Open mike 08/04/2019

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, April 8th, 2019 - 123 comments
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123 comments on “Open mike 08/04/2019 ”

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  1. cleangreen 1
    8 April 2019 at 7:31 am

    Welcome back to ‘The Standard’ we missed you yesterday after about 1’30pm when the site was cut, but now now up again thanks to the folks at The Standard.

    Must have been some “house cleaning” that was gong on?

    • cleangreen 1.1
      8 April 2019 at 7:38 am

      Over on “the AM show’ I see that the last death throws coming from ‘dead man walking’ – ‘Simon Bridges’

      As he is beating his gums on the AM show today, complaining about the ‘Statistician not releasing the latest stats on our ‘happiness’.

      If he retired from politics we all perhaps then be far more full of ‘happiness’.

      • greywarshark 1.1.1
        8 April 2019 at 10:02 am

        cleangreen
        I read recently how in late WW2 the Allies were not sorry that Hitler was not killed in the attempted assassination by bomb. They knew him, understood his paranoia and obsessions, and were sure they could match any of his maneouvres, outthink him and eventually win over Germany. They didn’t want someone else with a clear head and new approach taking over and changing the style. Don’t wish Bridges gone,

        • cleangreen 1.1.1.1
          8 April 2019 at 10:10 am

          greywarshark.

          Good call there,

          Best keep Bridges in front of National as the ‘village idiot’ eh?

          • greywarshark 1.1.1.1.1
            8 April 2019 at 10:19 am

            Pardon me! He is not an idiot – he is a perfect example of a modern Right Wing Major-National.

            • cleangreen 1.1.1.1.1.1
              8 April 2019 at 10:31 am

              Ha ha.

            • McFlock 1.1.1.1.1.2
              8 April 2019 at 11:51 am

              He is the very model of a modern right-wing national
              his intellect is vegetable, integrity ephemeral,
              His caucus not dependable, their loyalties transferrable
              and prone to many scandals that are publicly relational
              [and prone to many scandals that are publicly relational]
              [and prone to many scandals that are publicly relational]
              [and prone to many scandals that are publicly relational]

              their internecine fighting has been eminently recordable
              their crises management is far from being laudable
              their efforts to deflect reporters now become most laughable
              and prone to many scandals that are publicly relational
              [and prone to many scandals that are publicly relational]
              [and prone to many scandals that are publicly relational]
              [and prone to many scandals that are publicly relational]

              • greywarshark …
                8 April 2019 at 1:15 pm

                Excellent McFlock – now write the rest of the soapy opera and you will have a hit. You will be as good as a rock star. It may produce a sellout from the Right, or not but one could hope.

    • te reo putake 1.2
      8 April 2019 at 8:18 am

      I’m tempted to suggest that it was a test of what the Standard would look like if we ever instituted a paywall model, but I understand it was actually something to do with flies in the server and Lprent had to get out the RAID.

      • greywarshark 1.2.1
        8 April 2019 at 10:03 am

        It wasn’t that naughty black cat pushing the red button then?

        • lprent 1.2.1.1
          8 April 2019 at 12:51 pm

          Nope.

          However I must post a photo of the cat proofing protection that the servers now have.

          • greywarshark 1.2.1.1.1
            8 April 2019 at 1:17 pm

            Perhaps we could enlarge the system, design it to control for rats instead, and put it round the Labour Coalition.

  2. Skunk Weed 2
    8 April 2019 at 7:46 am

    Bridges is a bit like a lost sheep these days, or a dog barking at car tyres, I am not sure which ?

    The Natzi’s appear to be vision less these days especially after the resignation of their fearless leader Hone Shonkey ?

    • cleangreen 2.1
      8 April 2019 at 9:06 am

      National should get radical and come out as a “champion strong advocate on climate change” .

      They can easily argue and suggest that we must restore our rail system as another ‘Land transport option’ for freight and passenger with a” low emission carbon footprint safer transport service”. Last night on Newhub there was a senoir well respected scientist stating that ‘air passenger service’ is the highest carbon footprint service with every single passenger.

      Figures shown by University of Wellington Professor James Renwick were showing that a single air passenger trip from Auckland to Wellington showed each passenger uses 145 kgs of carbon, where by rail it was 17kgs, and electric car was 11kgs, and by bus was 22kgs from memory,

      Staggering result that was.

      https://www.icao.int/environmental-protection/CarbonOffset/Pages/default.aspx

      • AB 2.1.1
        8 April 2019 at 11:27 am

        Maybe we should each have a shrinking annual allocation of air miles. If you choose not to use them yourself you can sell them to someone else. If you don’t want anyone to use them you can sell them to the government who cancels them. Administrative nightmare of course. But a side benefit would be outraging the likes of wee Mikey Hoskie.
        Also people too poor to travel get an extra income stream.

  3. te reo putake 3
    8 April 2019 at 8:50 am

    I’ve just spotted that TS has posted 1.5 million approved comments.

    Congrats and a digital chocolate fish to …. drum roll … ankerawshark, who crossed the line here

  4. joe90 4
    8 April 2019 at 9:22 am

    Talibangelicals say the darnedest things.

    https://twitter.com/mattduss/status/1114958765470769157

    • WeTheBleeple 4.1
      8 April 2019 at 9:36 am

      Reich wing christianity.

      • Sabine 4.1.1
        8 April 2019 at 9:54 am

        just call them Christo Fascist or American Taliban. That way you don’t have to try to make a German English hybrid that does not mean anything.

        just my inner germans two cents.

    • ianmac 4.2
      8 April 2019 at 9:49 am

      Americans must be so used to the normalising of killing by drone that this would pass with little concern.

    • Wensleydale 4.3
      8 April 2019 at 2:59 pm

      “Thou shalt not kill!”

      I believe someone important said that once, but I can’t for the life of me remember who…

      I suspect Pat’s memory has degraded over time too, along with his morals and sanity.

    • higherstandard 4.4
      8 April 2019 at 3:06 pm

      “I’m old enough to remember when this guy was the craziest guy on earth. Now he’s not even in the top 100.”

  5. Ad 5
    8 April 2019 at 9:34 am

    Twyford’s first start at a tourniquet of the massively injured Auckland light rail project: dump the whole western Auckland half of it:

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12220122

    • Wayne 5.1
      8 April 2019 at 9:44 am

      Basically he is dropping the wrong half. Light rail to the west makes a lot of sense. It would be far better to do heavy rail to the airport. The whole Dominion Rd thing looks fraught.

      • Sabine 5.1.1
        8 April 2019 at 10:03 am

        The main problem NZ really has when it comes to transport issues, future proofing public, private and commercial transport is simply the total lack of guts and imagination.
        Thus no glory. But for what its worth, non so gutless then National. In nine years in government your boys and girls in parliament have managed to get nothing done. And that is quite something.

        A long time ago i watched a debate on TV between John Key – National, Helen Clark – Labour, Jeanette Fitzsimmons – Green. John Key waffled on how he was gonna bring NZ wages to parity with OZ and tax cuts, Helen Clark was protecting her last nine years, and Jeanette Fitzsimmons spoke about how we needed investment in public transport, needed trains, trams and buses to get us everywhere in this country, and the rest is history.

        so the last ones to complain about any party doing anything about public transport is National. They have had nine years and literally only have a housing crisis, homelessness and record public debt to show for.

        • greywarshark 5.1.1.1
          8 April 2019 at 10:17 am

          So true Sabine.

          This from the linked NZHerald item:
          The Government may have to scale back its $6 billion light rail programme for Auckland by scrapping a line from the city centre to west Auckland, says Transport Minister Phil Twyford.

          The MP for Te Atatu said it was his strong preference to see light rail built from the city centre to the west and to the airport, but if it is not possible to fund and finance both lines, then light rail to the airport will get priority.

          National Party people would have been the ones preventing expenditure on public transport since the year dot. The year dot is when it was being officially talked about. The number of human bodies on the local bodies that could think further than their own pockets, and their next term in power was greater than the co-efficient of whatever. Simple mathematics and a long-term viewpoint were incompatible and me-first maths won.

          Now it is important to get something signed up and started now. If National manage to weasel their way in to power we will get more and more simple mathematics. And never get close to coping with our complex problems which can never be actually solved, just understood and ameliorated.

        • cleangreen 5.1.1.2
          8 April 2019 at 10:24 am

          Accurately well said Sabine.

        • WeTheBleeple 5.1.1.3
          8 April 2019 at 10:24 am

          Don’t forget the rundown public services, infrastructure shortages, privatization of assets (THEFT with 300 000 opposing signatures and public opinion polls ignored).

          The bashing of poor people, dark people, green people through public media (They’re all wreckers and haters), through police, banks, spy services (who also turned out to be relatively f’n useless).

          Don’t forget the war trajectory and you personally and your team dishing out Islamophobia.

          Now you reckon you know about trains. You lot sell trains Wayne, you don’t build them so let’s get real.

          If there’s no heavy rail to airport on the table right now (and there is not), the sensible move would indeed be to service the airport with already underway light rail first.

          But if your job is to:

          Do nothing AND whinge about what others do

          Job well done. Carry on.

        • Wayne 5.1.1.4
          8 April 2019 at 11:46 am

          Sabine, cleangreen and greywarshark,

          You all seem to have completely forgotten that the largest single construction project in New Zealand, the CRL, was started by National.

          • cleangreen 5.1.1.4.1
            8 April 2019 at 12:38 pm

            Wanye;
            I have stated on 2.1 that National needs to show ‘environmental leadership’ on all rail services both freight and passenger services.

            2.1 “National should get radical and come out as a “champion strong advocate on climate change” .
            They can easily argue and suggest that we must restore our rail system as another ‘Land transport option’ for freight and passenger with a” low emission carbon footprint safer transport service”.

            I didn’t talk about Cict rail link did I?

            Auckland City is not NZ unless you are an Aucklander.

            https://www.cityraillink.co.nz/

          • lprent 5.1.1.4.2
            8 April 2019 at 1:00 pm

            Bullshit.

            Started by Auckland Council.

            National were dragged reluctantly into the project what? something like a year later. I’d have to look it up.

            Almost certainly because the transport projects that National funded (Roads of significance to National) had appalling business cases. They were so poor that National stopped showing them in public. At the same time the CRL was showing good returns.

            Personally I think that the ONLY reason that the Key government approved it was because the hypocrisy levels were getting too high for even Nationals donors as Auckland traffic kept getting worse as National built empty highways.

            • Wayne 5.1.1.4.2.1
              8 April 2019 at 2:34 pm

              Well, you would say that, but you would also be wrong. The motorway projects have way better BCR’s than any public transport project.

              Just to remind you (yet again), the CRL is almost twice as large as any motorway project. Not started by Labour, started by National in 2014.

              If you want the government wants to pay a bigger share to the Council, then the government can. Labour/Green are after all the government.

              • lprent …
                8 April 2019 at 3:30 pm

                The motorway projects have way better BCR’s than any public transport project.

                It is possible to make any project look good if you don’t bother to include economic costs in the BCR.

                For instance that is what appears to have happened with East-West Link, and as far as I can tell it was the case with almost all of the RoNS.

                Of course if you over-estimate the economic costs as happened in the CRL assessments by NZLTA, then you get whatever number if deemed to be relevant. Of course it helps if you don’t provide the workings so that they can be criticized by others. There was a rather wide range between the ACC economic assessments and those from NZLTA.

                It is possible to make any project look good if you over-estimate the changes in traffic. That appears to be the case with almost all of the RoNS projects that I looked at. For that matter if you look at the extensions to the SH1 motorways

                Conversely, if you massively under-estimate the take up of a public transport system you can make public transport look extremely bad. NZLTA BCRs routinely do that.

                It has happened with very NZLTA assessment in Auckland that subsequently got built. Including the Northern busway ( right the way through to not requiring a bridge replacement), double tracking and electrification of the Auckland heavy rail and the massive increases in use of PT (and the reduced need to try to increase capacity on our in-city motorways), changes in bus routes, etc…

                Basically, unless the NZLTA starts to do public estimates with funding for some public checks on their analysis, I’d say that they’re just a tool of the roading construction companies. Because that is what they look like to me.

              • lprent …
                8 April 2019 at 3:36 pm

                Not started by Labour, started by National in 2014.

                FFS: Not started by National. Started by the Auckland council.

                Forced on a very reluctant National after their favored business case from NZLTA proved to be completely flawed and after the BCRs for RoNS were lacerated by expert scrutiny.

                In May 2011 the Government noted that after reviewing an initial business case for the project, it was unconvinced of the economic benefits of the tunnel. However, Minister of Transport Steven Joyce noted that he would not stand in the way of Auckland continuing planning and route designation work – if Auckland paid for it.[5] In June 2011 Auckland Council voted to approve $2 million for planning and route protection for the tunnel, with Auckland Transport, rather than KiwiRail, undertaking the process.[32]

                In March 2012, Auckland Council decided to bring forward spending from the 2012–2013 budget, in order to continue progress protecting the eventual route. $6.3 million was spent on work including geotechnical surveys, utility and building assessments, contaminated site reports and rail operations modelling and $1.7m towards providing a revised business case, requested by the government.[33][34]

            • cleangreen 5.1.1.4.2.2
              8 April 2019 at 2:59 pm

              Lprent yes thanks for that.

              So National didnt even plan for the CRL at all, – but tried too take the credit for it;$%^&OP{}|!!!!!

              Well isn’t that just like National making false claims again.

              National = have no credibility.

          • WeTheBleeple 5.1.1.4.3
            8 April 2019 at 1:08 pm

            Some origin story:

            “the 1972 Rapid Transit Plan for Auckland. The history of this plan is eerily similar to our current situation in many ways. It was a revolutionary scheme championed by the charismatic mayor of Auckland Dove Myer Robinson (leading to the nickname ‘Robbie’s Rapid Rail’), despite the mayoralty and council not having the means to actually fund the thing independently. They began working on alternate funding solutions such as a targeted land tax but found them impossible to implement without support from Wellington. In the end by the Labour government reluctantly offered an election pledge to fund the proposal, but failed to deliver on that pledge. A wholly unsupportive National government were voted into power in 1975 and in 1976 the plan was cancelled completely.”

            https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2011/12/02/an-auckland-that-could-have-been-the-1972-auckland-rapid-rail-transit-plan/

            In the interim we got Britomart. Then we tried to connect stuff up…

            “Further input was provided by Auckland Transport, which commissioned the study after the Government and the council had arrived at very different conclusions about the rail loop’s return on every dollar invested. Given all that, this study should be the definitive research, not yet another document destined to gather dust. Mr Brown’s task now is to convince Aucklanders that the study is robust and its conclusions are right. If he can, the Government should stand to one side.”

            https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10855434

            “On 27 January 2016, Prime Minister John Key announced in his state of the nation address that central government funding for main works construction of the CRL had been confirmed and this would allow Auckland Council to start to construct the main works from 2018, with central funds guaranteed to flow from 2020. Commentary at the time reflected an opinion that this was a belated agreement to central government funding of the project by the ruling National Party, while the main opposition parliamentary parties (Labour Party, Greens and NZ First) had all been promising immediate construction timetables which were more closely aligned to the plans of the council.”

            https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/speech-auckland-chamber-commerce-0

            Stalling, mucking about, fudging, and dragged kicking and screaming after a myriad of others plans were rejected outright, many of them good plans, that was what National did. Also tried to force the entire bill on Auckland as if transport was not in their portfolio.

            Roads of National (party) significance, that was your thing.

            • Sabine 5.1.1.4.3.1
              8 April 2019 at 2:07 pm

              i have lived for 20 years now here in NZ, so started under shipley. At that time you had to throw yourself in front of a bus – when one came, never on time – to get it too stop.

              Claiming a tunnel being build as their own, while it was done under labour, also Nationals thing.

              Auckland is at shambles because your Party did nothing. Absolutely nothing other then build roads that are clogged 24 hours.

              Your rammed thousands of people in this city, and gave not one thought to the infrastructure. Cause that is hard work, and your lot is not known for working and certainly not hard work.

              National, a Party as usefull as its leader Simon “NO Bridges for Northland’ Bridges.

              And believe me, if National would have actually achieved just something of value to the public – and not business interest – we would know by now 🙂

          • Incognito 5.1.1.4.4
            8 April 2019 at 9:59 pm

            National was as reluctant to start this project as a teenage boy responding to a Paternity Order after he gets his teenage girlfriend pregnant.

        • Skunk Weed 5.1.1.5
          8 April 2019 at 11:57 am

          Light Rail down Dominion Rd across the Mangere Bridge to the Airport will be an absolute shambles during the construction phase ?

          The roads are already chock a block to the Airport from 6.00am to 6.00pm with 35,000 people currently working at the Airport projected to 55,000 in 5 years time ?

          This will be a Monumental F%#K UP IMHO ?

      • cleangreen 5.1.2
        8 April 2019 at 10:19 am

        Shit here’s me agreeing with Wayne Mapp.

        Better go and wash my mouth out with carbolic soap.

        All rail should be ‘multi-purpose for passenger and freight and that means heavy rail.

        ‘ Light rail’ is dumb, -and is just throwing ‘good money after bad’.

      • Skunk Weed 5.1.3
        8 April 2019 at 11:55 am

        Light Rail down Dominion Rd across the Mangere Bridge to the Airport will be an absolute shambles during the construction phase ?

        The roads are already chock a block to the Airport from 6.00am to 6.00pm with 35,000 people currently working at the Airport projected to 55,000 in 5 years time ?

        This will be a Monumental F%#K UP IMHO ?

        • Sabine 5.1.3.1
          8 April 2019 at 2:12 pm

          Have a look to the french City of Nice.
          Very similar to AKL, one side mountains, other side water, and a large and sprawling city wedged in.

          Within three years the whole city got the Tram – light rail, dedicated bus lanes, (train already existed), and the cost of using public transport was initially 1 euro irrespective where you went in the Department Alpes Maritimes – Monaco to Marseille and up the mountains. Now the cost is at 1.50$ per ride.

          A lot of people stopped driving the car.

          but nice had a choice to make, either die in traffic and of smog or put up with some inconvenience and move to the future.

          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nice_tramway

          Really cool were the new archeological finds near la place Massena, the old part of Nice and at the old fish market. they were put under glass during construction and were made open to the public.

          It can be done, a bit of guts, a bit of good will, above all political will and it can be done.

          The question is has NZ got guts, good will and political good will, or is it just another thing that ‘we can’t do’ cause…………..?

          • alwyn 5.1.3.1.1
            8 April 2019 at 7:12 pm

            It is hardly comparable with Auckland.
            The population is about 340,000 or only about one fifth of Auckland.
            It is even smaller than Wellington or Christchurch.

      • Brigid 5.1.4
        8 April 2019 at 2:07 pm

        Absolute bollocks Wayne.
        Light rail to the west is a total waste of money considering there already is a line to Whangarei via Helensville currrently used by the odd freight train.
        A $50,000 fire suppression system fitted for use through the Waitakere tunnel, is all that’s required.

        You obviously have no idea Wayne what the people of West Auckland need or want.

        From the Trains to Huapai facebook page
        “Residents of West Auckland have been calling out for commuter train shuttles to run from Swanson station through the currently unused Waitakere station to Huapai for a number of years. It is the number one most wanted public transport issue commented on in numerous Auckland Transport surveys and consultations. Yet prospects of Trains to Huapai to meet the needs of accelerating housing development now, have been stymied by the government’s unproven long term focus on light rail trams to Kumeu.”
        “We are pleased the Government through NZTA is funding twice daily commuter trains from Hamilton to Papakura for around $60 million. However, for less than $4 million the people of Nor-West Auckland could have hourly rail shuttles operating seven days a week from Huapai and Waitakere to Swanson station”
        “Twyford admits the promised light rail trams to Kumeu look like not happening for decades.

        So why not get the Trains To Huapai? Fact is Phil Twyford (Labour) and Genter(Greens) listen to a self appointed group calling themselves “Greater Auckland” who designed the light rail trams for everywhere map. This small group successfully sold their dream to the Minister of Transport and Mayor Phil Goff.

        We are frustrated that a small group of light rail enthusiasts with connections to the light rail industry have robbed Nor West Auckland of commuter trains.

        Trams to Kumeu 2049?
        Trains to Huapai can be delivered 2019 if there’s political will.”

        • Skunk Weed 5.1.4.1
          8 April 2019 at 3:19 pm

          Twitford needs to start engaging his brain IMHO ?

        • WeTheBleeple 5.1.4.2
          8 April 2019 at 3:27 pm

          That’s really interesting. If the figure of $4M is true it’s a pittance for what it would achieve. But surely that doesn’t include the engines, rolling stock, staff…

          Is there a business case the group could take to the business communities in these areas? With them on-side the group might have more clout, and maybe match some of the funds?

          Great for business. More foot traffic. Better access to greater Auckland and for greater Auckland to get to them. Eases congestion for freight in/out and tradies.

          • Andre 5.1.4.2.1
            8 April 2019 at 4:16 pm

            They trialled a Helensville service in 08 -09. It was discontinued end of December 09.

            https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2009/11/10/goodbye-helensville-train-service/

            Around $45 subsidy per passenger, 43 passengers per day, that’s nearly $2k a day subsidy. $700k a year subsidy. That was before electrification, there’s be a bit of a headache integrating services between the electrified and non-electrified bits.

            • WeTheBleeple 5.1.4.2.1.1
              8 April 2019 at 5:09 pm

              Thanks.

              They identified some of the issues in that trial (rail in disrepair, no broader connectivity to broader network), wonder if they’ve worked on how to fix them.

              I guess as we get a network where population is dense first hopefully providing a feasible base, we have a chance of then hooking up more satellite services. And then that might do what one would hope transport spending does – better access to and from wider Auckland, and easing congestion.

              The planet is of course a nice plug for rail too, but only if it is actually pulling vehicles off roads.

            • Brigid 5.1.4.2.1.2
              8 April 2019 at 6:16 pm

              Their trial rail service served no one. That’s why is was not patronised. After only a year it was deemed a failure.
              Of course it was designed exactly for that result.

              The rail service from Helensville to Auckland that ran up until the early 70s was well patronised. I know, I used it. Why, when the population has quadrupled, should public rail transport be not viable in the west.

              A perfectly satisfactory line exits FFS! Why should it not be used.

              • Andre …
                8 April 2019 at 6:26 pm

                Oddly enough, if that 43 users per day is accurate, then I’m personally acquainted with nearly 5% of the total patronage. Wealthy lifestyle block types, both of them.

              • WeTheBleeple …
                8 April 2019 at 6:47 pm

                It wouldn’t surprise me if it was made to fail. Way back when Dad was an engineer they bought rolling stock that could only run half the pace of the engines to claim trucks were superior for freight.

                If they’re on the oil teat, lies will arise.

        • Skunk Weed 5.1.4.3
          8 April 2019 at 4:07 pm

          Like + 100%

        • Skunk Weed 5.1.4.4
          8 April 2019 at 4:11 pm

          Fixing the Rail to Kumeu is a No Brainer and must be done immediately it is commonsense IMHO, can someone suggest it to Twitford perhaps ?

          • Brigid 5.1.4.4.1
            8 April 2019 at 6:36 pm

            Ah
            I do believe it has been suggested to Twyford numerous times, via every media imaginable, perhaps even in multiple languages.

    • OnceWasTim 5.2
      8 April 2019 at 12:53 pm

      Kind of as a ‘just as an aside’, I’m picking the whole thing is, and will be another example of short-medium term ‘thinkery’ with various lobbyists pushing their various, and differing barrows.
      So far, I bet there are factions with a vushun of light rail options based on their partikyala oseas experiences, and other with opposing views.
      ALL peshnit about what they do.
      And as things stand, I’ll bet some of the options are already at the stage where they’ve ‘invisiged solutions [going forward’] and, come what may – that is all.
      I’d also put money on their ‘solutions [going forward]’ come with minor little details such as their light rail coming with a different line gauge, such that things like train-trams can’t easily be implemented.

  6. cleangreen 6
    8 April 2019 at 10:45 am

    Lower carbon footprint Labour please.

    Auckland professor says Kiwis should quit air travel to protect the environment
    07/04/2019

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/travel/2019/04/auckland-professor-says-kiwis-should-quit-air-travel-to-protect-the-environment.html

    Quote; “If you fly the 496km between Auckland and Wellington, you emit around 150kg of carbon dioxide equivalent.

    A medium-sized car making the same journey emits about a third less, while a bus, train and electric car all have significantly lower emissions – just under 55kg between all three of them.

    This is a must watch for Government MP’s flying from Auckland today for parliament tomorrow in Wellington.

    Hear this Phil Twyford, – ‘take a train passenger service to Wellington with Jacinda and lower your carbon footprint’s too.’.

    • alwyn 6.1
      8 April 2019 at 7:21 pm

      A bloody good start in reducing the amount of flying our MPs do would be to require all the List MPs to move to Wellington when they get elected. Then we wouldn’t need to pay for them to have accommodation provided in Wellington either, or to have to move their families backward and forward at tax-payer expense.

      This would not apply of course to the Electorate MPs. They actually need to travel to and from their electorates as they actually have work to do there.

      Having the Green Party leader drop out of his position as the biggest single user of overseas travel would be nice as well.
      Then he might have time to spend on the fiasco that is his Statistics Department.

  7. Philip Ferguson 7
    8 April 2019 at 10:56 am

    As if child poverty and the growing working poor aren’t bad enough, NZ Capitalism Ltd is now delivering growing pensioner poverty. Given the falling rates of home ownership pensioner poverty is like to expand over the coming generation.

    https://rdln.wordpress.com/2019/04/04/pensioner-poverty/

    • cleangreen 7.1
      8 April 2019 at 11:44 am

      Phillip.

      Labour are shackled by the -bean counters and the right wing roger douglas brigade side of their caucus sadly.

      These right wingers will hold onto our public purse so very tightly even though they promised so much and never have delivered now.

      So the clock countdown now begins to the election, – as they have less than half their term left now.

      Transport minister is in hiding and needs to come out in the budget to explain why our rail has not been revived yet around all our provinces. The road toll is worse than when he took over so he needs to provide a safe regional rail freight and passenger service to save lives, and our health and wellbeing.

      “The proof is in the pudding” Mr Twyford!!!!!

      • Skunk Weed 7.1.1
        8 April 2019 at 3:23 pm

        Labour are basically ideologically driven, getting the doing part going is the hard part, they talk a big game but do not have the skills to get things done as most of them have very little real world practical experience, National are not much better IMHO ?

    • AB 7.2
      8 April 2019 at 12:11 pm

      The moral instincts of conservatives tell them that people with insufficient money aren’t proper humans.

      • cleangreen 7.2.1
        8 April 2019 at 12:41 pm

        AB I think most politicians have low moral compass or fortitude.

        Serried complex = One rotten apple in a barrel makes all apples rotten, dad told me often in the 1950’s.

        • Skunk Weed 7.2.1.1
          8 April 2019 at 1:05 pm

          It is all about getting re-elected most politican’s in all the Political Parties would not have a clue, as they have no real world experience, it is all about celebrity politics and who MSM want elected. There is very little difference between Labour & National ?

          • cleangreen 7.2.1.1.1
            8 April 2019 at 1:17 pm

            I now have to grudgingly agree with you now Skunk Weed.

            Not much to cling onto believing that we are having a “transformative” government here sadly.

  8. Andre 8
    8 April 2019 at 11:59 am

    This piece from ThinkProgress has the best graphical illustration I’ve ever seen of just how astonishingly effective vaccinations are.

    https://thinkprogress.org/measles-outbreaks-vaccines-exemptions-6dce41092040/

    • One Two 8.1
      8 April 2019 at 3:37 pm

      What about the graph of outbreaks in highly vaccinated populations, Andre…

      You should stick to what you know about…like engineering…

      This subject is not for you…the links you post illustrate it unequivocally…

      So while you’re looking to start this up…again…try hang around longer than J90 did…he ran off…after a single response I made…simple question…Joe ran…

      Edit. Simple question for you..

      How many FDA approved and currently scheduled (CDC) vaccines, were tested against an inert placebo control in pre licensure testing?

      • Andre 8.1.1
        8 April 2019 at 3:53 pm

        Instead of JAQing off, how about you do the research yourself.

        But there’s one thing I’m confident you won’t find: outbreaks in highly vaccinated populations. To get outbreaks like the measles outbreaks bursting out all over the place at the moment, you need significant portions of the population to be unvaccinated.

        If those outbreaks only affected the fuckwits that choose to refuse vaccinations for themselves, I’d take a Darwinian view of it. Sadly, the ones that bear the brunt of the outbreaks are those that shouldn’t be vaccinated for genuine medical reasons (such as the immunocompromised), the too young, those unfortunate few for whom the vaccination is ineffective … and the really really unfortunate ones whose fuckwit parents refused the vaccine and didn’t tell them.

        Bring on the lawsuits to hold accountable those who refuse vaccines without genuine medical reason, that then go on to get sick and infect others.

        • One Two 8.1.1.1
          8 April 2019 at 4:03 pm

          Andre, your comment is top to bottom logical fallacies, and an unbelievable low understanding of’vaccines’…

          I responded to you because I already knew what your response was going to be…

          That you have used the word ‘confident’ to describe your position, surrounded that with highly misinformed commentary…is unsurprising…

          You, Andre…need to do some more reading…not at sources you link or comment from…

          In repeat posting such uninformed and misinformed commentary on this subject…it is actually you who is j*ing off…

          But you don’t understand…your commemts say you don’t…and you should stop now…

          • Andre 8.1.1.1.1
            8 April 2019 at 5:17 pm

            Since there’s no actual content in all of that, it’s kinda hard to respond to.

            But I gotta know; a while back you called me the very worst commenter on The Standard. Am I still number 1? If not, who do I hafta take down to get my crown back?

            • marty mars 8.1.1.1.1.1
              8 April 2019 at 6:03 pm

              Ha not do fast young sir. I know I irritate the old one two a lot and often he is left in a quivering, slobbering, impotent rage after one of my comments. He can’t even reply coherently such is his distress just a mumble of words as if spilt from a very large soup bowl of alphabet soup. They appear to be words but, well, who can tell.

            • One Two 8.1.1.1.1.2
              8 April 2019 at 6:04 pm

              Andre, in a number of ways you are one of the ‘worst’…name calling, uninformed in the extreme…especially on this subject…

              Yet, in other ways and on some subject matter, your comments are informative and knowledgeable…as you are aware…I appreciate that…as I let you know recently…

              I do hold back on this particular subject and do not seek to reignite the discussion…but will always respond if it is started up…

              There is a casm of misunderstanding on your part…there is also a plethora of scholarly articles readily available with a simple search regarding outbreaks in highly vaccinated populations…

              By the way . Outbreak = 3 according to CDC…

              Not just failing and waning measles (MMR) vaccine…but many others…in fact almost all vaccines…they fail..have failed and are failing…

              Branch out..I’m certain you’re capable…perhaps you’re fearful of what you’ll find….

              Start with the question I posed…it is root cause…starting point…

              Everything which follows, stemming from and including pre-licensure…is a fraud..

      • joe90 8.1.2
        8 April 2019 at 3:59 pm

        As I’ve said before, I regard you as a supercilious spouter of arcane claptrap with an inflated sense of your own ability and I regard your woo-beliefs on vaccination as a malignant threat to public health.

        • One Two 8.1.2.1
          8 April 2019 at 4:08 pm

          I am not concerned how you regard my comments Joe..if you had half a clue you might understand them…

          So…answer the question I asked you about ‘scum’… Joe…

          And while you’re at it..

          How many FDA approved and currently scheduled (CDC) vaccines, were tested against an inert placebo control in pre licensure testing?

          Then see if you can figure out the ramifications regarding claimed figures of efficacy and safety…

          Go on…don’t run…

      • McFlock 8.1.3
        8 April 2019 at 4:12 pm

        lols

        RCT of vaccinated vs placebo vs “homeopathic nosodes”.

        And the winner is…

        Vaccines work, placebos don’t, and homeopathy is as ineffective as a placebo.

        This will revolutionise immunology lol

        • One Two 8.1.3.1
          8 April 2019 at 4:23 pm

          No, McFlock…

          You’ve not even understood the question…

          Can you read?

          • McFlock 8.1.3.1.1
            8 April 2019 at 4:28 pm

            I don’t care about your question.

            How about you answer it yourself and provide a source? And then everyone with a brain can laugh at you some more.

  9. reason 9
    8 April 2019 at 1:00 pm

    A good news story …..

    I’ve been following the videos and life of a talented young Czechoslovakian man Adam Celadine …. he’s a world record holder and world champion in some aspects of knife throwing ….

    in a large part thanks to his tutorial videos, I’ve taken up a new hobby.

    Anyway this young man was struck down and made seriously ill with metastasizing cancer …. I know a little bit about cancer and was very concerned for him.

    The good news is he has now tested clear …. and he has some good advice in his short Video announcing his path back to good health

    🙂 🙂 🙂

    • reason 9.1
      8 April 2019 at 1:05 pm

      That should have been Celadin ….. Adam Celadin

      • cleangreen 9.1.1
        8 April 2019 at 1:32 pm

        When is the mine re-entry going to happen??????

        May third?

        http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1903/S00079/pike-river-families-spokesperson-quits-group.htm

        The minister responsible for Pike River re-entry, Andrew Little, announced earlier this week the re-entry is scheduled for 3 May.

      • joe90 9.1.2
        8 April 2019 at 4:33 pm

        Knife tricks, huh..

        @thesamurider

        • reason 9.1.2.1
          8 April 2019 at 5:13 pm

          Hell that looks dangerous and reminds me of a Roald Dahl story about being to light a ligher in 20 consecutive attempts …. or lose your finger … yikes ! :O

          This young lady knows how to chuck a knife …. and she has good safety tips …. like wearing safety glasses etc .

          The wind flutter in the video disappears shortly into it …..

          • McFlock 9.1.2.1.1
            8 April 2019 at 5:21 pm

            lol at one job I could goof off and practise throwing a work knife (wrong knife for it – short, handle heavy lock knife). All good fun until the ricochet comes flying back at me point first lol. Good for one’s reflexes 🙂

  10. reason 10
    8 April 2019 at 2:12 pm

    As your replying to me cleangreen …. are you suggesting we throw knives at Peter Whittall or something 😉

    https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/21-08-2018/some-things-pike-rivers-peter-whittall-could-feel-guilt-over/

    Obviously I’m just kidding …. and this video is for the sword enthusiasts who were posting here the other day

    • greywarshark 10.1
      8 April 2019 at 8:07 pm

      Easy peasy everyone seems to be able to do that. Even a child of five could do it? – Send for a child of five. (Groucho Marx)

    • Andre 10.2
      8 April 2019 at 8:14 pm

      I’m an engineer – give me technology any day.

  11. cleangreen 11
    8 April 2019 at 3:05 pm

    Ha ha ‘reason.

    Thanks for the laugh; – I needed that on this gloomy dark sky day.

    Whittle wasn’t worth consideration there,

    Whittle should be sent down a mineshaft to live and shovel safety for the rest of his days now, as he needs to be made an example of.

  12. marty mars 12
    8 April 2019 at 3:51 pm

    Nice article

    Free speech “purists” say that we should let these racists be racist loudly and publicly, and then laugh or ridicule their ideas. Those people who say that are often white and male. Not always, but often. And they have the privilege to laugh and ridicule those ideas because they are usually ideas that don’t threaten their existence. However if you’re from an often oppressed group – Māori, Muslim, Rainbow, Jewish, or even female – those words that we’re told to laugh at and ridicule aren’t funny. They’re words that make your life uncomfortable and unpleasant to live through. They’re words that frighten and degrade you. They are words of hate.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12220366

    • OnceWasTim 12.1
      8 April 2019 at 4:57 pm

      And just as nice @ MM, the latest ‘Listening Post’ special on Aljazeera – especially when they cover all those ‘reality TV’ type “Border Force” programmes …. almost like the poor man’s pornography.
      We’ll reserve a cameo spot for James Casson in the next series (as if he hasn’t already got his jollies from being a party to it all already).

  13. McFlock 13
    8 April 2019 at 4:27 pm

    lol comment this replied to got deleted because fool got his sockpuppet accounts confused.

    • Andre 13.1
      8 April 2019 at 5:05 pm

      You’re such a tease.

      • McFlock 13.1.1
        8 April 2019 at 5:08 pm

        it was 1-2 with a different avatar. Didn’t think much of it until my comment ended up at the bottom as a whole number, and the fool was back to the usual avatar.

        Bit of a laugh, really.

        • cleangreen 13.1.1.1
          8 April 2019 at 7:05 pm

          Andre; Hey where’s the ‘miracle’ vaccine for the new global disease known as ‘incurable’ Auris candida??????

          https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/06/health/drug-resistant-candida-auris.html?module=inline

          DEADLY GERMS, LOST CURES

          A Mysterious Infection, Spanning the Globe in a Climate of Secrecy
          The rise of Candida auris embodies a serious and growing public health threat: drug-resistant germs.

          • McFlock 13.1.1.1.1
            8 April 2019 at 7:12 pm

            I’m not andre, fool.

            Where’s the “alternative therapy” for it?

          • Andre 13.1.1.1.2
            8 April 2019 at 7:32 pm

            Pro tip for plonkers: if you want to reply to someone, hit the reply button in the box around the comment you want to reply to, not the next comment.

            Why is there no vaccine against candida auris? Dunno, could be lots of reasons.

            Might be because it’s a kind of organism that’s very difficult to develop a vaccine against. Off the top of my head I can’t think of any yeast diseases we actually do have a vaccine against. Most successful vaccines are against viral diseases. Organisms that are more complex are generally harder to develop vaccines against. Hence no effective vaccines against malaria or giardia or guinea worm or gonorrhea or syphilis or ….

            Might be because it hasn’t been a big enough threat (and market) to get the attention of vaccine developers.

            Might be because its emergence has been recent enough there just hasn’t been enough time.

            Might be any combo or all of the above or other factors I haven’t mentioned. Asking why there isn’t a specific vaccine reminds of the CEO who once asked why we couldn’t develop something to spray on the outside of golf club shafts to tune the flex characteristics. I had to tell him the only unobtainium mine in the world had shut down cause there was an explosion. (Shortly thereafter I was seeking alternative employment)

            • Psycho Milt 13.1.1.1.2.1
              8 April 2019 at 10:07 pm

              Most successful vaccines are against viral diseases.

              That alone was enough to answer Cleangreen’s ridiculous question, which was on a par with “If you’re so smart, how come you haven’t cured cancer yet?”

              • Andre …
                9 April 2019 at 6:23 am

                Yeah, if I was only trying to respond to cleangreen I probably would have left it there. Or probably not bothered at all, the question was so self-evidently ridiculous. I’m well aware that many commenters here are neither persuadable nor educable.

                But when I respond to nutters, it’s usually because there may be something in that topic of interest to a broader audience of silent but interested readers so a fuller answer might be worthwhile. Or sometimes I’ll respond just for the lolz.

          • higherstandard 13.1.1.1.3
            9 April 2019 at 9:20 am

            1. It’s not incurable.
            2. To the best of my knowledge no vaccines have been developed against fungal infections.

        • One Two 13.1.1.2
          8 April 2019 at 10:48 pm

          I manually input my credentials into the name and email fields, as a simple security measure to not have sign in data cached on devices…

          At times, due to the email address, which you can’t see , a character becomes inverted…leading to the creation of a new avatar…

          At least two possibly three avatars are in the system…

          Nothing in it, McFlock…keep throwing your childish comments …

          What’s the failure rate of the flu shot you like to talk about getting?

          Edit:
          Were you able to understand the earlier question…if you read all available vaccine package inserts (FDA site) you can get the answer to the question…

          • McFlock 13.1.1.2.1
            8 April 2019 at 11:33 pm

            lol okay, whatevs. You screwed up your ID because you’re paranoid that people will really give a crap about who you are.

            You’re not that much of a threat to the system, neo.

            As for vaccines, the proof is in the pudding. Maybe they guessed wrong this year, meaning the models were off and its the wrong strains in the shot. But frankly a sore arm with one in a million odds of a serious adverse reaction… hell, I’d take a 90% failure rate. No harm, no foul. But I seem to recall flu vaccines tend to be a few times that – nowhere near 90% like with some other conditions, but good enough to completely protect a lot of people and lessen the symptoms in others. It’s biggest advantage is to lower the burden on the health system from avoidable illness. I.e. fewer people plonked in ED hallways.

            But I can’t be bothered doing your homework for you. Besides, I’d be surprised if they measured efficacy against placebo outright each and every time – the ethics of denying someone healthcare like that, even with consent, are long and debatable. They probably just compare with previous strains (and you might be able to follow that testing chain back to the original placebo trials), and do after-market evaluation of cases, prevalence, immunisation status, and of course any adverse events.

            • One Two 13.1.1.2.1.1
              9 April 2019 at 8:31 am

              You screwed up your ID because you’re paranoid that people will really give a crap about who you are

              How would inverting email field characters give away who I am ?

              You saw the handle name..no change…

              And if you reckon I use an identifiable email address…well you don’t understand digital security…or vaccines…eh

              Edit.

              Keep replying and I’ll break down your uninformed comments one at a time…

              Or run off…like Joe and Andre…

              • joe90 …
                9 April 2019 at 8:48 am

                We live in your head, dude.

                • marty mars …
                  9 April 2019 at 8:53 am

                  Yep weeze and poos has finally lost it. Really when analysed they had very little to add or offer anyway save insults puffed by rhetoric. Ah well onwards and upwards lol

                  • One Two …
                    9 April 2019 at 9:05 am

                    Post the certs of your kids vaccinations…

                    Or just admit you were mouthing off…

                    You still are…

                    • marty mars …
                      9 April 2019 at 9:11 am

                      Got caught sockpuppeting but so useless can’t even front up – so surprising lol

                    • One Two []
                      9 April 2019 at 9:52 am

                      Front up…for what, marty?

                      Explain how I am using sock puppet accounts…under thr same handle…

                      And admit that you’re full of shit…or post the certs…

                      Go on…

                    • The Al1en …
                      9 April 2019 at 10:00 am

                      Wouldn’t an incorrectly entered email address result in the post going to moderation?

                    • One Two []
                      9 April 2019 at 10:14 am

                      Correct…and that did happen the first time…and was released…I’d guess because the mods see the inverted characters..

                      So now if the same email field characters are inverted when I manually enter it…the other avatar appears…

                    • marty mars …
                      9 April 2019 at 10:25 am

                      Fair enough it seems like a mistake rather than deliberate. Sorry if you were offended by my comment.

                    • McFlock …
                      9 April 2019 at 2:01 pm

                      Hang on, that’s very interesting. For it to appear and then get deleated (for my reply to end up on the floor), the comment must have had a wrong email, gone into moderation, and been released inside ten minutes, for onetwo to be able to then delete it and rewrite it with the correct email.

                      Gosh, how efficient the mods were that time.

                • One Two …
                  9 April 2019 at 9:03 am

                  Joe…you’re really lost…I’ll explain for you..

                  You ran away… I repeat that statement that you ran away…and you reply..again..
                  3rd time at least…avoiding the question…still..

                  I’m in your head…that’s why you keep coming back…

                  Such and angry and unhealthy little group…you guys are…

              • McFlock …
                9 April 2019 at 1:10 pm

                Why are you worried about digital security at TS? Anyone tracking you IRL already knows you’re a fucking nutbar.

                • One Two …
                  9 April 2019 at 2:12 pm

                  Digital security is not limited to a single instance or web-site…broaden your view …bro…

                  Lashing out as you do is base level, sandpit behaviour…childish really…

                  All highly toxic…abusive, innefective…failing…

                  Just like vaccines…eh!

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    The Official Information Act has always been a battle between requesters seeking information, and governments seeking to control it. Information is power, so Ministers and government agencies want to manage what is released and when, for their own convenience, and legality and democracy be damned. Their most recent tactic for ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • 'Let's build a motorway costing $100 million per km, before emissions costs'

    TL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:Transport and Energy Minister Simeon Brown is accelerating plans to spend at least $10 billion through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to extend State Highway One as a four-lane ‘Expressway’ from Warkworth to Whangarei ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Lester's Prescription – Positive Bleeding.

    I live my life (woo-ooh-ooh)With no control in my destinyYea-yeah, yea-yeah (woo-ooh-ooh)I can bleed when I want to bleedSo come on, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)You can bleed when you want to bleedYea-yeah, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)Everybody bleed when they want to bleedCome on and bleedGovernments face tough challenges. Selling unpopular decisions to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Casey Costello gaslights Labour in the House

    Please note:To skip directly to the- parliamentary footage in the video, scroll to 1:21 To skip to audio please click on the headphone icon on the left hand side of the screenThis video / audio section is under development. ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    3 days ago
  • Why is the Texas grid in such bad shape?

    This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler Headline from 2021 The Texas grid, run by ERCOT, has had a rough few years. In 2021, winter storm Uri blacked out much of the state for several days. About a week ago, Hurricane Beryl knocked out ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on a textbook case of spending waste by the Luxon government

    Given the crackdown on wasteful government spending, it behooves me to point to a high profile example of spending by the Luxon government that looks like a big, fat waste of time and money. I’m talking about the deployment of NZDF personnel to support the US-led coalition in the Red ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:40 am on Wednesday, July 24 are:Deep Dive: Chipping away at the housing crisis, including my comments RNZ/Newsroom’s The DetailNews: Government softens on asset sales, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • LXR Takaanini

    As I reported about the city centre, Auckland’s rail network is also going through a difficult and disruptive period which is rapidly approaching a culmination, this will result in a significant upgrade to the whole network. Hallelujah. Also like the city centre this is an upgrade predicated on the City ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    3 days ago
  • Four kilograms of pain

    Today, a 4 kilogram report will be delivered to Parliament. We know this is what the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care weighs, because our Prime Minister told us so.Some reporter had blindsided him by asking a question about something done by ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, July 24, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Beehive: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to use PPPs to fund, build and run a four-lane expressway between Auckland ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Luxon gets caught out

    NewstalkZB host Mike Hosking, who can usually be relied on to give Prime Minister Christopher Luxon an easy run, did not do so yesterday when he interviewed him about the HealthNZ deficit. Luxon is trying to use a deficit reported last year by HealthNZ as yet another example of the ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • A worrying sign

    Back in January a StatsNZ employee gave a speech at Rātana on behalf of tangata whenua in which he insulted and criticised the government. The speech clearly violated the principle of a neutral public service, and StatsNZ started an investigation. Part of that was getting an external consultant to examine ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Are we fine with 47.9% home-ownership by 2048?

    Renting for life: Shared ownership initiatives are unlikely to slow the slide in home ownership by much. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:A Deloitte report for Westpac has projected Aotearoa’s home-ownership rate will ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Let's Win This

    You're broken down and tiredOf living life on a merry go roundAnd you can't find the fighterBut I see it in you so we gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsWe gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsAnd I'll rise upI'll rise like the dayI'll rise upI'll rise unafraidI'll rise upAnd I'll ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Waimahara: The Singing Spirit of Water

    There’s been a change in Myers Park. Down the steps from St. Kevin’s Arcade, past the grassy slopes, the children’s playground, the benches and that goat statue, there has been a transformation. The underpass for Mayoral Drive has gone from a barren, grey, concrete tunnel, to a place that thrums ...
    Greater AucklandBy Connor Sharp
    4 days ago
  • A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Tuesday, July 23 are:Deep Dive: Penlink: where tolling rhetoric meets reality BusinessDesk-$$$’s Oliver LewisScoop: Te Pūkenga plans for regional polytechs leak out ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Health: Shane Reti announced the Board of Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand was being replaced with Commissioner Lester Levy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • HealthNZ and Luxon at cross purposes over budget blowout

    Health NZ warned the Government at the end of March that it was running over Budget. But the reasons it gave were very different to those offered by the Prime Minister yesterday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed the “botched merger” of the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) to create Health ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2500-3000 more healthcare staff expected to be fired, as Shane Reti blames Labour for a budget defic...

    Long ReadKey Summary: Although National increased the health budget by $1.4 billion in May, they used an old funding model to project health system costs, and never bothered to update their pre-election numbers. They were told during the Health Select Committees earlier in the year their budget amount was deficient, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Might Kamala Harris be about to get a 'stardust' moment like Jacinda Ardern?

    As a momentous, historic weekend in US politics unfolded, analysts and commentators grasped for precedents and comparisons to help explain the significance and power of the choice Joe Biden had made. The 46th president had swept the Democratic party’s primaries but just over 100 days from the election had chosen ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    5 days ago
  • Solutions Interview: Steven Hail on MMT & ecological economics

    TL;DR: I’m casting around for new ideas and ways of thinking about Aotearoa’s political economy to find a few solutions to our cascading and self-reinforcing housing, poverty and climate crises.Associate Professor runs an online masters degree in the economics of sustainability at Torrens University in Australia and is organising ...
    The KakaBy Steven Hail
    5 days ago
  • Reported back

    The Finance and Expenditure Committee has reported back on National's Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill. The bill sets up water for privatisation, and was introduced under urgency, then rammed through select committee with no time even for local councils to make a proper submission. Naturally, national's select committee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Vandrad the Viking, Christopher Coombes, and Literary Archaeology

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

    History is not on the side of the centre-left, when Democratic presidents fall behind in the polls and choose not to run for re-election. On both previous occasions in the past 75 years (Harry Truman in 1952, Lyndon Johnson in 1968) the Democrats proceeded to then lose the White House ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    5 days ago
  • Joe Biden's withdrawal puts the spotlight back on Kamala and the USA's complicated relatio...

    This is a free articleCoverageThis morning, US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race. And that is genuinely newsworthy. Thanks for your service, President Biden, and all the best to you and yours.However, the media in New Zealand, particularly the 1News nightly bulletin, has been breathlessly covering ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    5 days ago
  • Why we have to challenge our national fiscal assumptions

    A homeless person’s camp beside a blocked-off slipped damage walkway in Freeman’s Bay: we are chasing our tail on our worsening and inter-related housing, poverty and climate crises. Photo: Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Existential Crisis and Damaged Brains

    What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognise?(Gone away)But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have to findAnd as I try to make my wayTo the ordinary worldYesterday morning began as many others - what to write about today? I began ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • A speed limit is not a target, and yet…

    This is a guest post from longtime supporter Mr Plod, whose previous contributions include a proposal that Hamilton become New Zealand’s capital city, and that we should switch which side of the road we drive on. A recent Newsroom article, “Back to school for the Govt’s new speed limit policy“, ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Monday, July 22 are:Today’s Must Read: Father and son live in a tent, and have done for four years, in a million ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #29

    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago
  • I'd like to share what I did this weekend

    This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • For the children – Why mere sentiment can be a misleading force in our lives, and lead to unex...

    National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Order image, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • A friend in uncertain times

    Day one of the solo leg of my long journey home begins with my favourite sound: footfalls in an empty street. 5.00 am and it’s already light and already too warm, almost.If I can make the train that leaves Budapest later this hour I could be in Belgrade by nightfall; ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

    Hi,We’ll get to the horrific world of male diet influencers (AKA Beefy Boys) shortly, but first you will be glad to know that since I sent out the Webworm explaining why the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was not a false flag operation, I’ve heard from a load of people ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

    Do you remember Y2K, the threat that hung over humanity in the closing days of the twentieth century? Horror scenarios of planes falling from the sky, electronic payments failing and ATMs refusing to dispense cash. As for your VCR following instructions and recording your favourite show - forget about it.All ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 20

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts being questioned by The Kākā’s Bernard Hickey.TL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 20 were:1. A strategy that fails Zero Carbon Act & Paris targetsThe National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government finally unveiled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Flooding Housing Policy

    The Minister of Housing’s ambition is to reduce markedly the ratio of house prices to household incomes. If his strategy works it would transform the housing market, dramatically changing the prospects of housing as an investment.Leaving aside the Minister’s metaphor of ‘flooding the market’ I do not see how the ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

    An employee of tobacco company Philip Morris International demonstrates a heated tobacco device. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy on Friday, July 19 are:At a time when the Coalition Government is cutting spending on health, infrastructure, education, housing ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

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