Open mike 07/05/2019

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, May 7th, 2019 - 142 comments
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Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

142 comments on “Open mike 07/05/2019 ”

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  1. The Chairman 1
    7 May 2019 at 7:09 am

    Even Phil O'Reilly get's it (the need to overhaul the welfare system)

    • Ad 1.1
      7 May 2019 at 8:35 am

      The extent of this political failure is measured by how bad the poverty stats are compared to how good the economic growth and unemployment stats are.

      4% unemployed, major sectors seriously begging for staff, really low numbers on welfare.

      A generational moment to address poverty using the state's machinery.

      But no. Leave it.

      Real shit work Sepuloni.

      Two weeks to budget and its 'framework', this government is acting as tired an uncaring as a third term National Party government.

      • marty mars 1.1.1
        7 May 2019 at 9:33 am

        I'm not 100% on your measurement of political failure but I do agree that this is a major fail. Disgusting actually that Labour can even be connected with that veto on benefit rates and disrespect to this report. Fuck they are in for some shit – time for action Labour and yes I know you're in a coalition – so fucken what. I'm pissed at these people leaving our most vulnerable even worse off.

        • greywarshark 1.1.1.1
          7 May 2019 at 10:42 am

          It's time that Labour got back into the viewpoint that we should aim for full employment – even if a lot of that is doing volunteer work. And people should be able to be on unemployment and still make extra on that, or be in part-time work and have their income boosted. Keep people in the loop, not feeling useless, rejected then resentful and angry.

          The point is that we need to follow the line again of 'investing in people'. Bugger waiting for cold-minded, hard-eyed, calculating business to do it, especially since government has facilitated a lot of our business being bought or controlled by foreigners, either living here or overseas. Not all foreigners are bad of course, but many are very good at ripping NZ off, and that just adds to the scamming NZs already in business. The climate for employees is not a good one.

          Encouragement for people who can get vibrant community measures going would be essential to raising us up where we belong. Like this great piece that Kathryn Ryan did this morning with the Whanganui low income-no income people.

          https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018693899/growing-silverbeet-and-self-esteem-in-whanganui

          Give funding for something like this in every community – skill-building, confidence and pride building, respect-the-people building, this is what Labour and Greens can do and NZF would agree; some of the funding could go to old people working with the young.

          The Chairman shows Phil O'Reilly thinking that the welfare system needs work. I doubt very much if that man or any of his cohort have much useful stuff to add, so I'd say to progressive lefties, do your planning and just let him make suggestions if they will help the people-capacity building plan along. He would probably have something to say about being ready for employment; being able to get a job and be a capable and useful employee is important, but jobs will be pulled out from under your feet all the time in coming years. (Note the recent case in Wellington for a long-term arts-involved part-timer being dismissively dismissed; putting people out of work is a default position for business). So being able to be self-caring, self-managing, and co-operate with other good people who are also aiming for self-respect and respect for others, resilience, and who are learning capacity-building and passing it on, should be the goal.

          The Chairman was doing a thorough think-through on this welfare report and tentative response from government yesterday and made some telling points that I have copied.

          The Chairman …

          7 May 2019 at 10:10 am

          No, I'm suggesting that the government has no mandate from voters for radical welfare reform and that's why it's taking a cautious approach.

          Here we go again. You've yet to prove that. Merely repeating it doesn't make it so.

          Sixty-five percent of New Zealand First supporters wanted the party to go with Labour. Who widely campaigned on addressing poverty and inequality.

          Additionally, if it were just Bradford and I that are disappointed Labour wouldn't have a problem. Unfortunately for them, the disappointment is widespread.

          Moreover, failing to deliver on more of the recommendations sooner will lead to their fiscal management coming under the spotlight. People will question why they aren't prepared to invest now to save the greater cost and social harm of not doing so.

          The Chairman 5.1.1

          6 May 2019 at 12:14 pm

          This goes beyond political disappointment. This is about denying via delaying further help to real people struggling in poverty. So no, I'm not here to gloat, I'm seeking solutions. Is a new left party the answer or do you think it will be possible to encourage Labour to act with urgency?

          The Chairman …

          7 May 2019 at 7:20 am

          The report highlights what is required. Therefore, it's not that they don't have a clue.

          They aren't stuck fiddling, they are stalling.

      • Herodotus 1.1.2
        7 May 2019 at 9:33 am

        a vast majority of the current cabinet could well be working under a national govt instead of the current Laboir govt and we would not see any difference in decisions 😢

      • Psycho Milt 1.1.3
        7 May 2019 at 9:35 am

        Have you ever had to try and get multiple independent groups with conflicting agendas to agree and work together smoothly and consistently on common goals? I've watched other people trying to do it and would not like to try it myself.

        Coalition government between parties with opposing political interests is extremely difficult. This current one is performing way better than I expected it would, not least for the simple fact that it still exists and hasn't torn itself to shreds. If you want a well-disciplined group smoothly implementing policy it has no mandate for, National is (unfortunately) your only currently-available option.

        • alwyn 1.1.3.1
          7 May 2019 at 1:31 pm

          "to agree and work together smoothly".

          This lot have found a very simple method. Simply ask Tsar Winston what he wants and do it. You can't really try and claim that the Green Party, all the time, and the Labour Party, most of the time, have ever attempted to do something that Winston doesn't approve of. Labour occasionally put something forward that Winston doesn't see as really important to his survival and he will allow them to do it. The Green Party, on the other hand are simply doormats. Still, about half them get to ride in the limos and no longer have to settle for calling a taxi to get them around. I guess that feels like progress to them.

      • The Chairman 1.1.4
        7 May 2019 at 10:23 am

        Its failure to deliver is going to be problematic for this Government come next election.

        • The Al1en 1.1.4.1
          7 May 2019 at 10:41 am

          Why would you worry about that?

          Wont that new ultra left party you're advocating for easily become the new government?

          • The Chairman 1.1.4.1.1
            7 May 2019 at 11:08 am

            One doesn't have to be ultra left to outperform this lot.

            Nevertheless, I'm left but I'm a lefty with a long-term proposal that would potentially result in doing away with taxing locals. Something that would get your average right-wingers attention, thus perhaps support.

            And ponder this, how many businesses would benefit from consumers (receiving benefits) spending more? Increasing benefits rates doesn't just benefit beneficiaries. It's also good for businesses returns while saving tax dollars via helping to reduce many social ills, thus is able to muster traditional right wing support. As shown by Phil O'Reilly’s support of the welfare overhaul.

            You asked: "Why would you worry about that?"

            Because I'd like to see them deliver on more.

            • The Al1en 1.1.4.1.1.1
              7 May 2019 at 11:17 am

              Right, so this fantasy party that would be left of labour and the greens is just rhetoric and fake, just like your concern for their vote share at the next general election.

              With our populace, labour have to err to centre to get elected and stay there, especially so with the right NZ1st in coalition and a public that shows no appetite for full on leftism.

              The answer to turn labour left, as it always has been, is to party vote the greens and give them 10 to 15 percent to trade for policy in post election negotiations.

              • The Chairman …
                7 May 2019 at 11:56 am

                Wow!

                Back it up.

                At this stage, there has only been calls for a new party to form.

                And being left doesn't mean it won't also appeal to the right (as shown above). Thus, the wider public.

                The flaw with your logic (which is commonly stated) is Labour doesn’t have to be right (or as you put it, err to the centre) to win over the right and the centre vote. Again, as shown above.

                Labour's problem is they aren't prepared to stand strong for the left and take the debate to National. For example, they could have won the CGT battle. Polls show the public supported it. Moreover, their constant backing down gives the public the perception they were wrong, further weakening theirs (and the left's in general) position in the eyes of the wider public.

                The Greens have shown they fold far too easy to hold Labour to account. And seeing as I've been continually telling them to up their game or risk losing their support, at this stage I won't be voting for them again.

                And the way the Greens are currently polling, it could be a wasted vote, nonetheless.

                • solkta …
                  7 May 2019 at 12:04 pm

                  Vote Green again my arse. You are just a really crap troll.

                  • The Chairman …
                    7 May 2019 at 12:27 pm

                    Not only did I vote Green last election, I was on here (thus on record) encouraging others too. So save your bullshit.

                    • solkta …
                      7 May 2019 at 12:33 pm

                      Giss-a-link or it didn't happen.

                    • The Al1en …
                      7 May 2019 at 12:34 pm

                      Aside from clearly not understanding how mmp works, expecting a 6% party to call the shots who aren't even in government proper, for a long time you've been an attacker of the greens on here, unbelievably more so than the rwnj brigade, the answer to getting more green policy enacted is still to vote for them in bigger numbers, increasing their bargaining power in negotiations.

                  • The Al1en …
                    7 May 2019 at 12:37 pm

                    “Vote Green again my arse. You are just a really crap troll.”

                    Obvious dichotomy.

                  • The Chairman …
                    7 May 2019 at 2:37 pm

                    Here's one where I highlight the Greens are a better choice

                    https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-07092017/#comment-1379864

                    • mac1 …
                      8 May 2019 at 12:07 am

                      The Chairman, saying that the Greens are a better alternative to Labour, considering your opinion of that party, is not really an endorsement.

                      "I'd prefer a head cold to the'flu," is what you're saying!

                      And here's what you say about Labour in this thread, below. "But yes, a number will fall for Labour again." Note the language.

                      This is what "fall for' means.

                      fall for sth. informal. — phrasal verb with fall uk ​ /fɔːl/ us ​ /fɑːl/ verb fell, fallen. to be tricked into believing something that is not true: He told me that he owned a mansion in Spain and I fell for it.

                      What you say is what you believe, The Chairman. Methinks thou dost protest too much.

                • greywarshark …
                  7 May 2019 at 12:11 pm

                  The Gambler with Kenny Rogers

                  Who or what is The Gambler at the moment?

                  People supporting Labour hoping that they know when to hold, and when to fold, oand will get to the counting goodies stage?

                  Or people giving up and saying that Labour is full of borer, all hollowed out inside, and folds under pressure, but hoping that new growth shoots can be encouraged?

                  Or people saying that time is short, winter is here, the time for withholding criticism is over, let's have a new party of the left that is dedicated to people at grassroots level and practical living standards and regulation all set up for the everyday person and micro and small business, and the Greens can concentrate on the green issues, better light bulbs, environment and the people with special interests.

                  • The Chairman …
                    7 May 2019 at 12:33 pm

                    Yes, in politics one has to know when to hold or when to fold. Unfortunately for Labour they seem to have it the wrong way around.

                    They should have folded on their support of the TPP and stood strong on their support of a CGT.

                    • greywarshark …
                      7 May 2019 at 3:55 pm

                      Did Labour Coalition have a choice on the CCTPPa? What would have happened if we had said we can't sign it or wecan't sign it in this form and wanted all sorts of alterations, or deliberately made so many requests that we in the end were frozen out?

                      I felt we would have been very unpopular, frozen out in other markets, and received a pasting here through the bought media.

                  • The Chairman …
                    7 May 2019 at 4:24 pm

                    It seems Labour had a choice when they were campaigning against it.

                    Moreover, the potential return on the TPP was/is minimal. So it wouldn't have been a great loss.

                    Labour did manage to disappoint a lot of people by ultimately supporting it.

                    And while they seem to have overcome that (as the negative impact of the TPP has yet to fully occur) it's the build up of disappointments accumulating that risks taking them out. Yet, I concede they are doing ok in the polls, but one must consider if they could be doing better if it wasn't for the disappointments accumulating. Moreover, will they take a hit if they continue to fail to deliver.

                    • greywarshark …
                      7 May 2019 at 4:31 pm

                      The Disappointment Accumulator. Perhaps we could make money on it if someone started a book with some outfit like William Hill. They can't take us on as customers as they are only licensed for Gt Britain and Gibraltar. I'm sick of feeling miserable as I watch the country go to the dogs – might as well have a bet on the side.

              • The Chairman …
                7 May 2019 at 2:54 pm

                Where did I say I expected the Greens to call all the shots?

                I've been holding the Greens to account. And have even passed on advise.

                I'm a believer that democracy doesn't just end after we vote. If we make our feelings widely known, there is more chance parties will take heed and listen. Whereas, if we remain silent, little will change. Hence, more of us need to speak up and take this approach.

                And even if the Greens do muster more support (which at this stage I think is unlikely) they (this current lot) have shown they are not fighters. And if one wants more from the table, one has to stand strong and fight for it. Especially as the Greens will still be the smaller partner in any new deal with Labour. And the Greens just don't have the backbone at the moment.

                • The Al1en …
                  7 May 2019 at 5:53 pm

                  Your reputation precedes you, so that latest attack on the greens isn't all that unexpected.

                  History shows you definitely appear to be a fake green/ leftie on a sustained smear mission.

                  • The Chairman …
                    7 May 2019 at 8:54 pm

                    That reputation is based on slander which you are perpetuating.

                    My feelings on the Greens are widely shared, evident by comments on social media and their failure to gain traction in the polls.

                    • solkta …
                      7 May 2019 at 9:13 pm

                      You've been caught out so many times. Might as well just ditch the handle and start all over.

                    • The Al1en …
                      7 May 2019 at 9:17 pm

                      Apart from it can't be slander because it's the written word, and it also happens to be a fair representation, you have earned a reputation here as being anti green, which is because you continually post anti green comments.

                      With supporter like you, who needs enemies?

                  • The Chairman …
                    7 May 2019 at 10:04 pm

                    It is still libel/defamation nonetheless.

                    I'm not anti Green, I just hold them to account. Them, Labour and their cheerleaders are so scared of any form of criticism it seen as an attack.

                    Thus, they do their best to isolate it (making out it is a single voice in a crowd) and diminish it (usually by trying to paint the person as being part of the opposition). And that is how this reputation all came about.

                    Therefore, you have either fallen for it (which some have) or you are advancing it. Either way I suggest you pull your head in and stick on topic. Playing the man and not the ball is another common distraction used.

                    • The Al1en …
                      7 May 2019 at 10:17 pm

                      If you're worried about the alleged libel, shit or get off the pot, it's your call. Given your posting history and abuse towards the green party, I'm not sweating it. You can pretend it's holding them to account, but the reputation you have is, in my opinion, well deserved… And I’m not alone in thinking that, far from it.

                      In noting how you're attempting to rewrite the past by mitigating the abuse you've unfairly apportioned, the crocodile tears about people playing the man are, I suspect, more boy who cried wolf.

                    • McFlock …
                      7 May 2019 at 10:54 pm

                      Alternatively, your idea of holding people to account is to focus exclusively on overstating the negatives of the party(s – you give Labour the same assistance, too, sometimes), leaving little effort to recognise their successes or even criticising the tories once in a while, too.

                      If you were an employer treating people like that, you'd be done for constructive dismissal and workplace harrassment.

                  • The Chairman …
                    7 May 2019 at 10:27 pm

                    I'm not worried what people think about me, I'm not the issue.

                    I was just giving you a heads up on where it's at. Moreover, it was a test of your character to see if you would now refrain or continue to advance the personal crap. Clearly you failed.

                    Thus keep playing the man, but you will now be allocated to the sidelines as you have now been exposed as a player.

                    Stick to the politics you’ll get a reply, play the man and you’ll be playing by yourself.

                    • The Al1en …
                      7 May 2019 at 10:33 pm

                      So I've failed your character test. To be brutally honest, I take that as more of a compliment than a defect.

                      What I will keep doing, abiding by the site rules, is point out where you are being unreasonable and lacking a grasp of today's politics. If you want to divorce yourself from the green party, that's fine, but cut the crap you've got their best interests at heart. From your continued abuse, I don’t believe it for a second, and It's quite clear you really haven't.

                      If you don't want to be called fake green, the simple way out is not act like a fake green.

        • Rosemary McDonald 1.1.4.2
          7 May 2019 at 10:44 am

          Its failure to deliver is going to be problematic for this Government come next election.

          Maybe. On one hand folks might vote National (or not Labour/Greens) figuring we're all better off being led by arseholes who are proud of the fact they are arseholes.

          Or, this lot will be voted in again because they appear so kind and loving while pretending they are not being arseholes. Who doesn't like the warm fuzzies?

          • The Chairman 1.1.4.2.1
            7 May 2019 at 12:00 pm

            Well, there is Mana and Social Credit some on the left may turn too. Some (as I've already heard) will no longer vote at all. And some may turn to a new party if one is formed.

            But yes, a number will fall for Labour again.

            • greywarshark 1.1.4.2.1.1
              7 May 2019 at 3:58 pm

              What about TOP. It sounded promising if it sticks to the UBI with increments, it might drag in some of the welfare bennies.

              • The Chairman …
                7 May 2019 at 4:54 pm

                Personally oppose TOP. Their UBI was insufficient and they wanted to tax unrealised gains, forcing those that are asset rich but income poor to borrow to meet the burden.

                • In Vino …
                  7 May 2019 at 11:45 pm

                  Coming in late at the end of a long thread.. I love that phrase 'The Disappointment Accumulator'

                  I too have long seen The Chairman as a concern troll – the most persistent and devious I have seen.

                  But I would now like name The Chairman "The Disappointment Accumulation Dispersal Man."

                  His messages always spread discouragement… so far.

                  • greywarshark …
                    8 May 2019 at 12:57 pm

                    In Vino I note and agree with you, which is pretty usual.

                    I used to dislike The Chairman because he was negative too early in my opinion, a disagreeable old moaner, in my opinion, when we needed to watch, encourage, wait for results and not put weedkiller on our patch.

                    But I read some of his stuff the other day and think his opinion was right for the time. He made a case that would allow Prime Minister Jacinda to press forward using leverage on her popularity with NZ, and get the austerity-for-everyone-but-me Labourites off their bums and looking across the room at other figures and numbers. They don't care about people in need and the founding ideals of Labour. But figures and numbers that show money spent now will save huge expense later would crown their miserly minds; and Labour could draw on reserves set aside now for those high expected future expenses. Spend now, and produce three-fold advantage of drops in expenditure in ten years or such.

                    From my comment at 1 1 1 1 I think I quoted The Chairman saying what I consider should be pressed on the Labour Coalition leaders prior to the Budget of the 30th May.

                    Sixty-five percent of New Zealand First supporters wanted the party to go with Labour. Who widely campaigned on addressing poverty and inequality.

                    Additionally, if it were just Bradford and I that are disappointed Labour wouldn't have a problem. Unfortunately for them, the disappointment is widespread.

                    Moreover, failing to deliver on more of the recommendations sooner will lead to their fiscal management coming under the spotlight. People will question why they aren't prepared to invest now to save the greater cost and social harm of not doing so.

  2. esoteric pineapples 2
    7 May 2019 at 7:20 am

    "The Last American Vagabond" is always really on-to-it with his analysis. He always links to the stories he is drawing his information from, so even if you don't agree with his conclusions, the links speak for themselves.

    In the case of what is going on in Gaza, it seems one balloon on fire (as reported by Israel) landed on Israeli territory. Israel then fired missiles into Gaza for two days before the Gaza government responded. One of the Last Vagabond's small but very interesting points is why the Gaza missiles that are basic and unguided haven't hit civilian targets while the sophisticated guided Israeli ones have. There is one video of a rocket hitting an apartment block that makes it completely collapse. I don't think the Israelis are so stupid they wouldn't know how to hit the target they want to with its guided missiles. I'm going to speculate that they already knew what its targets they wanted to draw out. One has to wonder what Israel's ultimate objective in regards to the Palestinians is now and how a war with Iran might aid that.



    • Adrian Thornton 2.1
      7 May 2019 at 7:59 am

      Here is a good piece from the ever reliable FAIR…you can include NZ media in this analysis too, and shamefully including RNZ.

      The Atlantic Illustrates Everything That’s Wrong With Media Coverage of Venezuela Sanctions

      “Trump’s Venezuela Policy: Slow Suffocation,” an Atlantic report (4/17/19) by Uri Friedman and Kathy Gilsinan, passed up a rich opportunity to expose the humanitarian pretexts for economic intervention, and instead exhibited the worst tendencies of corporate media coverage of US policy in Latin America."

      https://fair.org/home/the-atlantic-illustrates-everything-thats-wrong-with-media-coverage-of-venezuela-sanctions/?awt_l=CnT3e&awt_m=h0eSPn4haIR._TQ

      • Gosman 2.1.1
        7 May 2019 at 8:42 am

        Venezuela can choose to trade with any other country on the planet. They do not NEED to trade witht he US. The US is not under any obligation to trade with Venezuela if they do not like the current regime in charge there.

        • Blazer 2.1.1.1
          7 May 2019 at 9:05 am

          its not that simple.

          When the U.S engages in financial war, trade becomes extremely difficult for regimes that have sanctions applied to them.

          Denying nations access to the B.I.S and SWIFT systems as Iran is experiencing ,have a huge impact on trade and the domestic economy.

          • Gosman 2.1.1.1.1
            7 May 2019 at 11:55 am

            Rubbish. Lot's of nations have survived and even thrived when the US has refused to trade with them. Iran is certainly not falling apart at this point in time. Even Cuba has managed for close to 60 years with trade restrictions and even managed a degree of growth until the 1990's.

        • Adrian Thornton 2.1.1.2
          7 May 2019 at 9:48 am

          @Gosman, when you make a statement like the one above, you show that you are either extremely naive', stupendously stupid or a troll, or maybe a bit of each?

          • Gosman 2.1.1.2.1
            7 May 2019 at 11:56 am

            If you disagree with me explain to me WHY the US should trade with nations that it has fundamental ideological differences with.

          • greywarshark 2.1.1.2.2
            7 May 2019 at 12:17 pm

            Cripes Adrian you are either extremely naive', stupendously stupid to keep on discussing anything with Gosman – you have been here long enough. What was that about mad people doing same things, expecting different results?

        • Gabby 2.1.1.3
          7 May 2019 at 12:31 pm

          The yankistanis heavy other nations into complying with their sanctions gozzer, you didn't realise that?

    • gsays 3.1
      7 May 2019 at 8:45 am

      I don't mind others using pakeha to describe me.

      I don't use the word to describe myself.

      Simply because it is using anothers term of reference.

      To be clear, I am all for Te Reo in schools and highly value how Maori have shaped what being a "kiwi' is eg we are marvelous hosts, great allies and formidable opponents, and the importance of breaking bread together feet under the same table.

      • JanM 3.1.1
        7 May 2019 at 9:07 am

        Whereas as a pakeha I'm not that keen on being called a kiwi

        • gsays 3.1.1.1
          7 May 2019 at 9:23 am

          Fair enough Jan, I will bear that in mind when addressing you.

          Do you mind if I ask why?

          • greywarshark 3.1.1.1.1
            7 May 2019 at 12:20 pm

            What a load of waffle this thing about description is – pakeha, tauiwi, kiwi, whats the beef? My gran used to say 'You can call me anything you like, but don't call me 'late for dinner'.

        • RJL 3.1.1.2
          7 May 2019 at 12:17 pm

          Absolutely. I would much rather be called "Pakeha" than "kiwi".

          "Kiwi" is infantile nonsense.

      • Sacha 3.1.2
        7 May 2019 at 10:30 am

        Resisting a term defined by others is an expression of power – who has it, who fears losing it, and the balance society negotiates at the time.

    • Gosman 3.2
      7 May 2019 at 11:57 am

      If people choose to use the word to describe themselves or allow others to do the same that is their right. I myself do not prefer to be defined by another culture.

      • marty mars 3.2.1
        7 May 2019 at 12:38 pm

        What 'culture' are you then.

        • Gosman 3.2.1.1
          7 May 2019 at 12:57 pm

          NZ European or NZ Anglo-Celtic.

        • indiana 3.2.1.2
          7 May 2019 at 1:19 pm

          I'm from the culture of Hip-Hop….Rap is something you do, Hip-Hop is something you live! You are not doing Hip-Hop, you are Hip-Hop!

      • Sacha 3.2.2
        7 May 2019 at 1:45 pm

        You can 'prefer' all you want, but that does not determine what social groups you belong to. That is negotiated by society, funnily enough.

  4. WeTheBleeple 4
    7 May 2019 at 8:05 am

    There's a comedy festival in town. do you like your comedy political, switched on and intelligent? Many The Standard readers will love this guy. Thank me later.

    https://www.comedyfestival.co.nz/find-a-show/steve-hughes/

    Are you looking for a mad genius? A crazy discombobulated no holds barred anything goes act like you've never seen before. One of my favorite acts in the world (and people).

    https://www.comedyfestival.co.nz/find-a-show/phil-nichol-your-wrong/

    And there is a mad gem of a comic here from Australia. Seriously off the wall, I was an instant fan after this clip: Demi Lardner



    https://www.comedyfestival.co.nz/find-a-show/demi-lardner/

    Demi might be relatively new, but she certainly deserves patronage. Seriously funny, but not everyone's cup of tea.

    You should be able to find your own cup of tea in the Festival there are a lot of shows.

    https://www.comedyfestival.co.nz/find-a-show/

  5. Bruce 5
    7 May 2019 at 9:33 am

    I heard Duncan Garner on TV last night saying that studies show cannabis causes brain damage to kids. Allbeit it was a station promo there was no reply and I was left with the impression that this was irrefutable fact. ( clever work TVNZ ). I thought then that the numbers with fetal cannabis syndrome would be huge, but can't find the numbers. Also very grateful we were lucky with our three kids. And all the kids of the parents in my cohort.

    • Shadrach 5.1
      7 May 2019 at 11:44 am

      Hi Bruce

      I didn't hear Duncan Garner on this, but the links between cannabis use in pregnancy and foetal development problems are covered in the following:

      https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140127093140.htm

      https://www.healthline.com/health-news/children-cannabis-impairs-fetal-brain-development-012814#1 (which links to http://emboj.embopress.org/content/early/2014/01/27/embj.201386035)

    • Drowsy M. Kram 5.2
      7 May 2019 at 2:13 pm

      Some more recent (2019) links (all cite Shadrach's 2014 EMBO Journal paper).
      Only the abstracts (copied here) are free.

      https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-90365-1_17

      Cannabis use among pregnant and parenting women is increasing in the USA, alongside escalating THC potency in available cannabis products and the use of synthetic preparations. Existing information on how cannabis use during pregnancy may impact the course of pregnancy and fetal/child development is limited, and studies that evaluate birth outcomes and postnatal development of prenatally exposed children are inconsistent. However, accumulating neurodevelopmental data in animals and humans shows that pre- and postnatal cannabis exposure portends harm for the developing fetus and the child. THC crosses the placental barrier, and current evidence indicates that prenatal cannabis use, especially during critical periods of brain development, places the developing child at risk for neuropsychiatric, behavioral, and substance abuse problems. The extensive legalization of cannabis, the recent increase in marijuana use by pregnant women, the availability of cannabis with higher THC concentrations, and the introduction and escalating use of synthetic cannabinoids create an urgent need to determine the effects of the amplified fetal THC exposure. The risk of neurodevelopmental problems in THC-exposed children may be enhanced if the child is raised by a mother affected by neurobehavioral dysfunctions and associated comorbidities of an active cannabis use disorder. Identification and treatment of cannabis use and cannabis use disorder in women during the perinatal period should be a high clinical priority. Misperception of risk, inadequacy of provider knowledge and training, and scarcity of time and resources to comprehensively address the needs of cannabis-exposed mother-child dyads are common among health providers. Although more research is needed to establish the perinatal effects of maternal cannabis use, pregnant and postpartum women should be aware that perinatal cannabis use risks safety for both mother and child. This chapter provides an overview of the epidemiology of perinatal cannabis use, the neurobehavioral effects of prenatal cannabis exposure for the developing child, and the treatment strategies for the mother-child dyad affected by cannabis use.

      https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1067828X.2018.1561580

      Marijuana is recently a subject of a global debate due to potential medical application of cannabis products and the progressive legalization of its recreational use. This situation leads to the need for access to comprehensive and reliable information about the effects of marijuana intake. Our review presents the actual state of knowledge regarding acute and chronic health effects generated by recreational marijuana use. Marijuana smoking can lead to structural and functional alterations in the central nervous system. These effects are especially significant and dangerous at the prenatal, child, and adolescence periods. In contrary to a common myth, cannabis does exhibit an addictive potency, albeit not a strong one. We discuss the “cannabis gateway hypothesis,” which suggests that marijuana use can be the first step before trying more dangerous drugs. However, drawing significant conclusions is difficult due to the strong impact of confounders and often unclear relationships among studied factors, especially in the socioeconomic context. Moreover, we point to the need for the unbiased assessment of the harm generated by marijuana in comparison with other drugs.

      https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/acta-neuropsychiatrica/article/cannabinoid-signalling-in-embryonic-and-adult-neurogenesis-possible-implications-for-psychiatric-and-neurological-disorders/E9DE9116DC604D976C9C7B0D2D254674

      Cannabinoid signalling modulates several aspects of brain function, including the generation and survival of neurons during embryonic and adult periods. The present review intended to summarise evidence supporting a role for the endocannabinoid system on the control of neurogenesis and neurogenesis-dependent functions. Studies reporting participation of cannabinoids on the regulation of any step of neurogenesis and the effects of cannabinoid compounds on animal models possessing neurogenesis-dependent features were selected from Medline. Qualitative evaluation of the selected studies indicated that activation of cannabinoid receptors may change neurogenesis in embryonic or adult nervous systems alongside rescue of phenotypes in animal models of different psychiatric and neurological disorders. The text offers an overview on the effects of cannabinoids on central nervous system development and the possible links with psychiatric and neurological disorders such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, brain ischaemia/stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. An understanding of the mechanisms by which cannabinoid signalling influences developmental and adult neurogenesis will help foster the development of new therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental, psychiatric and neurological disorders.

  6. cleangreen 6
    7 May 2019 at 9:42 am

    Today 7th May 2019 was the best hard hitting action from John Campbell I have seen to date.

    He ripped into the Christchurch debate and had Dame Sylvia Cartwright on the show "to boot" talking about the upcoming 'class action' lawsuit going against Government agency "Southern Response". Hard hitting stuff worth a watch.

    https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/john-campbell-exclusive-major-australian-law-firm-backing-3000-canterbury-homeowners-in-class-action-against-government-owned-southern-response?auto=6033165600001

    John Campbell exclusive: Major Australian law firm backing around 3000 Canterbury homeowners in class action against Southern Response JOHN CAMPBELL BREAKFAST PRESENTER

    • WeTheBleeple 6.1
      7 May 2019 at 9:59 am

      "From our experiences with some other litigation, we have serious reservations about what sort of directions may have come from the previous Government to the leadership of this particular organisation. We don’t believe the present Government has had any part in directing what has taken place here."

      National leading the charge in shafting citizens no doubt.

      ~ 3000 claimants short changed with Billions in question.

    • The Chairman 6.2
      7 May 2019 at 12:19 pm

      Wonder if the current Government will advise them to settle this out of court?

  7. greywarshark 7
    7 May 2019 at 9:49 am

    https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/388631/elderly-women-take-a-stand-as-auckland-council-fights-its-own-organisation

    These older women want to be maintained in the style they are accustomed to and given all the medical help to live out healthy long lives with their needs met. They think it is wrong that five-storey units should be erected near their pensioner units. Is it? Five stories is high. The planners are insisting on this, but three-storeys surely would be more suitable. At five stories, there becomes the need for a lift which a ground floor and two higher would avoid.

    Compromise, going lower while still enabling more people to be housed not just have smart young planners force their ideas on the public because they can would be the best approach I think.

    • Sacha 7.1
      7 May 2019 at 10:34 am

      They live just back from a major arterial route, not some sleepy village. Five storeys (including retail and office levels) is already a compromise to get more people living and working near frequent transport and all the local businesses that population density allows to thrive.

    • AB 7.2
      7 May 2019 at 10:48 am

      I have sympathy for both points of view – both the women who want an aesthetically pleasant environment and a city on a human scale, and the council who has to find somewhere to put all these people.

      What are cities for? Are they primarily places where commerce can occur at close proximity? Or are they places that are good to live in? I suspect it is difficult for them to be both successfully – other than for a small elite of the wealthy.

      • greywarshark 7.2.1
        7 May 2019 at 11:45 am

        The question can also be asked – do old people who go on living far beyond the age that was normal, have the right to be treated as royalty and eat cake and be kept in an extremely comfortable manner because they merely have not died, while the young are left to crawl out of their cardboard boxes in the middle of the road etc.

        A caring and intelligent society would not end up with the differential in living standards we have now. Ergo we are not a caring and intelligent society. That is an awful shock to realise for an older person who believed NZ was a good country. Old people's opinions should count. and they would be concerned about leaving things good for the next generations so their reasonable objections should be listened to while not stopping the higher building level.

        I suggested three stories would be suitable, having lived in a building that high. It is right that building should go up but not to a height that is isolating. The upper crust might enjoy the Ayn Rand style. Most like to be closer to the ground and the wider community life there. What are cities for? The inhabitants to have a home and leave some land to grow stuff when it all comes down to it.

        • Molly 7.2.1.1
          7 May 2019 at 12:52 pm

          Design quality is important Grey.

          The Bjarke Ingels Group, who have built lower-cost developments as well as the Lego House, and museums in Denmark, show how higher density does not necessarily mean loss of amenity.

          Have a look at their Big 8 house – a development with high rise apartments that have been designed to have a small outdoor space, and a walkway that connects you to the rest of the development and the ground outside each apartment.

          Link to a Youtube clip that I haven't watched, but scanned through. The walkway is at around 11.30

          • greywarshark 7.2.1.1.1
            7 May 2019 at 1:29 pm

            I'll have a look at that. I only lived in 3 storey and that seemed good. I have seen the details about the attempt to put western people in the high rise places and how badly that works out. They have them in places like Hong Kong, Singapore – if Singapore they are so antsy about keeping tidy, they might be able to run an effective high-rise without squalor and vandalism.

            But the ones you mention sound as if they offer better access. But being too far from the ground for parents with young children can be a very bad move.

            • Poission 7.2.1.1.1.1
              7 May 2019 at 1:39 pm

              The ugliness of spreadsheet architecture.

              https://unherd.com/2019/04/the-hideous-spread-of-spreadsheet-architecture/

              • greywarshark …
                7 May 2019 at 2:21 pm

                Eww. I remember going for a walk past where my forebears built their house in the outer city back in the early 1900s. Alas I don't think we had ever taken photographs of it – we weren't very imaginative and thoughtful. Alas it had come down and was part of the ground environment for a similar high storey building as you showed in the link.

                When I was newly married and had saved a deposit and went to a subdivision being developed by a builder, there was a book of plans to choose from, and if you wanted an extra room here or a bigger laundry, it got costed in. There was a choice of claddings.

                Now the ugly boxes painted brown with dark grey roofs are a third-rate version of a home. All the same all the way down the road. And apparently the government has allowed restrictive liens to go onto titles so you can't even create something that you would like after you buy. They all have to be the same. It's a body corporate effect I think even when you have your own separate free-standing house and title.

                When i was looking at cohousing and looking at the body corporate legislation, the function is there to have a fairer document that doesn't give power to a small bunch of elected members, but each person can have a free vote on most things.

                I think that the average developer has far too much power, and far too little imagination to have the amount of say they have achieved. The quality of life and attraction of suburbs has diminished according to the size of the developer's brain – as in Fawlty Towers one should watch the ground when with a developer, if you see a pea-sized object it could be a vital part of the man/woman's brain.

            • Molly 7.2.1.1.1.2
              7 May 2019 at 4:17 pm

              " But being too far from the ground for parents with young children can be a very bad move. "

              I watched a different documentary on the architect, but the Big 8 house which is in the clip, has a walkway in a loop from the ground to the top storey, at an accessible grade, which means that people can ride their bicycles – or push pushchairs – to their front doors. It also provides that front space for all units that becomes community space, where neighbours hang out and talk.

              Innovative design – can mitigate some of the issues that are brought up regarding the high density living our planners should be moving towards.

              However, it does not come without criticism, and the studio has been criticised by the BAU and traditional form crowd for "ugly" buildings. The occupants seem to like them though.

              • greywarshark …
                7 May 2019 at 4:36 pm

                The problem with the horrible high rises in UK and USA has been access to the upper units, through a lobby where residents could be targets, or which could be in awful condition. So what you have said might be the answer. I could imagine the skateboarders loving the sloping walkways. Sounds as if it could be an enjoyable place, and noise could be mitigated.

                When it comes to multiple storeys the views of this well built town in Verona Italy La Garda? really appeal – the buildings look nice and none of them are grey, brown or charcoal.

                • Molly …
                  7 May 2019 at 5:19 pm

                  Unlike the critics, I actually like the aesthetic of the Big 8 development, primarily because of the way that they allocate space.

                  Beauty in the eye of … and all that.

                • Sacha …
                  7 May 2019 at 6:11 pm

                  You did notice how tall those Italian buildings are, right? People have lived like that for centuries, without pining for a lawn to mow.

                  • greywarshark …
                    7 May 2019 at 6:19 pm

                    Are you going to pick everything I say apart now and put it under a microscope Sacha?

                    • Sacha …
                      7 May 2019 at 6:22 pm

                      As if. You haven't responded about what's underlying your preference for short buildings other than claiming everyone else wants the same as you.

                      This region can’t afford more car-dependant sprawl with climate change upon us, which means building up rather than out from now on.

                      The more people live in each area, the more small businesses can thrive there. Taller buildings also frees up more surrounding space for shared public assets like parks and community centres.

        • Sacha 7.2.1.2
          7 May 2019 at 1:55 pm

          Three storeys can be less accessible than five for people who actually can't handle stairs, increasingly common with age. The ongoing cost of lifts is shared so it is more expensive per home in a four-storey than a nine-storey building or a ninety.

          Worldwide urban designers know that seven storeys is still human scale architecture as it echoes the largest established forest trees our ancestors were familiar with.

          The community-building facilities that surround a building have more impact on inhabitants' sense of belonging than its height does.

          There will always be smaller dwellings and quiet seaside villages but not everyone will be able to afford to live in them.

          • greywarshark 7.2.1.2.1
            7 May 2019 at 2:24 pm

            Those developers might have just come down from the trees and had their ideas affected accordingly. From an ordinary human point of view the three storey that I suggested is the best and cheapest option.

            And indeed the top storey isn't then for everyone, but in life we have to look at what is suitable, difference gives choice.

            • Sacha 7.2.1.2.1.1
              7 May 2019 at 2:35 pm

              "From an ordinary human point of view the three storey that I suggested is the best and cheapest option."

              Best for what? Cheaper per home than what?

              • greywarshark …
                7 May 2019 at 4:52 pm

                The ongoing cost of lifts is shared so it is more expensive per home in a four-storey than a nine-storey building or a ninety.

                It would be cheaper in a three storey to not have a lift than the four-storey which would need a lift, and so (with a lift) the height would probably need to be – ground and five upper storeys, so six to make it practical.

                But three storeys could be manageable without a lift. And indeed we could start incorporating the Dutch-style method of having a beam to haul stuff to for the higher floor.

      • Psycho Milt 7.2.2
        7 May 2019 at 12:47 pm

        Meh. Many Aucklanders want to live in a mult-million-residents city AND live in a nice house with a garden AND be located with convenient access to the city AND not have any apartment blocks near them AND have a low cost of living. People who have contradictory expectations usually find that not all their expectations are met.

    • Gabby 7.3
      7 May 2019 at 12:36 pm

      The council don't think it's such a flash idea either greysy. Might be worth following the money on this one.

    • joe90 7.4
      7 May 2019 at 1:20 pm

      These older women want to be maintained in the style they are accustomed to

      Obviously a hefty ratepayer subsidy isn't enough.

      • Andre 7.4.1
        7 May 2019 at 1:23 pm

        Was this the bit that caught your eye?

        One and two-bedroom units are sold to the elderly at 80 per cent of the market value, with the exception of the village at Carrick Place, Mt Eden where the units are 50 per cent of the market value.

      • greywarshark 7.4.2
        7 May 2019 at 1:24 pm

        That's interesting joe90 thanks.

  8. Jimmy 8
    7 May 2019 at 9:58 am

    Chloe Swarbrick should be the leader of the Greens Party. That woman has a good future in politics. She is mature beyond her years. Always organised and interviews extremely well. I am not a fan of the greens especially while Marama Davison and James Shaw are there as joint leaders. I really think they should go to the single leader ie. Chloe.

    • mauī 8.1
      7 May 2019 at 11:32 am

      Marama and James don't seem to be natural leaders to me either, they're not natural extroverts for a start. Chloe has that great oratory skill, much like Ardern and Lange which I think is critical to get people to connect with and follow you.

      • Jimmy 8.1.1
        7 May 2019 at 1:12 pm

        Agree… and I think Chloe is actually smarter than both the current leaders.

    • Gabby 9.1
      7 May 2019 at 12:38 pm

      It's very kind of Erdygerdy to give the hoi polloi the opportunity to correct their mistake. He will no doubt ensure the outcome is the right one this time.

  10. CHCoff 10
    7 May 2019 at 12:07 pm

    https://www.magic.co.nz/home/news/2019/04/jacinda-ardern–the-christchurch-summit-in-paris.html

    The EU is the closest inter-nation body in the world, to respective societal economic contributors and diplomat corps of nation states combining along with others of different nations in the formation of blocks that then dynamically VOTE on what are to be collective shared courses of action that are the most beneficial.

    Inclusive and dynamic economic networking combining with democratic political structures.

    Someways to go to that maybe but then someways to regress also.

    A lot of the time, it is UN stuff that we get but it is perhaps no less fruitful to engage with and constructively support the EU when appropriate too.

    • ianmac 11.1
      7 May 2019 at 2:23 pm

      Very interesting EP. Couldn't find such info elsewhere. Has Andrew announced it all yet?

  12. Siobhan 12
    7 May 2019 at 1:01 pm

    Interesting, and somewhat predictable update on the Gloriously Simple Answer to all our Future Nature of Work and Subsequent Inequality Problems That Everyone Loves Even Zucherberg and All The Other Tax Dodgers, otherwise known as the UBI.

    “If cash payments are allowed to take precedence, there’s a serious risk of crowding out efforts to build collaborative, sustainable services and infrastructure – and setting a pattern for future development that promotes commodification rather than emancipation.” This may help to explain why UBI has attracted support from Silicon Valley tycoons, who are more interested in defending consumer capitalism than in tackling poverty and inequality……

    This calls for more and better quality public services that are free to those who need them, regardless of ability to pay.

    and there's the rub..all of our austerity budget governments are committed to spending as little as possible, be they Right, Left or in the Middle..they all would like us to know how not spending is more important than even basicaly maintaining the house we live in, let alone securing good outcomes for our children.

    https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/may/06/universal-basic-income-public-realm-poverty-inequality?CMP=fb_gu&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR2eOPMyVg68zNacUN2fNj4FhNi_K_Gex0OYzTRZbFKv1K5x0e0DqzdxDew#Echobox=1557140856

    • greywarshark 12.1
      7 May 2019 at 1:42 pm

      Except that the people are regarded as cash cows by business – that's where they want the spending to be. Not on repairs, but on new goods with either volume mark-up or goods of taste and discernment that allow for better profit from those who have risen on the social mobility ladder.

      If you aren't in that bracket, and can't even afford the cheaper volume goods, the business community have managed to limit your access to second-hand electrical goods under health and safety, repairs are almost as dear as new goods. If Council don't upkeep the public provision of things it makes life more difficult. Further down its round the rubbish bins, dumpster diving is prevented by locks though they throw out much good, edible produce, the opshop throw outs (and the opshops are keen pricer uppers), and so on – there are plugs in place to prevent trickle downs by big business. The system is pretty tight.

  13. ianmac 13
    7 May 2019 at 2:17 pm

    Oops. Simon Bridges has been chucked out of the House for rubbishing the Speaker mid through Simon's questions.

  14. greywarshark 14
    7 May 2019 at 4:27 pm

    Another problem for the Labour Coalition with is corsets so tight – enough to make the government faint. All agree at the Waikato DHB that basically the problem there is underfunding. No-one has wanted to run it since the last CEO got the heaveho in late 2017.

    https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/388660/health-minister-replaces-waikato-dhb-board-with-commissioner

  15. Eco Maori 15
    9 May 2019 at 8:38 am

    Kia ora Newshub

    The Auckland mayor race is on

    Tesla put the elictric car's on the World stage. I agree that there needed to be a stimulating of the NZ elictric car's up take.

    Don't worry Graham I have put some good videos up that even a – – – – – – can get the true facts on climate change.

    I believe that technology changes have to happen to fight climate change but don't go trying to build huge carbon capture machines when we just need to plant Papatuanukue billion years old solution to that issue TREES.

    Its good to see that NZ business confidence is up on the official cash rate drop. I would buy a elictric car if I could afford one

    Ka kite ano

  16. Eco Maori 16
    9 May 2019 at 9:29 am

    Some Eco Maori Music for the minute.

    https://youtu.be/qqjVwAg5fK4

  17. Eco Maori 17
    9 May 2019 at 11:38 am

    We have to make sure the huge multi national companies are reined in from all there cheating OUR society of honesty and a happy healthy future for ALL this administration is just sucking as much money out of the world as they can possibly get before they get there ASS kicked out.

    California defies Trump to ban pesticide linked to childhood brain damage

    The EPA had moved to ban chlorpyrifos under Obama, but the Trump administration reversed that effort

    California is banning a widely used pesticide that has been linked to brain damage in children, a major victory for public health advocates who have long fought to outlaw the toxic chemical in the agricultural industry.

    The state ban on chlorpyrifos, a pesticide used on almonds, citrus, cotton, grapes, walnuts and other crops, follows years of research finding the chemical causes serious health effects in children, including impaired brain and neurological development. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had moved to ban the chemical under Barack Obama, but the Trump administration reversed that effort, rejecting the scientific conclusions of its own government experts

    Ka kite ano links below

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/may/08/california-pesticide-ban-chlorpyrifos-agriculture

    https://youtu.be/s4rGnCIU-w8

  18. Eco Maori 18
    9 May 2019 at 3:11 pm

    Some Eco Maori Music for the minute.

    https://youtu.be/h4DFXUndvbw

    A uneducated tangata whenua O Atoearoa let's the Papatuanukue know the justice system of the PAPATUANUKUE are corrupt

  19. Eco Maori 19
    9 May 2019 at 3:31 pm

    No nothing to look at here no laws broken YEA RIGHT what about the privacy laws they are in bed together all the people that work for clark and thompson are EX police WTF.

    Firm that spied on quake insurance complainants 'did not break law.

    Ka kite ano link below.

    https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/112592552/firm-that-spied-on-quake-insurance-complainants-did-not-break-law

  20. Eco Maori 20
    9 May 2019 at 6:29 pm

    Kia ora Newshub.

    Archie is a cool name for the new royal tama.

    I think that the main goal of MPI is to eradicate the bovine dease it's a mess the wealthy southland farmers created so they need to lump it.

    I don't think NZ has to stop dairy farming to meet our Paris agreement the study has not been conducted with NZ farming conditions we will have to farm organically tho. No comment on Cameron.

    There you go another bad issue with PEE O NO we don't have a huge PEE problem nothing bad going down in NZ YEA RIGHT.

    That's cool brain sergery to save one of Atoearoa taonga a kakapo chicks live saving operation Ka pai.

    That's bullshit alcohol consumption is dropping. A study commissioned by the alcohol industry is going to try and influence people to drink more of the shit.

    I had a excellent dog the manager could not get over how fast I got him working he was a hunter way.

    Ka kite ano

  21. Eco Maori 21
    9 May 2019 at 6:47 pm

    Kia ora Te ao Maori News.

    Condolences to the SAS whanau.

    I will pridict that there will be no blame with the loss of the SAS person.

    Te wharehuia Milroy all the best to your whanau I'm sure they will miss you and will always remember your Mana Wairua.

    Looks like the police and Maori tv love publishing the positive phenomenon of Tangata whenua YEA RIGHT I know you people are to stupid to see the effects you have on OUR tangata Mauri. Ma te wa I will teach the Neanderthals a lesson Ka kite ano

  22. Eco Maori 22
    10 May 2019 at 9:04 am

    Kia ora The AM Show.

    https://youtu.be/vqnwqsJYyiU

    Mokopuna mahi

  23. Eco Maori 23
    10 May 2019 at 10:14 am

    Some Eco Maori Music for the minute.

    https://youtu.be/hT_nvWreIhg

    Had a epiphany yesterday Ma te wa Whanau

  24. Eco Maori 24
    10 May 2019 at 11:15 am

    Some Eco Maori Music for the minute.

    https://youtu.be/DgGr_n4fgyI

    Whanau we must teach all te Mokopuna te reo

  25. Eco Maori 25
    10 May 2019 at 2:35 pm

    Some Eco Maori Music for the minute.

    https://youtu.be/bnVUHWCynig