Open mike 07/09/2019

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, September 7th, 2019 - 68 comments
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68 comments on “Open mike 07/09/2019 ”

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  1. Robert Guyton 1
    7 September 2019 at 7:13 am

    Action plan could be water under the bridge if left to regional councils

    “Because few people seem to know, or possibly even care, what a regional council does, farmers are often voted into leadership roles, especially in regions with a strong agricultural focus.

    That has further undermined the councils' environmental credentials, and potentially places the fox in charge of the henhouse.”

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/115603361/action-plan-could-be-water-under-the-bridge-if-left-to-regional-councils

    • Graeme 1.2
      7 September 2019 at 9:30 am

      Well in Otago's case the fox is causing considerable mayhem in the hen house and there's not many eggs coming through. And that's under current / past regulatory environment. Granted they had the worst case situation with deemed permits, but the first up, best dressed approach was a tad hopeful, but the sort of decision making you get from a council with strong and diametrically opposing views in it's elected members.

      Agree with the editorial that something has to change, but unsure of which way it should go. National Policy Statements may be the go, but can be subject to change by government of day. A crown entity managing water would have the same problem.

      Since you are very much in the thick of it, I'd be interested in your views Robert.

    • Dukeofurl 1.3
      7 September 2019 at 10:47 am

      The Regional Councils havent even done the basic Freshwater plans as mandated by the National Government back in 2014.

      The Farmers are stonewalling any plan and change what so ever that holds them to account.

  3. Ad 3
    7 September 2019 at 9:55 am

    Curious that Air New Zealand is choosing 2019 to propose commercialising Whenuapai Airbase for domestic and international flights.

    It would have been a lot easier if they had come out in support before the whole of Hobsonville was built into housing and the Albany area has densified.

    Way back in 2006-7 the North Shore Council, Rodney Council and Waitakere Council all proposed it together with Infratil, but with no support from AirNZ particularly. This in turn was in response to the NZDF packing up and leaving the area, other than in the poorly-used and run-down Whenuapai base.

    Methinks the AirNZ enthusiasm has more to do with leverage against Auckland International Airport's landing charge increases, since they never beat them when taking cases with the Commerce Commission as a price-regulated port.

    • Dukeofurl 3.1
      7 September 2019 at 10:52 am

      Yes. I bet Air NZ wants the 'Council/Government' to spend the thick end of $100 mill to provide basic commercial facilities so Air NZ can spite Auckland Airport ( who actually are robbers).

      The alignment of the runway at Whenuapai doesnt affect the housing at Hobsonville , its more likely the new housing the other side at Whenuapai village itself.
      It will create a storm at Greenhithe across the harbour as they would under the flight path

      • Ad 3.1.1
        7 September 2019 at 11:10 am

        Greenhithe residents were the key opponents last time. The Whenuapai flight path and noise envelope goes over them. But the more neighbourhood density you have, the harder it's going to get.

        John Key was as local MP at the time also completely opposed.

    • millsy 3.2
      7 September 2019 at 10:54 am

      You probably know more than I, but upgrading Ardmore sounds like a better idea?

      • Ad 3.2.1
        7 September 2019 at 11:13 am

        Whenuapai already has international flights – it appears easier to expand because of the breadth of existing rights.

        Who knows maybe the Minister of Defence will look at the idea more favorably once his full review of Defence properties comes back.

        The argument to upgrade Wanaka airport to jet flights is just starting, even with a generous existing set of District Plan conditions.

        • Graeme 3.2.1.1
          7 September 2019 at 12:25 pm

          With Wanaka a very large proportion of Queenstown Airport's customers come from Wanaka and Central. Keel mentioned 40% at a meeting but can't find anything to back that up. There's also significant patronage out of Southland. With that the preferred location of our airport starts getting a bit fluid.

          A story doing the rounds is that the true prize isn't the current Wanaka airport, but a parcel of land across the river to north. It's one title and large enough to get a wide body capable runway putting the primary departure up the Hawea valley. The block is now not returning any property information results in QLDC's GIS site http://maps.qldc.govt.nz/qldcviewer/

          An airport like this would be transformational for Central Otago. The current regional airport at ZQN is beyond capacity, both of airspace and local's patience, and it's only a matter of time before something really scary at best, or tragic, happens.

          • Ad 3.2.1.1.1
            7 September 2019 at 12:31 pm

            Any source for the story in any local publication?

            What is the location of the block you are speaking of – do you have some roads for a proximity?

            The only thing harder than trying to get regular jet flights to Wanaka airport would be to try and consent a fresh airport from scratch.

            I'm sure the Dippies' bulldozers will be raring to go.

            • Graeme 3.2.1.1.1.1
              7 September 2019 at 11:25 pm

              It's the Wanaka / Hawea Downs proposal in QAC's 30 year Masterplan, see page 37 https://www.queenstownairport.co.nz/assets/masterplan/Queenstown-Airport-Master-Plan-Options.pdf Location is between Kane Road and Watkins or Newcastle Roads, so SW of Hawea Flat.

              This option has a much lower noise footprint than the existing airport because departures don't go over Wanaka. So relocating the existing airport wouldn't be that difficult as effects would be much less.

              When 737 200s came to Queenstown in early 90's it was by Order in Council the night before an Environment Court hearing which would have had a good show of stopping them had it been able to proceed. My understanding of the order was that it effectively took existing airports out of the RMA in respect to expansion and aircraft type. Sam Neil's proceedings were all over in a couple of minutes. I was in court as party to an unrelated matter and it was an interesting spectacle. I presume the same will apply to Wanaka expansion.

              There's a lot on Upper Clutha who welcome an expanded airport too. https://crux.org.nz/community/wanakas-ed-taylor-argues-for-airport-expansion/

              Going to be an interesting debate to watch from over the hill, but don't think they've got much show of stopping it, especially in a very strong National patch, and if /when they get back in power.

        • millsy 3.2.1.2
          7 September 2019 at 9:51 pm

          Whenuapai has the problem of being used by the air force, Same with Ohakea, which is/was being sized up for use as a civilian aiport (also has the advantage being being in the provinces).

          Unless the agenda is to have the NZDF flog off the bases and rent space at privately owned airports (which is what Treasury had probably suggested).

      • Sacha 3.2.2
        7 September 2019 at 5:41 pm

        Ardmore is even further from the North Shoreites. https://goo.gl/maps/thcoLiZyR28QZKVr8

    • Graeme 3.3
      7 September 2019 at 12:04 pm

      My take is that Air New Zealand has had enough of their future being dictated by a publicly traded monopoly, who's only metric is bums on seats and the clip of the ticket they get from each.

      This is a problem for the tourism industry (and really the whole country that has to bear the consequences) as it entrenches the volume model. No way the shareholders of AIA will wear a reduction in numbers and dividend. AIA wants as much traffic as it can get, at the expense of all other airports in the country, with minimum expenditure. How long has the second runway and new terminals been proposed? https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/115585876/air-nzs-surprise-ambush-on-auckland-airport-and-why-travellers-could-win

      There's probably a very strong case for regulating them into submission, or government quietly buying a controlling stake. The thing should never have been privatised.

    • bwaghorn 3.4
      7 September 2019 at 2:08 pm

      One take on it was that luxon is just trying to jaw Auckland airport into lower fees and get him self some airtime in the lead up to his jumping into the national party

    • aom 3.5
      7 September 2019 at 2:49 pm

      Ad – your 2006 – line-up perhaps gives the answer as to why Air NZ was not supportive. They had Infratil's performance in three overseas airports (Lubeck, Manston, and Prestwick) along with the two-third share in Wellington to evaluate the likely outcome if the infrastructure pirates got their hands on Whenuapai.

      • Ad 3.5.1
        7 September 2019 at 3:49 pm

        In 2008-9 all of Infratil's little regional airports pretty much died due to the GFC impact.

        If Whenuapai had commercialized in 2007-8 it would have folded as well, and been a ginourmous embarrassment to the Helen Clark government and a total vindication for the rising local MP John Key.

        A bit of luck in the loss there.

  4. xanthe 4
    7 September 2019 at 10:33 am

    here is some more grist for the conspiracy mills.

    featuring our own local hero Peter Thiel.

    also some relevance to the Huawai discussion

    and the discussion of NRA

    https://www.mintpressnews.com/cia-israel-mossad-jeffrey-epstein-orwellian-nightmare/261692/

    If 1/4 of it is real then fairly terrifying

  5. The Chairman 5
    7 September 2019 at 10:43 am

    Up coming recommended viewing

    https://youtu.be/YSSmitzvmUU

  6. UncookedSelachimorpha 6
    7 September 2019 at 12:07 pm

    A sad but fair discussion of the coalition government's failure to take anything like sufficient steps to markedly reduce poverty. Hard to do when you are locked in a neoliberal world view I suppose.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/insight/audio/2018711947/solo-mums-on-benefits-having-to-decide-between-food-and-fuel

    • The Chairman 6.1
      7 September 2019 at 5:10 pm

      Indeed, UncookedSelachimorpha

      The following below is from your link.

      St John says the government's other changes don't go far enough – and they'll have little impact on how much money beneficiaries have in their pocket. "Benefits needed to be raised substantially before indexation. Indexation will only give a few dollars extra a week and not until next year," she says. And she says the amount beneficiaries can earn before they're subject to deductions will only increase by $25 by 2023. "This isn't enough to compensate just for normal increases that would have been expected over that time.

      "Those two changes are simply completely insufficient as a response."

      Here (link below) is another good related piece printed of late.

      https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2019/09/why-hungry-kids-make-for-hungry-parents.html

      And here (below) is a snippet from that link.

      Over time, constantly being unable to afford food increases social marginalisation, leads to a sense of alienation, and disrupts a sense of belonging.

      Parents report feeling a sense of stigma and shame at not being able to source enough healthy, nutritious food for their family. On top of this, the chronic stress and worry associated with food insecurity makes providing food for the family a difficult and distressing daily occurrence.

      Compounding their misery is the reality that accessing government-funded welfare support through Work and Income can be a distressing and humiliating experience. Subsequently, despite the existence of real need, people go without much-needed food supplies in order to safeguard their psychological well-being and sense of self from further harm.

      Food insecurity has long-term implications for the wider physical health and mental well-being of children and adults alike.

  7. joe90 7
    7 September 2019 at 12:11 pm

    Interesting piece from The Times on Johnson's machinations.

    (screenshot)

    The country is being played on a grand scale by the men in Downing Street. Nothing is as it seems. Boris Johnson wanted and intended to lose his historic vote. The headlines declaring he has lost control are only half right.

    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EDtJ848XYAENhr2?format=jpg&name=4096×4096

  8. Fireblade 8
    7 September 2019 at 1:36 pm

    Simon Bridges is still on holiday in China.

    Simon says "in Beijing to meet with Guo Shengkun to discuss the many areas our countries have in common and how we can strengthen ties".

    Guo Shengkun currently serves as a Politburo member, a Central Secretariat secretary, and Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (Wikipedia).

    Wonderful, have fun Simon.

    https://www.twitter.com/simonjbridges/status/1169903122031865856

    • bwaghorn 8.1
      7 September 2019 at 2:11 pm

      How many spots on the list do you think hes sold on this trip?

      • Fireblade 8.1.1
        7 September 2019 at 3:01 pm

        Comrade Bridges will come back with wads of cash and policy ideas for the Communist division of the NZ National Party.

        List seats will require additional private "negotiations".

    • Stuart Munro. 8.2
      7 September 2019 at 4:02 pm

      Xi was too busy to meet him? Rofl.

    • Chris T 8.3
      7 September 2019 at 6:55 pm

      Could be worse.

      He could have ordered the navy to take him to an exotic island to spend a week with his dad for his birthday.

      • joe90 8.3.1
        7 September 2019 at 7:17 pm

        Or worse still.

        He could have ditched a commemorative service for two soldiers killed in Afghanistan and buggered off to the US to watch his shoat play a fucking game.

        • Chris T 8.3.1.1
          7 September 2019 at 8:17 pm

          Or gone AWOL on the 75th anniversary of the D Day landings.

          Interesting point you make though

          Supporting your kid for a few days over your job if you are a bloke – Bad

          Supporting your kid for a weeks over your job on maternity leave if you are a woman – Awesome

          Misandry, toxic feminity blah blah blah (joke)

    • Naki man 9.1
      7 September 2019 at 6:14 pm

      There are a few issues with these vehicles, like how to recycle the 500kg batteries and all the mining required to make them. There is a disturbing article here for those who can get past the paywall.

      https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12263165

      • dv 9.1.1
        7 September 2019 at 7:19 pm

        Written by by a Hydrogen fuel pusher.

      • millsy 9.1.2
        7 September 2019 at 9:38 pm

        Electric cars have their uses in a few niche areas, but that is it. To expect them to replace petrol vehicles on a 1:1 basis is futile.

        The less fossil fuel trucks and cars, the better, but, we are still going to need the black stuff. Nessesary evil as far as I am concerned.

        My father (who has been a car dealer for the past 50 years), thought about buying a Nissan Leaf, but balked when he realised the damn thing wouldnt get from NP to Te Kuiti before going flat. Plus fast charging apparently shortens battery life.

        • Naki man 9.1.2.1
          7 September 2019 at 10:04 pm

          Why is the government trying to stop drilling if we still need the "black stuff"?

          • aom 9.1.2.1.1
            7 September 2019 at 11:13 pm

            So we have some when the rest of the world runs dry because Venezuela and Iran demand a high bounty?

          • millsy 9.1.2.1.2
            8 September 2019 at 10:57 pm

            The Americans, Canadians and Australians are sucking it all up, and keeping the profits for themselves. Hopefully when we start opening up drilling again, there will be a new set up which will spread the proceeds more fairly. Like they do in Turkmenistan.

        • dv 9.1.2.2
          8 September 2019 at 8:47 am

          Re trip NP to Te Kuiti – there are chargers at Mokau, 80k up the road. So he could do the trip with out going flat. The hills could be an issue, but regeneration gets much of the energy back used going up when going down. Battery life is at least 15 years.

          There is a different mindset to going electric, and bit of planning and getting used to. But 3 cents fish a Km is a nice incentive.

          • Naki man 9.1.2.2.1
            8 September 2019 at 11:11 am

            Do you have a link for 15 year battery life?

            • Andre 9.1.2.2.1.1
              8 September 2019 at 11:23 am

              Here's a piece looking at Tesla battery life.

              https://www.thestreet.com/technology/tesla-battery-degradation-14575199

              As I understand it, Nissan has a problem with battery degradation because they went cheap and didn't include any thermal management in the battery pack, and allow the battery to charge and discharge closer to the theoretical limits of the battery. The temperature, charging, and discharge extremes all stress the battery and contribute to faster degradation.

              As far as I know, all the other current big manufacturers include thermal management in their battery packs and are more conservative in their charge/discharge limits, and thereby get much better battery longevity.

    • mauī 9.2
      7 September 2019 at 6:15 pm

      Oh and I suppose we can replace all our bitumen roads with electricity too!

      Not to mention that without the use of diesel freight trucks our current economic system would cease to exist.

      Renewable energy sources and electric vehicle cost is reliant on the price of fossil fuels too.

      • Molly 9.2.1
        9 September 2019 at 7:40 am

        Europe is already trialling electric truck and traler units ib the road. Mercedes and Renault are two that IIam aware of

        https://www.electrive.com/2018/06/27/renault-presents-complete-electric-truck-range/

        https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/vehicles/trucks/eactros-heavy-duty-electric-truck/

        • mauī 9.2.1.1
          9 September 2019 at 9:23 am

          I've looked up the Mercedes eActros and it can carry a weight of 12 tonnes and has a range of 200km, so it could get from Wellington to Palmy before it would need a full re-charge and a rather long nap.

          I don't know that much about trucking… but I think a heavy diesel truck and trailer unit (that are critical in getting goods around the country) can carry lets say 30 tonnes, 2.5 times as much as the eActros and doesn't have an issue with range.

          • Molly 9.2.1.1.1
            9 September 2019 at 12:25 pm

            My partner works in a transport company. They are currently awaiting their first hybrid trucks, and hope to be looking at 30 tonne trucks with 200-300k range, when they are commercially available. I'll have to check with him to see who they are in communication with, if it is not a big secret.

            They do coordinate with rail as much as possible though, and try to work with clients to ensure backloads to reduce both fossil fuel costs and costs to customers.

            My partner has also been driving an electric vehicle for the last three years, and has recently been upgraded to a 40kW model, which reduces the range anxiety. But TBH, he managed the shorter range with a different style of driving and awareness. It all depends on how important you think the reliance on fossil fuels is, and I guess the importance of what is being transported, for the development of these vehicles to become commercially viable.

            In terms of air quality though, the reduction of emissions in urban areas by the use of the current generation of trucks would be an added benefit.

            (Posted the original comment from an unfamiliar phone, and just took the first two Google responses for a couple of firms I could remember. I’m not sure who is leading the way in this regard.)

            • Molly 9.2.1.1.1.1
              9 September 2019 at 12:40 pm

              On a better device (for me…) now.

              Daimler is trialling a 80,000 lb (36 ton) truck with a loaded range of 250 miles
              (400 km).

              Actually, there is quite a bit of news that has come out in the last couple of months if you don't restrict yourself to my initial limited links.

            • Andre 9.2.1.1.1.2
              9 September 2019 at 12:53 pm

              A piece on the Tesla semi you may be interested in …

              https://cleantechnica.com/2019/09/01/how-much-does-the-tesla-semi-weigh/

              Apparently Tesla have been using their prototypes to haul battery packs from their Reno, Nevada battery factory up over the hill and down the other side to their car-building factory near San Francisco. They’d give them quite a workout potentially starting in temps above 40C, climbing the hill up into snow …

  10. Ad 10
    7 September 2019 at 4:28 pm

    92-7 against Tonga is no good for the growth of the game of Rugby worldwide, particularly not two weeks' out from the World Cup.

  12. adam 12
    7 September 2019 at 4:53 pm

    If you have an hour, this worth a listern – I know it's a video – but really it's podcast.( I was washing the dishes listerning) Katie Halper and Matt Taibi work really well together.

    The interview kicks in at the 34 minute mark, if your interested in Jimmy Dore. Really good interview.



  13. joe90 13
    7 September 2019 at 8:14 pm

    Rock and Roll will live forever…but hoo boy…lottsa sad ahead…

    Behold the killing fields that lie before us: Bob Dylan (78 years old); Paul McCartney (77); Paul Simon (77) and Art Garfunkel (77); Carole King (77); Brian Wilson (77); Mick Jagger (76) and Keith Richards (75); Joni Mitchell (75); Jimmy Page (75) and Robert Plant (71); Ray Davies (75); Roger Daltrey (75) and Pete Townshend (74); Roger Waters (75) and David Gilmour (73); Rod Stewart (74); Eric Clapton (74); Debbie Harry (74); Neil Young (73); Van Morrison (73); Bryan Ferry (73); Elton John (72); Don Henley (72); James Taylor (71); Jackson Browne (70); Billy Joel (70); and Bruce Springsteen (69, but turning 70 next month).

    https://theweek.com/articles/861750/coming-death-just-about-every-rock-legend

  14. joe90 14
    7 September 2019 at 9:10 pm

    So, ACDC's Ride On hook/riff was ripped.

  15. sumsuch 15
    8 September 2019 at 12:55 am

    I have complaints about all 3 Left blogs I comment on, expect that's called human, them and me. We have a soft spot for right-knowing leaders. But less so than the Right? Adulthood is really recommended to us under our covenant. Maybe that's why I don't like it. But all the fucken foolish arrogant fools who forwarded demo-cracy. Who would willingly, without that nature, go into the politics soup.

  16. Eco maori 16
    9 September 2019 at 8:39 am

    Kia Ora Newshub.

    Te Reo week Ka pai its great to see Tangata Whenua O Aotearoa Culture and Te Reo reflect on positively.

    I remember the days of past taking a bank book to school banking @50 a week maybe we should bring it back.

    It baffles me why one of the most or thee most important phenomenon in Tangata lives is NOT Taught in schools Money and Taxes budgeting compound interest. I say that the money men have had to much influence on policy that is the main reason why budgeting skills are not taught in Primary schools.

    I think the Aims Games should be fine in the Tauranga region as its quite a wealth region I have driven all over Tauranga I have not seen to much poverty there.

    I agree Amanda don't give racist people the air time it will empower them.

    That's is awesome Auckland Grammars 2 years of compulsory Te Wiki O Te Reo Maori Ka pai Yes our Maori Culture is receiving a lot of interest of late.

    I agree its best to let people know that they are pronounceing a name /word wrong than crittersize them behind their backs most don't know they are pronounceing it wrong.

    I got vaxcernated at school bring it back school immunisation.

    Ka kite Ano

    • Eco maori 16.1
      9 September 2019 at 6:50 pm

      Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.

      Condolences to Te Poroa Melcom whanau.

      Ka pai to all the Tangata Whenua who were celebrating Te reo o wiki. With Te reo week starting today. Yes it is a beautiful language.

      There you go Jacinda tau toko Te reo Maori Language.

      Great to see all the tamariki tau toko there language kia ora

      Taika Jojo rabbits will have all the tamariki getting a sore face

      Rachel I seen your m8 Debra on a show about a merturnity hospital it was humerus . Ka kite Ano

  17. Eco maori 17
    9 September 2019 at 2:45 pm

    Some Eco Maori Music For The Minute

    https://youtu.be/aqCSNH5gxKY

  18. Eco maori 18
    9 September 2019 at 6:26 pm

    Kia Ora Newshub.

    That's is cool that Jack meet with Jacinda to discuss ways to stop haters using that platform to get support from others muppets.

    Te reo Maori needs to be taught to Maori tamariki and Our factual history needs to be taught to all tamariki.

    That' would be nice.

    The big company's just stuff the subbies up when they go broke withoout paying them. They probably have money hidden in a tax havens. That is why they love sub contractors they can hire and fire at will and limit their liability on the contract.

    Dorain is causing chaos in Canada now I haven't seen such a power Tawhirimate.

    Skyway is a big con play on people' in needs emotional wants of wealth if you fall for this con with all the bad publicity Skyway is getting than your a fool.

    Ka kite Ano