014 at 11:11 am

              +1

            • freedom 5.2.1.1.1.3
              6 July 2014 at 11:36 am

              +1

            • Colonial Viper 5.2.1.1.1.4
              6 July 2014 at 12:10 pm

              Why would you respect the practice of only the atheists and agnostics in society?

              • TheContrarian …
                6 July 2014 at 12:46 pm

                Removing religion from politics =/= atheism.
                Politics can’t represent the beliefs and traditions of everyone because some of them are in direct conflict with one an other.

                • blue leopard …
                  6 July 2014 at 1:15 pm

                  +1 CV @5.2.1.1.1.4

                  Another way is to include the many beliefs – rather than ignore them all. We need more inclusion rather than further exclusion.

                • felix …
                  6 July 2014 at 2:00 pm

                  I am part of a long standing tradition of ignoring long standing traditions and I insist that my tradition be represented along with all the others.

                  • Draco T Bastard …
                    6 July 2014 at 2:13 pm

                    Fine, we’ll have the polies only standing for the first half of the oath.

                  • blue leopard …
                    6 July 2014 at 2:44 pm

                    @ Felix lol oh dear me no you kind of explain the point pretty succinctly there.

                    …how about only drop the beliefs that refuse to tolerate others’ beliefs? A government needs to incorporate all of society – a belief that excludes some isn’t one a government can pursue. A belief that aims at forgiveness, nonjudgmental-ness, love and compassion – for example Christianity before the twerps start re-interpreting it – seems pretty compatible with community spirit – which is really what government represents isn’t it? Most religions can be interpreted in similar ways – and then most religions have intolerant offshoots created by small-minded bigots – so should the religion be interpreted with the best interpretation? Or simply be characterized by the way The Bigots reinterpret it?

                    I like the prayer at the start of parliament.
                    I am not a Christian.

                    • TheContrarian …
                      6 July 2014 at 4:43 pm

                      “A government needs to incorporate all of society”

                      And it does so by not weighing any particular religious belief against any other. It does so by being secular and by making no ruling in favour of one religion over another.

                    • lprent []
                      6 July 2014 at 8:46 pm

                      Do you mean like the conservatives don’t expouse Christianity and impose it on national?, or an actual secular society?

                    • blue leopard …
                      6 July 2014 at 4:47 pm

                      Hi Contrarian,

                      You can ignore the arguments I provide – yet I would prefer that you admit that is what you are doing. I am stating that the best way to be impartial is not to ‘make everything secular’ it is to be inclusive of all the beliefs that exist in our country.

                      I have already provided fairly long comments as to why I believe this is the better way to be impartial.

                    • TheContrarian …
                      6 July 2014 at 4:54 pm

                      So in the case of Northern Ireland – should the state come down on the side of the Catholics or the Protestants? New Zealand now has a majority of people not identifying with Christianity – where should the state stand in relation to this?

                      The state cannot endorse, promote nor ban any religious belief. The only way the state can be an impartial judge to all of its citizens is to hold all views as equal, therefore having no view itself.

                    • blue leopard …
                      6 July 2014 at 5:13 pm

                      Well like I said above – I really wasn’t arguing re the state – I was arguing re parliament. And if you were reading my comments you might have been able to work out that I would view that Irish parliament would have to acknowledge both beliefs – if the formal version of those beliefs were prepared to be tolerant of the other.

                      “The state cannot endorse, promote nor ban any religious belief. The only way the state can be an impartial judge to all of its citizens is to hold all views as equal, therefore having no view itself.”

                      Sure a state can. It can endorse one religious belief over another by acknowledging one over another. It can promote a belief by doing much the same – such as promoting valuing money over any other belief by ignoring all other beliefs other than that of valuing money or being aggressively neutral on the matter apart from that of the value of money. And a state can certainly ban a religious belief by creating laws that deal out punishments for certain beliefs – such as the one about believing it is o.k. to kill others. (Such a belief incurs punishment) If a state had knowledge of only one belief – it would not be capable of being impartial because those with that one belief would immediately receive more understanding than those of other beliefs.

                    • TheContrarian …
                      6 July 2014 at 5:24 pm

                      So which belief do you think parliament should endorse? Which one of the 41000 denominations of Christianity should the state support? Which of the three major Abrahamic religions should the government judge to be more important than the other? Christians the world over eat beef but Hindus would find the idea repugnant. Should we ban bacon? How about Leviticus? Do we ban the wearing of mixed cloth? Or the eating of shellfish? Is polygamy is acceptable? How about death to homosexuals? If the parliament endorses Christianity say good-bye to your freedom of speech.

                    • blue leopard …
                      6 July 2014 at 5:31 pm

                      Gees Mary (she was quite contrary, so I thought that name might fit),
                      Inclusiveness doesn’t require judging or endorsing one belief as better than another it simply requires acknowledging it.

                    • TheContrarian …
                      6 July 2014 at 5:34 pm

                      So now we hit the same quandary I have mentioned several time now – the state/govenrment/Parliament (whatever you like) cannot include every religious viewpoint because some are directly in opposition to others. Therefore the state/govenrment/Parliament must be a-religious. Only in being a-relgious can it be just to all viewpoints, and inclusive of all view-points.

                    • blue leopard …
                      6 July 2014 at 5:48 pm

                      I don’t think that is a decision for you to make Contrarian, I think that is up to the religious belief’s organisation to decide whether they are prepared to value intolerance over all their other principles. I do not believe that every religious person is intolerant of other religions – only some sects of certain religions are that hung up on intolerance.

                    • Ron …
                      6 July 2014 at 8:38 pm

                      Well if not a Christian why on earth would you want an Anglican Prayer out of BCP that is Three hundred 70 years old.
                      or for that matter why any prayer. A Prayer by its name is a plea or petition to the almighty God. If he listened at all it would be surprising he certainly has given no evidence that he has ever acted upon the petition.
                      Leave him out, replace it with a statement similar t what we proposed earlier in discussion or just say This session of Parliament is now open

            • Vicky32 5.2.1.1.1.5
              6 July 2014 at 5:33 pm

              “I’d say the protocols of parliament should leave religion, of all stripes, out in its entirety.”

              I have just been reading the last 10-15 or so comments and feeling that the left really wants to exclude people such as me…

              Thank you for reminding me why I haven’t read the Standard for over a year… 🙁

              • blue leopard …
                6 July 2014 at 5:39 pm

                Is good to see you back, by the way, Vicky32.
                Considering I have been arguing to include all beliefs – I can’t understand where you are coming from in your comment here. What do you mean?

                • Vicky32 …
                  6 July 2014 at 6:08 pm

                  I made my comment before seeing yours, Blue Leopard… as a Christian, I felt very excluded. It’s always bothered me that Standardistas seem to, most of them, despise religion. They also seem not to understand that many leftists are Christian (or Muslim) and conversely, many Christians and Muslims are left leaning – as this is absolutely NOT the USA! (Where you would never find that)

                  • blue leopard …
                    6 July 2014 at 6:22 pm

                    Yes, it is a shame re people ‘despising religion’ – it would appear also that some such types do not see the detrimental effects of ‘aggressive secularism’.

                    Interesting what you say because I have a relative who is a strongly committed Christian and I was discussing how I didn’t understand why Christians are voting right in US (I see left-wing values as far closer aligned with Christian beliefs – or any religion I know of – for that matter!) this conversation informed me how off-putting the secularism expressed by Helen Clark was for that person- (she did something like cancel Christmas carol singing in schools?). I can’t say I think this was a good move for any reason – yet especially not if it alienates good people.

                    Perhaps what you express is more widespread than ‘secularists’ would care to believe?

                    • Vicky32 …
                      6 July 2014 at 6:29 pm

                      “Perhaps what you express is more widespread than ‘secularists’ would care to believe?”

                      I think so! (This board used to have a good quote function, it’s a pity it’s gone). I remember being very surprised when I saw my non-Christian son say on a website called h2g2 years ago, to a person in the US or UK, I can’t remember which, that the religious right scarcely even existed here, and that most religious people here are leftists. I was surprised, because I had taken him to church with me until he was 17 and didn’t want to attend, and I didn’t think he had even noticed! But he had…
                      🙂

                    • KJT …
                      6 July 2014 at 6:35 pm

                      I think you are talking about the “aggressive intolerance” that many people seem to think their particular beliefs, or lack of them, justify.

                      It mystifies me how many otherwise intelligent people believe in things when their is absolutely no evidence to support their belief, but I accept it as one of the mysteries of life. And there are many religious people who do a lot of good. Equally there are many who are intolerant and “holier than though”.

                      All of the worlds religions have similar positions on how to treat others, as do atheists and humanists.

                      It is a pity that many “Christians” “Muslims” and others do not listen to their own religions teachings.

                      I do not have a problem with inclusiveness, just bigotry and intolerance.

                    • TheContrarian …
                      6 July 2014 at 6:45 pm

                      “It is a pity that many “Christians” “Muslims” and others do not listen to their own religions teachings.”

                      It is also a pity that some of them listen to their own religious teachings. For example the 10 Commandments explicitly reject freedom of speech, association and expression – fundamental human rights.

                  • Ron …
                    6 July 2014 at 8:56 pm

                    Mmm Considering the Anglican Church is often called the Tory Party at Prayer it is understandable that many people of the left do not want a religion associated with all that things that they want to escape from. Yes you could replace the C of E with some other brand of religion but then you come up with which one? Someone once showed me some stats about the number of Catholics as a proportion of population as compared with their representation in the House. It was way way out of whack and one would have to wonder why so many of that religion find them self elected to parliament. I do not imagine that the situation has improved which may indicate why we have been so slow to make changes to legislation that catholics are opposed to. Eg Birth Control, Abortion, getting the taxpayer to fund their brand of religious schools for starters.
                    The only answer that I can see is that we remove all religion from Parliament and the School system. If people want to follow a certain religion that is heir business but not via tax funded institutions. We now have reportedly the Conservative Party Owner holding prayer meetings at work. I wonder how many atheists he employs. We have the Sallies now deciding who will get housing assistance. This organisation that presented a very large petition that wanted Homosexual people to continue to be imprisoned and punished for falling in love with a same sex person. I wonder how many gay people will get housing assistance from Salvation Army.
                    OF course I could be just paranoid but I would prefer that all dealings with the public social welfare or education or whatever be handled by public servants and not religious groups.

                    end of rant

                    WE

                    • Vicky32 …
                      7 July 2014 at 6:23 pm

                      “The only answer that I can see is that we remove all religion from Parliament and the School system”

                      AFAIK, it’s already been removed from the school system – unless there’ve been changes to the Education Act that I don’t know about!

              • Colonial Viper …
                6 July 2014 at 6:24 pm

                Nice of you to pop by Vicky32. It appears that some cannot accept the importance of spirituality and/or religion and/or faith in the life and wellbeing of a healthy people.

                • Vicky32 …
                  6 July 2014 at 6:33 pm

                  Yes, you are right, Colonial Viper… I am back as the election is coming up, and I am on tenterhooks! 🙂

                  • freedom …
                    6 July 2014 at 7:32 pm

                    Good to see you again Vicky32, like many here, I will be looking forward to your thoughts as the election lumbers near

                    p.s. you made a comment above about a quote function
                    – what function do you refer to?

                    • Vicky32 …
                      7 July 2014 at 6:20 pm

                      “p.s. you made a comment above about a quote function
                      – what function do you refer to?”

                      Something for the non-html users among us, it was a clickable set of quote marks that would but what one cited in an offset box…

                • TheContrarian …
                  6 July 2014 at 6:37 pm

                  It also appears that some cannot accept that others don’t require spirituality and/or religion and/or faith in order to be healthy people.

                • felix …
                  6 July 2014 at 7:27 pm

                  Oh yay vicky is back. I guess it’s time to start the countdown.

              • freedom …
                6 July 2014 at 8:18 pm

                Exclusion is never part of my general outlook on life so don’t give up just yet Vicky32.
                The reach of the idea’s intent is not to eradicate peoples’ beliefs from NZ politics.

                I have written a more complete explanation of the off the cuff comments that appeared to be the catalyst of this interesting little excursion people went on today.
                I am awaiting some Te Reo translation work and should have it all ready for general consumption later in the week. I will submit it as a guest post and if those that decide these things toss it back, I will put it into Open mike in the near future. Not exactly a topic that is critically urgent but still ….

                Sooner or later this country will be having the big Republic dialogue for real and this very topic is going to be a part of that discussion. No reason we can’t jump a little ahead on the agenda 🙂

          • freedom 5.2.1.1.2
            6 July 2014 at 10:56 am

            CV, how does the current House Prayer [not sure of its title] that is read in the House every sitting day, achieve that?

      • JanM 5.2.2
        6 July 2014 at 10:56 am

        I didn’t hear that interview, but would I be right in thinking that his emphasis would be on the ethical and humanitarian teachings that are a part of a religious upbringing? That’s what I hear coming from him – a position, as a minister’s kid myself, I can clearly identify with. He is certainly not, if you look back at the way he has voted and the liberal beliefs he espouses, a conventional, moralistic and conservative christian in the way right-wing god-botherers have taught us to think is normal nowadays. It’s hard to think of anyone furtherer away from the likes of, say, Colin Craig or Brian Tamaki.

      • Chooky 5.2.3
        6 July 2014 at 12:11 pm

        @ TheContrarian…..Christianity can be pretty broad …from the right wing war mongering , sexist , homophobic ,fascist fundamentalists to the liberation theologians …to the postmodern symbolic and non- literalist Gnostic mystic Christians…to the atheist humanist Christian theologians and priests like Don Cuppitt and Lloyd Geering…to the eco-theologians like Catholic Priest Thomas Berry and postmodernist Carol P. Christ…to the radical feminist gay theologians like Professor Mary Daly…to the Pacifist Christians

        ..Christianity is a broad church…and I would think that David Cunliffe would be of the enlightened liberal end of the spectrum

        …i have huge respect for some Christians…so good on David Cunliffe for being open about his beliefs!…i doubt he will try and impose them on people

  6. ffloyd 6
    6 July 2014 at 10:29 am

    How low can Paula Bennett sink. She now wants all women who have been abused by Rolf Harris to come forward and lay a complaint because she wants them all ‘to feel safe’. Maybe she could refer them to a Rape Crisis Centre. There is nothing sincere about that woman. Fancy trying to use these women for political gain. She is an absolute poor example of womanhood. Nothing to recommend her at all.

    • Anne 6.1
      6 July 2014 at 10:38 am

      She’s milking it – ie. Maggie Barry’s experience – for everything she can. Disgusting!!!

    • Chooky 6.2
      6 July 2014 at 12:21 pm

      hasnt John Key’s National destroyed a lot of financial support for counselling services for rape and sexual abuse victims, particularly child victims?

      …this would be a good question for Paula Bennett in the House ?…she needs to be put on the spot over nationals record here!

      • ffloyd 6.2.1
        6 July 2014 at 12:43 pm

        Chooky. Yes, that was going to be my point in my comment above but forgot in my anger. Christchurch closed for want of $30.000.00!

        And is she going to extend her ’embrace’ (spit) to include the girl attacked by the Malaysian ‘Diplomat’. Or any of the hundreds of women who are living in terror on a daily basis.
        Or is her help only being given to victims of attacks by celebrities.

        And how is she going to ‘keep them safe’. Perhaps because it’s easy to say that when he is already in jail. Anyway, what did she think he was going to do. Stalk them all???

        Sorry…………… She makes my blood boil.

        • Chooky 6.2.1.1
          6 July 2014 at 1:09 pm

          ffloyd +100…it is deserving of great anger

        • miravox 6.2.1.2
          7 July 2014 at 12:42 am

          “Or is her help only being given to victims of attacks by celebrities.”

          Too broad a category there, ffloyd, clearly it’s only for women who can connect with Maggie Barry.

          As for those who have put themsleves in the path of non-famous abusers – well, it’s far too expensive and time consuming to deal with their experiences! /sarc.

    • greywarbler 6.3
      6 July 2014 at 12:29 pm

      Poorer Benefit is amoral. Her type of thinking has just closed a rapeline in Christchurch, the suffering city. Her type of behaviour has caused suffering to thousands of women and men under punitive stupid policies still called ‘welfare’ I think.
      Now Rolf Harris is to be a focus of blame and a deflector of attention while she goes on her merry way doing with legislation and systems what Rolf Harris did with his eager fingers, and both blatant abusers of people.

    • Once was Tim 6.4
      6 July 2014 at 1:53 pm

      “How low can Paula Bennett sink.”? Bit of a silly question really. She can go totally subterranean. It’s only a load of sorta spin sorta doctors and sorta re sorta imagers that sorta keep her above ground (sorta) giggle giggle.

    • Murray Olsen 6.5
      6 July 2014 at 10:38 pm

      I think half her problem is that she makes pigshit look gifted. The other half is that she is nasty to the core. Once she’s surrounded by the intellectual prowess of the NAct caucus, this type of garbage will flow freely.

  7. Ron 7
    6 July 2014 at 10:32 am

    I can go with that. Would like to say something along the lines of ,,, and govern with justice and humility to enrich and protect all people of New Zealand.
    I would like to see a statement that is inclusive and binding on such governments.

  8. millsy 8
    6 July 2014 at 11:37 am

    A minute of silence. That IMO is probably the best way to open Parliament.

  9. North 9
    6 July 2014 at 11:41 am

    McIvor nee Woodham – I salute thee for your opinion piece Herald online this morning, part of which reads:

    “And it’s appalling McCully’s first call was to grovel to John Key for putting his boss in it, rather than apologise to the alleged victim of the sexual assault. Typical, but appalling.”

    Appalling ? Too right ! But “Typical” ?

    Typical – of McCully ? Can’t be. McCully’s not alone in this.

    Typical – of Key ? “First, you’ll apologise to ME”. Well, it’s been happening.

    Conclusion – McIvor nee Woodham, your “Typical” points up that the first imperative in addressing dysfunction in governance is grovelling, abject mea culpa before the very man whose conceited distaste for “higher standards” founds that very dysfunction. And while we’re on the topic of immunity – for GodKey, immunity from any responsibility ever.

    McIvor nee Woodham, you nearly cracked it mate but a mere Freudian slip does not merit a 21 gun salute. That said I appreciate how the prospect of the 22nd gun terrifies the shit out of you. Sterling jono’ you.

    • Once was Tim 9.1
      6 July 2014 at 2:09 pm

      @ North
      McIvor nee Woodham (aka goodtime gal-oh-but-that-was-a-long-long-time-ago) replies: ‘ How very dare you call me “mate”! I’m ABOVE you and don’t you EVER forget it or I’ll just have to show you who’s boss’ (Hog).

      McIvor nee Woodham says that because she has a platform to do so (now). She was hideous (before ‘now’), and she’s hideous now.

      ooooo Tim – you pig! No – it’s just that there are some (Kerry, Pulla Bent, and others) that will get my respect the minute they show respect for others. So far, they’re incapable, and I don’t hold out much hope for their future. Usually I ignore them and thank Christ I haven’t had the displeasure of having had to listen to McIvor (nee Woodham)’s voluptuous presence (in body and spirit) for fekkin years
      sauce for gooses, source for ganders and all that

      • North 9.1.1
        6 July 2014 at 10:37 pm

        The gal’s a riot ! Bubble Bubbles Bubbles…….of the cheapo variety Richmond Road Countdown. Except when she’s at the BBQs in Parnellynellynelly.

  10. Anne 10
    6 July 2014 at 11:51 am

    Q&A has just finished.

    Didn’t catch his name but was disgusted at the panel member who was supposed to be championing the Left. He spent the entire session rubbishing Labour. His analysis was shallow and stupid. Not once did he acknowledge there had been a smear campaign against Cunliffe and Labour… he just blamed Cunliffe for everything. He chastised Cunliffe for not talking about policy during his interview with Corin Dann – ignoring the fact the interviewer sets the questions and naturally all Dann wanted to talk about was moas, being sorry for being a man and the West Coast tree felling controversy. He also dammed Cunliffe for not discussing Labour’s Education policy during the interview. Isn’t Cunliffe announcing a major Education policy plank this afternoon? Did he expect Cunliffe to reveal it on Q&A?

    Add the voice of the woman standing in for the Right and a fence sitting “political scientist” and it was one massive anti-Labour talk-fest. The worst I’ve seen thus far!

    • North 10.1
      6 July 2014 at 11:55 am

      To the point where I’m satisified that it derived from a determined, unabashed editorial pose.

      Who was the putative lefty ?

    • tinfoilhat 10.2
      6 July 2014 at 12:01 pm

      @ Anne I think they said he was a Labour party communications expert… and then he went on the entire time about how appalling labour’s communications strategy and delivery was.

      I agree it was astounding.

      • Anne 10.2.1
        6 July 2014 at 12:41 pm

        I didn’t hear anything about a L.P. communications expert, but the opening claim was that he is a Labour Party member. That being the case, I am considering a formal complaint to the NZ Council with a view to having his membership suspended at the least…

        The worst experience was the look of joy on the faces of Susan Wood and the wholly unlikable right wing panel member. They couldn’t wait to make the most of it. Wood made no attempt to balance any of his claims which is part of her role as the Current Affairs host. She’s a disgrace!

        • blue leopard 10.2.1.1
          6 July 2014 at 1:39 pm

          Actually Wood did mention to Quin words to the effect of: ‘you are supposed to be hear to stick up for/ speak for Labour/Left’. (shoot – I can’t remember it very accurately, sorry)

          It was pretty good that she said that – at least she provided a heads up that something was imbalanced about the discussion because the person put on to speak ‘for’ left wing interests wasn’t doing much other than shaft Cunliffe.

          • Anne 10.2.1.1.1
            6 July 2014 at 3:31 pm

            Yes, she said that blue leopard, but from recollection she gave him one of her “lovely” smiles as she said it.

    • blue leopard 10.3
      6 July 2014 at 12:36 pm

      His name is Phil Quinn, (am just watching the hour-later version)

      A google search on that name brings up a website for an Irish Medium with the same name …(who looks a lot like the guy on Q&A 😐 )….and also lots of Kiwiblog pages that quote someone of that name….
      ….??….

      • Anne 10.3.1
        6 July 2014 at 12:47 pm

        Thanks blue leopard. I’m going to see if I can find out more about who he is, but if anyone knows anything could they let us know? Thanks in advance.

        • blue leopard 10.3.1.1
          6 July 2014 at 1:08 pm

          Sorry Anne I spelt that wrong – it is Quin (not Quinn) here are some links, which I presume are written by him:

          http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11266928

          http://www.pundit.co.nz/blogs/philquin

          and Q&A facebook refers to him as @philquin

          • Anne 10.3.1.1.1
            6 July 2014 at 1:23 pm

            That’s enough for me. Left wing commentator? My Aunt Betty’s bloomers!!! He’s an arrogant right wing hack who pretends to be left wing. That explains his anti-Cunliffe tirade on Q&A.

            North is right. A determined, unabashed editorial pose. Who is the Q&A producer? Think he/she may be going to get an earful from me.

            • blue leopard 10.3.1.1.1.1
              6 July 2014 at 1:33 pm

              Yeah its getting a bit much – starting to feel I won’t be bothering with watching political programs and even the cheap criticisms here on the Standard toward Labour are starting to get my goat; criticisms of Labour are increasingly appearing like direct reflections of the tone being set by the massive spin in the media.

              People need to really check what their views are based on with the level of unadulterated propaganda going on in this country just now.

              This is exactly how it works isn’t it? Poor political commentary full of bias and exaggeration puts people off politics so much that they neither feel like becoming more informed (if they do there is nowhere to go without having to trawl through mindless critique from people who have been brainwashed) nor do many people end up feeling like voting at all.

              • JanM …
                6 July 2014 at 1:56 pm

                I agree, blue leopard, I can see no point in watching/hearing any more of it unless it’s to follow a variation of ‘keep you friends close and your enemies closer’. I just find it depressing that their are so many stupid or naïve journos and commentators around prepared to sell their souls in this way. You can see how easy it is for dictatorships and other obnoxious regimes to rise up, even in so-called first-world countries, when there are so many sycophants around prepared to make the outrageous seem normal in this way

                • blue leopard …
                  6 July 2014 at 2:40 pm

                  +100 exactly JanM exactly!

                  When I was younger, after reading books about/set in the war, I was particularly fascinated with what you just mentioned – how obnoxious leaders/regimes got the support they did… like in WWII Germany – I guess I’ve witnessed the answers to my childhood curiosity. It is atruly sad spectacle to behold.

                  • JanM …
                    6 July 2014 at 4:12 pm

                    Yes, I hesitated to give that as an example in case it seemed overly dramatic, but it is what I had in mind, of course. Scary really – shows just how thin the line really is!

                    • blue leopard …
                      6 July 2014 at 4:57 pm

                      I am glad you persevered in using that example – because for me it nailed it. And you expressed something that has been bubbling under the surface of my awareness for a while – and reading what you wrote cheered me up…as perverse as that may sound.

                      Hmm to put it another way – I think you provided astute and insightful analysis to what is occurring by using that example – and I enjoy when people share their insights. 🙂

        • Karen 10.3.1.2
          6 July 2014 at 1:27 pm

          This article may help.
          http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10716608

          Looks like he is a a bit of a Rogernome that worked with the right wing of the Labour Party in the 1990s.

          • Anne 10.3.1.2.1
            6 July 2014 at 3:49 pm

            OMG Karen. Just read it. Am in the process of putting my eyes back into their sockets.

            You’re dead right. And they have him on Q&A representing the political Left?

          • swordfish 10.3.1.2.2
            6 July 2014 at 4:57 pm

            Yeah, Phil Quin was active with the Right-leaning Mike Moore faction during the 90s. Very much supportive of Rogernomics (at least in his younger days). Ran Phil Goff’s numbers for him during various attempts to topple Clark as leader before the 96 Election.

            Also champions the idea that the NZ Labour Party should adopt the formal factionalism of their Aussie counterparts. I think it’s fair to say that Phil does enjoy – possibly revels in – having a bit of go at the Left of the Party (as well as the broader political Left outside the Party). So, I think there’s quite a bit of antipathy there.

            From memory, he worked for a while as an advisor to Aussie Foreign Affairs Minister Gareth Evans. Very much at the Establishment/Neo-Liberal end of the Party, although, to be fair, he has, at times, sounded quite progressive and Social Democratic – particularly when having a go at the Nats.

            The one thing I will say for him is that he knows his shit when it comes to the dark arts of extracting a winning strategy from a few shavings of the electoral vote. He has that gut instinct – from organising local campaigns in Aussie Elections, particularly, it seems, in Victoria – about what gets the punters into the polling booths. And, along with my good self, he was the only one that realised things were gonna be close in the 2010 Mana By-Election. So, he’s a long way from me politically (in fact, I seem to remember at one point he called me “a Trot” because I wasn’t entirely ruling out voting Matt McCarten in the Mana by-Election), but I do have a certain amount of respect for his campaign nous.

    • Linz 10.4
      6 July 2014 at 4:17 pm

      Who is this Phil Quin?

      According to the National Business Review Phil Quin is “ a former adviser for the NZ and Australia labour parties and a strategic communications consultant”.

      Some of his work:
      NZ Herald: The anatomy of a failed Labour coup
      9:22 AM Saturday Apr 2, 2011 Fifteen years ago, Helen Clark stared down a party coup mounted by her eventual successor, Phil Goff. But her victory came at a huge price for Labour. Phil Quin, one of the plotters, offers an insider’s account.
      http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10716608

      Phil Quin: Jump to left puts Labour on rocky road
      http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11266928

      http://www.pundit.co.nz/content/how-internet-mana-could-help-national-reach-50

      National Business Review: OPINION: Thirty Percent Doctrine dooms Labour
      http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/opinion-thirty-percent-doctrine-dooms-labour-157760

      WhaleOil:
      http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2014/06/phil-quin-dotcoms-pets-actually-help-national/

      He says he’s a member of the Labour Party. Not for long, I hope.
      He calls himself Phil Quin. I call him Phil Quisling. I also call him Scab.

      Here’s his twitter thingie: @philquin

  11. Just Julie 11
    6 July 2014 at 12:01 pm

    Exactly, Anne!

    I was strangely propelled into some kind of alternate reality between how composed, assured and articulate Mr Cunliffe was during a provocative, hostile interview (not designed to shed any light on policy whatever) and the panels’ summation.

    Can someone please explain? (seriously) !

  12. greywarbler 12
    6 July 2014 at 12:06 pm

    lprent
    How can a duplicate comment show up? Usually a wee sign pops up and prevents.

  13. phillip ure 13
    6 July 2014 at 12:21 pm

    mm!!..cruelty-free cheese..!

    ..there’s a winner..!

    “..Biohackers making ‘real vegan cheese’..”

    “..Real Vegan Cheese is a not a cheese substitute!

    It all begins with regular old baker’s yeast.

    Through synthetic biology – we engineer our yeast to become milk-protein factories –

    • churning out real milk proteins (known as caseins).

    These milk proteins are then combined with water – vegan sugar – and oil –

    • to make a kind of milk which is ultimately converted into Real Vegan Cheese –
    • using the age-old cheese-making process..”

    (cont..)

    http://boingboing.net/2014/07/05/biohackers-making-real-vegan.html

    • bad12 13.1
      6 July 2014 at 6:55 pm

      Was it the ‘bio-Hacker’ title that got you drooling Phillip, flew straight into your little fantasy world imagining a secret group of underground cheese makers did you,

      Why not just make vegan cheese out of soy milk and save all the absolute frigging bullshit, don’t even need get into any of that cloak and dagger bio-hacking stuff,

      Just Google for the recipes…

    • Dave 13.2
      6 July 2014 at 11:07 pm

      What is vegan sugar? I could google it of course, but where is the fun in that?

  14. Chooky 14
    6 July 2014 at 12:23 pm

    Dr. Margaret Sparrow is a very great New Zealander !…along with Elsie Locke who fought for Family Planning and Ettie Rout

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/sunday/audio/2602322/margaret-sparrow-rough-on-wimmin

    Margaret Sparrow chronicles the experiences of 19th-Century New Zealand women who had managed to obtain abortions. Her new book ‘Rough on Wimmin – Abortion in 19th Century NZ’ explores the dangers, risks, prejudices and pre-conceptions of the day that befell those women who became pregnant out of wedlock.

    Feminist and academic Rachel Brown also needs a mention for her research on which Margaret Sparrow bases her book

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elsie_Locke

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ettie_Annie_Rout

    http://abortionwiki.org/index.php?title=Margaret_Sparrow

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Sparrow

  15. greywarbler 15
    6 July 2014 at 12:33 pm

    I heard that interview Chooky, Margaret Sparrow has done much for NZ women and the country and the brave and determined doctors and supporters of abortion rights, men and women.

    • Chooky 15.1
      6 July 2014 at 1:12 pm

      thanx greywarbler…she is a wonderful woman doctor for her compassion and resilience and intelligence and her fight for justice for all women to control their fertility and determine their lives ….. a truly great New Zealander!

  16. fisiani 16
    6 July 2014 at 12:46 pm

    just back from door knocking in karori. actually being positive and not just a crappy slogan. Surprisingly strong support from people who say they used to vote Labour but cannot vote for a man who is ashamed to be a man. This. is the show me the money turning point of 2014. Bring back Shearer.

    • McFlock 16.1
      6 July 2014 at 2:16 pm

      more fake twitter followers for the keyster, eh…

    • Rodel 16.2
      6 July 2014 at 8:22 pm

      just back from door knocking in Epsom actually being a crappy slogan and not just positive; Surprisingly strong support from people who say they used to vote National but cannot vote for a man who is ashamed to be honest. This is the show me a perk busting turning point of 2011. Bring back Rodney Hide.What???

    • North 16.3
      6 July 2014 at 10:30 pm

      I see your arse not working all out your mouth again FazzyUnus.

  17. Jrobin 17
    6 July 2014 at 1:08 pm

    The turning point Fisiani is, imo, cutting class sizes. This has mass appeal. Men who react like that were probably not left voters anyway, concern troll, not convincing.

    • fisiani 17.1
      6 July 2014 at 6:05 pm

      Actually all the comments regarding distaste for The Cunliffe’s false shame came from women in West Karori.

      • Rodel 17.1.1
        6 July 2014 at 8:23 pm

        Actually all the comments regarding distaste for Key’s lack of shame came from men in West Epsom

      • Chooky 17.1.2
        6 July 2014 at 9:03 pm

        find that hard to believe…sure you weren’t just visiting your NACT friends ?

        • blue leopard 17.1.2.1
          6 July 2014 at 9:07 pm

          lol! that sound like it would be closer to the truth Chooky!

        • North 17.1.2.2
          6 July 2014 at 10:51 pm

          He’s got no NAct friends. They all facepalm whispering asides about what a try hard he is. I got lots of NAct friends. They all tell me that. Laughing stock. They’re glad we got him here on TS.

  18. dimebag russell 18
    6 July 2014 at 1:10 pm

    sunday morning funnies.
    prove you were in Karori this morning.
    You are just a figment of Hootons imagination.
    here to make trouble.
    you worse than a moran!

    • felix 18.1
      6 July 2014 at 1:24 pm

      xactly.

      “fisiani” has never left the office.

      • Te Reo Putake 18.1.1
        6 July 2014 at 6:54 pm

        Given that proven liar fisiani claimed the other day to be doorknocking in Hutt South, his move to Karori strongly suggests that National are desperate for activists. Or he’s lying again. Or both.

        • swordfish 18.1.1.1
          6 July 2014 at 7:19 pm

          Still, you’ve got to admire Fizzy’s strenuous attempts at authenticity. He knows that Labour strategists know that Karori West is the ( slightly ) Left-leaning area of the otherwise relatively Blue suburb of Karori. He’s clearly determined to get under Labour’s skin any way he can. The bloke’s displaying a certain amount of tenacity on this. My guess is he’ll be talking about a middle-of-the road suburb in the Mana Electorate next – I’m picking Linden or possibly Pukerua Bay.

    • fisiani 18.2
      6 July 2014 at 8:40 pm

      What’s a moran??????

      [lprent: that… ]

  19. lprent 19
    6 July 2014 at 1:31 pm

    At the Labour conference afternoon session. There are about a thousand seats in the floor of the Michael Fowler, According to the Labour staff here, at least 800 seats are filled. Looks about right.

    • ianmac 19.1
      6 July 2014 at 2:27 pm

      A great speech from David. Mr Key and Whaleoil will be scratching in their dirt piles to try and negate David’s message. Fat hope!

    • lprent 19.2
      6 July 2014 at 2:32 pm

      That was a very good speech by David Cunliffe. Most of the policy has been previewed earlier.

      But he announced that the money that National was putting into overpaid part-time principals will go instead into employing 2000 more teachers. That will reduce class sizes.

      Everything that I have seen says that smaller class sizes works.

      Good. Paying people more for just doing their job seems like a useless idea to me. If there are cruddy teachers out there, then they just need to be either taught to do better or they should leave the profession. If they are burnt out, then just reducing the class sizes will help.

      Dropping National’s pointless paperwork nightmare of “National’s standards” will help a lot in reducing the amount of burnout.

      • phillip ure 19.2.1
        6 July 2014 at 2:38 pm

        and timely..re dropping of national standards..

        ..that is also about to happen in britain..

        ..for the self-same reasons..

  20. Jester 20
    6 July 2014 at 3:48 pm

    Just wondering if Billy Shorten was the right person to cuddle up with so close to David’s meeting with Women’s Refuge.

  21. Draco T Bastard 21
    6 July 2014 at 4:41 pm

    US profoundly upset about this but what are they doing about this?

  22. Jenny 22
    6 July 2014 at 5:59 pm

    ‘

    How to offend friends and influence politicians

    http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/04/us/politics/john-holdrens-influence-seen-in-obama-policies.html

    “Mr. Holdren’s zeal, and his tendency to present somewhat alarming visions of the future, have stirred controversy….”

    “He’s somebody that people want to hear from,” Mr. McDonough said. “And even if he weren’t, he’d be sure he was heard from.”

    Mr. Holdren, whose views and pivotal role in the administration have put him in the cross hairs of critics, also spearheaded the most recent National Climate Assessment report, which painted a stark picture of the impact climate change is having on the nation…..

    ….But even some people who admire his intelligence and ability to explain the science of climate change say his passion for the issue can work against him.

    “He is a zealot,” said John W. Rowe, the former chief executive of the energy company Exelon, who was a co-chairman with Mr. Holdren of a panel on energy policy in the 2000s. “If you start off skeptical of his science because of the eminence of his zeal, you can be confirmed in your skepticism.”

  23. Draco T Bastard 23
    6 July 2014 at 7:20 pm

    Maori stuck in protest mode — Sharples

    He said the loss of support for the Maori Party was due to Maori being in “protest mode” and not understanding “what parliament is about”

    Wow, the arrogance in this one is strong.

    • North 23.1
      6 July 2014 at 10:46 pm

      Gimme protest consciousness ahead of lazy biddable fat arse at someone else’s tepu. This is how Peter Peter ShonKey Eater rationalises his abject failure ? More sneering at Maori ? Incredible !

      • Draco T Bastard 23.1.1
        6 July 2014 at 10:54 pm

        Yeah, that’s how I read it. He’s been fèted and dined at National’s table and now thinks that the way thing are is fine – no matter what damage it does to his people.

  24. Colonial Viper 24
    6 July 2014 at 7:56 pm

    WTF Paddy Gower interview of Cunliffe from earlier on in the Labour congress – just saw this – that Jonolist is a horrible little NAT weasel completely uninterested in serving the public. Hope he loses his access to the PM’s office in September.

    Paddy’s tactics appears to be make Cunliffe focus on the small picture, the minutiae and the trivial

    http://www.3news.co.nz/Interview-Labour-leader-David-Cunliffe/tabid/1356/articleID/351533/Default.aspx

    • Rodel 24.1
      6 July 2014 at 8:27 pm

      Poor Paddy is still obsessed with trivia like tongue in cheek Moa humour and his imaginary past Abcs. There are bigger issues but he doesn’t seem to understand why we have elections.

    • Anne 24.2
      6 July 2014 at 8:29 pm

      Actually I think Cunliffe enjoyed it CV. Paddy Gower was playing the devil’s advocate and Cunliffe knew it. There was a 12 minute sparring match and David won. His best line was quoting Gower’s producer who was complimentary about Labour’s policy planks and that left Paddy chortling.

      • Colonial Viper 24.2.1
        6 July 2014 at 10:54 pm

        Yeah I noticed that one. And I was very interested that Gower questioned Cunliffe on being too light blue. But Paddy missing all those chances to put PM aspirant Cunliffe on the spot about serious stuff, instead of trying to force DC to stay on small picture soap opera dramatics.

  25. dimebag russell 25
    6 July 2014 at 8:43 pm

    a moran is something that begins with f and ends with i and votes national.

  26. Paul 26
    7 July 2014 at 9:36 am

    Such a pity that the New Zealand government does not take the same care for its citizens as the Japanese government.
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11288704

    Herald bias watch.
    Note is is the Japanese who are accused of taking ”the hard line” rather than New Zealand as they slavishly follow the neo-liberal policies of large corporates.

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    2 hours ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    9 hours ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    10 hours ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    10 hours ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    10 hours ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    10 hours ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    10 hours ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    11 hours ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    11 hours ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    12 hours ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    13 hours ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    13 hours ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    13 hours ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    13 hours ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    13 hours ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    14 hours ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    17 hours ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    17 hours ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    17 hours ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    18 hours ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    19 hours ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    20 hours ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    20 hours ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    20 hours ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    21 hours ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    24 hours ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 day ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    4 days ago

  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #15
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 7, 2024 thru Sat, April 13, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week is about adults in the room setting terms and conditions of ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Feline Friends and Fragile Fauna The Complexities of Cats in New Zealand’s Conservation Efforts

    Cats, with their independent spirit and beguiling purrs, have captured the hearts of humans for millennia. In New Zealand, felines are no exception, boasting the highest national cat ownership rate globally [definition cat nz cat foundation]. An estimated 1.134 million pet cats grace Kiwi households, compared to 683,000 dogs ...

    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Or is that just they want us to think?
    Nice guy, that Peter Williams. Amiable, a calm air of no-nonsense capability, a winning smile. Everything you look for in a TV presenter and newsreader.I used to see him sometimes when I went to TVNZ to be a talking head or a panellist and we would yarn. Nice guy, that ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Did global warming stop in 1998?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Did global warming stop in ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Arguing over a moot point.
    I have been following recent debates in the corporate and social media about whether it is a good idea for NZ to join what is known as “AUKUS Pillar Two.” AUKUS is the Australian-UK-US nuclear submarine building agreement in which … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    6 days ago

  • No Longer Trusted: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    Turning Point: “What has turned me away from the mainstream news media is the very strong message that its been sending out for the last few years.” “And what message might that be?” “That the people who own it, the people who run it, and the people who provide its content, really don’t ...
    Bowalley Road
    6 days ago

  • Mortgage rates at 10% anyone?
    No – nothing about that in PM Luxon’s nine-point plan to improve the lives of New Zealanders. But beyond our shores Jamie Dimon, the long-serving head of global bank J.P. Morgan Chase, reckons that the chances of a goldilocks soft landing for the economy are “a lot lower” than the ...
    Point of OrderBy xtrdnry
    6 days ago

  • Sad tales from the left
    Michael Bassett writes –  Have you noticed the odd way in which the media are handling the government’s crackdown on surplus employees in the Public Service? Very few reporters mention the crazy way in which State Service numbers rocketed ahead by more than 16,000 during Labour’s six years, ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • In Whose Best Interests?
    On The Spot: The question Q+A host, Jack Tame, put to the Workplace & Safety Minister, Act’s Brooke van Velden, was disarmingly simple: “Are income tax cuts right now in the best interests of lowering inflation?”JACK TAME has tested another MP on his Sunday morning current affairs show, Q+A. Minister for Workplace ...
    Bowalley Road
    6 days ago

  • Don’t Question, Don’t Complain.
    It has to start somewhereIt has to start sometimeWhat better place than here?What better time than now?So it turns out that I owe you all an apology.It seems that all of the terrible things this government is doing, impacting the lives of many, aren’t necessarily ‘bad’ per se. Those things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • Auckland faces 25% water inflation shock
    Three Waters became a focus of anti-Government protests under Labour, but its dumping by the new Government hasn’t solved councils’ funding problems and will eventually hit the back pockets of everyone. Photo: Lynn Grieveson/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 8:06 am today are:The Government ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • Small accomplishments and large ironies
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Song of Saqua: Volume VII
    In order to catch up to the actual progress of the D&D campaign, I present you with another couple of sessions. These were actually held back to back, on a Monday and Tuesday evening. Session XV Alas, Goatslayer had another lycanthropic transformation… though this time, he ran off into the ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    6 days ago

  • Accelerating the Growth Rate?
    There is a constant theme from the economic commentariat that New Zealand needs to lift its economic growth rate, coupled with policies which they are certain will attain that objective. Their prescriptions are usually characterised by two features. First, they tend to be in their advocate’s self-interest. Second, they are ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    7 days ago

  • The only thing we have to fear is tenants themselves
    1. Which of these acronyms describes the experience of travelling on a Cook Strait ferry?a. ROROb. FOMOc. RAROd. FMLAramoana, first boat ever boarded by More Than A Feilding, four weeks after the Wahine disaster2. What is the acronym for the experience of watching the government risking a $200 million break ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    7 days ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
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  • Taupō takes pole position
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  • Tenancy rules changes to improve rental market
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  • Boosting NZ’s trade and agricultural relationship with China
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