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Open Mike 08/12/2018

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, December 8th, 2018 - 268 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

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268 comments on “Open Mike 08/12/2018 ”

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    • freethinker 1.1
      8 December 2018 at 6:46 am

      No, you’re wrong James. He should pay more tax, Govt should then set up an advisory committee staffed by Labour faithful who get their cut, then the diversity advisors can filter a bit more out, then Iwi, with the resulting much-dimished sum forming an election bribe to gullible students. Get with the new picture. 😐

    • Red Blooded One 1.2
      8 December 2018 at 7:53 am

      As you say, Good on him. Why are YOU hating on him. It neither makes him a good or a bad person but someone who has made a good gesture. Try and cheer up and see the good James.

      • veutoviper 1.2.1
        8 December 2018 at 8:05 am

        Huh? Where in his comment does James suggest that he is “hating on him”? Or are you just showing your own prejudices towards James because he is not a leftie?

        • Red Blooded One 1.2.1.1
          8 December 2018 at 8:10 am

          Bloody rich people huh? He’s the one making that statement, no one else here did today, he sure is trying to hate on someone, but yes he did prove my prejudice is justified.

          • veutoviper 1.2.1.1.1
            8 December 2018 at 8:29 am

            You have my sympathy if you cannot consider that, rather than “hating on someone”, what James might be suggesting is that not all “bloody rich people” are selfish arseholes and some are prepared to share their wealth in philanthropic ways such as donations to universities.

            • Red Blooded One 1.2.1.1.1.1
              8 December 2018 at 9:04 am

              And you have my sympathy if you think celebrating a good deed is a good excuse to start a flame war at 06:33 am. Good deeds are done by all segments of society, Left/Right, Rich/Poor all based on what they can do or how much wealth they have and they should be all acknowledged accordingly. Congratulations to Graeme Hart for a great donation that should help many people.

              • veutoviper …
                8 December 2018 at 9:13 am

                If you think James started a ‘flame war’ with his remarks, why did you fuel it with your remarks about James “hating on him”?

            • Draco T Bastard 1.2.1.1.1.2
              8 December 2018 at 10:08 am

              share their wealth in philanthropic ways such as donations to universities.

              Meanwhile they’re cheating on their taxes to a far greater extent and the only reason why they got rich in the first place was because they were stealing from the workers.

              • JohnSelway …
                8 December 2018 at 11:00 am

                Do you have evidence he is cheating on his taxes? And not all rich people get that way by stealing from others. You realise that right?
                You know it’s possible to be rich and moral/socially conscious right?

          • ianmac 1.2.1.1.2
            8 December 2018 at 8:52 am

            “Bloody Rich People” is James being smart and he thinks it is mocking all those Lefties who all despise Rich Pricks.

            • Red Blooded One 1.2.1.1.2.1
              8 December 2018 at 9:07 am

              Yes, I should have known better than to bite. What is the saying re Sarcasm being the lowest form of Wit. I suspect he is half there. Have a lovely day.

          • Ankerrawshark 1.2.1.1.3
            8 December 2018 at 9:34 am

            Hart does done a good thing with some amount of his money. I am pleased he has. It is likely he will get good feelings from it too cause we know this is what happens when we give. It’s a win win all round”………

            But let’s use it as a call to action for our govt to fund essential health services………..

            By the way I think the truly great people are the dentists, dr nurses, health auxiliary who train for many years and work day in and day out………dentistry is a particularly thankless job and is associated with high suicide rate

            • Enough 1.2.1.1.3.1
              8 December 2018 at 9:55 am

              A call to action that should start with saving the country’s AYA cancer support service. Next week will see the axing of all CanTeen’s regional youth workers and closure of Hamilton, Hawkes Bay, Dunedin and Taranaki centres. Don’t develop cancers if you’re 14 to 25 years old and live there.

    • Ad 1.3
      8 December 2018 at 8:08 am

      It’s a really good signal from one of our key citizens to all other of our 1% to donate more towards education.

      It’s also particularly good that it is going towards dentistry for people who can’t afford it in South Auckland.

      • veutoviper 1.3.1
        8 December 2018 at 8:29 am

        Well said.

      • mauī 1.3.2
        8 December 2018 at 9:01 am

        How does he get the status of “key citizen”? Has he done anything particularly special for the countryz? I bet most kiwis would have no idea who he is.

        • Draco T Bastard 1.3.2.1
          8 December 2018 at 10:11 am

          Has he done anything particularly special for the countryz?

          Apparently stealing from lots of people and causing poverty is how to become a ‘key citizen’.

          • JohnSelway 1.3.2.1.1
            8 December 2018 at 11:02 am

            Do you have evidence he stole from people? It’s a bold claim which you should back up

            • Draco T Bastard 1.3.2.1.1.1
              8 December 2018 at 12:47 pm

              Being rich is evidence enough.

              Just because our laws support that theft doesn’t change it from being theft.

          • Tuppence Shrewsbury 1.3.2.1.2
            8 December 2018 at 12:17 pm

            Go back to your Mum’s basement with your goth metal idealising dolled up females Draco

      • One Two 1.3.3
        8 December 2018 at 10:29 am

        Actually it’s a signal that the balance is so lopsided, the people who get seen as philanthropists are those who gained in the back of other peoples sweat and blood…

        It is also a cover which allows the govt to hide behind explaining why education, health and other essential social services can’t be fully funded all the time…which of course they can be…

        Donations such as this are only necessary in the mirage that is being protected at cost to all else…

        Key citizens…Ad …awful!

      • Tuppence Shrewsbury 1.3.4
        8 December 2018 at 12:16 pm

        Hear hear

    • AB 1.4
      8 December 2018 at 8:27 am

      It’s nothing to do with whether he is a good or bad person. But the donation raises a question. If the money he has appropriated for himself was actually better distributed across the community in the first place, would the donation even be necessary?
      A society that relies on charity is like one that relies on the proceeds of gambling. It’s a society that’s not working properly.

      • Ad 1.4.1
        8 December 2018 at 8:31 am

        We should all demonstrate that we are good citizens who do more to support society than simply relying on the state to do it all. Charity is one of those things that demonstrate that, and it’s a stronger moral duty on the 1% than anyone else.

        • AB 1.4.1.1
          8 December 2018 at 10:03 am

          I agree with the sentiment, but at no point did I say or mean anything about relying on the state to do it all. I was pointing out the internal contradictions of charity as a means of social organisation, especially where it focuses and fawns on the munificence of the wealthy.

        • Draco T Bastard 1.4.1.2
          8 December 2018 at 10:15 am

          Charity being necessary is proof that we’re not paying enough tax – especially the rich.

          In fact, the rich shouldn’t exist as they’re the problem and not the solution.

          • Stunned Mullet 1.4.1.2.1
            8 December 2018 at 11:57 am

            🙄

          • Chris T 1.4.1.2.2
            8 December 2018 at 1:55 pm

            WTF?

            • Draco T Bastard 1.4.1.2.2.1
              8 December 2018 at 2:33 pm

              https://www.theguardian.com/environment/earth-insight/2014/mar/14/nasa-civilisation-irreversible-collapse-study-scientists

              Modelling a range of different scenarios, Motesharrei and his colleagues conclude that under conditions “closely reflecting the reality of the world today… we find that collapse is difficult to avoid.” In the first of these scenarios, civilisation:

              “…. appears to be on a sustainable path for quite a long time, but even using an optimal depletion rate and starting with a very small number of Elites, the Elites eventually consume too much, resulting in a famine among Commoners that eventually causes the collapse of society. It is important to note that this Type-L collapse is due to an inequality-induced famine that causes a loss of workers, rather than a collapse of Nature.”

              What’s that favourite of the RWNJs? That people shouldn’t have children if they can’t afford them?

              Yeah, the rich are the problem.

      • Antoine 1.4.2
        8 December 2018 at 8:53 am

        > It’s nothing to do with whether he is a good or bad person.

        That seems false. It shows that he is a good person, at least in this act. People should be grateful.

        A.

        • Blazer 1.4.2.1
          8 December 2018 at 9:58 am

          Hart should be grateful.
          Good to see him give something back ,seeing as he purchased the Govt Printing Office for around 1/5th of its real market value.

          Lange opposed the deal,so Prebble/Douglas went behind his back.
          Hart has parlayed that windfall into a billion dollar empire using the time honoured tradition of redundancies,consolidation and asset stripping.

          • AB 1.4.2.1.1
            8 December 2018 at 10:14 am

            Yes – accumulation by dispossession is not forgiveable simply because some of the accumulated wealth trickles back to the dispossessed via charity.

        • AB 1.4.2.2
          8 December 2018 at 10:07 am

          Let me rephrase it then to avoid your misrepresentation.
          “If I greet Mr Hart’s donation with anything less than fawning adulation, it has nothing to do with whether he is a good or bad person”

        • Draco T Bastard 1.4.2.3
          8 December 2018 at 10:16 am

          Why should we be grateful about his theft from so many?

      • Draco T Bastard 1.4.3
        8 December 2018 at 10:13 am

        If the money he has appropriated for himself was actually better distributed across the community in the first place, would the donation even be necessary?

        If the money was better distributed across society we’d probably eliminate poverty in this country.

        A society that relies on charity is like one that relies on the proceeds of gambling. It’s a society that’s not working properly.

        QFT

    • Sanctuary 1.5
      8 December 2018 at 8:38 am

      Personally, I resent the state having to rely on the charity of the rich to function. If he happily pays his full share of taxes, then the university won’t need whatever wealth he decides is surplus to his needs. That is what socialism is – no longer being grateful for whatever crumbs the rich decide to give you.

      • Antoine 1.5.1
        8 December 2018 at 8:55 am

        What makes you think he doesn’t pay his fair share of tax?

        What do you know about his tax affairs.

        A.

        • Draco T Bastard 1.5.1.1
          8 December 2018 at 10:18 am

          What makes you think he doesn’t pay his fair share of tax?

          He’s rich so we can assume that he’s a) dodging all sorts of taxes that most other people pay and b) that he bludged all the money he has causing massive poverty.

          • JohnSelway 1.5.1.1.1
            8 December 2018 at 11:04 am

            Evidence he’s a tax dodger please

            • Muttonbird 1.5.1.1.1.1
              8 December 2018 at 11:16 am

              Graeme Hart’s Mum has joined the board.

            • Draco T Bastard 1.5.1.1.1.2
              8 December 2018 at 12:50 pm

              He’s rich. Evidence enough.

              • JohnSelway …
                8 December 2018 at 12:52 pm

                No it isn’t evidence

                • Draco T Bastard …
                  8 December 2018 at 1:20 pm

                  As the only way to get rich is through theft then, yes, it is.

                  • JohnSelway …
                    8 December 2018 at 1:34 pm

                    No it isn’t. Is the famous author or musician or artist a thief?

                    • greywarshark …
                      8 December 2018 at 2:06 pm

                      What’s with you John S. Do you think you are in a court of law? Just say that DTB is making unfounded assumptions and stop filling up the thread with your demands.

                    • JohnSelway …
                      8 December 2018 at 2:07 pm

                      This is open mike is it not?

                  • JohnSelway …
                    8 December 2018 at 1:56 pm

                    Or the brain surgeon?

                    • greywarshark …
                      8 December 2018 at 4:10 pm

                      It’s Open mike, but participants are expected to bring something worthwhile to the feast; writers a plate please! Otherwise you are more like a nongate-crasher.

                  • Chris T …
                    8 December 2018 at 1:57 pm

                    Do you go on holiday?

                    If you do you are richer than someone who can’t

                    You have the internet. Other people can’t afford it

                    Why are you not paying enough tax?

                    • Draco T Bastard …
                      8 December 2018 at 2:29 pm

                      Having those things is not the same as being rich.

                      Rich = living upon other people’s work without providing value equivalent to the value received

                      In other words being rich = being a thief.

                    • JohnSelway …
                      8 December 2018 at 2:39 pm

                      No Draco you are wrong. Stephen King has sold in excess of 350 million copies of his work which would make him very rich indeed.

                      That’s his own efforts. Not a thief and rich

                    • Draco T Bastard …
                      8 December 2018 at 4:04 pm

                      No Draco you are wrong.

                      No, I’m right.

                      Stephen King has sold in excess of 350 million copies of his work which would make him very rich indeed.

                      What if we all got together and decided that Stephen King wrote really good fiction and that we should support him in this with his work then being freely available to anyone who wants to read it.

                      How much do you think we’d decide to pay him? More or less than he got from selling his books?

                      And I’d say that Stephen King has put a hell of a lot of that income he got from his books into gathering unearned income.

                    • JohnSelway …
                      8 December 2018 at 4:41 pm

                      That’s just an assumption you’re making. Evidence or GTFO. Fact is King got rich from selling his books, his own work. Which is why you are wrong and just making assumptions

                  • Chris T …
                    8 December 2018 at 2:32 pm

                    There is no reply button for your other post

                    So Ardern, who is one of the highest paid people in the country and is paid by workers tax, is a thief?

                    • Draco T Bastard …
                      8 December 2018 at 2:37 pm

                      She may be paid excessively but she does actually work.

                      The rich tend to have passive income on top of any wages/salary. It’s the passive income that is the theft. The passive income is unearned.

                      Ardern probably does have some passive income which would make her a thief.

                  • Naki man …
                    8 December 2018 at 6:56 pm

                    What Draco means is that he doesnt know how to become rich.
                    It sounds like he has failed and is on the bones of his arse and are very bitter.

          • Stunned Mullet 1.5.1.1.2
            8 December 2018 at 11:58 am

            🙄 just like we can assume those who are struggling are drug addicts and bludgers 🙄

        • Morrissey 1.5.1.2
          8 December 2018 at 10:22 am

          What makes you think he doesn’t pay his fair share of tax?

          How do you know he DOES pay his fair share of tax?

          • Chris T 1.5.1.2.1
            8 December 2018 at 2:09 pm

            You are the one making the claim that he doesn’t

            • Ed 1.5.1.2.1.1
              8 December 2018 at 2:18 pm

              Do you think the megarich pay their fair share of tax?

              • Chris T …
                8 December 2018 at 2:23 pm

                I’d want proof particular ones don’t before tarring every single one with the same brush.

                It is a bit like saying all National voters are greedy and don’t care about the environment, or all Labour voters are tree hugging SJWs

                • Draco T Bastard …
                  8 December 2018 at 2:42 pm

                  Considering the estimated fraud I actually want proof that a rich person isn’t rorting the system.

                  Of course, the system is designed to help a few people steal from everyone else so even if they’re not rorting the system they’re still acting immorally.

                  • Ankerrawshark …
                    8 December 2018 at 3:36 pm

                    Aside from anything else I just don’t think it’s healthy to have accumulated such wealth. Just my opinion. I can never fathom why people would want that much money. Given that radical economic transformation isn’t about to happen anytime soon, I prefer mr hart has given some money to this dental school. It a very worthy endeavor…..

                    Btw jacinda arderns only asset is her house, which she has a mortgage on…..

                • Rapunzel …
                  8 December 2018 at 4:18 pm

                  That’s quite funny as on lots of sites I see “lefties” “tarred” with the same brush all the time and there is no “proof” or truth in what is said when they are all labelled, lazy, shiftless, useless, unemployed, inemployable, dumb, that they have lots of “kids”, etc and that they deserve everything they “get” for being all of the aforementioned things.
                  If what you are saying is don’t generalise that is very good advice.

                • Morrissey …
                  8 December 2018 at 5:24 pm

                  …all National voters are greedy and don’t care about the environment, or all Labour voters are tree hugging SJWs

                  That’s actually quite a fair summation of both parties.

              • James …
                8 December 2018 at 6:59 pm

                Fair share is a subjective measure.

                A thief on the other hand is someone who has stolen from others.

                A claim Draco throws around without evidence and shows him to be delusion and envious.

        • reason 1.5.1.3
          8 December 2018 at 11:15 pm

          Your wrong Antoine

          Although Hart is no where as bad as that wanker Eric watson …. he’s no saint either

          https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12020225

          ” the core of the dispute was a $48m loan by the Chilean subsidiary to its British Virgin Islands parent.”

          HHHmmm

          https://www.michaelwest.com.au/top40-tax-dodgers-countdown-critics-and-trends/

          Variously, costs are bulked up, every possible tax deduction is deployed, interest is raked out to foreign associates via loan payments, other income is funnelled offshore via “service fees”, intellectual property payments, and swaps and other derivatives. ”

          ” The majority of the tax avoidance is accomplished by wiping out taxable income, not by paying a low tax rate on taxable income.”

          ” interest payments are made to offshore associates, and so on.”

          Heres some other billionaires who give to charity

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGITecuBEHQ … how good are they ?

      • Ad 1.5.2
        8 December 2018 at 9:01 am

        Yeah that’s fair.

        Since 1985, the distribution of earnings in NZ widened by 22%, compared to an average rise in the OECD of 15%. Capital income has become more unequally distributed, at a faster rate than in most OECD countries.

        There should not be billionaires in this world.

        • Antoine 1.5.2.1
          8 December 2018 at 9:20 am

          The inequality isnt his fault!

          A.

          • Ad 1.5.2.1.1
            8 December 2018 at 10:36 am

            It really is.

            You know how many people own as much wealth as 3.7 billion people?

            42

            It’s worse than mere fault: it is an evil.

            • Antoine 1.5.2.1.1.1
              8 December 2018 at 10:47 am

              Blame the system, not the individual rich person.

              A.

            • JohnSelway 1.5.2.1.1.2
              8 December 2018 at 11:06 am

              It’s horrifying that so few have so much. I don’t care if you’re rich but I do care when you hoard

              • Draco T Bastard …
                8 December 2018 at 12:51 pm

                Being rich is a state of hoarding.

                • JohnSelway …
                  8 December 2018 at 12:52 pm

                  No it isn’t

                  • Draco T Bastard …
                    8 December 2018 at 1:11 pm

                    I suggest you read Piketty because his research shows that it really is. It’s how rich people always destroy a society.

                    • JohnSelway …
                      8 December 2018 at 1:18 pm

                      I’ve read piketty. There are rich and well off people in our society who pay all their taxes and aren’t the super rich hoarders you are claiming them to be

                    • Draco T Bastard …
                      8 December 2018 at 2:30 pm

                      You obviously need to read him again. He specifically states that having wealth results in the accumulation of more wealth.

                      Hoarding.

                    • JohnSelway …
                      8 December 2018 at 2:37 pm

                      Just because he said it doesn’t mean he is right. I’ve known plenty of modest and honest rich people

                    • Draco T Bastard …
                      8 December 2018 at 2:44 pm

                      Just because he said it doesn’t mean he is right.

                      He not only said it but has the research to back it up.

                      Rich people are hoarders. In most cases they’re rich because they’re hoarders.

                    • JohnSelway …
                      8 December 2018 at 4:45 pm

                      All you have is evidence free assertions.

                      Before my father died he was very wealthy. He only had one home. A couple of vehicles and made his living as a fairly well known and respected doctor. That’s it. You are talking shit

    • SaveNZ 1.6
      8 December 2018 at 9:01 am

      Good on him, but what about the rest of the country? Time they worked out why everyones teeth as so bad. Too much sugar and acid and processed food is a big factor. Time poor food and harmful drinks have safety labelling on them like cigarettes. Would also help if people had the ability to cook again rather than working 2 jobs or having so little money or skills or being on drugs (that apparently we feel the need to encourage drug smugglers to settle in NZ to help make drugs more freely available).

      I’m not sure this evolution for 2 parents working has been the best for society – no time for cooking and kids being raised by minimum wages child care workers, is that really creating healthy happy communities and society. It has gone from a women’s right to choose to work, to begin forced to work for financial reasons as you need two incomes to survive in many cases these days.

      P>S> I think I read that Sroubek’s business was importing in fruit juice (plus drugs) so another reason to deport him as most fruit juice is worse than coke for your teeth due to acidity and sugar levels.

    • Gabby 1.7
      8 December 2018 at 9:19 am

      What’s the catch? Is it for a Chair in Barbecuology?

    • Morrissey 1.8
      8 December 2018 at 10:01 am

      “Good on him”??!!?? Why isn’t he paying his fair share of tax?

      Our universities and schools do not depend on the whims of the likes of this rich fool.

      • greywarshark 1.8.1
        8 December 2018 at 12:42 pm

        I notice that James’ comment at 1 has resulted in about 55 replies. It is good to be getting that level of critique on the important issues of our time, and the methods we can use to meet our problems.

        It is enthusiasm for discussing the important matters by so many here that gives The Standard prominence for intelligent, incisive citizen involvement in preparing for the future, among the numbers of blogs discussing NZs direction and approach

    • Draco T Bastard 1.9
      8 December 2018 at 10:02 am

      Nope. The university shouldn’t need donations and only bludgers are that rich.

    • Incognito 1.10
      8 December 2018 at 1:15 pm

      Arise, Sir Graeme!

  2. A 2
    8 December 2018 at 6:50 am

    Mesh victims denied the right to sue Johnson & Johnson because US judge decides ACC can pay. 22% of mesh claims denied by ACC.

    Why is NZ paying for J&J negligence?

    And why do we insist on dragging the pain out? Just help them ffs.

    https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/health/109061370/mesh-destroys-intimacy-in-marriage-but-kiwi-victim-cannot-sue

    • A 2.1
      8 December 2018 at 7:03 am

      Quote from link above:

      US court evidence showing that medical device manufacturers knew surgical mesh could cause catastrophic injuries including “a permanently destroyed vagina” was provided to New Zealand politicians on a health select committee in 2014.

      In other words the ACC scheme has made us a dumping ground for dodgy products. Negligent US companies don’t care because unlike NZ companies they don’t pay into the scheme, but they are benefiting.

      • Gabby 2.1.1
        8 December 2018 at 9:20 am

        Was Baarp Baaarp Coleman minister at the time?

      • Molly 2.1.2
        8 December 2018 at 10:43 am

        Even worse, those injured are finding themselves in court against ACC because ACC refuses to accept their claims of injury.

        I have a friend who went through this traumatic experience that lasted well over ten years. The NZ surgeons both refused to accept the mesh products were causing harm, and also lied when they assured that all the mesh had been removed after more surgeries.

        Alongside this, ACC has refused to acknowledge injury saying it was impossible to determine that the ill health and pain was caused by the mesh. ACC presented doctors opinions in court from doctors that had not examined my friend, but had reviewed the other doctors records. That case is ongoing.

        The only relief was from the loan of money from family that allowed her to go – along with other NZ and Australian women – to Dr Veronica in the US, who is surgically removing all traces of mesh product the most successfully. Apparently, his surgery schedule is filled with these cases and he is now very experienced and very likely to have a good outcome. After a typical surgery recovery – never experienced prior – as the pain and infections were always ongoing – her health and wellbeing improved immensely.

        ACC still is fighting her case, and this injury and ACC denial experience will be shared by many women in NZ.

        • greywarshark 2.1.3.1
          8 December 2018 at 1:11 pm

          Thanks joe90
          I had heard in the past that USA continues selling overseas things that have been banned in the USA. This item is an indictment on them and that practice.

    • SaveNZ 2.2
      8 December 2018 at 8:59 am

      Good points A.

  3. gsays 3
    8 December 2018 at 7:02 am

    A piece of good news, our cricket team have won a series overseas.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/109176715/black-caps-set-pakistan-280-to-win-in-79-overs-on-final-day-of-deciding-test

    A captain’s knock, another debutant spinner having a blinder (a bit Australian….), a target set for the opposition and a great two sessions of cricket.
    Congratulations to the captain, coach and team.

    • gsays 3.1
      8 December 2018 at 7:10 am

      A cruel situation.
      It seems these women were no more than guinea pigs, unaware participants in a trial.

      Perhaps ACC can cover all victims, then ACC can sue Ethicon/Johnson & Johnson to recover costs.
      After all, isn’t that what the resolution part of the TPPA is for?

      • gsays 3.1.1
        8 December 2018 at 11:51 am

        Oops.
        Replied to my self rather than A’s comment.
        Either the height of arrogance or the coffee hadn’t kicked in yet.

    • mauī 3.2
      8 December 2018 at 8:10 am

      I’m not sure it’s a totally legit result. Pakistan’s run chase in the 1st test looks real dodgy in my opinion.

    • Gabby 3.3
      8 December 2018 at 9:21 am

      What were the odds eh g? And who took those odds?

    • Ankerrawshark 3.4
      8 December 2018 at 9:37 am

      Says yeah wow go the black caps….great game to watch

  4. Ad 4
    8 December 2018 at 7:58 am

    If dating were like a job interview.
    Thank God for Findsomeone.

  5. lenore 5
    8 December 2018 at 8:11 am

    A few of us were discussing how people rise up in the ranks but are bullies. Some are pretty obvious but then you get the smiling assassins. Like Diane Maxwell. I can picture her being the girl who excluded others in those awful triads that girls get sucked into. Socialised to be extremely articulate from a young age as many girls are, this type of bully often becomes the ‘teacher’s pet’, head girl and is very successful. Their bullying is insidious and I believe the bullys have no idea now that they have been outed. Complete lack of awareness because their type of bullying has been ok most of their lives. Anyway just a theory – and observations from my own experiences and that of my three daughters.

    • Sacha 5.1
      8 December 2018 at 8:36 am

      Maggie Barry has form, say previous staffers and public servants who worked closely with her as Minister: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12173091

      “I’ve seen people saying since this came out that the staff are being precious,” she said. But that is untrue, claimed the official, who believes “the difference is that her behaviour with people she doesn’t like is so vitriolic and so consistent over time that it becomes traumatic.”

      • Anne 5.1.1
        8 December 2018 at 9:24 am

        And this bit:

        Parliamentary Service, which employs MPs’ support staff, contacted the whistleblower on Wednesday night to ask him to stop sharing private and confidential information, or it would be “forced” to act.

        It said the decision “was not made lightly” but it was concerned that other staff’s personal information was being made public, causing distress.

        The staffer said the fact he was the one in legal jeopardy when he had come forward to Parliamentary Service with evidence of alleged unlawful and bullying behaviour was ironic.

        “It reinforces the issue that I have with powerful people getting protected and promoted. I’ve lost my job and she still has her job – that’s typical,” he claimed.

        Having been down this particular road more than once in the past I’m livid with rage that it is still going on.

        Who the hell do Parliamentary Services think they are? They are supposed to support staff and take appropriate action on their behalf against violent bullies. And believe me Maggie B is a ‘violent bully’. No, she doesn’t go around bashing people with pieces of wood, Her method of destruction is psychological. She hounds and harasses with verbal violence to the point her targets lose all their confidence and self esteem and can no longer operate. Then, when they finally manage to muster up the strength to report the behaviour, they lie through their teeth and lay the blame at their targets’ feet.

        Bullies of this calibre have no empathy for their victims and happily destroy lives everywhere they go without a hint of a conscience. They demean and denigrate them in front of people. They spread garbage about them behind their backs and call them ‘nutters’ when in fact… they are the nutters.

        This young man who is putting it out there is exceedingly brave and I applaud him for doing so. My only hope is he is getting plenty of support because he will need it. I also know from experience his former superiors directly in the firing line will stop at virtually nothing to silence him.

        • Anne 5.1.1.1
          8 December 2018 at 9:52 am

          Oops: third to last paragraph should read … she lies through her teeth etc. It is the hall mark of any big time bully girl or boy.

          • OnceWasTim 5.1.1.1.1
            8 December 2018 at 12:20 pm

            Unfortunately @ Anne, someone needs to come up with an updated Peter Principle.
            Although I’m not suggesting our public service was perfect before the 80s reforms, sure as shit a new phenomenon has emerged.

            It goes along the lines of the Edmonds Baking Powder slogan “sure to rise”.
            The higher they rise however, the more versed in spin, lying and bullshit, self-preservation, politicisation, leaking, etc. they become.
            When you look at the record – especially over the past decade, it’s becoming harder to know which little dysfunctional feifdom is worst.
            Is it MPI? or NZTA/MOT?, or MBIE and all its chattels? or maybe Krekshuns? or DSW/WINZ? or Health? or even Edgeikayshun, HCNZ even.

            You’d have to admit it’s a bloody sorry record, but what’s worse is that the coalition don’t seem to realise that a good many of their ‘officials’ are more than likely their worst enemas – even if they’re nice blokes and blokesses.

            I keep saying – “roll on Chippie’s reforms”, though I’m not that hopeful.
            Some of us did (for example) try to warn I L-G he was going to be set up – although that little episode might yet backfire.

            Cudda Shudda Wudda eh?

        • Draco T Bastard 5.1.1.2
          8 December 2018 at 10:28 am

          Having been down this particular road more than once in the past I’m livid with rage that it is still going on.

          Can’t say that I’m surprised. IMO, powerful people have become even more protected over the last couple of decades.

          Who the hell do Parliamentary Services think they are?

          They seem to think that they’re the protectors of the powerful.

          And believe me Maggie B is a ‘violent bully’. No, she doesn’t go around bashing people with pieces of wood, Her method of destruction is psychological.

          Yep. We need to accept that psychological bullying is still violence.

          Then, when they finally manage to muster up the strength to report the behaviour, they lie through their teeth and lay the blame at their targets’ feet.

          Bullies always blame their victims and there’s so many around to help them do so.

  6. Sacha 6
    8 December 2018 at 8:32 am

    Pushback against education system proposal throws up some interesting language: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12173227

    Schools might become less diverse, further reducing students’ choices

    • ianmac 6.1
      8 December 2018 at 9:12 am

      A not very helpful analysis there Sacha?

    • Gabby 6.2
      8 December 2018 at 9:23 am

      Auckland Grammar aren’t going to give up the purse strings without a hell of a fight.

      • Pete 6.2.1
        8 December 2018 at 10:23 am

        In one fell swoop some ex-pupil white knight a la the one at the top of the thread, Hart not James, will come in with a donation which would cover the $1250 per pupil they ask for.

        • Sacha 6.2.1.1
          8 December 2018 at 10:36 am

          Or they could wean themselves from subsidies and become the fully private school they want to be.

    • Draco T Bastard 6.3
      8 December 2018 at 10:51 am

      The hubs would manage the size of all their schools, putting limits on the numbers of out-of-zone students.

      The funding system would be changed to double the extra funds for more disadvantaged students from 3 per cent of total funding now to 6 per cent, and schools in richer areas would not be allowed to make up for this by asking parents for big “donations”.

      Ah, I see the whingers problem – they won’t be able to attract students from out of zone, charge high fees and thus restrict access to state schools to rich people only.

      Ironically the changes were welcomed by school trustees, whose powers would be emasculated. School Trustees Association president Lorraine Kerr said boards would be glad to hand over “compliance” tasks such as health and safety, employment and property maintenance.

      That’s probably a good idea. Most people who get elected to school boards probably don’t have a clue as to how to do those.

      The taskforce also proposes abolishing intermediate schools and encouraging either junior colleges (Years 7-10) and senior colleges (Years 11-13), or full primary schools (Years 1-8) and full secondaries above them.

      As I said the other day the amount that our young need to learn before they leave school has increased and we should be looking at extending school out to 20/21. Split into three: years 1 to 7, 8 to 13 and then the final two or three years. Can’t leave school until finishing junior college.

      • JohnSelway 6.3.1
        8 December 2018 at 11:11 am

        And teach civics as a compulsory subject and also life skills like how to budget, how taxes work, interest rates etc.

        Help people to understand their place and power in society and how to avoid falling into financial traps

        • Draco T Bastard 6.3.1.1
          8 December 2018 at 1:10 pm

          And teach civics as a compulsory subject…

          I believe that civics is already a compulsory subject. The question is how much time is spent on it and if the subjects covered are the same across the country and if enough is actually covered.

          …how taxes work, interest rates etc.

          Now that’d be interesting especially if they combined it with how money is created by the private banks.

          As Ford says:

          It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning.4

          People recognise immoral behaviour when they see it and our monetary system is immoral. It is designed to steal from the majority of people. In fact, the entire capitalist system is.

  7. SaveNZ 7
    8 December 2018 at 8:34 am

    Another bad sign of globalism when people seem to being arrested around the world based on political reasons.

    Pretty sure China is not a signatory to the sanctions ban on Iran (and not sure that that Iran should have a sanctions ban in the first place especially when Saudi does not have one!)

    Weird, Saudi goes around murdering people and that is ok. Most of the 9/11 terrorists were Saudi’s and that was ok. And Saudi are murdering people in Yemen and that is ok too by the US and the world.

    Time, NZ got out of this idea that trade and globalism is a winner for NZ, because it’s more a shit fight for power and control. Fairness and transparency are out of the window. NZ is much better to pursue an independent foreign policy from both US and China and develop our economy not solely based on trade agreements that actually make NZ worse off in terms of domestic problems and inability to trade freely (aka the opposite of free trade) by too much regulation in the agreements. For example being able to trade with Russia but for ‘soft power’ reasons do not do so.

    Also absolute joke that BT are removing Huawei tech for UK security reasons, the UK government signed to get China to build a nuclear power station for them! What could be more dangerous, someone in control of nuclear power in your country or someone who might be able to snoop on a few conversations?

    China demands release of Huawei executive arrested in Canada
    Meng Wanzhou, who faces extradition to US, said to have been investigated over alleged sanctions breaches

    https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/dec/05/meng-wanzhou-huawei-cfo-arrested-vancouver

    • Draco T Bastard 7.1
      8 December 2018 at 10:55 am

      What could be more dangerous, someone in control of nuclear power in your country or someone who might be able to snoop on a few conversations?

      The person who can snoop on all your conversations. Doing so gives knowledge and knowledge is power.

      • SaveNZ 7.1.1
        8 December 2018 at 5:28 pm

        Well NZ is part of dangerous spying with 5 eyes. We already have mass surveillance here and not much said from our government… everyone is spying on everyone else… The spies don’t want other spies spying on them it seems to boil down to.

        We have a Natz MP who is probably a spy and China own vast amount of people and assets here in NZ, but not a care from our government, they just take the money (or give it away like water rights) but all of a sudden worried about Huawai? Its just doing the US bidding. NZ government would be happy to give up all sovereignty if they got a short term boast out of it and they keep the donations and Ponzi rolling in.

  8. reason 8
    8 December 2018 at 8:42 am

    Robert Fisk has spoken and written of the evil farce … where head chopping and sex slave taking terrorists in places like Mosul …. become sanitized as ‘rebels ‘… when they ply their blood letting and throat cutting in Syria.

    https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-sex-slaves-lamiya-aji-bashar-nadia-murad-sinjar-yazidi-genocide-sexual-violence-rape-sakharov-a7445151.html

    Continuing the long trend of Britain / Usa involving themselves with populations suffering a poor deal …. and giving them something much much worse.

    His latest writing on the hypocrisy of western values / morals,…. speaks the truth to our diet of bullshit and murderous delusions … The sick sort Wayne Mapp endorses

    https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/robert-fisk-jamal-khashoggi-trump-gina-haspel-cia-recordings-muslims-torture-yemen-a8670246.html

    “A generation ago, the CIA’s “Operation Phoenix” torture and assassination programme in Vietnam went way beyond the imaginations of the Saudi intelligence service. In spook language, Khashoggi was merely “terminated with maximum prejudice”. If the CIA could sign off on mass murder in Vietnam, why shouldn’t an Arab dictator do the same on a far smaller scale? True, I can’t imagine the Americans went in for bone saws. Testimony suggests that mass rape followed by mass torture did for their enemies in Vietnam.”

    “But still it goes on. Here’s Democrat senator Bob Menendez this week. The US, he told us, must “send a clear and unequivocal message that such actions are not acceptable on the world’s stage”. The “action”, of course, is the murder of Khashoggi. And this from a man who constantly defended Israel after its slaughter of the innocents in Gaza.”

    “Yet when at least one recent US presidential incumbent of that high office can be considered guilty of war crimes – in Iraq – and the deaths of tens of thousands of Arabs, how come American senators are huffing and puffing about just one man, Mohammed bin Salman, who (for a moment, let us set aside the Yemen war) is only being accused of ordering the murder and dismemberment of one single Arab?

    After all, world leaders – and US presidents themselves – have always had rather a soft spot for mass murderers and those who should face war crimes indictments. ” ………………

    ” The message has been clear and unequivocal for decades. The US “national interest” always trumps (in both senses) morality or international crime. ” ….

    “By the time Rumsfeld arrived for his meeting, more than 3,000 victims had fallen amid Iraqi gas clouds. The figure would reach at least 50,000 dead. Which is, in mathematical terms, Jamal Khashoggi times 50,000.”

    Its our ugly truth …. and Fisk is far from alone in telling it

    https://www.christianpost.com/news/isis-wives-jealous-of-sex-slaves-husbands-buy-virgins-for-10k-on-apps-rape-9-y-o-girls.html

  9. Marcus Morris 9
    8 December 2018 at 8:46 am

    The best news on the Education Front since the introduction of “Tomorrow’s Schools” has been the publication of Bali Haque’s review.

    Much as I admired David Lange he did nothing for students or teachers when he introduced the so called market model into education. At that time we had an education system that was admired throughout the world and certainly did not need changing. The advent of “TS” brought huge stress to many communities with little or no benefit. There is no doubt though that some principals, particularly in the primary sector, relished their new found power.

    Intermediate schools have always been of doubtful value, apart from providing promotional opportunities for Primary Principals. The notion of Form 1 – 4 or middle schools has been around for a long time, as have senior schools. They are to be encouraged.

    The immediate reaction from the Trustees association and the Principals Association has been very positive. The Nay Sayers are coming from the quarters to be expected and they are already indulging in extreme forms of derogatory terms e.g, “Stalinism”.

    Here is an opportunity to really put our education system “back on the rails” so let’s have a healthy and robust debate on the issue. As a now retired senior teacher who went through the “ordeal” of adjusting to “TS” I have plenty more I could say.

    • SaveNZ 9.1
      8 December 2018 at 8:57 am

      +1
      “Much as I admired David Lange he did nothing for students or teachers when he introduced the so called market model into education. At that time we had an education system that was admired throughout the world and certainly did not need changing.”

    • ianmac 9.2
      8 December 2018 at 9:14 am

      Hear Hear Marcus!

    • Morrissey 9.3
      8 December 2018 at 9:41 am

      Much as I admired David Lange…

      After that ritual statement, you then proceed, rightly, to remind us how destructive Lange was.

      What did you “admire” about him?

      • Marcus Morris 9.3.1
        8 December 2018 at 3:06 pm

        David Lange was the much needed antidote to R.D.Muldoon. I think that there was a collective sigh of relief when, mainly thanks to David Lange’s wit and debating skills (plus a revulsion to Muldoon’s overbearing style) Labour won the 1984 election in a land slide (and repeated the effort in 1987). The country stood largely united (and still does) on NZ being declared a nuclear free zone (the sky didn’t fall in as so many of the of the devotees of US foreign policy predicted it would) and who could forget Lange’s performance at the Oxford debate. David Lange gave us “voice of our own” when it came to dealing with foreign powers and we appreciated it. Sadly for David, and the country as a whole, he became entrapped with the policies of Douglas, Prebble, Bassett and co who brought in Neoliberal economics under a socialist banner (treachery I call it) and David and Geoffrey Palmer (a great statesman in my humble opinion) woke up to too late. The rest is history.

        • Morrissey 9.3.1.1
          8 December 2018 at 5:30 pm

          Geoffrey Palmer (a great statesman in my humble opinion)

          That opinion is more than “humble”, it’s FITH.

          Geoffrey Palmer is an international disgrace. His manipulation by the loathsome ex-president of Colombia, Alvaro Uribe, was perhaps the lowpoint of his career….

          https://www.democracynow.org/2011/9/2/as_turkey_freezes_israel_ties_critics

          • Marcus Morris 9.3.1.1.1
            9 December 2018 at 10:57 am

            Not sure what FITH means but I am sure it is not complimentary. You are entitled to your opinion of course, I will certainly stick with mine.

            • Morrissey 9.3.1.1.1.1
              9 December 2018 at 11:02 am

              As you clearly know nothing about Geoffrey Palmer’s disgrace, your opinion is worthless.

              • Marcus Morris …
                9 December 2018 at 11:26 am

                That of course is also a matter of opinion Morrisey. I am well aware of the incident that you refer to and I was deeply disappointed and angry at the outcome of the commission. While we can agree on the result of that particular inquiry (and we may claim it as an error of judgement on Geoffrey Palmer’s part because, of course, we are are privy to all the information he had) it does not detract from all the work that Palmer did in his time as a leading Labour member of parliament and, most importantly, his championing of MMP. Cheers.

                • Morrissey …
                  9 December 2018 at 3:01 pm

                  Palmer ceded all authority on that farcical “commission” to Alvaro Uribe, the brutally repressive, bloodstained “strong man” of Colombia and an avowed supporter of Israel’s crimes. Next to that cowardly behaviour, his championing of MMP is hollow.

    • Adrian 9.4
      8 December 2018 at 10:03 am

      Remember Tomorrows Schools came out of demands by many, most of whom never put themselves forward for board roles, for more parental control of scholl direction.
      Short bloody memories, the blight of the whingers.

      • Morrissey 9.4.1
        8 December 2018 at 10:15 am

        It came out of demands by a small group of fanatical right wingers who controlled the Labour Party. Far from consulting anyone with any expertise, Lange—or more accurately, Douglas, Moore and Bassett—installed a supermarket operator, one Brian Picot, to chair the farcical commission whose mission it was to dismantle our education system.

        We’re still suffering the consequences thirty years later.

      • millsy 9.4.2
        8 December 2018 at 10:37 am

        I’m pretty sure that parents had input into the running of schools before 1989. Education boards were democratically elected, and schools were run by school comittees and PTA’s. Schools simply had more central support and expertise to draw on.

        If anything TS lessened parental involvement. If you are having issues with your local school, there is no place to really turn to for help, and the school closures over the past 2 decades would not have happened if the education boards were still in charge.

        • Marcus Morris 9.4.2.1
          8 December 2018 at 3:18 pm

          Tomorrows Schools had little impact on Secondary school governance. It was in the Primary area that the impact was greatest with respect to school management. But that was just one part of it. The effect on the secondary sector was immense with schools paying ridiculous amounts of money in promotional material for self promotion. This was felt particularly in the medium sized rural towns (Masterton, Levin for example) where two school competed for clientele from a fixed market. But it was also the loss of free and readily attainable professional advice that was to prove costly. Fair do’s: entrepreneurial professionals set themselves up as advisors and ” did very nicely thank you” dragging out money from operational grants that could have been better spent on other educational aids, books and computers to name just two.

    • greywarshark 9.5
      8 December 2018 at 12:08 pm

      This from Marcus Morris should be noted – worth repeating.

      Much as I admired David Lange he did nothing for students or teachers when he introduced the so called market model into education. At that time we had an education system that was admired throughout the world and certainly did not need changing. The advent of “TS” brought huge stress to many communities with little or no benefit. There is no doubt though that some principals, particularly in the primary sector, relished their new found power.

      Another supposedly progressive Labour change of the 1980’s – done as a result of ideology, sales promotion and and addled opinion.

    • mary_a 9.6
      8 December 2018 at 1:08 pm

      100% concur with your sentiments Marcus Morris (9) … well said.

    • Pete 9.7
      8 December 2018 at 3:33 pm

      As an retired senior teacher how many parents did you speak to over the years whose children grew well through intermediate school who said “Intermediate schools have always been of doubtful value”?

      • Marcus Morris 9.7.1
        8 December 2018 at 9:29 pm

        The answer is obvious – there was no alternative so they had no other point of reference. Middle schools have always made much more sense. As far as I am aware there has been little research to prove the efficacy of Intermediate schools – again, what was there to compare them with but you might be able to correct me on that point. As a student I attended both an Intermediate School and full primary school. I don’t think I lost anything in attending the latter for the last eighteen months of my primary education. We used to be bussed to “manual” and enjoyed the afternoon out. My first year teaching was in an Intermediate School before I moved into the secondary sector. For much of my career I worked in a Form One to Seven structure which worked well in rural areas. However, I feel that a three tiered system with years seven to ten being taught as a separate entity, would have huge advantages.

        • Pete 9.7.1.1
          8 December 2018 at 10:52 pm

          I’m in a district where there are just about all the options. (No middle school) I’m sure most of the parents in the years our kids were at the intermediate they went to wouldn’t say/have said that intermediates were of doubtful value. I think many of them would be absolute advocates for that system.

          I was at some talk somewhere about the time where advantages/disadvantages between the systems were talked about. We have a very highly regarded high decile Yr1-8 school pretty close to us and had to make a decision. Whoever it was had some research about types of schooling. I think it was Ministry of Education stuff. I do remember a term being used – ‘slippage’ – to do with kids ‘going backwards’ with moving between schools and the affect of doing it twice in a short time for two intermediate years. I also remember the findings by and large being they were six of one, half a dozen of the other and other factors and possibilities came into it determining the good for kids.

          • Marcus Morris 9.7.1.1.1
            9 December 2018 at 11:14 am

            Pete, I am in no way denigrating the quality of the teaching that has taken place in Intermediate schools over many decades. Teachers in those schools are unquestionably as dedicated and committed as they are in any other sector. In its inception back in the thirties (the brainchild of Dr Beeby I think) it was designed to bridge the gap between primary and secondary styles of learning (I assume). In other words to help children to adjust from a single teacher classroom to a situation where they would face multiple teaching styles (was there another reason). It is pertinent to remember that in those far off days the vast majority of students left school at fifteen and went into apprenticeships. This was still the case in the time of my own school days in the fifties when two years secondary education was all that was needed to get into most types of tertiary training. My point is that the division has always seemed contrived. Puberty doesn’t begin at age eleven and end two years later. And I have never understood the social advantages. Children leave primary school as “seniors” at the end of year six, have two years to adjust and gain seniority at intermediate and then go through the trauma of readjustment again in year nine.

            Finally, if intermediate schools were deemed such a good idea (and they have been around for eighty plus years) why have they not been more widely introduced overseas.

            PS I have a suspicion that your children were educated in the same suburb as my grandchildren. Their parents opted for the “full” primary school and have never regretted it.

    • DJ Ward 9.8
      9 December 2018 at 12:01 pm

      The worst thing they did was fiddle with our style of assessment. Or should I say experimented with. I was part of the group given grades from 1 to 9. I was in a top school and each school was allocated grades. I came 3rd in the school in computer studies and got a grade 4. Nobody could get a 1.

      The year before we did School Certificate under the old system. At least that system was fair, and encouraged students to try. I do feel fiddling with structures of schools will do little to address the real issues. In particular the present system is working well for girls but it’s failing to engage boys in the same way. Having 2 females vs 1 male in tertiary education will have long term social consequences.

      The primary and secondary system is responsible for the resultant.

      The education gap.

      • Molly 9.8.1
        9 December 2018 at 12:06 pm

        ” In particular the present system is working well for girls but it’s failing to engage boys in the same way. Having 2 females vs 1 male in tertiary education will have long term social consequences.”
        Link to studies about this aspect.

        The education system has not been delivering for all students – whether male or female in terms of preparing them for full engagement with work or community.

        Achievement levels in a flawed system aren’t the indicators we should focus on. Our education system should deliver New Zealanders that are able to engage, work and play in a meaningful manner.

        IIRC, The old School Cert system automatically scaled to fail half the students despite achievement. That is also less than ideal, and not a system we should return to.

        • DJ Ward 9.8.1.1
          9 December 2018 at 12:22 pm

          https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/__data/assets/excel_doc/0003/174162/2016-rounded-maori-summary.xlsx

          So it was 2:1 in this group but has improved to 3 1/3:2

          It’s an issue needing to be addressed. I know some people are trying but it’s still a big gap.

          Sorry Molly can’t do more, taking kids swimming.

          • Molly 9.8.1.1.1
            9 December 2018 at 1:53 pm

            You don’t link to stats that match your comments, so work on that. Someone I know has been involved in work with the MoE and NZQA to raise Māori achievement levels – which is an entirely different topic to the one you introduced, so I’m expecting a bit more than rushed stats leading to inaccurate conclusions.

            Enjoy the day with your kids, it’s nice to have swimming weather on the weekend.

            • DJ Ward 9.8.1.1.1.1
              9 December 2018 at 4:09 pm

              https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/182296/2016-pt-provider-based-enrolments-part1b.pdf

              Summary. Males:females
              Lvl 1&2. 1:1.27
              Lvl 3. 1:1.56
              Lvl 4 to 7 1:1.15
              Bachelor & higher. 1:1.45
              Ace. 1:2.53

              Lvl 4 is lower due to aprenterships.

              So I’m wrong in saying 1:2. Sorry Molly.

              1:2 exists for Graduate diplomas.
              1:2.67 for adult honours.

              I am correct in saying we have an education gap.

              That’s larger than the claimed pay gap, that we endlessly hear about from the Ministry for women.

              One of the “best interests of the child things” but on the doesn’t count list because it’s males.

              The Minister for Men remains silent.

              • Molly …
                9 December 2018 at 9:20 pm

                The report you linked to – different from the first – does show a higher percentage of female enrolments, which apparently has been the case since 2006. The report says that the average percentage of females enrolled is 59%.

                There are no conclusions in this report, as the data they have collated for gender has not been matched with other criteria to indicate why this is the case.

                As you mentioned the male percentage in apprenticeships is likely to be higher.
                In typical female occupations such as carer, ECE, and nursing a qualification is often gained – and sometimes legally required.

                Further on in the report it says there has been an increase in NZQF enrolments which are industry and trade based qualifications, while the university enrolments have stayed quite static.

                Looking at the statistics only, you have no context or valuable data that gives insight into why enrolments or attendance is the way it is.

                “I am correct in saying we have an education gap.

                That’s larger than the claimed pay gap, that we endlessly hear about from the Ministry for women.”

                Your focus on ‘male’ achievement is a very narrow one.

                We already know there are greater gaps for Māori and Pasifika students

                There will be substantial gaps for:
                – Students from low-socio economic groups
                – Students from families with low disposable income not entitled to support,

                All of these groups need specific targeting and assistance in improve education outcomes, as long as the education provided is of high quality and suitable for purpose.

                “One of the “best interests of the child things” but on the doesn’t count list because it’s males.

                The Minister for Men remains silent.”

                You seem capable of reasoned discussion, so I don’t know why you are taking a single data point and quite willfully reading malice into it. There is not enough data there to give a reason why the ratio is skewed.

                eg. There seemed to be considerably more females in the age 24-60 yr group, but that might be reflective of the population as a whole as females outnumber males in the population after the age of 30 IIRC.
                But as I said, you would need better data before drawing that conclusion.

                You are also conflating issues here.

                We are speaking about education, ‘the best interests of the child’ – which I agree with – relates to the custody conversation we had.

                • Molly …
                  9 December 2018 at 9:40 pm

                  Just thinking the change from male majority to female majority might in part be due to the requirement for Early Childhood Centres to have qualified staff that happened in the early 2000’s. Add to that the fact that only 2.6% of ECE staff are male and you have a large female contingent in a growing industry that require qualifications to remain working.

                  But as I mentioned, there is not enough data in the linked report to give the information needed to make judgements, only loosely based theories that need further research.

      • Marcus Morris 9.8.2
        9 December 2018 at 2:54 pm

        I don’t think that TS had anything to do with the changing of assessment procedure. That was just coincidental. The old School Certificate was not good. It was designed to fail 50% of the population with the result that many people were, literally, scarred for life with a sense of failure at school. It was an indictment on the system. SFC was also a flawed scheme where schools were locked into an award process which was tied intrinsically with grades gained by a particular cohort of students at SC level in their previous years study.

        The final five years of my teaching service saw the introduction of NCEA and, in its initial form, I saw great merit. However as more an and more assessment is being placed back on the schools and their teachers (as was the case with SFC) my enthusiasm has wained more then somewhat.

        • DJ Ward 9.8.2.1
          9 December 2018 at 4:44 pm

          We live in a world were you pass or fail.
          If you don’t pass your drivers test, you don’t get it.
          If you don’t pass your firearms test, you don’t get it.
          If you don’t pass your university test, you don’t get it.

          I don’t have a problem with competency testing.
          I don’t have a problem with completed the task, award.

          I do have a problem with teachers time inside school and out of school, waisting time with endless assessing with the present system.

          I want teachers teaching as near to 100% of the time when they are with the kids. I want teachers to live happy lives, not burdened with what at the end of the day is pointless assessing.

          I would rather we went back to tests without reporting % but just giving A, B, C, D with a much smaller project contribution for some subjects like Art.

          D resulting in do it again.

          • solkta 9.8.2.1.1
            9 December 2018 at 4:57 pm

            School C, as Marcus mentions, was scaled to a normal distribution curve to ensure that 50% of people failed. That is not a pass and you don’t get it but rather a pass and we will fail you anyway.

            • DJ Ward 9.8.2.1.1.1
              9 December 2018 at 5:31 pm

              We can learn from our mistakes and create a better way of doing it.

              As we introduced NCEA we began dropping in international standing. I believe this is due to the burden on teachers. A happy teacher is a good teacher. A overworked and stressed teacher is not a happy teacher.

          • Marcus Morris 9.8.2.1.2
            9 December 2018 at 5:06 pm

            I largely concur with what you say however the point about SC under the old system was that it was norm referenced and lead to very artificial and grossly unfair results. NCEA is, or was, standards based – just like the drivers licence. You reached the standard – you passed and if you passed well you this was acknowledged with a Merit or Excellence award.

  10. SaveNZ 10
    8 December 2018 at 8:54 am

    Is this the only intelligent thing Nash has ever said?

    “We gave you a chance … My view on this has always been the same. Let him go home. Let him go to some other country. I don’t want these sorts of people in New Zealand … Good riddance, never come back.”

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12171765

    While they are about it, time that the whole marriage situation with immigration was tightened up. If should take 20 years to get full citizenship and welfare in NZ to stop people purchasing it for the wrong reasons, (or that reason gone by lunch time aka like many people’s relationships and marriages) and if you go to jail and get a conviction you are automatically deported.

    Look at Sroubek’s case, his wife supported him, now shortly later seems to be in hiding in a police safe house because she is afraid of him??? My how the situation seems changed in a short period of time. You can’t change people’s emotions, but our immigration policy should not be at the mercy of people’s short term relationships or fake labour and fake businesses and all these new import businesses that are caught importing in drugs, should be instant deportation.

    Having a much longer time frame for citizenship would do a lot of clean up NZ, where 1 in 4 people are now living here from overseas and the news head lines seem full of them operating outside NZ laws, thus changing our country into some drugs fuelled, illegal working hell hole where scams are everywhere, which is out of kilter with our safe, clean, green image with high educational and moral standards and low corruption levels from 30 years ago. Stupidity and short term greed is making NZ a much worse place for more people.

    • Psych nurse 10.1
      8 December 2018 at 10:13 am

      Some questions about Mrs Sroubek come to mind. Was her immigration status reliant on her husbands flawed residency and if he was a criminal, was she living on the proceeds of crime and should also be deported.

    • Draco T Bastard 10.2
      8 December 2018 at 11:04 am

      Having a much longer time frame for citizenship would do a lot of clean up NZ

      I think getting rid of Permanent Residence would do more while ensuring control of NZ by NZers by allowing only citizens to vote.

      • JohnSelway 10.2.1
        8 December 2018 at 11:17 am

        Well, I want to agree that only citizens should vote but I still feel if you are living and working in a country and paying tax you should have a say how those tax dollars are spent

        • James Thrace 10.2.1.1
          8 December 2018 at 12:20 pm

          Citizens only should vote in central government elections.

          Residents can vote in local body elections.

        • Draco T Bastard 10.2.1.2
          8 December 2018 at 1:18 pm

          If a person is living and working in a country then they should be a citizen.
          If they’re not a citizen then they shouldn’t be living and working in that country.

          • JohnSelway 10.2.1.2.1
            8 December 2018 at 1:31 pm

            So you’re pretty much cancelling everyone’s OE then. Oh and everyone is Australia will have to come home

            • Draco T Bastard 10.2.1.2.1.1
              8 December 2018 at 2:49 pm

              So you’re pretty much cancelling everyone’s OE then.

              Short term work visas. They’re visiting rather than living.

              Oh and everyone is Australia will have to come home

              Or they could, you know, get citizenship.

              I actually get pissed off with people going on about NZers living in Oz being treated as 2nd class citizens. They’re not citizens.

        • Molly 10.2.1.3
          8 December 2018 at 3:21 pm

          Not necessarily. You may be working in a country just for your personal benefit, and contribute nothing to that society other than your consumption and tax.

          Societies and countries remain healthier when they are valued. If someone decides that New Zealand is the country where they want to contribute more than the bare minimum, and make a commitment to that decision by becoming a citizen – only then should they have the right to vote.

        • SaveNZ 10.2.1.4
          8 December 2018 at 5:19 pm

          Not 100% sure but I think NZ citizens can work in OZ, but get little welfare there these days. Although I think part of that is how NZ is the world’s third largest immigration by capita group, and the new citizens are using the NZ passport to enter other counties thus making other countries tighten up against NZ citizens which again is making things worse for NZ citizens born here or long term migrants who came here before the Ponzi.

          Voting should be a privilege and a right for the people born in that country. If you are not born and living in NZ, then it should take 20 years to vote and be a NZ citizen. Now we have people who come here, fake job or just here for 11 days and can vote and change our government. It is not acceptable or fair to long term citizens to be able to buy your way into NZ and getting very fast voting rights.

    • Draco T Bastard 12.1
      8 December 2018 at 11:07 am

      A person like that should not be allowed to even be in an administrative position. We don’t let people with convictions that could result in two years of jail into parliament.

    • greywarshark 12.2
      8 December 2018 at 12:10 pm

      It would seem he is very suitable from a NZ Immigration perspective.

  13. Morrissey 13
    8 December 2018 at 9:46 am

    An “expert” who calls the 19th century “the eighteen hundreds.”
    Jim Mora’s inane chat show just gets worse every episode.
    The Panel, RNZ National, Friday 7 December 2018
    Jim Mora, Alan McIlroy, Tim Watkin, Caitlin Cherry

    Announcing the menu for today’s learned discussions, the determinedly chirpy Caitlin Cherry makes out as if she is something other than an inane and frivolous commentator:

    JIM MORA: Caitlin Cherry, good afternoooon.

    CAITLIN CHERRY: Good afternoon. Speaking of extremely lucrative, um, things to dooooo, uh, I’m going to talk about YouTube stars. And, to be honest, I feel like just packing it all IN, and doing some INANE thing and commenting on it, and becoming a YouTube star and making MILLIONS.

    MORA: And you COULD, Caitlin!

    CAITLIN CHERRY: Yeeeees, I’m sort of not QUITE in the right age bracket….

    A minute later, we are treated to a typically high-flown piece of rhetoric from the show that Caitlin Cherry, that enemy of inanity, produces:

    JIM MORA: Someone was complaining about the way we say “entrepreneur”, rhymes with manure, rather than entrepreneur, rhymes with fleur….

    A little later, the first query in the (almost always) twee and insubstantial One Quick Question segment was: “What is the meaning of watershed?” It was answered by something called “Ken Grace from the Department of Writing”. I tuned him out as soon as he used the phrase “the eighteen hundreds.” He meant, of course, the nineteenth century, but he was either dumbing it down for the RNZ audience, or was too dumb to understand it himself. Either way, it’s unacceptable.

    BTW: where the hell is the Department of Writing? Is it in the infamous John Davies’ non-existent Denver State University, perhaps?

    • te reo putake 13.1
      8 December 2018 at 10:01 am

      When did the 19th century start, Moz?

      • Morrissey 13.1.1
        8 December 2018 at 10:07 am

        The 19th century started on Wednesday, January 1, 1800. The eighteen hundreds finished on Sunday, December 31, 1809. Of course you know that, my good friend, and so does anyone with a measurable I.Q.

        But not, apparently, the “expert” consulted by that ridiculous chat show.

        • Antoine 13.1.1.1
          8 December 2018 at 10:11 am

          > Of course you know that, my good friend, and so does anyone with a measurable I.Q.

          I pity anyone who has to put up with you offline

          A.

          • Morrissey 13.1.1.1.1
            8 December 2018 at 10:16 am

            Your facility with the one-liner really has to be admired.

            Your compassion for my friends and family has been noted.

        • te reo putake 13.1.1.2
          8 December 2018 at 10:16 am

          Er, shome mishtake, shurely?

          The 19th Century actually started on January 1st, 1801. The eighteen hundreds began a year earlier. This confusion, which you are party to, is why we celebrated the recent millennium a year early. And also because Prince realised that ‘party like it’s two thousand’ doesn’t scan as well.

          PS, did you really mean to say the 1800’s finished in 1809? I think we should be told!

        • Gabby 13.1.1.3
          8 December 2018 at 12:59 pm

          No, it started on 1 January 1801, as eny fule kno morrie.

          • Morrissey 13.1.1.3.1
            8 December 2018 at 5:26 pm

            Correct, Gabby. I’m a fool, and a damned fool at that. And don’t you forget it!

  14. Ed 14
    8 December 2018 at 10:31 am

    Interesting article in the Herald today on how Uber Eats is damaging small food outlets.
    Think before you use the Uber model.
    It is destroying small businesses, by the sound of it.
    The money you spend goes to billionaires in California, as opposed to workers in New Zealand.
    And Uber doesn’t pay its share of tax.
    If use catch an Uber taxi or order Uber Eats, never grumble about an underresourced health system.
    Your consumer choice contributed to that happening.
    Be a citizen- not a consumer.

    Here is an excerpt from the article.

    “One Auckland business owner who runs an Indian takeaway says Uber Eats’ commission fees are too high – particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.
    “If a business is selling $100 worth of food, about $41 [after GST] is going to go to Uber Eats,” says the business owner, who wants to remain anonymous.
    He says it would work out cheaper to hire a person to deliver the food itself, but the popularity of Uber Eats means that being on the platform is essentially a way of marketing the business, and “that’s where the customers are”.
    Uber Eats policy says businesses must not increase their prices on the platform and they should be the same as those offered in-store. However, the takeaway owner says that is not feasible and many users do increase their prices on the app to accommodate the high commission fees.”

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12146643

    • Draco T Bastard 14.1
      8 December 2018 at 11:13 am

      The Uber model of exploitation needs to be banned.

      • Ed 14.1.1
        8 December 2018 at 11:19 am

        Totally agree Draco.
        If a corporation won’t make its fair contribution to society, it should be boycotted and banned.
        The secondary rugby schools of Auckland, the Extinction rebellion activists and the yellow vest demonstrators show us the way.

        • greywarshark 14.1.1.1
          8 December 2018 at 12:32 pm

          The Uber model insinuates itself through the needs of people to earn who have become unemployed through the machinations of the free market under-cutting businesses, jobs, wages and the local market in which they operated.

          So first the free market destabilises a relatively stable market, causing collapse of small business, jobs and income, then the people affected have to find a way to earn an insecure incoe., Then theyhave that destabilised by the free market operators finding ways to exploit other insecure people to compete and undercut their jobs and income. So insecure people eternally fight for reducing earnings while uber, go their unscrupulous way taking a management cut – the ultimate fight for life.

          • Draco T Bastard 14.1.1.1.1
            8 December 2018 at 12:54 pm

            Bingo!

            The entire system is designed to ensure that wealth flows up to the already rich.

            • Ankerrawshark 14.1.1.1.1.1
              8 December 2018 at 5:58 pm

              But, but maybe Draco they will donate money to our universities or health care

        • solkta 14.1.1.2
          8 December 2018 at 12:46 pm

          Aren’t the yellow vest protestors protesting about a carbon tax on petrol?

          • Sabine 14.1.1.2.1
            8 December 2018 at 7:42 pm

            No, they are protesting about a tax on petrol. I think they call it the Macron is a wanker tax.

      • Alan 14.1.2
        8 December 2018 at 2:42 pm

        Uber is awesome, very efficient use of resources by willing participants, but you draco of course cannot see that

        • Molly 14.1.2.1
          8 December 2018 at 2:46 pm

          Uber is also exploitative of human resources, requiring drivers to compensate for the failings of their business model to consider the well-being of the main resource that they benefit from.

        • te reo putake 14.1.2.2
          8 December 2018 at 2:47 pm

          Yeah, the poor sod that turned up at my place last night was a very willing participant. Ragged clothes, soul flapping off his shoes, broken English and nearly in tears because he’d been given the wrong address.

        • Draco T Bastard 14.1.2.3
          8 December 2018 at 2:52 pm

          The people driving are being exploited through their need to work to live. The people who own Uber are getting income from the work of others while doing little to nothing themselves.

          That is exploitation.

          • Alan 14.1.2.3.1
            8 December 2018 at 5:35 pm

            um, envisaging and setting up a business model which is willingly utilised by millions of people every day is working draco.

          • Graeme 14.1.2.3.2
            8 December 2018 at 6:05 pm

            The bit I don’t get with the Uber model is why the taxi co-ops haven’t come up with a similar app based system, or a developer seen the opportunity to create one.

            We had savy down here as a trial but it didn’t work out. https://www.savy.co.nz

            • Muttonbird 14.1.2.3.2.1
              8 December 2018 at 6:13 pm

              This. Pretty easy to kill off Uber I would have thought.

              • James …
                8 December 2018 at 8:35 pm

                Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

                Sometimes you are really funny.

                Muttonbird the genius thinks it’s pretty easy to kill off Uber.

              • JohnSelway …
                8 December 2018 at 8:43 pm

                As long as there is demand it’ll stay.

                Every Uber driver I’ve spoken to has enjoyed working for uber

                • James …
                  8 December 2018 at 8:55 pm

                  No John – that can’t be right. People here know better. They are all miserable.

                  I love Uber. Use it exclusively when travelling and often use Uber eats in different cities when away for work.

                  Excellent service – but I’m sure muttonbird will hav the, out of business in a week. Coz they all smart like.

                • joe90 …
                  8 December 2018 at 9:02 pm

                  As long as their investors can weather the losses.

                  To date, close to $12 Billion and counting.

            • Sacha 14.1.2.3.2.2
              8 December 2018 at 8:47 pm

              Zoomy is an NZ-developed alternative, but I do not know how their uptake is going.

              • Molly …
                8 December 2018 at 9:11 pm

                Zoomy offers better overall rates and conditions for drivers, but drivers will often not pick up fares during peak times because Uber then offers a premium. So customers have to pay more, and don’t get to choose between services.

                The short-term chase for higher individual earnings means that the better terms and conditions offered by Zoomy are not prioritised by drivers.

                They also offer a better service for customers, no peak rates, and a training system for all drivers:

                You must be at least 18 years of age, and hold a P endorsement on your drivers license. You’ll also need to own an iPhone or Android phone.

                All Zoomy drivers are required to go through our approval process, which includes an NZTA Driver Check, having a CoF on your vehicle and hold a Passenger Licence.

                Along with being in good condition, your car needs to be a 2008 model or younger, have four external door handles and at least five seatbelts.

                Finally, you’ll need to complete a driver training course with our driver team.

  15. Ed 15
    8 December 2018 at 10:34 am

    Thought my ban had ended.
    Posted something about Uber Eats and it didn’t appear?

  16. Ed 16
    8 December 2018 at 12:28 pm

    This article on the Stuff website poses a good question.
    The French are protesting will we?
    It seeks the opinions of Max Rashbrooke and John Minto.

    Excerpts from the article.

    “An estimated 100,000 people have taken to the streets in France over the last month to protest the rising price of fuel and the cost of living in general.
    However, according to statistics collected by the OECD in 2017 the French have it a lot better than New Zealanders, with a greater disposable income and lower levels of inequality.
    So where are the New Zealand protests?
    Inequality researcher Max Rashbrooke said at the heart of New Zealander’s inaction was a general complacency from those who are doing OK.”

    My take.

    Of course we did have protests back in the 1980s as workers around the country saw their rights and work conditions removed. Then draconian laws in the early 90s removed that right.

    France never adopted the neoliberal poison to the same degree and no politician ( until Macron) has dared to apply the economic shock doctrine New Zealand politicians applied from 1984 to 1993.

    And why did the protests not succeed in the 1980s? Well, it was theoretically a ‘Labour’ government that forced through the radical anti-worker laws. The Labour movement was stunned, shocked and fractured. It failed to resist as a united front.

    In 2018 there are laws that make such united action very hard.

    Nevertheless if the midwives, the teachers, the engineers, the junior doctors, the firefighters, the nurses, the bus drivers, the train drivers , the supermarket workers, the fast food workers all stopped work on the same day.
    And repeated that action every week – united- indefinitely until neoliberal capitalism was abandoned,.. then we’d see a change.

    Sadly many New Zealanders have been propagandised into being obedient consumers. A cheap UBER taxi, a cheap UBER eat, a cheap Macdonalds, a cheap piece of plastic from the Warehouse or another big box consumer hellhole trumps workers’ rights and conditions.

    New Zealanders have been atomised. Their sense of community has been undermined and many no longer see society as any bigger than the nuclear family. Digital devices have taken this to another level as the atomisation now reduces us to the individual level.

    And few notice and few care. The dumbing down of the population means there’s more uproar over Coca Cola’s Santa than our burning planet and unequal country.

    Approximately 30% of the population vote for the National Party. They are the complacent sector who have forgotten empathy. Their attitudes will only change when the crisis hits them personally.

    They should remember John Donne’s famous quote.

    “No man is an island entire of itself; every man
    is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;
    if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe
    is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as
    well as any manner of thy friends or of thine
    own were; any man’s death diminishes me,
    because I am involved in mankind.
    And therefore never send to know for whom
    the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. ”

    https://i.stuff.co.nz/business/108851984/the-french-are-rioting-but-they-have-it-better-than-kiwis

    • Poission 16.1
      8 December 2018 at 12:45 pm

      When the bell tolls it tolls for three.

      The french do have more passion.

      • greywarshark 16.1.1
        8 December 2018 at 1:00 pm

        Everything is wanted cheaper in NZ, because that shows more efficiency. That is the mantra from the well-off to the not, who have been propagandised with that message.

        And the further message is that all the people having well-being is not something that NZ can afford. Prices of labour have to fall to the lowest base line for instance, so that others can take advantage of the ones at the bottom to keep costs of needed services low, and then profitable business can be built on that advantage.

        Change that mindset to care about each other again, to want others to have a good basic life style and opportunities to better it! But that is so old-fashioned.
        Apparently Maggie Barry uses having a trace of 1970’s thinking as a reason for disdain. People who do not remember or understand the past, which was of an attempted moral society, can’t change. NZs learned to go for cheap, and they got nasty.

        NZ is not an admirable society now; anything good about it is either glossy on the surface stuff, or shows up only in spots, or thinly stretched and stressed.

  17. mary_a 17
    8 December 2018 at 1:09 pm

    100% concur with your sentiments Marcus Morris (9) … well said.

  18. greywarshark 18
    8 December 2018 at 1:36 pm

    News from Wellington – they are going to build a new concert hall. I wondered where it would be sited. Then I thought of all the expenditure on the site for the memorial of WW1. That has been marked. Perhaps they can move on now, and turn that memorial into a living one housing the creative doings of those who have lived on. The concert hall would be named the Memorial Hall for WW1 and WW2, both having been important sacrifices by NZs. Do something both thoughtful and practical please you big-noting politicians.

    http://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=114526
    And the comments are interesting and informed.
    One refers to to pointyheads being stuck on large buildings on the shore line masking the view. Perhaps it is shades of The Opera House in Sydney which was a giant step up for them, (they are now monetising this by shining advertisements onto it).

  19. joe90 19
    8 December 2018 at 3:46 pm

    Oh well, back to the drawing board….

    I think we can forget about the Norway Option: Lunde compares Britain to an abusive partner who spikes your drinks. https://t.co/vrqtcMoJmZ— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) December 8, 2018

    "I think you would mess it all up for us, the way you have messed it all up for yourselves."Heidi Nordby Lunde, president of Norway's European Movement, is sceptical about calls for the UK to strike a Norway-style deal with the EU. pic.twitter.com/uEpiO3yXPp— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) December 7, 2018

    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/dec/04/norway-option-is-worst-of-all-brexit-outcomes-for-uk-say-eu-sources-rules

  20. joe90 20
    8 December 2018 at 8:14 pm

    Congratulations to Abbey Ercerg, the world’s 60th ranked women’s footballer.

    https://offsiderulepodcast.com/60-abby-erceg/

  21. joe90 21
    8 December 2018 at 8:44 pm

    garden variety consent dyslexics

  23. hoom 23
    8 December 2018 at 9:47 pm

    Surprised this hasn’t been mentioned: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12173192
    Nats planning policy to ACC-ise the rest of the Social Welfare system.

    …given they twice attempted to privatise ACC they would presumably be also planning to privatise the whole thing in 2nd term.

    • greywarshark 23.1
      8 December 2018 at 10:27 pm

      Photo Mark Mitchell? The members are looking disgruntled.

    • Ed 23.2
      8 December 2018 at 10:43 pm

      More leaks, I see.
      And it’s not JLR….

    • joe90 23.3
      8 December 2018 at 10:45 pm

      I have a post traumatic health issue, the result of an injury suffered decades ago, which has resulted in a serious disability requiring a surgical fix. I’m able to oblige myself of the treatment and support offered by ACC, timely consultations and private hospital surgery, post-surgery appliances, home help and income support.

      For no known reason, the same issue spontaneously afflicts post-menopausal women, seriously disabling them, and requires the same surgical fix. But unless they have health insurance, they’re treated by the public system. Long waits for surgical consultations, long surgery waiting lists, bureaucratic difficulties in obtaining post-surgery home help and appliances, and a pittance in income support.

      If National’s plan to extend ACC to victims of illness as well as accidents put an end to the two tier health system these women are forced to endure, then all power to them.

      • hoom 23.3.1
        8 December 2018 at 11:30 pm

        Yes it sounds kinda good on the surface.

        But this is the Nats you’re talking about, they think the US Health Market is the ideal model to follow & they have a history of trying to Privatise ACC.

        So you have to understand that what at first sounds good is likely to be actually intended to destroy &/or Privatise the last vestiges of Social Welfare in the longer term.

  24. Cinny 24
    8 December 2018 at 10:05 pm

    Agent Orange has nominated a Fox newsreader to represent USA at the UN.

    It’s so perfectly bizarre.

    Bibi will be beyond thrilled.

  25. eco maori 25
    9 December 2018 at 9:18 am

    Kia ora R & R the problems with our housing is some people turned it into WEALTH making enterprises banks pollie realestate ect.
    Communal living is good the old look after the mokopunas and the younger work that model worked for thousands of years the capitalist don’t like this model because it is to hard to sell there snake oil /lies to us when you have communal living the old wise give good advice to the youth .
    I liked Nania’s idea of sweat equity the buyers work in building the house and are given equity in the house for there labour Ka kite ano. rents are sky rocketing at the minute and the banks love safe as houses hence big profts

  26. eco maori 26
    9 December 2018 at 9:57 am

    We can not keep burning our environment and our grandchildren’s future for greedy oil barons
    Adani: thousands protest across Australia against Carmichael mine
    Thousands of protestors campaigning against Indian mining giant Adani’s controversial Queensland coalmine have taken to the streets in major cities across Australia to call on the government to stop it going ahead.

    Protesters marched in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns on Saturday, just a week after 15,000 school students demonstrated against government inaction on climate change.

    It follows the announcement last month by Adani it would self-finance the controversial project after scaling back its size and scope.
    Climate change strike: thousands of school students protest across Australia
    Read more

    The coal project is being downsized from a 60-million-tonnes a year, $16.5 billion mega-mine to a more manageable 10-to-15 million tonnes a year costing around $2 billion.

    In Brisbane, hundreds of protestors gathered outside Adani’s headquarters to voice their opposition to the project.

    “No longer will we sit back and be lectured to by people who are outdated and out of touch,” Thomas Cullen told the crowd.

    https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/dec/08/adani-thousands-protest-across-australia-against-carmichael-mine

  27. eco maori 27
    9 December 2018 at 9:59 am

    Eco Maori Music for the minute.

  28. eco maori 28
    9 December 2018 at 10:32 am

    Kai ora Marae yes the justices system has served up us maori a big heap of ————–.
    Pakeha means bad breath when the Europeens arrived here the had scurby hence pakeha.
    The neo liberals who have big boxes of tissues like to use tack tics to stir up people emotions and try and drag the great tau toko and mana that is being given to te tangata whenua culture at the minute they are scared fool’s black faces and Maori santa I stayed away from the black faces debate so as not to given any publicity no publicity it fades away into our past.
    PEE is a very bad drug and must be stamped out in Aotearoa its has infected all our maori community’s being pushed by———— I have already put out there who is pushing this ——— Miriama.
    I see crime is falling and the prison population has fallen by 800 / 8 % ka pai ka kite ano.
    P.S do you see all the efford the sandflys are putting into suppressing Eco Maori’s influence I know some do know about this

  29. eco maori 29
    9 December 2018 at 6:38 pm

    Kia ora Newshub Condolences to Grace Millane family .
    Lloyd there you go someone will use anything to float there toilet even a sad tragic thing that is happening in Paris the alt right are to extreme.
    I thought of a way to get people to have pride in there neighborhood have the best garden competitions with good prizes was one Idea for housing corp houses .
    That’s a good thing putting cash on vehicles and other places for people to find at that camping grounds this close to Chrismas ka pai
    The 7s Rugby looked exciting Niki & Andrew
    Ka kite ano P.S some people still think they can see me through the camera lens

  30. eco maori 30
    9 December 2018 at 8:00 pm

    Some Eco Maori Music for the minute.

  31. eco maori 31
    9 December 2018 at 8:02 pm

    Some Eco Maori music for the minute.

  32. eco maori 32
    9 December 2018 at 8:04 pm

    Some Eco Maori music for the minute.

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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Hundreds more schools join free lunches programme
    An additional 88,000 students in 322 schools and kura across the country have started the school year with a regular lunch on the menu, thanks to the Government’s Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunches programme. They join 42,000 students already receiving weekday lunches under the scheme, which launched last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Govt’s balanced economic approach reflected in Crown accounts
    New Zealand’s economic recovery has again been reflected in the Government’s books, which are in better shape than expected. The Crown accounts for the seven months to the end of January 2021 were better than forecast in the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU). The operating balance before gains ...
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    4 days ago

  • Over half of border workforce receive first vaccinations
    More than half of New Zealand’s estimated 12,000 border workforce have now received their first vaccinations, as a third batch of vaccines arrive in the country, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says. As of midnight Tuesday, a total of 9,431 people had received their first doses. More than 70 percent ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Boost in funding to deliver jobs while restoring Central Otago’s lakes and waterways
    The Government is significantly increasing its investment in restoring Central Otago’s waterways while at the same time delivering jobs to the region hard-hit by the economic impact of Covid-19, says Land Information Minister, Damien O’Connor.   Mr O’Connor says two new community projects under the Jobs for Nature funding programme will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Next stage of COVID-19 support for business and workers
    The Government has confirmed details of COVID-19 support for business and workers following the increased alert levels due to a resurgence of the virus over the weekend. Following two new community cases of COVID-19, Auckland moved to Alert Level 3 and the rest of New Zealand moved to Alert Level ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Govt committed to hosting Rugby World Cup
    The Government remains committed to hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in 2022 should a decision be made by World Rugby this weekend to postpone this year’s tournament. World Rugby is recommending the event be postponed until next year due to COVID-19, with a final decision to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Support Available for Communities affected by COVID-19
    Community and social service support providers have again swung into action to help people and families affected by the current COVID-19 alert levels. “The Government recognises that in many instances social service, community, iwi and Whānau Ora organisations are best placed to provide vital support to the communities impacted by ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Govt announces review into PHARMAC
    The Government is following through on an election promise to conduct an independent review into PHARMAC, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Health Minister Andrew Little announced today. The Review will focus on two areas: How well PHARMAC performs against its current objectives and whether and how its performance against these ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Impressive response to DOC scholarship programme
    Some of the country’s most forward-thinking early-career conservationists are among recipients of a new scholarship aimed at supporting a new generation of biodiversity champions, Conservation Minister Kiri Allan says. The Department of Conservation (DOC) has awarded one-year postgraduate research scholarships of $15,000 to ten Masters students in the natural ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Speech to ANZLF Virtual Indigenous Business Trade and Connections Event
    I acknowledge our whānau overseas, joining us from Te Whenua Moemoeā, and I wish to pay respects to their elders past, present, and emerging. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you all today. I am very pleased to be part of the conversation on Indigenous business, and part ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Main benefits to increase in line with wages
    Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni announced today that main benefits will increase by 3.1 percent on 1 April, in line with the rise in the average wage. The Government announced changes to the annual adjustment of main benefits in Budget 2019, indexing main benefit increases to the average ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Deed of Settlement signed with Ngāti Maru (Taranaki)
    A Deed of Settlement has been signed between Ngāti Maru and the Crown settling the iwi’s historical Treaty of Waitangi claims, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Andrew Little announced today. The Ngāti Maru rohe is centred on the inland Waitara River valley, east to the Whanganui River and its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Support in place for people connected to Auckland COVID-19 cases
    With a suite of Government income support packages available, Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni is encouraging people, and businesses, connected to the recent Auckland COVID-19 cases to check the Work and Income website if they’ve been impacted by the need to self-isolate. “If you are required to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Statement on passing of former PNG PM Sir Michael Somare
    Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has expressed her condolences at the passing of long-serving former Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. “Our thoughts are with Lady Veronica Somare and family, Prime Minister James Marape and the people of Papua New Guinea during this time of great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to the National Māori Housing Conference 2021
    E te tī, e te tā  Tēnei te mihi maioha ki a koutou  Ki te whenua e takoto nei  Ki te rangi e tū iho nei  Ki a tātou e tau nei  Tēnā tātou.  It’s great to be with you today, along with some of the ministerial housing team; Hon Peeni Henare, the ...
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    1 week ago

  • Drone project to aid protection of Māui dolphin
    The Government is backing a new project to use drone technology to transform our understanding and protection of the Māui dolphin, Aotearoa’s most endangered dolphin.    “The project is just one part of the Government’s plan to save the Māui dolphin. We are committed to protecting this treasure,” Oceans and Fisheries ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New water regulator board announced as major Government reform moves forward
    Major water reform has taken a step closer with the appointment of the inaugural board of the Taumata Arowai water services regulator, Hon Nanaia Mahuta says. Former Director General of Health and respected public health specialist Dame Karen Poutasi will chair the inaugural board of Crown agency Taumata Arowai. “Dame ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • North Auckland gets public transport upgrade
    The newly completed Hibiscus Coast Bus Station will help people make better transport choices to help ease congestion and benefit the environment, Transport Minister Michael Wood and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said today. Michael Wood and Phil Goff officially opened the Hibiscus Coast Bus Station which sits just off the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Supporting work to protect Northland reserve
    New funding announced by Conservation Minister Kiri Allan today will provide work and help protect the unique values of Northland’s Te Ārai Nature Reserve for future generations. Te Ārai is culturally important to Te Aupōuri as the last resting place of the spirits before they depart to Te Rerenga Wairua. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Critical step to new housing deal for Pacific communities
      Today the Government has taken a key step to support Pacific people to becoming Community Housing providers, says the Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio. “This will be great news for Pacific communities with the decision to provide Pacific Financial Capability Grant funding and a tender process to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Consultation opens on proposed Bay of Islands marine mammal sanctuary
    Conservation Minister Kiri Allan is encouraging New Zealanders to have their say on a proposed marine mammal sanctuary to address the rapid decline of bottlenose dolphins in Te Pēwhairangi, the Bay of Islands. The proposal, developed jointly with Ngā Hapū o te Pēwhairangi, would protect all marine mammals of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Three District Court Judges appointed
    Attorney-General David Parker today announced the appointment of three new District Court Judges.    Two of the appointees will take up their roles on 1 April, replacing sitting Judges who have reached retirement age.     Kirsten Lummis, lawyer of Auckland has been appointed as a District Court Judge with jury jurisdiction to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Government announces list of life-shortening conditions guaranteeing early KiwiSaver access
    Government announces list of life-shortening conditions guaranteeing early KiwiSaver access The Government changed the KiwiSaver rules in 2019 so people with life-shortening congenital conditions can withdraw their savings early The four conditions guaranteed early access are – down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Huntington’s disease and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder An alternative ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Reserve Bank to take account of housing in decision making
    The Reserve Bank is now required to consider the impact on housing when making monetary and financial policy decisions, Grant Robertson announced today. Changes have been made to the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee’s remit requiring it to take into account government policy relating to more sustainable house prices, while working ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Investment to reduce cochlear implant waitlist
    The Labour Government will invest $6 million for 70 additional adult cochlear implants this year to significantly reduce the historical waitlist, Health Minister Andrew Little says. “Cochlear implants are life changing for kiwis who suffer from severe hearing loss. As well as improving an individual’s hearing, they open doors to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Māori wards Bill passes third reading
    The Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill passed its third reading today and will become law, Minister of Local Government Hon Nanaia Mahuta says. “This is a significant step forward for Māori representation in local government. We know how important it is to have diversity around ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Government delivers 1,000 more transitional housing places
    The Government has added 1,000 more transitional housing places as promised under the Aotearoa New Zealand Homelessness Action Plan (HAP), launched one year ago. Minister of Housing Megan Woods says the milestone supports the Government’s priority to ensure every New Zealander has warm, dry, secure housing. “Transitional housing provides people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Second batch of Pfizer/BioNTech doses arrives safely – as the first vaccinations take place in the...
    A second batch of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines arrived safely yesterday at Auckland International Airport, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says. “This shipment contained about 76,000 doses, and follows our first shipment of 60,000 doses that arrived last week. We expect further shipments of vaccine over the coming weeks,” Chris Hipkins said. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • $18 million for creative spaces to make arts more accessible
    The Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Carmel Sepuloni has today announced $18 million to support creative spaces. Creative spaces are places in the community where people with mental health needs, disabled people, and those looking for social connection, are welcomed and supported to practice and participate in the arts ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Moriori Claims Settlement Bill passes first reading
    Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little today welcomed Moriori to Parliament to witness the first reading of the Moriori Claims Settlement Bill. “This bill is the culmination of years of dedication and hard work from all the parties involved. “I am delighted to reach this significant milestone today,” Andrew ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Government action reduces child poverty
    22,400 fewer children experiencing material hardship 45,400 fewer children in low income households on after-housing costs measure After-housing costs target achieved a year ahead of schedule Government action has seen child poverty reduce against all nine official measures compared to the baseline year, Prime Minister and Minister for Child Poverty ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Entries open for the 2021 Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards
    It’s time to recognise the outstanding work early learning services, kōhanga reo, schools and kura do to support children and young people to succeed, Minister of Education Chris Hipkins says. The 2021 Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards are now open through until April 16. “The past year has reminded us ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Jobs for Nature benefits three projects
    Three new Jobs for Nature projects will help nature thrive in the Bay of Plenty and keep local people in work says Conservation Minister Kiri Allan. “Up to 30 people will be employed in the projects, which are aimed at boosting local conservation efforts, enhancing some of the region’s most ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Improvements to the Holidays Act on the way
    The Government has accepted all of the Holidays Act Taskforce’s recommended changes, which will provide certainty to employers and help employees receive their leave entitlements, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood announced today. Michael Wood said the Government established the Holidays Act Taskforce to help address challenges with the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • NZ’s credit rating lifted as economy recovers
    The Government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and faster than expected economic recovery has been acknowledged in today’s credit rating upgrade. Credit ratings agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) today raised New Zealand’s local currency credit rating to AAA with a stable outlook. This follows Fitch reaffirming its AA+ rating last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Speech to National Remembrance Service on the 10th anniversary of the Christchurch earthquake
    Tena koutou e nga Maata Waka Ngai Tuahuriri, Ngai Tahu whanui, Tena koutou. Nau mai whakatau mai ki tenei ra maumahara i te Ru Whenua Apiti hono tatai hono, Te hunga mate ki te hunga mate Apiti hono tatai hono, Te hunga ora ki te hunga ora Tena koutou, Tena ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Government reaffirms urgent commitment to ban harmful conversion practices
    The Minister of Justice has reaffirmed the Government’s urgent commitment, as stated in its 2020 Election Manifesto, to ban conversion practices in New Zealand by this time next year. “The Government has work underway to develop policy which will bring legislation to Parliament by the middle of this year and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

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