Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step right up to the mike…
Herald and nats gloating about john key betting 50 bucks on the melbourne cup yesterday then go on to say that joyce says no harm proved from sky city deal… herald and key showing a deep understanding of the issues then.
So ‘backbuster’ Veitch returns to the ‘top’ of the stinking pile that is sports radio. Should people be given a second chance? I am all for the possibility of rehabilitation, except few get genuinely offered it in the NZ justice system. It is who you know for this misogynist.
Well, “Veitchy” won’t have to worry about filling Deaker’s boots.
According to “Deaks”, the reason why our sportspeople arent winning enough is because there are too many women teachers in our schools, and they dont keep score at netball matches, etc.
I see a sportsperson dying in his 50’s. Husks of people is what some sports people have become as they get older. And people like Deaks and Veni, vidi, veitchy will sit in their boxes and pass judgment on the heaving masses below like Roman senators at the colosseum. Those who can do, those who can’t exercise their mouths.
Cant comment for Veitch. As for Deaker I applaud his decision to retire and congratulate him on the pleasure he has given lots of sports fans over the 20+ years of his weekly TV show. I watched his final appearance where he replayed his favourite interviews, it seemed to me he gave women equal time, interviewing to some great sports women like Devoy, Roe, Faumoina and others. It was a great show if you are a sports fan. So from me, thank you and go well Deaks.
PS Could he do? He at-least tried, got to his level, and as a consequence had a good handle on his subject. And as a sports interviewer he succeeded admirably, check the ratings.
Ennui, you must be joking. What you have written reminds me of the rubbish that was printed after “Sir” Paul Holmes died; i.e. you have either forgotten or are deliberately repressing what an offensive, racist, and just plain uninformed sports commentator Deaker was.
Your bit about his treatment of women is extremely misleading, given the comments he made and encouraged on his show, and his defiant re-hiring of Boot-boy Veitch.
I’m preparing a retrospective of “Deaks”, which I’ll have up in the next few days.
How much longer are we going to see these establishment guys defending, supporting and promoting guys who are rape culture role models?!!
Veitch back on air; Radio Live defending Tamihere & Jackson (FFS, if the girls were under age it’s statutory rape, whether they were drinking or not! What’s wrong with those guys?!)
And, as Martyn Bradbury posted, the police are quick to jump on the vigilantes, but not so quick to follow up the rape allegations.
I am for rehabilitation but there also need to be consequences. I am involved in sport as my business and change channels if he is on. Actually its when I reacquainted myself with nat radio.
Coming up this week on Al Jazeera 101 East: The promo today talked about NZ’s very high prison stats, and that Maori are majorly over-represented in NZ prisons:
101 East airs each week at the following times GMT: Thursday: 2230; Friday: 0930; Saturday: 0330; Sunday: 1630.
The title: “Locked up Warriors” and the photo with it, indicates they are borrowing from the movie: “Once Were Warriors”.
Too much of what our “Justice” system is doing to Maori and Pasifika under 30 just perpetuates the cycle of crime. The fact that Justice and Corrections are also being asked to try and compensate for the severe failings in our social-economy is also a crime in of itself.
been thinking about Dunners…visited there a few times…bigger city, more scope for employment…interests…less heat…, lotsa’ hills though for a cyclist…and competition for work…sigh…still, it is being discussed. (coulda’ mailed you, but hey…Forgettaboutit! ) 😉
It’s a nice spot and there are definitely opportunities down here, often niche but talent is always appreciated. I think this will be one of the renaissance cities of the 21st century 🙂
Ok. That is triggered from akismet. I removed one layer (cloudflare). But I also changed a few params on the conditional captcha so they’d go to moderation and I could have a look at them.
(of course got to work and immediately ran out of time to look at them. Doing release work. *sigh*)
I was so pleased to see deaker finally go imagine my horror at his replacement. It wasnt a well kept secret. As soon as I heard veitch was on saturday I knew what was coming…
and people wonder why ewe have young men trashing on girls and women. None so blind as those who will not see.
And lest anyone think we’re immune: we have exactly the same definition of terrorism here, and a penalty of life imprisonment for committing a “terrorist act”.
Have just read today’s Bowalley Road post on KiwiAssure in which Chris Trotter argues that caucus is still wobbly.
Two salient quotes-
” In David Cunliffe Labour now has a leader who is willing to be as radical as his party. Significantly, it is the third leg of the tripod – the Labour Caucus – which is visibly wobbling. The KiwiAssure policy is a worrying case in point. Radical in intent, radical in expression, but disappointingly conservative in execution”
“At the conference just concluded a distressingly large number of Labour MPs put on a display of childish pique that bodes very ill for the party’s future.”
Weka, Trotter’s ‘ example’ (?) is a brief critique of the policy around KiwiAssure, and is not too different from some mainstream commentary I’ve read: a quote to save you reading it for yourself 🙁
“the average Labour supporter might well object: “What on earth is the point of a state-owned insurance company that will, in every respect that matters, be indistinguishable from its private sector competitors?”
Given the fate of AMI, that same voter might also ask what would motivate the ordinary Kiwi family to put its faith (not to mention its future financial security) in a state-owned insurer that not even its own creator is willing to stand behind?…”
yep. I wrote similar yesterday. If KiwiAssure relies on the same foreign re-insurers as today’s crop of insurance companies does, and not the sovereign balance sheet and money creation potential of the Crown, then its unfortunately not much more than a front shop being set up.
The NZ Herald editorial on the subject has it 80% right I think.
Yeah. It really skewers the (I thought perfect) example I came up with for why a state insurer would be better than the private ones: people in CHCH are stuck in a fight over liability between the insurers and EQC, where state-owned insurer could just pay the money and do the paperwork later. But if actually the state-owned insurer is just the same as a private one, that potential benefit vanishes.
In plain English you appear to be saying that David Cunliffe is simply being a populist wanker by trotting out ‘the insurance company’ as a flagship Labour policy,
For the reasons given above, especially Cunliffe’s ignorance of the Government’s ability to provide it’s own capital needs as far as spreading of the risk after a major event goes does seem to take more than a little of the gloss of such a firms ownership…
Hes lucky, if he (Cunliffe) had said to me that I’d sell my own mother he’d be tasting my fist but fortunately for Cunliffe John Key doesn’t stoop to that level
Yes I’m sure hes a big man referencing John Keys mother the way he did, just shows the type of person he is really (not that the people on here could ever see that)
Cunliffe could be worse.
He could do a slit-throat gesture towards the opposition while normal humans are getting over the drama that had just played out above them.
I’m looking forward to Labour crushing Trademe too. The fees are too high and it’s just a giant corporate only worried about its shareholders. I’m sure everyone will switch to KiwiTrade to keep them honest.
Same goes with Xero. A billion dollar company once again only pleasing shareholders. KiwiAccounts is another great business Labour could get in to.
Come to mention it, McDonalds is just taking all it’s money overseas. KiwiBurger is something real everyday New Zealanders could afford!
On Campbell Live last night John had an interview with Steven Joyce Re the failing film industry. After the frenetic Simon Bridges and ditto John Key I was surprised that Mr Joyce seemed to listen to the questions (rather long) and answer in reasonably concise manner. Sounded reasonable even though I have a prejudice against the smug Joyce but….
ahhhh yes, Mr Joyce, unable to transfer the subsidies to Warner Bros. to the small end of the film-making industry, yet bending over backwards to the extraction industries, surveys, legislation…
Must think we have cloth for ears and buttons for eyes.
soo Nick Smith on Midday Report is claiming New Zealand import more building materials to address the 30% premium on price New Zealand sourced-materials have over Australian equivalents, and, wait for it, …. for builders to advise customers of kickbacks (rebates) they have received from suppliers. Good Oh, (builders not too chuffed, as rebates relate to bulk supplies not individual specs, and equivalent to sales incentives in other industries and professions ). Will physicians, hairdressers and panel-beaters be required to do the same in the future, in a Totalitarian state near you.
postscript- And the Conservatory missing from the plans? Fletchers.
Or. We can just borrow more to buy more short lived poor quality crap from China.
Then borrow more again in ten years to replace and repair it as we repeat the leaky building saga.
And replace our builders with dodgy cheap untrained foreigners. Oop’s we do that already as most of the good tradesmen have gone to Australia where they get paid. Instead of being limited to peanuts an hour by Fletchers stranglehold on Christchurch..
If you really want to know why building is expensive here, look at the middlemen.
Ask why it costs less to build a house in Oz even though builders earn twice as much.
China will be happy to lend us the money to buy more of their short lived poor quality crap. A happy money go round, as we exhaust our world’s resources on throwaway materials.
It will replace all these nasty multinationals who are poisoning us with their terrible food and taking all the money overseas.
KiwiKai will serve delicious meals approved by every health board, lobby group in the country. Delicious.
Labour will spend 14 million dollars building a website where people can see the menu. Another 9 million on developing fun apps for the iphone and Android ecosystem. Kids will be able to log in and play awesome games that shows them how healthy their dinner will be.
To order, kiwis will just need to file a form 36 working days before they want their awesome takeaways. Orders will be delivered using public transport only.
LOL, don’t worry about a red horse that has obviously kicked itself in the head. It’s clearly lost it’s rider but I’m sure Key will wager a cool 50 bucks on it…
Ever wondered why the labour party is so loudly opposed to apartheid?
Ever wondered why lazy good for nothing maoris and islanders are defended by the labour party?
Ever wondered why the labour party want more Kenyan wogs let into the country?
Ever wondered why the labour party side with the viet cong?
– because they’re soft on niggers
– of any colour – black niggers – brown niggers – yellow niggers
You name it and Norm Kirk will be prostrating himself before them?
Vote National the white man’s party!
“Cunliffe called Key the “Kiwi-spoiler,” someone who had beaten up on Kiwbank when it first started, KiwiSaver, KiwiRail and now KiwiAssure.
Key responded on KiwiBank. Yes it was a good little business.
“I might point out though this it has taken $860 million of taxpayers’ money and it has never paid a dividend in 10 years.”
He challenged Cunliffe to name another bank operating in New Zealand that had an insurance company, and offered insurance on the same property they were lending on.
“They do not do that.”
Cunliffe: “Is he aware that ASB Bank own Tower Insurance? If he is, why is he asking such a stupid question.”
Within minutes of Cunliffe’s comment, National’s research unit – or perhaps a few friends in the insurance industry – had got the message to Key that Cunliffe was wrong.
ASB did not own Tower. They sent the list of owners. Key tried to read through the list.
Eventually Labour’s deputy, David Parker, and possibly the source of his leader’s error, did the honourable thing and acknowledged the error by asking Key: “Has he received any advice that ASB in fact own Sovereign Assurance?”
Key: “Yes it does own Sovereign and let us get to the better bit…Sovereign provides life insurance, and the way [Cunliffe] is going, he will need life insurance.”
if it was not for the reality that Brownlee and Key had to hold up proceedings and bully the speaker to achieve their pyrrhic victory; really PR, is that all you have today, are we to go to bed hungry without any supper?
Correct me if I’m wrong, but hasn’t KiwiBank been making a profit for the last few years? My understanding was that it’s profits have been helping to prop up NZ Post (which should have always remained a Government department, and certainly should never have had unfair competition forced upon it, whereby it is at a disadvantage because it has statutory social obligations).
Besides that, there’s more to government than making a profit. One of the main purpose of KiwiBank was to introduce government-owned competition into the market to drive down unnecessary fees – something which it has achieved well.
Labour policy- the man ban is merely following Key’s own policy of closely stacking front bench parliamentary seats with women, while banning men to the back and sides. Abbotts man ban policy is significantly problematic as it conflicts with his single woman policy.
The Bruce Jesson talk is on line. Do other people know how to make it easily available.
I haven’t tried but with my expertise I will probably not succeed.
well that’s obscure. You’re that hard up for trumpets to blow that you’ll pucker you lips for a 1-point improvement in the june year public service satisfaction rate?
“A little bit insipid….”
Godawful new Hobbit song fails to impress as Panel plumbs new low The Panel, Radio NZ National, Wednesday 6 November 2013
Paul Brennan, Joe Bennett, Ellen Read
Long-suffering listeners to The Panel have been assailed by some utterly disgusting, insultingly shallow and banal aural dreck over the last eight years. Just off the top of my head, I recall the cruel laughter directed by the likes of Chris Trotter at victims of state repression; the mad anti-democracy rants by Michelle Boag; the snarling attempts at character assassination by Dr Michael “Bonkers” Bassett; the honking hypocrisy of lawyer and former ACT MP Stephen Franks, a spokesman for the knife-loving S.S. Trust, lecturing in tones of heightened gravitas about modern “wickedness”; the halfwitted observations of Nevil “Breivik” Gibson; the insane raving of Christine (Spankin’) Rankin; and the haughty denunciation of “these people” (Egyptians) by Rosemary McLeod.
But, even bearing in mind all of that depravity and mediocrity, I believe that the nadir was reached at 4:45 this afternoon. For some reason, producer Susan Balducci saw fit to play thirty seconds of “I See Fire”, a dire, plodding, tuneless dirge by Ed Sheeran, written for the latest New Zealand taxpayer-funded Peter Jackson snore-fest The Desolation of Smaug. After what seemed like thirty MINUTES of sub-Chris Rea pap, there was an uneasy silence in the studio. Realising that he was expected to say something vaguely supportive about the dog, Joe Bennett showed uncharacteristic restraint and said: “It’s not to my taste.” Not even Ellen Read, who is a diehard supporter of the dodgy deal foisted on the National Government by Warner Bros. that has led to such truly terrible “product”, could work herself up into defending this one. After an uncomfortable pause, she delivered her verdict: “It’s a little bit insipid.”
Susan Baldacci, a little taken aback by the lack of respect for this piece of shit, lamely explained that Sheeran had written the dirge for the end credits—“which is not where they’re going to play a real rocker”. She got no support from Paul Brennan, obviously as appalled as Bennett and Read.
———————-
If, like me, you’ve been of the opinion for the last decade or so that the song Céline Dion sang for Titanic was the worst in the history of the movies, then you may change your mind after you click on THIS…. http://metro.co.uk/2013/11/05/listen-to-ed-sheerans-the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug-song-i-see-fire-4175112/
“Telling it like it is.” Chris, your loyalty is of the same order as that desperately mugging Hamilton West MP behind Bennett—unstinting and clearly uncritical.
Since you obviously respect her, or pretend to at least, maybe you should tell her that every time she says something cruel or dishonest, she puts on another kilogram.
Its amusing how quickly the left descend to personal attacks when they hear something they don’t like so are you saying theres something wrong with being overweight? That if shes overweight she can’t do her job?
You can attack her policies, her views etc etc but attacking her over her weight is a bit, well desperate really
Women have enough hurdles to overcome (especially in politics) without people like you expecting them to live up to some (probably impossible) body image
I’ll trust you not to take Morrissey as speaking for anyone but his deluded self.
“Deluded”? How so? You’d better explain carefully and clearly why you’re suddenly in Camp Bennett, so as to dispel the impression that you are irresponsible and lazy.
“Thinking Morrisseey [sic] is a deluded fuckwit” does not equal “Supporting Paula Bennett”. Believing those two statements to be equal is to be deluded.
Was that explanation clear enough?
No it was not good enough, as I’m sure you knew perfectly well as you sent that ill-advised, illogical message of support for our struggling friend into the blogosphere. You foolishly decided to back a surefire loser by coming in behind felix’s indolent exercise in abuse. I advise you to desist from this path, my flocculent friend; we all know you never prosper in these exchanges.
Cancel that nasty message I posted about you being untrustworthy; your gracious admission of defeat shows you are indeed the gallant we always suspected you were.
…your comment is getting awfully close to saying you *wned someone…
This is very awkward. I receive a gracious concession by my friend and occasional adversary felix. I try to behave like a gentleman, and acknowledge his good manners—and I find I’ve blundered into another minefield.
Lower down this thread, two more people have coyly rolled their eyes in the submission posture; I have also politely saluted their good manners. Could you explain how that makes me the one in the wrong here?
It is pretty simple. Claiming victory in an environment where the best that can be hoped for is “..agree to disagree..” merely starts flamewars of the na-nah-de-dah type that are so common when you listen to the playgrounds of primary schools. One side claims “victory” / “owns” / “pwned” and resolutely holds to that. The other sides pour derision. And it escalates….
Eventually I have to wander to crack heads as the shrill screaming of the children disturbs the adults and they start to defend their offspring..In fact school sports matches often descend into this.
I find that grabbing the first person to claim victory and exiling them for some time works wonders at reducing my workload. Which is of course my primary motivation. My secondary is that I don’t have to read the boring squealing.
So argue all that you like. But to try to claim victory without a very explicit statement from the other person (something that I see maybe 5 times a year here) and you will find this is a very dangerous business. Start gloating and (as you say it) you find the site becomes a minefield…
(Friendly warning, my friend: check carefully who you go into temporary alliances with. The fellow you shared a little joke with just now is not someone you can trust.)
But Chris I bet all those staving beneficiaries are finding it hard to take instruction from someone who can’t even control how much she puts in her mouth.
Not impressed, Morrissey. This week a lot of women are really finding it tough in the face of a lot of abusive, gender-loaded stuff flying about. In this context, your attempt at laddish (or is it pseudo-laddish) humour is just plain nasty.
I cannot support a service when they are incapable of stringing facts together to prevent people from being dismissed when a serious crime has occurred.
Is there something wrong in NZ in how those who investigate rape are being trained and supervised?
But out of respect for the victim and her family Police are unable to discuss this particular situation any further, however the victim’s complaint is still part of the continuing investigation and should new supporting evidence come to light as part of the ongoing enquiry , the decision in this case not to prosecute will be reviewed.
+ 1 Yep all a big lie from start to finish – the lying fucks – meanwhile how many young women and girls have suffered because of our police? How many? Fucken bastards those police that sat on this shit.
Hard not to be thinking about Louise Nicholas at this point. Both because of the culture within in the NZ Police that she exposed (the word misogynistic seems entired inadequate), and because of the amount of work she did to change rape culture in NZ. The difference in dialogue now compared to then is huge.
Fuck the police.
I’m in the wrong part of the country for this, but I wish someone would organise a national day of action and solidarity. Can’t help but feel there is an opportunity here to make some real change.
Good idea weka about the day of action – hard to organise from Mohua but we will be marching on that day for sure. I have the utmost respect and admiration for Louise Nicholas – she is a hero in my eyes. I hope things change – but I am feeling rage at the moment, rage that the police whom we entrust have let those young women and girls down so badly. I expect deeper and worse revelations on this one.
There’s one already jailed for hiding police rape. Dewar. Probably paroled by now. Living quite nicely on a handsome super somewhere like Little Waihi or Wanaka.
Like the one who proved to be Teina Poara’s evil angel.
“Would it help if I pointed a house out Teina…….?”
We could have a trial by judges if the fucking useless police did their fucking jobs.
But they don’t seem to want to when it comes to rape for some reason, so trial by media it is, until the fucking police, start to do, their fucking job.
Porcine references-wise, pigs get a bad rap. Cops, on the other hand, are often assholes. I think Anne’s link above is really the coup de grace. Asking the 13 y/o to re-enact with mannequins? Oyy… nk
Anyway, as far as I see it, at least as the 13 y/o complainant is concerned, they don’t need much beyond the act of penetration and the admission of having done so by 1 or more of these guys to secure a conviction for sexual conduct with someone under the age of 16. Of course, if these videos that were posted online actually do exist, they would assist the evidential matrix.
No doubt the boys will be lawyered up with the likes of Paul Mabey QC and whoever the spiritual successor to John Haigh is pretty quickly, and various girls involved will end up being subject to a lengthy defended hearing or hearings and humiliating cross-examination. Maybe just me but perhaps some sort of ADR might be more fruitful for the girls and their families?
What ever arse wipe, the only one around here who’d be acting like a pig would be you,squealing away while your socialist mates root you up the jacksey.
Come on bud whats with this pigs shit.
The vast majority of people gave that wankery up once they hit their 20’s, what are you 50+?, to be carry on like some teenager is pretty fucking tragic.
Hi Fender, somehow I don’t think that BM’s limited set of intellectual skills includes self-awareness or consistency. Still, as a toy, he’s fun to play with.
Defending our lawful rights to ‘open, transparent and democratically-accountable’ local government:
I have been granted ‘speaking rights’ at the ‘ public input section of the 7 November Governing Body meeting commencing at 10.00am in the Reception Lounge, Auckland Town Hall’.
” You will be allocated five minutes in total to speak on the following subjects:
· The apparent lack of ‘due diligence’, failure to address the increased risk of money-laundering in the Auckland Council submission on the International Convention Centre Bill.
· Potential consequences if Auckland Council fails to uphold the RULE OF LAW regarding the statutory requirement under the Public Records Act 2005 s.17.
· Perceived ‘conflicts of interest’ in the ‘inquiry’ into the conduct of Mayor Len Brown.”
‘Open Letter’ request for speaking rights at the Auckland Council Governing Body meeting to be held on Thursday 7 November 2013 at 10am at the Reception Lounge, Auckland Town Hall:
Good afternoon …….,
I would like to address the Auckland Council Governing Body meeting to be held on Thursday 7 November 2013, at 10am at the Auckland Town Hall, in ‘Public forum’.
My subject matter will be:
1) The apparent lack of ‘due diligence’, failure to address the increased risk of money-laundering in the Auckland Council submission on the International Convention Centre Bill, as outlined in the following Regulatory Impact Statement:
2) Potential consequences if Auckland Council fails to uphold the RULE OF LAW regarding the statutory requirement under the Public Records Act 2005 s.17
(1)Every public office and local authority must create and maintain full and accurate records of its affairs, in accordance with normal, prudent business practice, including the records of any matter that is contracted out to an independent contractor.
(2) Every public office must maintain in an accessible form, so as to be able to be used for subsequent reference, all public records that are in its control, until their disposal is authorised by or under this Act or required by or under another Act.
(3) Every local authority must maintain in an accessible form, so as to be able to be used for subsequent reference, all protected records that are in its control, until their disposal is authorised by or under this Act.
3) Perceived ‘conflicts of interest’ in the ‘inquiry’ into the conduct of Mayor Len Brown.
ie: The fact that Auckland Council CEO Doug McKay, Ernst and Young and Nigel Morrison (CEO of Sky City) are all members of the unelected, very powerful private lobby group – the Committee for Auckland, who arguably are not unhappy with the performance of Mayor Len Brown.
“Based on information revealed tonight on the way underage sexual violation case has been handled, we will be referring it to the IPCA.” – Jacinda Ardern.
I half expect them to say that only police actions can be complained about, and they didn’t take any in this case. As far as not treating the case any differently because one of their sons was involved – how would they have acted if one of the 13 year old girls was one of their daughters?
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In my post yesterday, I documented a whole series of ways in which Neil Quigley, Reserve Bank board chair (appointed by the Minister of Finance) appeared to have actively misled the public (and overseen the misleading of Reserve Bank staff) on the day Adrian Orr’s resignation was announced. Some of ...
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The abrupt resignation of Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr is a blaring siren that New Zealand’s economic foundations are being relentlessly jackhammered by Nicola Willis’ unyielding austerity obsession. Orr was effectively ousted after a fierce funding dispute with the Finance Minister, who appears determined to gut budgets left, right, and centre ...
My blog-post the other day alludes to the divergence between what J.R.R. Tolkien was, and what people think Tolkien was. And, while I was at it, to the similar divergence concerning George R.R. ...
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There's an interesting article on The Spinoff, worried that with so many parties ruling out working with each other, MMP is collapsing back into left-right, "winner take all" politics. It points to a shift back to the pre-MMP elected dictatorship model of government by decree, "outsized" influence of small parties, ...
The recent drone attacks on Russian strategic bombers were welcomed by many Western politicians but condemned by some US politicians. Why the controversy? After all, it is widely accepted that the Ukrainian military has a right to attempt to disable or destroy those Russian long-range bombers that are ...
So when you hear themMake claims of progressTake a good lookAnd see who isn't thereWe need a seat nowAt the tableSo please invite usOr don't pretend to care.Songwriter: Gaelynn Lea.Today’s newsletter is on Disability Support Services (DSS). It follows last week’s announcement by the Minister for Disability Issues, Louise Upston, ...
The law on pay equity was changed without any prior warning during the election campaign, without any select committee process. It has shocked New Zealand women and gutted fundamental rights Come and hear from pay equity experts including women whose claims have been cancelled and what the plan is from ...
For paid subscribersIt’s 2023, and National have won the most votes in the New Zealand election. Their long cultivated coalition with ACT is assured, and to the chagrin of Christopher Luxon and David Seymour, their respective party leaders, they will have to invite NZ First along for the ride.Government party ...
Australia and the European Union need to collaborate to promote the adoption of inclusive, safe and sustainable AI in the South Pacific. While the United States and China compete for global AI leadership, the EU ...
In New Zealand’s murky right-wing scene, a cast of propagandists peddles fear and division. From anti-vax crusaders to culture war stirrers, these figures exploit distrust, offering noise over solutions. Here’s another rundown of some key and bit players, exposing their tactics and selective outrage in New Zealand's polarised political landscape.Alia ...
It used to be so simple. An intelligence officer could fly to a country, change passports and, with a false identity, emerge as a completely different person. But those days are long since over. Biometrics ...
Hi,Late yesterday afternoon — after leaving the Metropolitan Detention Centre with puffy eyes and a scratchy throat — I’d wandered to Little Tokyo to get a cold drink. It tasted awesome.Tonight at around 9pm I went back there to find a very different scene. Little Tokyo was closed and the ...
Australia must be prepared for limited nuclear war in the Indo-Pacific, be it over Taiwan, the Korean Peninsula, or beyond. It should understand what such a conflict would mean for regional and global security, and ...
One of the basic foundations of democratic civil-military relations is that the active duty military is organised and trained to fight and defeat foreign enemies in combat–that is, by using organised lethal force until the enemy is defeated. Domestic security is a matter of national/federal, state and local law enforcement. ...
Frame OneInto LA go Trump's forces, and into LA go his lies.Modern politics is a framing war.It’s a system that keeps rewarding the wrong people.It’s a system that keeps rewarding the lie that tells people what they want to hear.It’s a system that Donald Trump instinctively understands.Never mind that the ...
History haunts Solomon Islands. More than two decades after the end of the Tensions of 1998 to 2003, the fractures that prompted ethnic conflict between Guadalcanal and Malaita communities remain deep in politics, society and ...
For paid subscribersSharing this proposal on a light work day -Winston Peters “reamed the pension” and then tried to sue once it was found out - costing taxpayers at least $1m in legal fees Read more ...
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi welcomes the legal action taken against the Minister of Climate Change by a coalition of legal experts as an important step in ensuring that Aotearoa meets its climate action obligations. “We strongly support legal action to ensure that the Government ...
The National-led government is once again trying to increase immigration with their Parent Boost Visa, a five-year, multi-entry scheme for parents of migrants who already live in New Zealand. This move, dressed up as a boost for “family unity” and “economic growth,” has sparked fury among right-wing groups, exposing the ...
For the past 20 years, agriculture has been the glaring gap in our climate change policy. Responsible for 50% of our emissions, it was initially excluded from the ETS, and then - under Green Pressure - was to be slowly bought in at a 90% subsidy. But National repealed all ...
Like Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who claimed “shock” over his press secretary’s litany of misconduct, Finance Minister Nicola Willis proclaiming dismay today rings hollow. Michael Forbes, accused of illegally recording women, including sex workers, without consent, was allowed to resign rather than face dismissal.Nicola Willis’ claim that the “situation is ...
December 2024 Wednesday 18 DecemberDecember 18, 2024The Government has announced a 1.5% increase in the minimum wage from 1 April 2025, well below forecast inflation of 2.5%. Unions have reacted strongly and denounced it as a real terms cut.… Read More »Wednesday 18 DecemberFriday 13 DecemberDecember 13, 2024More public service ...
290 library workers across Christchurch will get a pay rise to reflect the “true value” of their work, despite the abrupt cancellation of their pay equity claim, due to a strong commitment to pay equity from Christchurch City Council. Care workers at the country’s largest provider of Māori-based support for ...
Australia’s National Intelligence Community could substantially enhance Australia’s climate security response. It could do so by applying its surveillance resources to the task. The 2024 Independent Intelligence Review lists transnational challenges—which includes climate change—as one ...
I got chills, they're multiplyingAnd I'm losing control'Cause the power you're supplyingIt's electrifyingSongwriter: John Farrar.This morning Breakfast’s Chris Chang (CC) interviewed Chippy, and boy was he an enthusiast of your National-led government, if we can call them that.“‘Everyone Must Go’, remember that controversial tourism slogan the government spent $500,000 on ...
Australia’s ports may be busy, but we have no way of ensuring that ships will keep coming to them in wartime. In an age of contested supply chains, strategic competition and rising instability, this absence ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The Trump administration has taken an ostrich-like approach to climate change. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is required to publish a report about the country’s sources of climate-changing pollution each year by April 15. This year, that didn’t happen. But the completed report ...
Fantasy geeks might have at some point stumbled across a famous line from Terry Pratchett: “J.R.R. Tolkien has become a sort of mountain, appearing in all subsequent fantasy in the way that Mt. Fuji appears so often in Japanese prints. Sometimes it’s big and up close. Sometimes it’s a shape ...
On the occasion of the publication of another Rich List, let us bow our heads, brothers and sisters, and remind ourselves of the saying: The only thing money proves is that you have money.It may also be proof of luck, or timing, or inheritance, or connections; but confusing wealth with ...
RNZ has a piece this morning on the latest NBR rich list, reporting that the ultra-rich are doing great (despite the government-induced recession). The 119 individuals and families listed are now collectively worth more than $100 billion - 40% of Aotearoa's annual GDP. Meanwhile, while they're revelling in their wealth, ...
Hi,Getting tear gassed by the National Guard fucking sucks. Everything stings, you can’t breathe, and you can’t see. You can hear just fine — the almost comical pop-pop-pop as more tear gas canisters are sent arcing over the crowd. It strikes you how everyone has their own unique cough; their ...
Opinion and analysisThere’s a lot to cover, as usual, but I’d like to focus mostly on the risks to our democracy today.First -In New Zealand, ACT and National supporter Nick Mowbray1 wins in NZ’s richest stakes.Another ACT/National donor, Graeme Hart, comes second, $8b behind the Mowbrays — landing at $12b. ...
The stench of cover-ups from the current coalition Government reveals a grim truth: the right-wing establishment is more invested in protecting its own and saving face than upholding justice. The latest revelations about National MP Hamish Campbell’s deep ties to the Two by Twos cult, Chris Luxon’s disgraced press secretary ...
Parents of New Zealand citizens and residents will be able to access visas, with the government announcing a programme it says will bring families together. Simeon Brown has announced more investment to strengthen critical infrastructure at Auckland City Hospital and Greenlane Clinical Centre. A Māori business leader says urgent reform ...
Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.Get more from David Farrier in the Substack appAvailable for iOS and AndroidGet the app ...
Thank you , , and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.Get more from David Farrier in the Substack appAvailable for iOS and AndroidGet the app ...
Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.Get more from David Farrier in the Substack appAvailable for iOS and AndroidGet the app ...
On 29 May, ASPI released its annual defence budget briefing, The Cost of Defence. Introducing the report, ASPI executive director Justin Bassi reflected on its aim of ‘strengthening Australia’s long-term security, prosperity and sovereignty’ and its ...
Hi, Tear gas in the air, a lot of coughing. A lot of guns. And anger.But so far, peace.I’ll be going live throughout the day here on Webworm.Thanks to anyone who backs my work. Really. Not here without you.Subscribe nowDavid. ...
FYI and briefly to all subscribers, I’m going to take a break from daily news updates for a couple of weeks while Lynn and I have a proper holiday.I’ll keep writing, but not so much about the news and I’ll look to publish those pieces from June 23.Sometimes, it’s useful ...
Damien GrantFormer New Zealand High Commissioner Phil Goff has never been one to shy away from calling a spade a spade, and his recent comments on Israel’s actions in Gaza are no exception to this rule. In a searing piece published on Stuff, Goff didn’t mince words, stating that Israel ...
According to Workplace Health and Safety Minister Brooke Van Velden, employers are having to endure a “culture of fear” created by Worksafe, which has the power to prosecute them if if they are operating unsafe workplaces. There seems to be only anecdotal evidence – from employers at a government roadshow ...
A listing of 26 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, June 1, 2025 thru Sat, June 7, 2025. Stories we promoted this week, by category: Climate Policy and Politics (5 articles)Inside EPA`s backdoor bid to stop regulating ...
On a dreary Dunedin winter’s day, one’s mind turns to odd things. It happens. Today, it occurred to me that with the election of Pope Leo XIV in May, and with Donald Trump ...
The number one biggest gameIt's when they gain the most fameIt's like a race to the topBecause they wanna be bossThey don't care who they step onAs long as they get alongPoliticians in my eyesSongwriter: Bobby Hackney.Today, I’m very pleased to bring to you this guest newsletter on the Regulatory ...
Open to all readersSeymour's privatisation push David Seymour believes privatisation is a good thing. Let me refresh his memory. The BNZ had to be bailed out...twice, and is now in foreign ownership. The railways had to be bought back, having been run into the ground by foreign private ownership. Air ...
There have been numerous protests in New Zealand, with thousands taking to the streets over policies that undermine Māori rights, dodge climate action, cut wages, fail the people in Gaza and deepen social inequality. From the massive hīkoi against the Treaty Principles Bill to rallies slamming environmental deregulation, Kiwis are ...
Speak plainly to meGo with the flowThat's how you show your loveSpeak plainlySpeak plainlyWords by Marlon Williams and Kommi Tamati-Elliffe.Morena all,This morning, I thought we’d have a bit of a kōrero about whatever you like. I’ve skimmed through the headlines, and there wasn’t much I wanted to cover.I did contemplate ...
Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Are CO2 measurements reliable? Measurements of the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are consistent, reliable, and globally verified across multiple independent ...
German shipbuilder TKMS has significantly increased its chances in Canberra’s frigate competition by partnering with Saab, an entrenched supplier of crucial equipment for Australian warships. This challenges widespread assumptions that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is ...
New Zealand, once a shining example of progressive governance, is faltering under a right-wing Coalition Government determined to drag us back to the colonial dark ages. The “Coalition of Chaos,” as it’s been correctly named, is making Aotearoa an international laughing stock, with Prime Minister Chris Luxon, NZ First leader ...
Te Pāti Māori Co-leader and MP for Waiariki, Rawiri Waititi, has slammed the Rotorua Lakes Council’s treatment of homeless whānau as “inhumane and disgraceful,” following the forced police removal of people sleeping outside the Salvation Army on Amohia Street yesterday. “Our most vulnerable whānau were woken by police, trespassed like ...
The Green Party says the Government’s newly announced Biodiversity Credit scheme is a tiny positive that doesn’t undo the biodiversity harm caused by the Luxon Government. ...
A new report, ‘Outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi Māori and their whānau in the oranga tamariki system 2023/24,’ has confirmed that Oranga Tamariki is severely failing our most vulnerable Māori youth. ...
Last week, world-leading climate scientists called out the Government’s approach to agricultural emissions. This week, climate lawyers have sued the Government because its Emissions Reductions Plans do not add up. ...
Te Pāti Māori condemns the Israeli navy’s armed interception of the Madleen, a civilian aid vessel carrying food, medical supplies, and international activists to Gaza, including Greta Thunberg. Communications of the Madleen have been cut, and there is no knowing if the crew are safe and unharmed. This is the ...
The Green Party is calling for the safe passage of the Madleen, a civilian aid vessel on course to Gaza, following the Freedom Flotilla being seized by the Israeli Military and urging the New Zealand Government to sanction Israel for its illegal occupation of Palestine. ...
Thanks to a successful community-led campaign backed by Labour, Lower North Island locals are today celebrating the toll-free opening of Te Ahu a Turanga – Manawatū Tararua Highway. ...
The Green Party is calling out the Government’s parent boost changes that benefit a wealthier minority while doing nothing to help reunite thousands of migrant families. ...
The Green Party condemns the unprecedented decision to suspend Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi for 21 days, and MP for Hauraki-Waikato Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke for 7 days. ...
The Government is quietly leaving some of our poorest families hundreds of dollars worse off, ignoring warnings that changes to the accommodation supplement and public housing subsidies will disproportionately target disabled, older, Māori, Pasifika, and young people. ...
Today, Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi slammed the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee’s refusal to extend the public submission period for the Regulatory Standards Bill, calling it a deliberate act to silence whānau, hapū, iwi, and community voices. Waititi had urged the Committee to extend the submission period by ...
Workforce shortages that mental health Minister Matt Doocey tried to hide are now resulting in increasing pressure on our emergency departments as people needing help have nowhere else to go. ...
Te Pāti Māori join health professionals, medical bodies, and community organisations across Aotearoa in calling on Te Whatu Ora to immediately release the updated Guidelines for Gender Affirming Healthcare. The guidelines were developed by medical professionals with expertise in this form of care and approved by Te Whatu Ora’s National ...
Today’s sweeping changes to environmental protections paint a damning picture of a government hellbent on profit at all costs, openly allowing more environmentally harmful activities under the guise of progress. ...
The Government’s latest move to unwind the ‘pay parity’ regime carefully negotiated between government and the sector is a kick in the teeth for already undervalued and underpaid kaiako. ...
The Green Party echoes the call from health professionals, medical bodies, and community organisations for Te Whatu Ora to urgently release the guidelines for gender affirming care. ...
The Green Party has found that the Government has not accounted for its own increased costs as an employer incurred by the KiwiSaver changes rushed through under Budget urgency last week. ...
Te Pāti Māori is demanding to know how the government can justify fast tracking a replica of a seabed mining application that was already rejected by the supreme court in 2021. “Trans-Tasman Resources, a company with no operational experience, is back to the table with the same outdated and incomplete ...
Forestry Minister Todd McClay today congratulated the winners of the inaugural Growing Native Forests Champions Awards for driving real progress in native forest establishment and land use innovation. “This is what good land management looks like — native forests that support both the environment and the rural economy,” Mr McClay ...
New Zealand has extended its commitment the Operation Gallant Phoenix multinational intelligence mission in Jordan, the Government announced today. The deployment of up to 10 New Zealand Defence Force and Police personnel has been extended for two years until June 2027. “This operation is essential to our commitment to a ...
Health Minister Simeon Brown has today announced funding for the first stage of a major project to upgrade and expand interventional radiology services at Auckland City Hospital. “This project will significantly improve access to radiology services for patients across Auckland and beyond,” Mr Brown says. “A $41.2 million investment will ...
The Government is supporting the expansion of a voluntary credits nature market through the running of pilot projects across New Zealand. Establishing a market that is durable, measurable and transparent will help farmers, landowners, iwi, and conservation groups unlock new income streams for looking after nature on their land, Associate ...
Farmers, growers, foresters, fishers and primary processors are driving New Zealand’s economic recovery with export revenue on track to surpass $60 billion for the first time, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced today at Fieldays. “The latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report forecasts export earnings of ...
A key milestone in the push for a more connected digital economy has been reached, with over one million businesses now registered with a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN), Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk says. “The NZBN is a simple idea with a big impact. It gives each ...
More than 9,500 additional procedures have now been delivered as part of the Government’s elective boost, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “This is what putting patients first looks like. We are focused on increasing delivery of elective treatments – across both public and private hospitals – to reduce wait times ...
New Zealand’s aquaculture sector has experienced double-digit growth in export revenue over the past year, sending a clear signal that more is to come from the enormously promising sector, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The forecast export results were released today as part of the latest Situation and ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has concluded a constructive visit to Italy, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. Mr Peters and Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani met in Rome overnight and confirmed the strength of the bilateral relationship that New Zealand and Italy share. “New Zealand and Italy are long-standing ...
A new agreement between the Government and key livestock industry groups marks a major milestone in New Zealand’s readiness for a potential foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today. “The Foot and Mouth Disease Operational Agreement confirms how Government and industry will jointly prepare for, ...
Public consultation begins today aimed at improving the legal aid scheme for those who cannot afford advice and representation, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “We have a duty to ensure all New Zealanders have access to justice by means of a fair and open process. “To do so, we need ...
Energy Minister Simon Watts has announced the Government’s new Solar on Farms initiative, which will support farmers in taking the next step towards installing solar and battery systems, helping them reduce energy costs, increase on-farm resilience, and allow farmers to gain greater control over their power use, leading to increased ...
New Zealand is raising its game on the global stage with a new Grass-Fed certification scheme to help our red meat and dairy producers go head-to-head with competitors in premium international markets, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today at Fieldays. “International consumers are increasingly willing ...
The Government is backing a $17 million partnership with farmers to boost productivity, profitability, and sustainability by identifying the most resilient, high-performing pastures for New Zealand conditions, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today at Fieldays. Minister McClay confirmed the Government will invest $8.269 million in the Resilient Pastures project through ...
Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the clearance of a significant radiology backlog at Taranaki Base Hospital, calling it a practical outcome that puts patients first. “In March, more than 6,000 x-ray reports were sitting unprocessed at Taranaki Base Hospital. That was causing unacceptable delays for patients needing diagnosis and ...
City-shaping changes are coming to New Zealand’s largest city, ensuring that Auckland can fully harness the economic growth benefits of the new City Rail Link, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown say. The Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill (the Bill) has been ...
The Government is stepping up support for rural New Zealand with a $4 million Rural Wellbeing Fund to expand investment in community-based initiatives, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced today at Fieldays. “The establishment of this fund is a result of advocacy by Federated Farmers Chair, Wayne Langford, who ...
Applications have opened for a $30 million fund for projects that will enhance the resilience of New Zealand’s coastal shipping connections and help boost economic growth, Associate Transport Minister James Meager has announced. The Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund was established through the Government Policy Statement on land transport. Funding will ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has taken part in two major international events in Nice, France this week, focused on Pacific resilience, prosperity and security. The sixth Pacific-France Summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, took place in Nice overnight. “The Summit brought together Pacific countries for discussions with France on ...
New Zealand has joined Australia, Canada, the UK and Norway in placing travel bans on two extremist Israeli politicians, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. The bans will prevent Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from travelling to New Zealand. “Our action today is not against ...
6th Pacific-France Summit Intervention by New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rt Hon Winston Peters Nice, France, Tuesday 10 June 2025 Thank you, President Macron, for convening this meeting today, the sixth Pacific-France Summit. We were privileged to have also been at the second Pacific-France Summit, during the Presidency of ...
Tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you for the warm welcome. It is my pleasure to welcome you all to MEETINGS 2025. First, I would like to acknowledge Mayor Wayne Brown attending MEETINGS 2025 today and a special acknowledgment to Ngāti Whatua Orakei for their pōwhiri and welcome. I would also like ...
The Government is increasing funding for attracting overseas visitors and investing in tourism infrastructure as part of its new Tourism Growth Roadmap, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. “We’re investing $35 million to deliver the first stage of the Roadmap, which sets out the Government’s plan to double the ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is welcoming changes to toughen up the proposed anti-stalking law, including being triggered after two specified acts within 24 months. “This change better recognises patterns in stalking behaviour and time that can pass between incidents. For example, stalking that occurs around anniversaries would not be covered ...
I am delighted to be here in Singapore once again, to speak to you in my capacity as New Zealand’s Minister for Resources and Associate Minister for Energy. If you haven’t heard of me before today, I’m proud to declare myself the champion of New Zealand’s petroleum and minerals sector. ...
Thank you all for the invitation to speak with you this morning. I have been looking forward to this opportunity. May is a busy month for the Government, and it is always a relief to have the Budget delivered. Today, I would like to speak about what I see as ...
The government is boosting support for rural resilience and wellbeing announced by Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson. “We’re backing Rural Support Trusts by committing $3 million over the next four years, to help improve rural communities’ access to primary mental health services and specialist ...
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden is celebrating the fifth anniversary of Keep It Real Online, a website that helps New Zealand families navigate the digital world safely. “I know many parents are worried about the type of content their children might come across online and are looking for practical ...
Today Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay introduced long awaited legislation that will put a stop to large-scale farm-to-forestry conversions – delivering on a key election promise to protect the future of New Zealand food production. “For too long, productive sheep and beef farms have been replaced by pine trees ...
Good evening,It’s a real privilege to be here with you tonight, among people who play such a vital role in the wellbeing of our animals, our communities, and our economy. Veterinarians are essential to New Zealand. Upholding our global reputation for world-leading animal welfare standards, something we are known for ...
The Government is strengthening the market governance of New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “A credible ETS is our most powerful and cost-effective tool to drive down net emissions across the economy. But to do its job, the ETS must have good market governance ...
Farmers and growers will have faster access to new agriculture and horticulture products because innovation drives success, says Regulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard. “The changes announced today show the power of a sector review,” Mr Seymour says. “Agriculture and horticulture products ...
Thank you to Foreign Minister Herath for the warm welcome to Sri Lanka. The New Zealand delegation is delighted to be here to further strengthen the warm relationship between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Relations between our countries are long-standing. Our trade dates from the 1860s and sporting connections to ...
Nelson Hospital will get a major redevelopment as part of the Government’s $1 billion boost to hospital infrastructure and will be the first hospital in the country to receive a new temporary inpatient unit while construction is underway, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “This is a significant investment in the ...
New artificial intelligence (AI) training will increase the uptake of AI and boost productivity in the public service, Digitising Government and Public Service Minister Judith Collins says. “Across the public sector, AI offers a real opportunity to improve decision-making and deliver better outcomes for New Zealanders,” says Ms Collins. “I ...
The Government is amending the Public Finance Act to prevent future governments concealing the extent of fiscal risks in government accounts, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The change is included in legislation introduced to Parliament on Saturday evening to enhance the transparency and accountability of the public finance system. “The ...
From today, beneficiaries failing to meet the obligations they agreed to can expect two new measures to encourage people off welfare and into work. Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says the Money Management and Community Work Experience sanctions can apply to a first obligation failure while getting a ...
Changes to KiwiSaver in Budget 2025 mean young people today will retire with more savings and more financial security, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “Using the Sorted website’s comparative calculator, you can see that with the Government’s KiwiSaver changes an 18-year-old today earning $48,000 a year, and investing in a ...
A new 110km/h speed limit on State Highway 1 (SH1) for the Northern Gateway Toll Road, from north of Orewa to south of the Johnstone’s Hill Tunnels, will come into effect from 26 May, Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Economic growth and productivity are a priority for the Government, ...
Year 13 student Zara Dollie considers all the books she studied from years 9 to 13, and puts them in their place. From Shakespeare’s tragic love to S.E. Hinton’s street fights, we have all battled with “novel studies” throughout our NCEA careers. A “novel study” consists of closely analysing a ...
Aroturuki Tamariki – Independent Children’s Monitor’s new oranga tamariki report, looking at outcomes for Māori in state care, provides damning statistics on the inequalities faced by these rangatahi, and their hopes for the future despite it.Barriers to housing and employment, higher mortality rates and a 70% likelihood of continuing ...
The Environmental Protection Authority says there wasn’t enough new evidence to support a review of the controversial herbicide glyphosate – the Environmental Law Initiative disagrees The post Judicial review of EPA’s glyphosate herbicide stance kicking off appeared first on Newsroom. ...
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When Fieldays first kicked off in Te Rapa 57 years ago, farmers could get their boots shined. Those days are over, but it is still the place where farmers go to dream. And spend. And watch competitions like the tractor pull. It is the place you can buy a tractor ...
Returning to the international climbing stage after a year of physical and mental anguish, Rachel Māia experienced emotional whiplash. First came the crushing low of one wrong move on the wall – feeling defeated, doubting her strength, questioning if she was even ready to face the heights of international competition ...
A $5 million boost to a new Māori research fund has been outweighed by the Government siphoning $31m from elsewhere in the sector, pulling the rug from under three projects already years in the making. The formation of the $10.9 million He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund as part of last ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ibrahim Z. Bahreldin, Associate Professor of Urban & Environmental Design, University of Khartoum What makes a public space truly public? In Khartoum, before the current conflict engulfed Sudan, the answer was not always a park, a plaza or a promenade. The ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Tasmanian politics has been thrown into chaos after a Labor motion of no confidence forced Premier Jeremy Rockliff to either resign or call for a new election. The premier opted for the latter, ...
Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – The genocide is almost complete. When it is concluded it will have exposed the moral bankruptcy of Western civilisation, writes Chris Hedges.ANALYSIS: By Chris Hedges This is the end. The final blood-soaked chapter of the genocide. It will be ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Former prime minister Paul Keating famously used to say the resident galah in any pet shop was talking about micro-economic policy. These days, if you encounter a pet shop with a galah, she’ll be chattering ...
By Emma Page Greenpeace activists on board the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior disrupted an industrial longlining fishing operation in the South Pacific, seizing almost 20 km of fishing gear and freeing nine sharks — including an endangered mako — near Australia and New Zealand. Crew retrieved the entire longline and ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra For the first time in memory, an Australian prime minister is approaching a prospective meeting with a US president with a distinct feeling of wariness. Of course Anthony Albanese would deny it. But ...
The Free Speech Union is embarking on extensive work to thoroughly review the HDCA, analysing all decisions ever made under it, and will present this to the Minister of Justice later in the year. We cannot stand by while individuals like Portia are ...
Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone Well it looks like the US is on the precipice of war with Iran again. US officials are telling the press that they anticipate a potential impending Israeli attack on Iran while the family members of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Eyal Mayroz, Senior Lecturer in Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Sydney After more than 20 months of devastating violence in Gaza, the right-wing Israeli government’s pursuit of two irreconcilable objectives — “destroying” Hamas and releasing Israeli hostages — has left the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rose-Marie Stambe, Adjunct Research Fellow, social and economic marginalisation, The University of Queensland Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock Inflation has steadied and interest rates are finally coming down. But for many Australians, especially those in low-paid, insecure or precarious work, the cost-of-living crisis feels ...
By Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific senior journalist Reports in Papua New Guinea say the governments of Bougainville and PNG have agreed to table the 2019 independence referendum results in Parliament. While discussions are ongoing, some degree of consensus has been reached during the talks, being held at Burnham Military Camp, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda Shearwin, Researcher, Comparative Genome Biology Laboratory, University of Adelaide Rob D / Shutterstock For decades, scientists have known that platypuses and echidnas – Australia’s unique egg-laying mammals – have another developmental quirk: they don’t use the same genetic toolkit as ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robin Smit, Adjunct Professor of Transport, University of Technology Sydney Peter Cade/Getty Emission control systems in modern cars have slashed air pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. But these systems face two major challenges: carmakers cheating on pollution ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Janet Ransley, Professor, Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University khak/Shutterstock Laws just passed in Queensland give police unprecedented powers to scan people with a handheld wand and potentially search them in all public places, without needing a warrant or reasonable suspicion. ...
The Economy more generally is the most important issue to voters at 20.2 percent (+3.7 points), followed by the Cost of Living at 18.1 percent (-8.3 points), Health at 11.9 percent (-5.0 points) and Employment at 5.8 percent. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jadey O’Regan, Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Music, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney The Beach Boys in 1962 in Los Angeles, California. Brian Wilson is on the left. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Brian Wilson, leader, songwriter and producer of the ...
The climate science is clear. We cannot afford to burn known fossil fuel reserves, let alone search for more. This latest move by Shane Jones is climate denial in action. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anton Moiseienko, Senior Lecturer in Law, Australian National University Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the UK this week announced sanctions against two members of the Israeli cabinet: National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. This is a momentous ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anton Moiseienko, Senior Lecturer in Law, Australian National University Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the UK this week announced sanctions against two members of the Israeli cabinet: National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. This is a momentous ...
Herald and nats gloating about john key betting 50 bucks on the melbourne cup yesterday then go on to say that joyce says no harm proved from sky city deal… herald and key showing a deep understanding of the issues then.
So ‘backbuster’ Veitch returns to the ‘top’ of the stinking pile that is sports radio. Should people be given a second chance? I am all for the possibility of rehabilitation, except few get genuinely offered it in the NZ justice system. It is who you know for this misogynist.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11152047
He has never shown remorse, only self-pity for ‘being hard done for’. A despicable, loathsome little turd.
Well, “Veitchy” won’t have to worry about filling Deaker’s boots.
According to “Deaks”, the reason why our sportspeople arent winning enough is because there are too many women teachers in our schools, and they dont keep score at netball matches, etc.
I see a sportsperson dying in his 50’s. Husks of people is what some sports people have become as they get older. And people like Deaks and Veni, vidi, veitchy will sit in their boxes and pass judgment on the heaving masses below like Roman senators at the colosseum. Those who can do, those who can’t exercise their mouths.
Cant comment for Veitch. As for Deaker I applaud his decision to retire and congratulate him on the pleasure he has given lots of sports fans over the 20+ years of his weekly TV show. I watched his final appearance where he replayed his favourite interviews, it seemed to me he gave women equal time, interviewing to some great sports women like Devoy, Roe, Faumoina and others. It was a great show if you are a sports fan. So from me, thank you and go well Deaks.
PS Could he do? He at-least tried, got to his level, and as a consequence had a good handle on his subject. And as a sports interviewer he succeeded admirably, check the ratings.
Ennui, you must be joking. What you have written reminds me of the rubbish that was printed after “Sir” Paul Holmes died; i.e. you have either forgotten or are deliberately repressing what an offensive, racist, and just plain uninformed sports commentator Deaker was.
Your bit about his treatment of women is extremely misleading, given the comments he made and encouraged on his show, and his defiant re-hiring of Boot-boy Veitch.
I’m preparing a retrospective of “Deaks”, which I’ll have up in the next few days.
How much longer are we going to see these establishment guys defending, supporting and promoting guys who are rape culture role models?!!
Veitch back on air; Radio Live defending Tamihere & Jackson (FFS, if the girls were under age it’s statutory rape, whether they were drinking or not! What’s wrong with those guys?!)
And, as Martyn Bradbury posted, the police are quick to jump on the vigilantes, but not so quick to follow up the rape allegations.
yes, the Police have indicated that protection would be assigned to the ‘roasters’ if their safety was at risk.
Willie and JT are on the radio right now, trying to justify their disgusting interview yesterday.
Can’t justify what is not justifiable. Tamihere is a misogynist … Labour should never let him back as an MP.
I am for rehabilitation but there also need to be consequences. I am involved in sport as my business and change channels if he is on. Actually its when I reacquainted myself with nat radio.
Coming up this week on Al Jazeera 101 East: The promo today talked about NZ’s very high prison stats, and that Maori are majorly over-represented in NZ prisons:
101 East airs each week at the following times GMT: Thursday: 2230; Friday: 0930; Saturday: 0330; Sunday: 1630.
The title: “Locked up Warriors” and the photo with it, indicates they are borrowing from the movie: “Once Were Warriors”.
Too much of what our “Justice” system is doing to Maori and Pasifika under 30 just perpetuates the cycle of crime. The fact that Justice and Corrections are also being asked to try and compensate for the severe failings in our social-economy is also a crime in of itself.
minify was stopping the comments/opinions tab on the right on firefox. Turned off.
some sensitive moderation occurring Lynn
I see that. However it appears to be pretty much targeting you. I’d advise resetting the router to pick up a different IP.
targeting you, as well as the Norts and Southers, Rogue 🙂
“When Rogue Trooper arrived at Fort Neuropa he discovered that everyone was suffering from “Siege Mentality” ( and neglecting their Robe-Runners…)” 😉
😎
well, what else can a Trooper do…
Avenge his buddies and find out the truth, of course 🙂
been thinking about Dunners…visited there a few times…bigger city, more scope for employment…interests…less heat…, lotsa’ hills though for a cyclist…and competition for work…sigh…still, it is being discussed. (coulda’ mailed you, but hey…Forgettaboutit! ) 😉
It’s a nice spot and there are definitely opportunities down here, often niche but talent is always appreciated. I think this will be one of the renaissance cities of the 21st century 🙂
seems to be some hyper-sensitive moderation Captcha occurring this morning
Ok. That is triggered from akismet. I removed one layer (cloudflare). But I also changed a few params on the conditional captcha so they’d go to moderation and I could have a look at them.
(of course got to work and immediately ran out of time to look at them. Doing release work. *sigh*)
Ta. seems remedied now. (given any more thought to that rough bastard file…) 😉
may be some chastisement for slacking off to a Lighter work-load 😀
more from russell brand:
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/05/russell-brand-democratic-system-newsnight
(excerpt:..)
“..He more than any of us – is aware that politicians are frauds.
I’ve not spent too much time around them – only on the telly –
– it’s not pleasant;
– once you’ve been on Question Time – and seen Boris simpering under a make-up brush –
– it’s difficult to be enthusiastic about politics..”
phillip ure..
nicely written if slightly overlong, will keep things fizzing with several references RB makes
test, seems to be some hyper-sensitive moderation captcha occurring Lynn
and just for some more good news:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/9365915/Economy-set-to-fly-says-Westpac
Into Westpac’s pockets?
Nz looking bad in another oecd ranking… only ahead of greece for percentage of income required for accomodation…
despite high employment disposable income below oecd average. That would be a fail under national standards.
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11152041
Didnt john key say one of the reasons for his ecomic plan was so we dont end up like greece?
Yeah, rents are so high, it is absolutely unbeliveable.
well, we do have an abundance of ruined buildings…
…to haunt us
Sort of like Greece, but without the grand history and scale.
Millsy
I was so pleased to see deaker finally go imagine my horror at his replacement. It wasnt a well kept secret. As soon as I heard veitch was on saturday I knew what was coming…
and people wonder why ewe have young men trashing on girls and women. None so blind as those who will not see.
Journalists are the new terrorists in the UK:
http://www.globalresearch.ca/police-state-britain-uk-security-services-can-decide-if-journalism-is-terrorism/5356726
Good write up of that over at No Right Turn:
So the exact same thing can happen here.
Have just read today’s Bowalley Road post on KiwiAssure in which Chris Trotter argues that caucus is still wobbly.
Two salient quotes-
” In David Cunliffe Labour now has a leader who is willing to be as radical as his party. Significantly, it is the third leg of the tripod – the Labour Caucus – which is visibly wobbling. The KiwiAssure policy is a worrying case in point. Radical in intent, radical in expression, but disappointingly conservative in execution”
“At the conference just concluded a distressingly large number of Labour MPs put on a display of childish pique that bodes very ill for the party’s future.”
childishness displayed on both sides of the House.
“but disappointingly conservative in execution”
Example?
Weka, Trotter’s ‘ example’ (?) is a brief critique of the policy around KiwiAssure, and is not too different from some mainstream commentary I’ve read: a quote to save you reading it for yourself 🙁
“the average Labour supporter might well object: “What on earth is the point of a state-owned insurance company that will, in every respect that matters, be indistinguishable from its private sector competitors?”
Given the fate of AMI, that same voter might also ask what would motivate the ordinary Kiwi family to put its faith (not to mention its future financial security) in a state-owned insurer that not even its own creator is willing to stand behind?…”
yep. I wrote similar yesterday. If KiwiAssure relies on the same foreign re-insurers as today’s crop of insurance companies does, and not the sovereign balance sheet and money creation potential of the Crown, then its unfortunately not much more than a front shop being set up.
The NZ Herald editorial on the subject has it 80% right I think.
Yeah. It really skewers the (I thought perfect) example I came up with for why a state insurer would be better than the private ones: people in CHCH are stuck in a fight over liability between the insurers and EQC, where state-owned insurer could just pay the money and do the paperwork later. But if actually the state-owned insurer is just the same as a private one, that potential benefit vanishes.
In plain English you appear to be saying that David Cunliffe is simply being a populist wanker by trotting out ‘the insurance company’ as a flagship Labour policy,
For the reasons given above, especially Cunliffe’s ignorance of the Government’s ability to provide it’s own capital needs as far as spreading of the risk after a major event goes does seem to take more than a little of the gloss of such a firms ownership…
Or, you could read this:
http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2013/11/06/gordon-campbell-on-why-we-need-a-kiwi-owned-insurance-company-and-the-tpp/
some good stuff by Gordon Campbell on the web
“Populist” is code for, “How dare a politician actually do anything that the majority want”!!
It shows how much contempt many politicians, and their media hacks, have for democracy.
It may slow down the transfer of our wealth to a few at the top.
Two Out Of Three Ain’t Enough
And, yeah, it’s a good column. Labour, despite their new leader and the enthusiasm of its membership ain’t yet the radical party it needs to become.
Heard key telling Cunliffe that he could be needing life insurance himself at some time. Sounded like a threat to me.
oooooh.
in the interests of accuracy..key was talking about the ‘life’ of cunnliffes’ leadership of parliament..
..he wasn’t physically threatening cunnliffe..
..phillip ure..
ahem..!..make ‘parliament’..’the labour party’..
phillip ure..
Hes lucky, if he (Cunliffe) had said to me that I’d sell my own mother he’d be tasting my fist but fortunately for Cunliffe John Key doesn’t stoop to that level
ooooo, you’re ever so butch
Gosh. I didn’t know online aliases had fists.
And just like he’s doing with every flawed utterance from Key, Cunliffe would chew up and spit out your fist.
Yes I’m sure hes a big man referencing John Keys mother the way he did, just shows the type of person he is really (not that the people on here could ever see that)
Cunliffe could be worse.
He could do a slit-throat gesture towards the opposition while normal humans are getting over the drama that had just played out above them.
Oh Glee , we are not immune to you telling us more…
Puckish Rogue@15.3.3.1 – Come on. Have a heart. What about Hone’s mother ????
Not even Hannibal Lecter would taste your stupid fist, PR. Get a grip.
Stinkfist
I’m looking forward to Labour crushing Trademe too. The fees are too high and it’s just a giant corporate only worried about its shareholders. I’m sure everyone will switch to KiwiTrade to keep them honest.
Same goes with Xero. A billion dollar company once again only pleasing shareholders. KiwiAccounts is another great business Labour could get in to.
Come to mention it, McDonalds is just taking all it’s money overseas. KiwiBurger is something real everyday New Zealanders could afford!
KiwiBurger is already a registered trademark in the fast food industry.
Ah, a RWNJ with the usual level comprehension of economics to be expected from such – none.
But hey, can’t live without Trade Me, the govt should def take that over.
Nationalising TradeMe is one I agree with but that’s because it’s a natural monopoly.
I can live without trademe.
On Campbell Live last night John had an interview with Steven Joyce Re the failing film industry. After the frenetic Simon Bridges and ditto John Key I was surprised that Mr Joyce seemed to listen to the questions (rather long) and answer in reasonably concise manner. Sounded reasonable even though I have a prejudice against the smug Joyce but….
ahhhh yes, Mr Joyce, unable to transfer the subsidies to Warner Bros. to the small end of the film-making industry, yet bending over backwards to the extraction industries, surveys, legislation…
Must think we have cloth for ears and buttons for eyes.
joyce..like collins..is in full campaign mode..
..to be the successor to key..
..and as such..like collins..both having been in full sneer-mode for five long years..
..have both now taken on the sysiphian-task/are making that giant leap ..
..to appear to be human..
..i find joyce trying to be ‘nice’ decidedly oleaginous in nature/result/outcome..
..whereas collins flashing her thin-lipped smile/grimace..
..is just downright scary..
..(and has been known to make dogs howl/hens stop laying….)
phillip ure..
see the dompost this a.m. for a letter saying that finning sharks is sustainable.
I dont think so but hey.
prove me wrong.
soo Nick Smith on Midday Report is claiming New Zealand import more building materials to address the 30% premium on price New Zealand sourced-materials have over Australian equivalents, and, wait for it, …. for builders to advise customers of kickbacks (rebates) they have received from suppliers. Good Oh, (builders not too chuffed, as rebates relate to bulk supplies not individual specs, and equivalent to sales incentives in other industries and professions ). Will physicians, hairdressers and panel-beaters be required to do the same in the future, in a Totalitarian state near you.
postscript- And the Conservatory missing from the plans? Fletchers.
Doesn’t explain why NZ ‘sourced’ building materials are 2/3 the price in Australia.
Maybe we should just re-import NZ building materials from OZ.
Ah. Whoops.
Or. We can just borrow more to buy more short lived poor quality crap from China.
Then borrow more again in ten years to replace and repair it as we repeat the leaky building saga.
And replace our builders with dodgy cheap untrained foreigners. Oop’s we do that already as most of the good tradesmen have gone to Australia where they get paid. Instead of being limited to peanuts an hour by Fletchers stranglehold on Christchurch..
If you really want to know why building is expensive here, look at the middlemen.
Ask why it costs less to build a house in Oz even though builders earn twice as much.
China will be happy to lend us the money to buy more of their short lived poor quality crap. A happy money go round, as we exhaust our world’s resources on throwaway materials.
The way things are, China is probably lending us money to buy our own resources.
Ahhh yes the beautiful money go-round. Great if you are in the 1%.
Something new from Labour :
KiwiKai
It will replace all these nasty multinationals who are poisoning us with their terrible food and taking all the money overseas.
KiwiKai will serve delicious meals approved by every health board, lobby group in the country. Delicious.
Labour will spend 14 million dollars building a website where people can see the menu. Another 9 million on developing fun apps for the iphone and Android ecosystem. Kids will be able to log in and play awesome games that shows them how healthy their dinner will be.
To order, kiwis will just need to file a form 36 working days before they want their awesome takeaways. Orders will be delivered using public transport only.
KiwiKai – keeping kiwi families healthy.
Can someone get rid of this F**king TR0LL, it’s fruitloop comments have become less than the height of stupidity…
LOL, don’t worry about a red horse that has obviously kicked itself in the head. It’s clearly lost it’s rider but I’m sure Key will wager a cool 50 bucks on it…
+1
Is this your 3rd form English political satire project?
C- (and it’s off to the knacker’s yard with you!)
Bloody good idea. Kick McD’s and their disgusting food and employment practices into touch. Ha Ha.
Is it dead yet? Can we flog it?
such a Silly Thing , or Something Else 😎
This is an ad that has been circulating through social media. Alarming!
http://www.listener.co.nz/commentary/the-internaut/national-1972-%E2%80%9Cnigger%E2%80%9D-campaign-ad-clearly-implausible-%E2%80%93-but-where-did-it-come-from/
Ever wondered why the labour party is so loudly opposed to apartheid?
Ever wondered why lazy good for nothing maoris and islanders are defended by the labour party?
Ever wondered why the labour party want more Kenyan wogs let into the country?
Ever wondered why the labour party side with the viet cong?
– because they’re soft on niggers
– of any colour – black niggers – brown niggers – yellow niggers
You name it and Norm Kirk will be prostrating himself before them?
Vote National the white man’s party!
OK – further investigation – just some massey students having a bit of a lark!
http://www.listener.co.nz/commentary/the-internaut/revealed-national-1972-%E2%80%9Cnigger%E2%80%9D-campaign-advertisement-source/
So ….. ignore!
Ever wonder why people who seem to have had full frontal lobotomy’s posting shit like this are given the kick off of the Standard…
This has done the rounds on the standard before and, last time if I recall, was given significantly more credence. No need to get grumpy.
😉
Thanks. My apologies … was too late in trying to delete.
“Cunliffe called Key the “Kiwi-spoiler,” someone who had beaten up on Kiwbank when it first started, KiwiSaver, KiwiRail and now KiwiAssure.
Key responded on KiwiBank. Yes it was a good little business.
“I might point out though this it has taken $860 million of taxpayers’ money and it has never paid a dividend in 10 years.”
He challenged Cunliffe to name another bank operating in New Zealand that had an insurance company, and offered insurance on the same property they were lending on.
“They do not do that.”
Cunliffe: “Is he aware that ASB Bank own Tower Insurance? If he is, why is he asking such a stupid question.”
Within minutes of Cunliffe’s comment, National’s research unit – or perhaps a few friends in the insurance industry – had got the message to Key that Cunliffe was wrong.
ASB did not own Tower. They sent the list of owners. Key tried to read through the list.
Eventually Labour’s deputy, David Parker, and possibly the source of his leader’s error, did the honourable thing and acknowledged the error by asking Key: “Has he received any advice that ASB in fact own Sovereign Assurance?”
Key: “Yes it does own Sovereign and let us get to the better bit…Sovereign provides life insurance, and the way [Cunliffe] is going, he will need life insurance.”
D’oh!
Ouch, that’s bad…
if it was not for the reality that Brownlee and Key had to hold up proceedings and bully the speaker to achieve their pyrrhic victory; really PR, is that all you have today, are we to go to bed hungry without any supper?
Correct me if I’m wrong, but hasn’t KiwiBank been making a profit for the last few years? My understanding was that it’s profits have been helping to prop up NZ Post (which should have always remained a Government department, and certainly should never have had unfair competition forced upon it, whereby it is at a disadvantage because it has statutory social obligations).
Besides that, there’s more to government than making a profit. One of the main purpose of KiwiBank was to introduce government-owned competition into the market to drive down unnecessary fees – something which it has achieved well.
Labour policy- the man ban is merely following Key’s own policy of closely stacking front bench parliamentary seats with women, while banning men to the back and sides. Abbotts man ban policy is significantly problematic as it conflicts with his single woman policy.
The Bruce Jesson talk is on line. Do other people know how to make it easily available.
I haven’t tried but with my expertise I will probably not succeed.
Do you have a link to it?
Thanks, I have a link. Will post it.
More good news
http://www.ssc.govt.nz/kiwis-count-update-jun13
well that’s obscure. You’re that hard up for trumpets to blow that you’ll pucker you lips for a 1-point improvement in the june year public service satisfaction rate?
No wonder you chose the nom de byte “puckish”.
Let’s just call him freckle.
and Chide
i laughed
“A little bit insipid….”
Godawful new Hobbit song fails to impress as Panel plumbs new low
The Panel, Radio NZ National, Wednesday 6 November 2013
Paul Brennan, Joe Bennett, Ellen Read
Long-suffering listeners to The Panel have been assailed by some utterly disgusting, insultingly shallow and banal aural dreck over the last eight years. Just off the top of my head, I recall the cruel laughter directed by the likes of Chris Trotter at victims of state repression; the mad anti-democracy rants by Michelle Boag; the snarling attempts at character assassination by Dr Michael “Bonkers” Bassett; the honking hypocrisy of lawyer and former ACT MP Stephen Franks, a spokesman for the knife-loving S.S. Trust, lecturing in tones of heightened gravitas about modern “wickedness”; the halfwitted observations of Nevil “Breivik” Gibson; the insane raving of Christine (Spankin’) Rankin; and the haughty denunciation of “these people” (Egyptians) by Rosemary McLeod.
But, even bearing in mind all of that depravity and mediocrity, I believe that the nadir was reached at 4:45 this afternoon. For some reason, producer Susan Balducci saw fit to play thirty seconds of “I See Fire”, a dire, plodding, tuneless dirge by Ed Sheeran, written for the latest New Zealand taxpayer-funded Peter Jackson snore-fest The Desolation of Smaug. After what seemed like thirty MINUTES of sub-Chris Rea pap, there was an uneasy silence in the studio. Realising that he was expected to say something vaguely supportive about the dog, Joe Bennett showed uncharacteristic restraint and said: “It’s not to my taste.” Not even Ellen Read, who is a diehard supporter of the dodgy deal foisted on the National Government by Warner Bros. that has led to such truly terrible “product”, could work herself up into defending this one. After an uncomfortable pause, she delivered her verdict: “It’s a little bit insipid.”
Susan Baldacci, a little taken aback by the lack of respect for this piece of shit, lamely explained that Sheeran had written the dirge for the end credits—“which is not where they’re going to play a real rocker”. She got no support from Paul Brennan, obviously as appalled as Bennett and Read.
———————-
If, like me, you’ve been of the opinion for the last decade or so that the song Céline Dion sang for Titanic was the worst in the history of the movies, then you may change your mind after you click on THIS….
http://metro.co.uk/2013/11/05/listen-to-ed-sheerans-the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug-song-i-see-fire-4175112/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtofmBwUhWU#t=242
– Paula Bennet telling it like it is
“Telling it like it is.” Chris, your loyalty is of the same order as that desperately mugging Hamilton West MP behind Bennett—unstinting and clearly uncritical.
Since you obviously respect her, or pretend to at least, maybe you should tell her that every time she says something cruel or dishonest, she puts on another kilogram.
Its amusing how quickly the left descend to personal attacks when they hear something they don’t like so are you saying theres something wrong with being overweight? That if shes overweight she can’t do her job?
You can attack her policies, her views etc etc but attacking her over her weight is a bit, well desperate really
Women have enough hurdles to overcome (especially in politics) without people like you expecting them to live up to some (probably impossible) body image
I’ll trust you not to take Morrissey as speaking for anyone but his deluded self.
I’ll trust you not to take Morrissey as speaking for anyone but his deluded self.
“Deluded”? How so? You’d better explain carefully and clearly why you’re suddenly in Camp Bennett, so as to dispel the impression that you are irresponsible and lazy.
Piss off Morrissey you twisted fuck.
Piss off Morrissey you twisted fuck.
That only makes you look irresponsible, lazy, and foul-mouthed to boot.
Come ON, felix….
http://static.businessinsider.com/image/4e04eb144bd7c8d819110000/image.jpg
“Thinking Morrisseey is a deluded fuckwit” does not equal “Supporting Paula Bennett”.
Believing those two statements to be equal is to be deluded.
Was that explanation clear enough?
“Thinking Morrisseey [sic] is a deluded fuckwit” does not equal “Supporting Paula Bennett”. Believing those two statements to be equal is to be deluded.
Was that explanation clear enough?
No it was not good enough, as I’m sure you knew perfectly well as you sent that ill-advised, illogical message of support for our struggling friend into the blogosphere. You foolishly decided to back a surefire loser by coming in behind felix’s indolent exercise in abuse. I advise you to desist from this path, my flocculent friend; we all know you never prosper in these exchanges.
QED
Indeed.
Cancel that nasty message I posted about you being untrustworthy; your gracious admission of defeat shows you are indeed the gallant we always suspected you were.
🙄
I’d watch out if I was you, your comment is getting awfully close to saying you *wned someone, which is something that lprent highly frowns upon.
If it were up to me, Morrissey would’ve been banned months ago.
Close, but not quite there. Not like this one from my work field where someone traced a vessel course with the word below…
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24586394
…your comment is getting awfully close to saying you *wned someone…
This is very awkward. I receive a gracious concession by my friend and occasional adversary felix. I try to behave like a gentleman, and acknowledge his good manners—and I find I’ve blundered into another minefield.
Lower down this thread, two more people have coyly rolled their eyes in the submission posture; I have also politely saluted their good manners. Could you explain how that makes me the one in the wrong here?
It is pretty simple. Claiming victory in an environment where the best that can be hoped for is “..agree to disagree..” merely starts flamewars of the na-nah-de-dah type that are so common when you listen to the playgrounds of primary schools. One side claims “victory” / “owns” / “pwned” and resolutely holds to that. The other sides pour derision. And it escalates….
Eventually I have to wander to crack heads as the shrill screaming of the children disturbs the adults and they start to defend their offspring..In fact school sports matches often descend into this.
I find that grabbing the first person to claim victory and exiling them for some time works wonders at reducing my workload. Which is of course my primary motivation. My secondary is that I don’t have to read the boring squealing.
So argue all that you like. But to try to claim victory without a very explicit statement from the other person (something that I see maybe 5 times a year here) and you will find this is a very dangerous business. Start gloating and (as you say it) you find the site becomes a minefield…
Your answer is irrelevant to the question.
You really are in a wee universe all to yourself.
‘The Breen Delusion’. Heh, catchy.
I know, I’m probably on his list now… 🙂
Ha! Any port in a storm, eh, Chris?
(Friendly warning, my friend: check carefully who you go into temporary alliances with. The fellow you shared a little joke with just now is not someone you can trust.)
I think you might be taking this all a bit too seriously…
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7G6ciJUMuAk/SoD9uG78PTI/AAAAAAAAANI/6BtwSHhMZoY/s1600-h/not+sure+if+serious.jpg
Yeah, just a smidge.
But Chris I bet all those staving beneficiaries are finding it hard to take instruction from someone who can’t even control how much she puts in her mouth.
🙄
Thanks for the support, mon amie. Call me a susceptible ninny, but I’m always chuffed when a woman rolls her eyes coyly like that.
🙄
Thanks, Lanthanide. I appreciate your support.
Not impressed, Morrissey. This week a lot of women are really finding it tough in the face of a lot of abusive, gender-loaded stuff flying about. In this context, your attempt at laddish (or is it pseudo-laddish) humour is just plain nasty.
+1
Ill-judged.
+1.
This writer, i.e. moi, should have focused on Ms Bennett’s malice and hypocrisy, and not linked it to her weight issue.
Also see his comment at 7:00am today above.
TV3 are doing a proper job regarding exposing how inadequate the police have been regarding their management of the gang of young thugs.
I missed the first minute of the news, what I heard was enough.
What a brave person she is to have spoken out about making a complaint two years ago.
I support the police and believe that most of the police force are good people wanting to help and do the right thing
On this though the ball was dropped badly and I’d support an inquiry to see why it was so badly run and to make sure it didn’t happen in the future
and The Vote found the confidence of New Zealanders in their police force to have…
(clue: it is not risen…We all know who that concerns!).
My view is still the same as it ever was but they got this majorly wrong
I cannot support a service when they are incapable of stringing facts together to prevent people from being dismissed when a serious crime has occurred.
Is there something wrong in NZ in how those who investigate rape are being trained and supervised?
“On this though the ball was dropped badly”
Nah, not dropped. Handed off. Or kicked for touch, perhaps.
I was about to say unbelievable. But it’s not…
http://www.3news.co.nz/Roast-Busters-victim-asked-to-re-enact-alleged-rape/tabid/423/articleID/320311/Default.aspx#.UnnT1CehsiI
So everything the police have said this week is a lie. Not wrong, not mistaken, an out and out lie.
1. A 13 year old laid a complaint of rape in 2011.
2. The Police said there was not enough evidence to prosecute.
3. The Police began monitoring the accused on facebook.
4. The accused admitted to the victim, on facebook, that everything she said was 100% true.
5. The Police say they don’t have enough evidence to prosecute.
6. The Police say no one has been brave enough to come forward.
+ 1 Yep all a big lie from start to finish – the lying fucks – meanwhile how many young women and girls have suffered because of our police? How many? Fucken bastards those police that sat on this shit.
Hard not to be thinking about Louise Nicholas at this point. Both because of the culture within in the NZ Police that she exposed (the word misogynistic seems entired inadequate), and because of the amount of work she did to change rape culture in NZ. The difference in dialogue now compared to then is huge.
Fuck the police.
I’m in the wrong part of the country for this, but I wish someone would organise a national day of action and solidarity. Can’t help but feel there is an opportunity here to make some real change.
Good idea weka about the day of action – hard to organise from Mohua but we will be marching on that day for sure. I have the utmost respect and admiration for Louise Nicholas – she is a hero in my eyes. I hope things change – but I am feeling rage at the moment, rage that the police whom we entrust have let those young women and girls down so badly. I expect deeper and worse revelations on this one.
(i’m logged in – why am I being asked to log in to comment?)
Weka, a day of action has been organised.
23 November
On various localised Facebook pages. I did tweet @SlutWalknz asking if it was being publicised anywhere other than Facebook.
Haven’t had a reply.
Thanks karol!
There’s one already jailed for hiding police rape. Dewar. Probably paroled by now. Living quite nicely on a handsome super somewhere like Little Waihi or Wanaka.
Like the one who proved to be Teina Poara’s evil angel.
“Would it help if I pointed a house out Teina…….?”
I do find the trial by media a bit of a concern.
Buoyed by this weeks events and ratings, I do wonder who Media works is going to set their sights on next.
If no one has crossed the line or proven to have not done a proper investigation there is nothing for them to worry about.
We could have a trial by judges if the fucking useless police did their fucking jobs.
But they don’t seem to want to when it comes to rape for some reason, so trial by media it is, until the fucking police, start to do, their fucking job.
Really?, that’s a bit of a dangerous path you want to go down.
What, the path of the rule of law? 🙄
No trial by media, especially one owned by BIG BUSINESS
Pb was pretty clear that’s not the path he wants to go down – quite the opposite in fact.
You’d have had to have read the whole two sentences to figure that out though.
idk what the hell he means. Big Busines is pro-rape? Is that a thing now?
Just when you thought that it couldn’t get any worse, it gets worse.
It turns out that the pigs knew all along:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/9367982/Rape-complaint-after-Roast-Busters-teen-says
But of course one was the son of a pig and another the son of a celebrity.
In case you didn’t know, this is proof of endemic corruption.
I’m probably insulting those of the bacon-flavoured kind, aren’t I?
Porcine references-wise, pigs get a bad rap. Cops, on the other hand, are often assholes. I think Anne’s link above is really the coup de grace. Asking the 13 y/o to re-enact with mannequins? Oyy… nk
Anyway, as far as I see it, at least as the 13 y/o complainant is concerned, they don’t need much beyond the act of penetration and the admission of having done so by 1 or more of these guys to secure a conviction for sexual conduct with someone under the age of 16. Of course, if these videos that were posted online actually do exist, they would assist the evidential matrix.
No doubt the boys will be lawyered up with the likes of Paul Mabey QC and whoever the spiritual successor to John Haigh is pretty quickly, and various girls involved will end up being subject to a lengthy defended hearing or hearings and humiliating cross-examination. Maybe just me but perhaps some sort of ADR might be more fruitful for the girls and their families?
The pigs?, Man of your age, that’s just sad, fool.
You’re right, Bowel Movement – likening pigs to police is grossly unfair to pigs.
What ever arse wipe, the only one around here who’d be acting like a pig would be you,squealing away while your socialist mates root you up the jacksey.
Ooh, homophobia. How witty. Now how about content please?
Oh come on BM, kissy kissy, mwah mwah! Try harder!
Come on bud whats with this pigs shit.
The vast majority of people gave that wankery up once they hit their 20’s, what are you 50+?, to be carry on like some teenager is pretty fucking tragic.
to be carry on like some teenager is pretty fucking tragic.
Indeed – I couldn’t have said it better myself. Well, actually I could, with better grammar.
You don’t get it, do you, BM? You think that you’re a troll, but you’re a toy. Keep posting please.
BM objects to calling cops pigs, but just yesterday he makes this racist statement . Get off your high horse BM…
Hi Fender, somehow I don’t think that BM’s limited set of intellectual skills includes self-awareness or consistency. Still, as a toy, he’s fun to play with.
He’s gone rather quiet, guess he’s changing his engine mounts again…
Pity the heads’ cracked….
Well, that’s a bit disappointing. I may be a pointy-headed intellectual, but I do like my childish pleasures now and again.
I guess it’s off to bed then. G’night to you.
You’re ugly and your mother dresses you funny. There, let’s be done with it. It’s about as relevant, after all.
Bloody typical – makes the overture and then won’t follow through.
I call them ngati poaka. How sad is that?
The hillbillies in Deliverance were all registered Republicans.
How about this:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/207530/Hales-looked-at-second-police-file
Familiar name?
Looks like the blue slime don’t learn and continue to look after their own.
World’s Worst-Chosen Words Award – Mayor of Toronto talking to reporters: “I want to make it crystal clear………..”
That is pretty funny.
heh
…that I’m standing as Mayor for Boulder.
…or Little Rock.
Defending our lawful rights to ‘open, transparent and democratically-accountable’ local government:
I have been granted ‘speaking rights’ at the ‘ public input section of the 7 November Governing Body meeting commencing at 10.00am in the Reception Lounge, Auckland Town Hall’.
” You will be allocated five minutes in total to speak on the following subjects:
· The apparent lack of ‘due diligence’, failure to address the increased risk of money-laundering in the Auckland Council submission on the International Convention Centre Bill.
· Potential consequences if Auckland Council fails to uphold the RULE OF LAW regarding the statutory requirement under the Public Records Act 2005 s.17.
· Perceived ‘conflicts of interest’ in the ‘inquiry’ into the conduct of Mayor Len Brown.”
_____________________________________________________________________________
My request for speaking rights:
4 November 2013
‘Open Letter’ request for speaking rights at the Auckland Council Governing Body meeting to be held on Thursday 7 November 2013 at 10am at the Reception Lounge, Auckland Town Hall:
Good afternoon …….,
I would like to address the Auckland Council Governing Body meeting to be held on Thursday 7 November 2013, at 10am at the Auckland Town Hall, in ‘Public forum’.
My subject matter will be:
1) The apparent lack of ‘due diligence’, failure to address the increased risk of money-laundering in the Auckland Council submission on the International Convention Centre Bill, as outlined in the following Regulatory Impact Statement:
http://www.pennybright4mayor.org.nz
2) Potential consequences if Auckland Council fails to uphold the RULE OF LAW regarding the statutory requirement under the Public Records Act 2005 s.17
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2005/0040/latest/DLM345729.html
Recordkeeping requirements
Subpart 1—Key duties
17 Requirement to create and maintain records
(1)Every public office and local authority must create and maintain full and accurate records of its affairs, in accordance with normal, prudent business practice, including the records of any matter that is contracted out to an independent contractor.
(2) Every public office must maintain in an accessible form, so as to be able to be used for subsequent reference, all public records that are in its control, until their disposal is authorised by or under this Act or required by or under another Act.
(3) Every local authority must maintain in an accessible form, so as to be able to be used for subsequent reference, all protected records that are in its control, until their disposal is authorised by or under this Act.
3) Perceived ‘conflicts of interest’ in the ‘inquiry’ into the conduct of Mayor Len Brown.
ie: The fact that Auckland Council CEO Doug McKay, Ernst and Young and Nigel Morrison (CEO of Sky City) are all members of the unelected, very powerful private lobby group – the Committee for Auckland, who arguably are not unhappy with the performance of Mayor Len Brown.
http://www.committeeforauckland.co.nz membership
Kind regards,
Penny Bright
‘Anti-corruption/anti-privatisation Public Watchdog’
“Based on information revealed tonight on the way underage sexual violation case has been handled, we will be referring it to the IPCA.” – Jacinda Ardern.
I half expect them to say that only police actions can be complained about, and they didn’t take any in this case. As far as not treating the case any differently because one of their sons was involved – how would they have acted if one of the 13 year old girls was one of their daughters?
Had a mate of a mate personally and properly sort the young guys out, at a quick guess.
I think you credit these sick fucks with too much humanity.
Humanity doesn’t need to come into it, Felix. Think patriarchy and property rights.
True dat
Good question.
I’d be thinking they’d be acting with speed and intent to show how very seriously indeed they take reports of sexual violence.