Open mike 07/06/2016

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1. Ad 1

   7 June 2016 at 8:46 am

   BNZ Bank economist Tony Alexander, shoring himself up with a bank-selected sample of 500 people, decides that most people really like the housing crisis because high prices make people rich. In case you forget about where he stands on the spectrum, here’s what he has to say about the current housing stories:

   “No bemoaning the winners and losers. No whinging about how the world should be fairies and fluffy pink unicorns.”

   I’ve always wondered why you found fairies coming out from under bridges and fluffy pink unicorns coming out of forests: it’s where they have to sleep.

   http://www.odt.co.nz/news/business/385876/house-price-rise-pleases-many

   Mr Alexander outlined 18 things that were happening in the country’s housing market including:
   – Strong population growth was exceeding housing supply;
   – interest rates were at a record low; people were living longer;
   – older people were splitting up and needing two houses;
   – the population was ageing, requiring more houses as bedrooms sat empty;
   – council rules made building a new house expensive;
   – Kiwis like expensive bespoke houses rather than little boxes on a hillsides;
   – Kiwis seemed to suck at building houses which passed inspections and did not leak;
   – there was a shortage of skilled trades people needed to build extra houses;
   – few people seriously believed the Government and the Reserve Bank had the tools to flatten house prices, let alone cause them to correct to more “affordable” levels;
   – and Auckland was changing from looking like many Invercargills in one place to being a globally connected world city.

   And we wonder why four Australian banks are running New Zealand’s housing policy.
   • TC 1.1

     7 June 2016 at 9:50 am

     So he blames ‘kiwis’ for leaky homes rather than the national party and its headless deregulation.

     I counted 4 blocks of apartments in 3 streets close to where I stayed in just one akl inner suburb a few months back. All being repaired, probably ineffectively, keeping tradies from new builds.

     The blighted future.
     • aerobubble 1.1.1

       7 June 2016 at 1:46 pm

       We dont have the tradies to build, the land, geez, Auckland is an isthmus its boaties and pier builders we need. Along with public transit from hunty to s.auckland, hill suburbs to feed employers workers. It aint about Auckland they’ve taken themselves off the table.
     • mauī 1.1.2

       7 June 2016 at 2:07 pm

       Was talking to a national voter recently and they were convinced that it was the green influence on the building trade that had I assume stopped the proper treatment of timber. There wasn’t much point arguing, but I was definitely thinking what the hell.
       • framu 1.1.2.1

         7 June 2016 at 2:49 pm

         ive seen the same comment online – the claim that leaky homes was due to the greens forcing builders to use untreated pine for framing

         who knew what power the greens wielded, to force such compliance when not even in govt

         no need to argue – just ask how that happened – get them to explain it
         • whateva next? 1.1.2.1.1

           7 June 2016 at 5:30 pm

           Not very sustainable, and not in keeping with what Green Party stands for, I would be surprised if this were true?
   • greywarshark 1.2

     7 June 2016 at 10:38 am

     Alexander speaks for all the simple-minded or callous bastards out there.
     • marty mars 1.2.1

       7 June 2016 at 10:42 am

       +1 they can all go to hell
       • greywarshark 1.2.1.1

         7 June 2016 at 3:26 pm

         And from Alexander’s Flagtime Band above –

         to being a globally connected world city.

         That’s what it’s all about for the leaders and elites. So the dickheads can strut around with their chests out being all urbane and soofisticated, showing off how modern and upmarket NZ is. Trying to have the lifestyle of an advanced developed society that joined the industrial age, and then moved into the electronic age, while we down here are moving back to the emerald jewel of grass and agriculture that my business tutor said has never in the world given a first world standard of living.

         But flashy ostentatious expenditure is all the NZ nobs care about. They move towards an Irish solution where the greedy, callous English speaking overlords, denied the right of the native Irish citizens to own their land and to grow their own food. The British only thought hard when having to find a believable excuse for the country people starving, like paupers.
         And we’ve got some NZs cut from the same cloth here. We are globally connected by electronics that serve some people well, but also that are used to degrade other people’s lives and humanity.
2. RTM 2

   7 June 2016 at 8:59 am

   A report on the ongoing battle between progressive reform and theocratic reaction in the Kingdom of Tonga: http://eyecontactsite.com/2016/06/art-in-a-weimar-kingdom
3. Chooky 3

   7 June 2016 at 9:23 am

   Revolution in the Catholic Church?…Time for a Woman Pope!

   ‘Holy toke: Weed-growing ‘nuns’ defy California town’s cannabis cultivation ban’

   https://www.rt.com/viral/345618-california-nuns-cannabis-cultivation/

   …“This ban does not apply to us and so we’ve been operating straight through it,” they told RT.

   Sister Darcey and Sister Kate have been growing marijuana and creating cannabidiol (CBD)-infused products for three years…

   They claim their marijuana has low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which gives the ‘high’ effect associated with marijuana.

   “Our medicine is medicine, and it is non-psychoactive,” they explained. “We’re dealing with what is actually hemp but really we advocate for whole plant legalization.”

   However, the ‘nuns’ are not the traditionally religious kind but rather ‘spiritual’.

   They follow their own ‘holy trinity’ which includes honoring mother earth, honoring the people through making medicine and healing, and their progressive activism.

   The nuns dedicate a portion of their week to “the good fight” for the poor people around them…

   In states where medical marijuana is legal, there has been a 25 percent drop in painkiller related deaths, according to a 2015 study by University of Pennsylvania and John Hopkins researchers in JAMA Internal Medicine journal.”
   • adam 3.1

     7 June 2016 at 1:15 pm

     Not sure they can be called part of the Catholic establishment, but this guy is and he wrote a very balanced letter in support of the law change in Iowa.

     http://www.catholicsun.org/2016/04/28/iowa-bishop-supports-medical-marijuana-bill-in-letter-to-lawmakers/

     As for a women Pope the lst time we had one of those, it did not end well. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Joan
     • Chooky 3.1.1

       7 June 2016 at 6:58 pm

       wow I didnt know about Pope Joan
4. Gangnam Style 4

   7 June 2016 at 9:40 am

   “Ministry of Justice refusing to release _any_ docs relating to long-delay, or lobbying over, anti money-laundering policy. To the Ombudsman!” – Matt Nippert via Twitter

   “quick, Collins went to that anti-corruption conference, get her to pop down and explain why this is a bad look.” – Dovil ibid
   • save nz 4.1

     7 June 2016 at 2:03 pm

     Shocking, but unsurprising. Collins would have been lobbying for increased money laundering and decreased anti corruption measures!
5. greywarshark 5

   7 June 2016 at 10:57 am

   Very good interview this a.m. on whistleblowers in USA referring to Snowden, but mainly all the others who have been damaged in trying to follow the principles of integrity to the law and fairness of the legal and constitutional system there. On Radionz with Kathryn Ryan.

   Photo- The front cover of Mark Hertsgaard’s book Bravehearts: Whistle Blowing In The Age Of Snowden. It features a large photo of Edward Snowden
   10:05 The NSA whistleblower protector who blew the whistle himself
   John Crane was a senior Defence Department official responsible for protecting whistleblowers at the NSA but he ended up blowing the whistle himself after seeing his colleagues betray the whistleblowers they were supposed to protect. His claims are outlined in a new book – Bravehearts: Whistle Blowing In The Age Of Snowden by Mark Hertsgaard.
   http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/201803529

   Also your privacy – http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/201803526 13.15m.
   Radio NZ today, 7 June 9:25 Sorting your digital footprint before you die
   One of the growing existential questions of our time is “what happens to my digital footprint when I die?” With many people doing their banking, insurance and other financial business online as well as engagement on social media platforms, what are the legal protocols for ensuring they are shut down or – if you want – accessible to your loved ones?

   A forum set up by Internet New Zealand in Wellington this Thursday will feature experts to answer such questions. The event is being hosted by the Deputy CEO of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network, Narelle Clark.

   Next week –
   Listen out on 10:05 am Tuesday 14 June: Luke Williams interview.
   Background on the meth drug habit, book Ice Age by Australian author.
   Luke Williams was a freelance journalist researching addiction to crystallised methamphetamine (commonly known as crystal meth or ice) when the worst possible thing happened – he became addicted himself. Over the next three months, he was seduced by the drug and descended into psychosis.
   He talks to Kathryn Ryan about his recovery from the drug, and his investigation into its history, manufacture and his first hand experience of the effects on users, families and the healthcare system. He’s written a book called Ice Age.
   http://scribepublications.com.au/books-authors/books/the-ice-age/.
   edited
6. Robert Guyton 6

   7 June 2016 at 11:20 am

   With the sun streaming through the windows this morning, I’m making cider from the apple juice we pressed from our apples last weekend; Bramley’s Seedling, Kentish Fillbasket, Merton Russett and Belle de Boskoop. Having bottled the previous batch, including a fine perry, I’ve refilled those demijohns and set them a’bubbling on the kitchen table. Now, I’m off to collect fallen hazelnuts from which I’m planning to grow several hundred hazels for planting out in the commons around my village. Have a productive day, all!
   • Kevin 6.1

     7 June 2016 at 1:07 pm

     Or instead of turning your area into little England, you could plant natives to attract more native birds.
     • Robert Guyton 6.1.1

       7 June 2016 at 1:21 pm

       “Little England” – cute.
       My forest garden is a combination of indigenous and exotic trees, shrubs, vines, annuals, biennials and perennials, all growing as a constructed-but-naturalistic whole. I’ve kotukutuku, kowhai, tataramoa, kohuhu, tarata, hoheria, horoeka etc. etc. most of which feed the birds at various times of the year, as do the plum, apples, pear and apricot trees, invaders all. Around the town, I’ve guerilla-planted ti kouka, harakeke, toetoe, korokia etc. in significant numbers, especially on the wetland reserve, Te Wai Korari, that I negotiated the purchase of 15 years ago; the ‘flax wetland’ being the most significant on the estuary, with it’s waterways for galaxids, etc. Against the backdrop of all these natives, I’m planting trees that produce fruit and nuts for humans to eat, believing as I do, that it’s important to prepare communities for climate change and food shortages, even though they might not be aware of that probable eventuality. Hazelnuts are good food, the trees make great nesting sites for grey warbler, fantail, tui and bellbird alike. Their branches make good fences also, and are provided free to whomever might want to fashion them into something stock-proof. As is done in Little England.
       • greywarshark 6.1.1.1

         7 June 2016 at 3:36 pm

         That deals with Kevin. I feel that you can fend off all comers Robert G.. Arent they puerile.

         It shows what an advantage full employment would be as everyone would be too busy doing something that somebody needed or wanted to buy.

         And the oldies would be choosing some useful volunteer work from what the community thought needed doing and having less time to make trouble and acidic remarks as I am just doing! I have met some very patronising and acidic remarks from the retired over the years and feel it isn’t paying back or forward to society for the stable safety net we are provided still.
       • weston 6.1.1.2

         7 June 2016 at 7:09 pm

         good on you RG .Well done sounds like you are a bonus to your community
   • Sabine 6.2

     7 June 2016 at 7:09 pm

     you share seeds?
     • Robert Guyton 6.2.1

       7 June 2016 at 8:55 pm

       Thanks all. We operate a seed saving network, presently being refreshed but if you want to know more, try: office@sces.org.nz Now though, is cuttings time, as well as getting nuts into the soil (sorry, Kev).
7. Puckish Rogue 7

   7 June 2016 at 11:21 am

   A good performance from James Shaw this morning, talking about cleaning the rivers. Usually someone from the left will be all doom and gloom and worst case scenario in an attempt to “shock” the people into action

   Instead Mr Shaw said that the rivers could be saved and then instead of umming and ahhing and trying to minimise the cost he instead agreed it would cost billions

   NZers will appreciate that, a good interview for Mr Shaw
   • Robert Guyton 7.1

     7 June 2016 at 11:35 am

     Wouldn’t have cost anything, if the NZers had listened to people like Mr Shaw long ago. Mike Joy, whose messages you might describe as “doom and gloom” has been telling the truth for many years now. Do you think NZers have appreciated his efforts?
     • Puckish Rogue 7.1.1

       7 June 2016 at 11:50 am

       Its more that Kiwis respond better to positivity then negativity, especially when whats being said doesn’t marry up with their own experiences

       As I say I think Mr Shaw did well especially in not prevaricating when it came to the potential costs involved.

       I think this type of performance (positive, matter of fact) will be a vote gainer for the Greens
       • weka 7.1.1.1

         7 June 2016 at 12:03 pm

         The Greens have been doing positive messages for a long time. Perhaps it’s that Shaw looks like someone you trust that you listen to him differently.
         • Robert Guyton 7.1.1.1.1

           7 June 2016 at 12:08 pm

           I think PR is using his ‘positive’ comment to focus on the ‘billions needed’ aspect of the issue. I think he’s being duplicitous. I think PR is white anting.
           🙂
           • Puckish Rogue 7.1.1.1.1.1

             7 June 2016 at 12:22 pm

             Nope not at all. If he’d said something like it won’t cost much then whatever he’d said would be ignored because the people of NZ know it’d cost a lot

             James Shaw is basically telling NZ what we already know and, if the Greens keep this type of communication up, they’ll be rewarded in the polls

             Its good politics from the Greens
         • Puckish Rogue 7.1.1.1.2

           7 June 2016 at 12:09 pm

           The Greens and the left in general (mostly Labour to be fair) are all about how bad this country is in an attempt to change the government, you may well be right but its the first time hes said something, in a way I agree with
           • Robert Guyton 7.1.1.1.2.1

             7 June 2016 at 12:49 pm

             Mike Joy, Puckish – heard of him? What are your thoughts about his message and what do you think about the treatment he receives from the likes of Mr Key?
             • Puckish Rogue …

               7 June 2016 at 1:01 pm

               No sorry, I had to google the guy to see who he is
               • Robert Guyton …

                 7 June 2016 at 3:44 pm

                 Had to Google the guy, Puckish?

                 Does your rock have a mail-slot? I’d like to send you some material from the real world.
           • weka 7.1.1.1.2.2

             7 June 2016 at 1:02 pm

             So how did it come across from Turei?
             • Puckish Rogue …

               7 June 2016 at 1:47 pm

               I switch off when shes talking
               • greywarshark …

                 7 June 2016 at 3:44 pm

                 Funny in a sad way. PR hasn’t heard of Mike Joy. No joy there.
                 And Metiria Turei – he switches off when she’s talking.

                 And this man I feel sure, has the gall to come on here and offer us his views as if they have any relevance or value. Fatheads we have by the thousand in NZ. Or hundreds of thousands. It must have been all that milk and meat. It has built calcium, and…of course that’s the result, boneheads not fatheads. I was wrong before. But I think I’ve nailed it now.
               • Robert Guyton …

                 7 June 2016 at 3:52 pm

                 “I switch off when shes talking”

                 You’ve not heard what she has to say then?
                 Not planning to comment on her views then, I hope.
                 So, you’ve not heard Mike Joy’s views, nor Metiria’s.. who do you get your information from? Have you a view on environmental issues? From whom did you gather that, I wonder? (Tempted to say, “Rodney Hide?” but that would be nothing more than provocation and you have become much more interesting to talk to these days).
               • weka …

                 7 June 2016 at 4:18 pm

                 Right. So it’s not about what is being said, it’s who’s saying it. Shaw looks like someone you would listen to.
         • Once was Tim 7.1.1.1.3

           7 June 2016 at 1:14 pm

           More likely he’s taken his morning’s instructions from Paul Henry.
           Probably even drinks from the mug
   • Bearded Git 7.2

     7 June 2016 at 2:46 pm

     2 billion over 20 years is 100 million a year. Entirely affordable, especially if the top rate of tax goes to 39%.

     The work cleaning up the capitalist’s mess will generate employment and income and probably scientific knowledge all of this retained within NZ.
     • McFlock 7.2.1

       7 June 2016 at 3:50 pm

       lol

       How did I know PR was staying vague for a reason… “cost billions”. 🙄
8. Penny Bright 8

   7 June 2016 at 11:57 am

   Who is pushing this National Policy Statement for Urban Development?

   (Which will mean, according to PM John Key, that Aucklanders will not have the ‘last say regarding Auckland development?)

   Surprise surprise!

   The NZ Property Council …

   http://www.propertynz.co.nz/media/wysiwyg/pdf/NPS_on_Urban_Development_Submission.pdf

   (Pg 7)

   “.. The Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan, currently going through the last stages of the Independent Hearing Panel process is a testament to this new approach.

   However, as history shows the vocal minority NIMBYs who often employ a build absolutely nothing anywhere near anything approach to their land use planning thinking can compromise the planning process.

   Auckland saw this as Auckland councillors in 2013 folded to pressure from these groups in relation to the Notified Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan.

   The density targets of the Auckland Plan were compromised by watered down density zoning and a number of overlays in the Notified Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan ..”

   What is ‘local’ about local government in this (forced( Auckland ‘Superciry’ – with it’s ‘democracy for developers’ and DICTATORSHIP for citizens?

   Want to stand up and be counted and let PM John Key know that you will not be run by developers and corporates – from Wellington?

   SAVE AUCKLAND – MARCH FOR DEMOCRACY !

   WHEN: Saturday 11 June 2016.
   WHERE: Britomart to the Auckland Town Hall.
   TIME: Assemble 12 noon at Britomart.

   March supported by It’s Our Future (Auckland), The Westmere Heritage Protection Association, The Housing Lobby.

   2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate Penny Bright.
9. Robert Guyton 9

   7 June 2016 at 11:59 am

   Yes, PR, positiveness is attractive to voters. I like it when it’s genuine, rather than manipulative and relies on misleading, seen with such claims as, “We’re on the cusp of something special”, or “brighter future” – that sort of saccharine puff is unhealthy. We hear it a lot these days. Mr Shaw will balance his positive statements with as much truth as can be comfortably absorbed by his audiences, I hope, while at the same time retaining his integrity. Other leaders have failed spectacularly to do this.
   • Puckish Rogue 9.1

     7 June 2016 at 12:05 pm

     It maybe the blueprint for the Greens they desperately need, pick a subject or two that resonate with the general public (dirty rivers), be positive (they can be saved), don’t shy away from the realities(it will cost plenty) and propose a solution

     Be positive and tell the truth…its revolutionary!
     • weka 9.1.1

       7 June 2016 at 1:04 pm

       lolz, that’s pretty much been GP strategy for ages. Glad you are getting on board PR, there is hope yet.
       • Puckish Rogue 9.1.1.1

         7 June 2016 at 1:21 pm

         Yes maybe but what I’m saying is you have an issue most NZers can get behind and understand, spoken truthfully and positively about

         That hasn’t always been the case
         • weka 9.1.1.1.1

           7 June 2016 at 9:07 pm

           The Greens have been campaigning on clean water for ages. How did you miss that?
10. Robert Guyton 10

    7 June 2016 at 12:11 pm

    It might seem that way to you, PR, but you’ve not been paying attention. As just one example, the Greens have had their “Good Farm Stories” up and running for a long time now. In any case, if your epiphany is genuine, I congratulate you on it.
    • Puckish Rogue 10.1

      7 June 2016 at 12:31 pm

      Yeah but to see it you have to go to their web site so I and most people won’t know its there

      I don’t know if this is an attempt by James Shaw to:

      Increase his spotlight since hes being shunted to the side by his co-leader

      Shoring up his support post 2017 election

      Trying to take votes off National

      Trying to take votes off Labour

      but I do believe that the message and the way hes saying it is a good way of putting it (good meaning getting votes of course)
      • McFlock 10.1.1

        7 June 2016 at 3:55 pm

        aaaaand the plot thickens: now, a simple interview about cleaning up our waterways, perfectly in accordance with Green policy, has become an offensive move in ructions within the green party as well as lab/grn conflict.

        PR’s “positivity” is simply the crocodile’s smile, and his concern is a reptilian tear.
        • weka 10.1.1.1

          7 June 2016 at 9:09 pm

          lol, I saw that too. Poor PR, far too predictable, they can’t be paying him enough.
11. Robert Guyton 11

    7 June 2016 at 12:46 pm

    So, you don’t think James’ statement on rivers is his genuine view? It’s just some form of “attempt” to gain political ground?
    Jaded, PR, you are.
    • Puckish Rogue 11.1

      7 June 2016 at 1:05 pm

      It very probably is and I very probably am
12. Paul 12

    7 June 2016 at 12:46 pm

    Has the Herald woken up (at last) to our precarious economy??

    ‘Nation of Debt: New Zealand sitting on half-trillion-dollar debt bomb
    New Zealand is sitting on a half-a-trillion-dollar debt bomb and Kiwis are increasingly treating their houses like cash machines, piling on the debt as they watch the value of their properties soar.
    Reserve Bank figures show household debt, excluding investment property, has risen 23 per cent in the past five years to $163.4 billion. Incomes have risen only 11.5 per cent.
    Households are now carrying a debt level that is equivalent to 162 per cent of their annual disposable income – higher than the level reached before the global financial crisis.’

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/personal-finance/news/article.cfm?c_id=12&objectid=11651648
    • dv 12.1

      7 June 2016 at 1:11 pm

      Am I right that that is about $90,000 for each person in NZ?
    • save nz 12.2

      7 June 2016 at 1:58 pm

      Yes, but I noticed Granny did not bother to mention the government racking up billions of Debt for tax cuts and infrastructure for their migration experiments.

      The economists and MSM rant on about private debt but when the government does it – not a murmur. Some economists!!!
13. Sirenia 13

    7 June 2016 at 1:04 pm

    How we treat vulnerable people in NZ.
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11650165
14. Ad 14

    7 June 2016 at 1:34 pm

    And finally, Hillary Clinton gets the numbers to clinch the Democratic Presidential nomination, even before New Jersey and California primaries:

    http://bigstory.ap.org/779b7012af24446289623a968926ec04

    Whew!

    Hopefully Sanders leaves Stage Right as gracefully as Cruz did on the other side.
    • joe90 14.1

      7 June 2016 at 1:53 pm

      Nope.

      Lisa Lerer Verified account
      ‏@llerer

      Sanders responds to @AP call: Clinton doesn’t have the pledged delegates. Supers don’t count until the convention so it’s still on.

      https://twitter.com/llerer/status/739979345708634112
      • te reo putake 14.1.1

        7 June 2016 at 2:07 pm

        None of the delegates, super or less than super, count until the convention.
        • adam 14.1.1.1

          7 June 2016 at 2:54 pm

          27th of July, me thinks is the date for super delegates
        • joe90 14.1.1.2

          7 June 2016 at 3:06 pm

          Weird and wonderful.

          Parker Molloy Verified account
          ‏@ParkerMolloy

          “But superdelegates don’t vote until July.”

          Well, the electoral college won’t vote until December 19, but we call it in November.

          https://twitter.com/ParkerMolloy/status/739979362166935556
    • adam 14.2

      7 June 2016 at 2:58 pm

      Are you calling what looks like a major mess in Puerto Rico the victory Hillary Rodam Clinton needed to win? And are you including super delegates?

      I’d also say your link is Bullshit. Insiders, and hearsay.
    • Tony Veitch (not the partner-bashing 3rd rate broadcaster) 14.3

      7 June 2016 at 4:02 pm

      It ain’t over yet!

      For my sins, I was watching some Fox News snippets on YouTube and heard a sort of throw away line that Bernie’s wife had hinted that the Democratic Convention would be contested because something would happen to upset the balance before then!

      A reference to a possible indictment of HRC???
15. save nz 15

    7 June 2016 at 1:45 pm

    Worth watching.

    http://www.newshub.co.nz/entertainment/john-oliver-buys-22-million-in-debt-forgives-it-all-2016060708?ref=newshubFB
16. save nz 16

    7 June 2016 at 1:49 pm

    Anti TPPA meeting We need to stop the TPPA, but now there’s a new threat, and the negotiations are coming to Auckland next week!
    While the TPPA is in deep trouble in the US, negotiations are continuing on its parallel agreement – the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), being pushed by China. Come to hear all about the RCEP, the latest on TPPA and how we can say no!

    Friday, June 17 at 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    St Matthew-in-the-City (187 Federal St) (Corner of Wellesley and Hobson Sts)
17. adam 17

    7 June 2016 at 1:51 pm

    Think corruption, only 3.5% of voters voted in democratic primary in Puerto Rico. Down from 700,000. The DNC, has a fix in.
    • ianmac 17.1

      7 June 2016 at 3:59 pm

      What is baffling is that this could happen in a country which even goes to war (Iraq), in order to bring a sterling USA form democracy to ignorant people. How did Bush get a second term as President when the Election was rigged? Who has the power to correct the wrongs?
      It should wake up New Zealanders to the preciousness of our honest credible voting system – before it gets stolen from us.
      • Ad 17.1.1

        7 June 2016 at 4:02 pm

        Remember Gore? Hanging chads?
        Hanging Chads ain’t nothing on how LBJ got to power.

        Full spectacularly ugly story in Anthony Caro’s magisterial Means of Ascent.

        This an’t tiddlywinks.
        • ianmac 17.1.1.1

          7 June 2016 at 4:11 pm

          After the Bush re-election there was an enquiry of sorts and 100s of thousands of uncounted votes were discovered chucked in a store room.
          There were hundreds of cases of votes cast by phantom voters, for Bush, and oddities where in a poling booth there were hundreds of votes all voting for Bush where usually there are a mixture of votes.
          The enquiry was abandoned because by then Bush had been sworn in.
          Democratic USA? Huh!
          • Ad 17.1.1.1.1

            7 June 2016 at 4:57 pm

            When the two candidates go head to head, then we will really see the full ugliness begin – as we haven’t seen for many decades.

            Shades of O Brother Where Art Thou.
    • Chooky 17.2

      7 June 2016 at 7:05 pm

      Lets hope Bernie still squeaks in…otherwise there is going to be blood on the mat between Clinton and Trump…and the winner will be scarey . Bernie could also save us from the TPP

      ‘Bernie: It will be a contested convention’

      https://www.rt.com/shows/big-picture/345646-tpp-racist-rant-bernie/

      “Tonight’s Progressive Roundtable discusses Bernie’s final push in California, whether Hillary would consider having Elizabeth Warren as her running mate, and how the media has prevented any real discussion on the TPP.

      Thom talks Trump’s latest racist rant and Bernie’s next move with the Nation’s Katrina vanden Heuvel and in tonight’s Daily Take Thom discusses how Bernie Sanders’ role in writing the official party platform at this year’s Democratic Convention could save us from the TPP.”
18. save nz 18

    7 June 2016 at 2:41 pm

    Hate to link to Granny but this is sad.

    Autistic man locked in isolation for five years: ‘He’s had everything stripped from him’

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11648771
19. save nz 19

    7 June 2016 at 4:25 pm

    Closing in on EU Financial Tax Victory
    Posted on June 1, 2016 by David Hillman
    The international campaign for taxes on financial speculation is on the brink of a major European milestone that could further boost momentum in the United States.

    http://inequality.org/closing-eu-financial-tax-victory/
20. fisiani 20

    7 June 2016 at 6:30 pm

    ON TV1 Lab +Greens = just 41% . To get to form a government they need 50%. Thus they need a ( 9/41 x 100) a whopping 21.95% vote rise on current polling. Formidable challenge when already they cannot agree on deep sea drilling and immigration.
    • mauī 20.1

      7 June 2016 at 6:39 pm

      They can agree on a lot more than National and NZF can.
    • Paul 20.2

      7 June 2016 at 6:41 pm

      48% is not 50% when you have no mates.

      https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/poll-boost-labour-and-greens-pairing-but-andrew-little-shouldnt-celebrating?autoPlay=4929742655001
    • Bearded Git 20.3

      7 June 2016 at 8:38 pm

      Key 39%-still below 40. He has lost that sheen, that teflon, and that was what was carrying the Nats.

      29+12+9=goodbye John. And this poll was mostly after the earlier negative reporting of the Lab/Gr MOU. Later reporting has been much more positive.
    • Puddleglum 20.4

      7 June 2016 at 9:14 pm

      An interesting analysis in the Colmar Brunton report on the poll between their pre- and post-MOU signing sampling.

      See here: https://twitter.com/Puddleglum11/status/740101936939044868
      • te reo putake 20.4.1

        7 June 2016 at 9:26 pm

        That’s gold, Puddleglum!

        From the commentary:

        Following the announcement of the Labour and Green Party Memorandum of Understanding, support for the Labour Party increased significantly, from 26% to 31%, and support for New Zealand First decreased, from 11% to 7%.
        
        Kinda explains Winston’s instinctive realisation that he was in some kind of trouble.
        • Puddleglum 20.4.1.1

          7 June 2016 at 9:46 pm

          Yes, I thought it was interesting given the obituaries for Labour being written by some well-known commentators as a result of the MOU signing.

          Still, early days.
21. One Anonymous Bloke 21

    7 June 2016 at 6:37 pm

    Leaving aside the obvious possibility that your wife is cro-magnon right wing trash, just like you, stupidity afflicts the Swiss no more or less than anyone else.

    [derailment and subsequent bickering moved to Open Mike] – weka
    • Colonial Viper 21.1

      7 June 2016 at 6:46 pm

      Dude, wtf.
      • One Anonymous Bloke 21.1.1

        7 June 2016 at 7:11 pm

        Dude, are you still a member of the party you affect to despise?
        • weka 21.1.1.1

          7 June 2016 at 7:30 pm

          Can you two please take the personal stuff somewhere else?
          • Colonial Viper 21.1.1.1.1

            7 June 2016 at 8:02 pm

            Sure. Not here to mess up your post, which is good work weka. But I wasn’t going to let OAB just throw out a random attack on a commentator’s wife let alone his lacing it with racist overtones.
            • One Anonymous Bloke 21.1.1.1.1.1

              7 June 2016 at 8:59 pm

              “…racist overtones…”? No, there aren’t.
              • Colonial Viper …

                7 June 2016 at 9:05 pm

                You accused the guys wife of being a primitive sub human kind of primate.
                • One Anonymous Bloke …

                  7 June 2016 at 9:20 pm

                  In fact, sweet object of my derision and contempt, a wingnut used a “loved” one as political currency, so I entertained the possibility that she (like you) shares his afflictions.
                  • tinfoilhat …

                    7 June 2016 at 9:36 pm

                    Do you really have nothing to add to the conversation apart from mindless abuse ?
      • tinfoilhat 21.1.2

        7 June 2016 at 7:52 pm

        No wonder there are few new people commenting on this blog and fewer new females.
    • Infused 21.2

      7 June 2016 at 7:39 pm

      Yet your never banned for this shit.
      • weka 21.2.1

        7 June 2016 at 7:48 pm

        take it to open mike. Last warning folks.
      • One Anonymous Bloke 21.2.2

        7 June 2016 at 9:01 pm

        You don’t understand why. That’s not a question.
22. Naki man 22

    7 June 2016 at 7:35 pm

    So you didnt look at your link then Paul.
    Pretty dismal for Labour/Greens when Winston cant drag them over the line.

    [Learn to use the reply button, NM. And learn to count. 50 beats 48. TRP]
    • Naki man 22.1

      7 June 2016 at 9:28 pm

      Sorry about the reply button, when i watched the link i didnt notice that i lost the reply.
      National and their support partners= 61 seats.
      Labour/ Greens/ NZF= 61 seats
      There is nothing wrong with my counting.
      • te reo putake 22.1.1

        7 June 2016 at 9:46 pm

        Fair enough, Naki Man, except you assume the support parties will be returned. ACT almost certainly will, but that doesn’t really assist National much. The Maori Party and Peter Dunne are not looking quite so rosy at the moment. If neither make it, it’s 61-59. I wouldn’t entirely rule out National simply not standing in Ohariu, but that would look a bit desperate and may cost them much needed party votes. The MP just look stuffed at the moment, completely subsumed into the National government, without a voice of their own.
      • fisiani 22.1.2

        7 June 2016 at 10:56 pm

        There is no possibility of a Labour/Greens/NZF government. Winston will never play 3rd fiddle. A 22% rise in support for Greens/Labour is possible but unlikely, Far more likely is another slight rise in support for National. 49% is achievable. An MMP record score again but given the growing economy, wage, benefit and pension rises and the amazing Budget 2017 why would anyone take a risk on change. The growth in membership of National of people with Chinese sounding names is phenomenal.
23. John shears 23

    7 June 2016 at 10:40 pm

    This morning there was a comment posted which included a series of reasons for the housing crisis according to Tony Alexander including this pearl of wisdom (not)
    “the population was ageing, requiring more houses as bedrooms sat empty” he said.
    What planet is he on? older or aging people with any smarts are selling their houses and moving into retirement villages as my wife and I did nearly 3 years ago. Happy as “sand boys” no worries about rates, maintenance, lawns or when the bubble will burst and money in the bank even if the miserable bankers are paying peanut interest rates at present, plus the right to occupy for the rest of your life at a fixed rate per day.
    Nobody comments on this industry yet there are thousands of single and double units across New Zealand and more being built and planned it is a growth industry.

    We should be getting a bonus from Bill for helping him with the housing crisis by releasing houses without increasing the boundaries but his advisors are blind to the truth.
    BTW there is a house next door to our village that has been empty for about 7 months, go figure.

    ps Actually we are not sand boys ‘cos there are no cannons and no gunpowder here.
    p.s.s. What a boorish twit Puckish Rogue is , please just ignore his comments, he is a complete waste of space. IMLTHO

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