Open mike 08/04/2016

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, April 8th, 2016 - 72 comments
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72 comments on “Open mike 08/04/2016 ”

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  1. Murray Simmonds 1
    8 April 2016 at 6:24 am

    From RNZ news:

    “MPs have been given just five days to consider hundreds of submissions on the controversial TPP trade deal after the timeframe was drastically cut from four weeks.

    The select committee was originally give a month to write its report and present it back to Parliament. Opposition MPs were furious at the sudden change and they called it an attack on democracy.”

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/300943/tpp-timeframe-'attack-on-democracy‘

    Either the Government has just woken up to the fact that Global Financial Crisis 2 is just around the corner and is in PANIC MODE . . .

    or its intended to provide a distraction from the Panama Papers and NZ’s status as a tax haven.

    Or both.

    I can’t see any other reason for shortening the time-frame for TPP submissions.

    • Paul 1.1
      8 April 2016 at 6:29 am

      They don’t care for people’s opinions?

    • Draco T Bastard 1.2
      8 April 2016 at 6:48 am

      IMO, They realised that all of the submissions were going to be against the TPPA and so they decided that they weren’t going to bother to read them as they were simply going to ignore them anyway.

      And, yes, GFC2 isn’t far away and they know that as well. When it hits it’s going to highlight, yet again, just how badly modern capitalism and ‘free’ markets fail.

      • Colonial Viper 1.2.1
        8 April 2016 at 8:56 am

        Both major parties in Parliament have committed to keeping the TPP regardless of public opinion.

        So why waste time on consultation theatre?

        That’s the state of our “democracy” for you.

    • Tautoko Mangō Mata 1.3
      8 April 2016 at 9:36 am

      Tautoko@ Murray Simmonds. I listened to some submissions yesterday in which
      there were good practical solutions to some of the obvious shortcomings about the TPP. Chairman Mark Mitchell is just acting as timekeeper. I was appalled to hear him suggest that a submitter was “anti-trade” after a submission had been made pointing out some serious omissions in the TPP text.
      These submission should have been listened to BEFORE the document was signed. The whole process is a farce, the outcome of the select committee process has been predetermined. Key is shoving this through as quickly as possible because the public are waking up. The small protest group outside the venue for submissions were receiving a massive number of car toots. Their support is appreciated. These people are not rent-a-mob, they are committed activists.

    • Penny Bright 2.1
      8 April 2016 at 8:17 am

      Will UK Prime Minister David Cameron be the next to resign?

      http://www.theguardian.com/news/2016/apr/07/david-cameron-admits-he-profited-fathers-offshore-fund-panama-papers

      ” …After three days of stalling and four partial statements issued by Downing Street he confessed that he owned shares in the tax haven fund, which he sold for £31,500 just before becoming prime minister in 2010.

      In a specially arranged interview with ITV News’ Robert Peston he confirmed a direct link to his father’s UK-tax avoiding fund, details of which were exposed in the Panama Papers revelations in the Guardian this week.

      Admitting it had been “a difficult few days”, the prime minister said he held the shares together with his wife, Samantha, from 1997 and during his time as leader of the opposition. They were sold in January 2010 for a profit of £19,000.

      He paid income tax on the dividends but there was no capital gains tax payable and he said he sold up before entering Downing Street “because I didn’t want anyone to say you have other agendas or vested interests”.

      But the interview appeared unlikely to end scrutiny of Cameron’s tax affairs.

      The Labour MP John Mann, a member of the Treasury select committee, said the prime minister should resign, claiming that Cameron had “covered up and misled”.

      Cameron also admitted he did not know whether the £300,000 he inherited from his father had benefited from tax haven status due to part of his estate being based in a unit trust in Jersey.
      ….”

      Penny Bright
      2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.

      • Wayne 2.1.1
        8 April 2016 at 9:03 am

        Smacks of sins of the father being visited upon the children.

        The PM can hardly be held to account for the fact that his father operated Jersey and other funds. What his father did in his business life, is what he did, not what the PM has done.

        If the only direct involvement is the investment that PM sold in 2010, he will not be in any difficulty.

        It is a bit hard to ping him for the inheritance which relates, it seems, to his fathers actions.

        It is very different situation to the Iceland PM, who effectively effectively bet against the very banks he was bailing out.

        • ScottGN 2.1.1.1
          8 April 2016 at 9:09 am

          As usual though it’s not the crime so much as the cover-up that gets you. Downing Street has totally fucked this up and now they are panicking.

        • Anne 2.1.1.2
          8 April 2016 at 9:20 am

          Agree with Wayne. As someone who was once directly affected by the sins of her father (although in his case it was wrongful suspicion based on insufficient facts), I have empathy for any person – no matter who they are – who finds themselves in such a situation. If his only involvement was to sell the investment in question, then I can’t see how he can be made accountable for his father’s actions.

          • ScottGN 2.1.1.2.1
            8 April 2016 at 9:35 am

            He’s not being made accountable for his father’s actions, he’s been held to account for benefitting from his father’s actions and then subsequently misleading the British public about that.

        • Penny Bright 2.1.1.3
          8 April 2016 at 10:22 am

          Will David Cameron have to resign following the revelations
          of the Panama Papers?

          More news on this from The Independent……

          http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/panama-papers-david-cameron-admits-he-did-have-a-stake-in-father-ian-camerons-offshore-investment-a6973586.html

          On whether Mr Cameron should resign, Mr Watson told Sky News: “I think it’s too early to tell. He may have to resign over this but I think we need to know a lot more about what his financial arrangements have been, why it’s taken three days for him to answer legitimate questions from journalists, why he didn’t come clean when he heralded in the new age of transparency, and what other shareholdings does David Cameron have or has had since he was a Member of Parliament.”

          It was not too early for John Mann, a Labour MP and member of the Treasury Select Committee, who said the Prime Minister should quit. He wrote on his Twitter account: “Cameron has been less than honest. He should resign immediately. Most decent people would expect nothing less.

          “So during the 2010 general election campaign Cameron failed to declare offshore shares. Get out now hypocrite. Cameron has had six years to be honest with Parliament and the people. He failed to do so. Get out now hypocrite…Cameron issue is simple. He covered up and misled. How he got his shares is irrelevant. He has no choice but to resign.”

          Mr Cameron also faced questions after it emerged he personally intervened to try to prevent EU transparency rules affecting offshore tax trusts.

          The Prime Minister was forced to respond after it emerged that he sent a letter to the European Council president Herman van Rompuy in 2013 arguing for trusts to be treated differently from companies in anti-money laundering rules.

          …. ”

          Penny Bright

          2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.

          • Wayne 2.1.1.3.1
            8 April 2016 at 10:47 am

            But Cameron actually sold his interest in 2010, so did he in fact have anything to declare?

            It seems pretty unlikely to me that he will have to resign, it takes rather more than an Opposition MP calling for the PM’s head for that to happen.

            Taking three days to clarify something is almost never an issue. Helen Clark always took her time, and generally that is how it works. Although Watson asks the question about whether there are other undisclosed shareholdings, that is simply an assertion.

            Cameron would know that he has one shot at disclosure, so it seems pretty unlikely there are other financial skeletons in his cupboard.

            If there are , then he really would be in trouble.

        • One Two 2.1.1.4
          8 April 2016 at 10:44 am

          David Cameron has the blood of millions of human beings on his hands, as well as the misery and poverty of tens of millions more

          Cameron has his own sins to pay for, and how payback returns to him will not make a blind bit of difference to those he has killed, maimed and impoverished

        • Sabine 2.1.1.5
          8 April 2016 at 3:19 pm

          well, as this lady here says, he is not responsible for the sins of his father, but neither are the children of those he deems to be lazy unemployed, disabled, sick and otherwise undeserving of government help.

          http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/jess-phillips/david-cameron-taxes_b_9622288.html

          Quote: So David Cameron’s dad didn’t pay his fair share of taxes. The sins of Cameron’s dad are not his fault. True, but the Government are no strangers to damning the children of people who they think aren’t doing their bit for society. Barnardo’s, the Child Poverty Action Group and many others have all said that the Conservative Welfare and Work Bill will make poor children poorer. Policies such as only paying tax credits to the first two children in a family directly penalise children for the decisions of their parents. So in Tory Britain poor kids are paying the price for the actions of their parents but David Cameron doesn’t have to?

          The Tories want taxpayers to hate people on benefits and be annoyed that we are paying for their lifestyle, I think it was IDS referred to as, “a direction which divides society”. To use the words of the Prime Minister, ‘let me be clear’: The sins of Daddy Cameron were not illegal but they are utterly disgusting. They are worse than the sins of fathers up and down the country who can’t find work, even the most feckless amongst them.

          People who don’t pay their taxes are robbing from us all. The Camerons may well have forked out for education and health services, but it was my money that trained the doctors, nurses and teachers they used. Without the taxpayer the posh who jump the queue would just be sitting in a rather nicely decorated room without the staff to actually deliver the service. Every time Cameron Snr drove his car on a public highway, every time he could see on the street because of a streetlight, every day when there was a pavement outside his house and a regular bin collection, he took money from you, the nation’s honest taxpayers, without seeing fit to put his hand in his pocket. And while the Camerons had a bob or two I doubt very much they funded their own private police force and army. I mean the Eton set are a bit old fashioned but think the acts of livery and maintenance is a step to far even for them. So they got the security we all enjoy but it was you footing the bill, not daddy darling.

          What makes it worse is that they got the best of everything while you paid the tab. They reaped the benefits of your hard toil, and because they had money to spare they got the best education, smaller class sizes, better service. Their kids got privilege that you paid for but never benefited from.

          So David Cameron doesn’t need our praise for paying his tax. He’s not a very clever boy, he’s a very average boy who used privilege rather than brains to get where he got. Perhaps we could all buy our babies a better life if only we weren’t burdened with being decent human beings.Quote End.

          ———————————————————————————————————

          and this applies very well here in NZ too. AS here too the children of the poor are paying the bill for the country that does not care and is happy to not pay taxes if they can avoid them.

    • Rosie 2.2
      8 April 2016 at 8:20 am

      “Is David Cameron fucked?” With any luck. He should follow Iceland’s example and resign. Now the people of Iceland are protesting again and calling for a snap election. Hopefully the international escalation of public outrage might eventually rub off on our “whatev’s” PM.

      He is BOUND to be hiding something, aside from the fact he literally shrugs off such morally corrupt behaviour.

      • Puckish Rogue 2.2.1
        8 April 2016 at 8:56 am

        He is BOUND to be hiding something, aside from the fact he literally shrugs off such morally corrupt behaviour

        – Well that’s good enough for me, hes definitely guilty of something then

        • Rosie 2.2.1.1
          8 April 2016 at 9:17 am

          He’s guilty of plenty of things. Not telling the truth is one of them.

          He’s the bloody south Pacific version of Silvio Berlusconi for gawds sake. And he gets things mixed up on purpose all the time, you know, like thinking assaulting a woman is “horse play”. That kind of thing. So what makes you think his word can be trusted?

          On Planet Key, advice given by lawyers and accountants to their clients on tax avoidance is a good thing because it netted $24 million for those companies. On Planet Normal People that would be considered morally corrupt. If Key has been using offshore tax free trusts (and I’m not accusing him of that, it’s a hypothetical suggestion) I would expect him to come up with some sort of Father Ted “It was just resting in my account” excuse and you’d believe it.

  3. Jenny 3
    8 April 2016 at 6:58 am

    April 7, 2016

    “They need harsher penalties for people like that who put greed and money over human life.”

    TOMMY DAVIS, who lost his brother and son and his nephew in the UBB coal mine disaster.

    Disgraced coal baron Don Blankenship received the maximum possible sentence Wednesday for his misdemeanor conspiracy conviction, in a criminal case spurred by the Upper Big Branch disaster that killed 29 coal miners in West Virginia in 2009

    Blankenship was acquitted in December of three felony charges over his direct personal responsibility for those deaths. But he was convicted on conspiracy to violate federal mining safety standards. And yesterday, federal judge handed down a sentence of one year in prison, plus a year of probation and a fine of $250,000 for Blankenship’s crimes.

    http://ecowatch.com/2016/04/07/blankenship-sentenced/

    2009, Twenty nine coal miners killed at the Upper Big Branch Coal mine in 2009 due to safety lapses.

    2010, Twenty nine coal miners killed at the Pike River coal mine due to safety lapses.

    Two eerily similar disasters, two very different outcomes for those responsible.

    Why are managers and politicians prepared to take such risks with other peoples lives?

    As well as greed, Don Blankenship shares something else in common with John Key, who’s government weakened mining safety regulations before the Pike River disaster, in particular banning worker chosen, check inspectors.

    Blankenship had briefly tried to re-insert himself into the debate over energy policy briefly after his indictment, remaining among the ranks of climate-deniers. “Record low temperatures are freezing the Global Warming movement,” one of his most recent tweets, from November 2014, reads. “Hope @BarackObama notices that Climate Science is not settled.”

    http://ecowatch.com/2016/04/07/blankenship-sentenced/

    “I’ve seen a lot of leaders get up and say that this is potentially the biggest threat to mankind. Well that may be true, but my point really would be it’s not going to get there.”

    JOHN KEY,
    Newstalk ZB, Wednesday, 16 December 2015, 10:00AM

    http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/pm-doubts-international-climate-change-predictions/.VwWLz5nIPys.facebook

  4. Murray Simmonds 4
    8 April 2016 at 6:58 am

    Winston Peters in reply to the Speaker of the House challenging him regarding his question-asking technique:

    “Ive been in the House longer than you, and I know how to ask a question.”

    Brilliant reply!

    It may have got him thrown out of the House for the second day in a row, but Peters definitely won this spat by retaining the moral high ground.

    That man is quite often worth his weight in Gold-Cards.

  5. Paul 5
    8 April 2016 at 7:03 am

    RNZ 7 a.m. news headlines

    It’s official.
    RNZ thinks Health and Safety issues at a private school’s drama production is more important than the Panama Papers.
    Unbelievable.

    • odysseus 5.1
      8 April 2016 at 8:01 am

      And is it just me, but we seem to be getting more and more bloody sports news on this RNZ bulletin? Idle curiosity an’ all.

    • TC 5.2
      8 April 2016 at 8:18 am

      That is no surprise really in the nat controlled RNZ.

      Watch them bring in some experts like hoots, dave etc (maybe brash even) to explain theres nothing really to see and its not shonkys fault anyway, happens all the time, we just did as told etc etc

      Watch how the deep pockets influence behind this govts and its sellout agenda plays out

    • greywarshark 5.3
      8 April 2016 at 10:53 am

      Don’t too hard on RadioNZ They will follow up the Panama Papers but it’s not new news. Now if they could give us less news about Trump, and all the other card-playing USA politicians – ‘Every move you make, every breath you take, I’ll be watching you’. (Which is actually sung by the Police, the band so aptly named for that song.) It is a sort of advertising for the USA Empah!

  6. Incognito 6
    8 April 2016 at 7:58 am

    Brian Fallow: When work isn’t working. A good read on UBI, CGT, etc.

  8. greywarshark 8
    8 April 2016 at 11:02 am

    Budding journalist, researcher, fact magician (secret or unseen rabbits pulled out of hats before your wondering eyes), then take note, an award might come to you to help with your exertions.

    Bruce Jesson Awards – http://www.brucejesson.com/
    The grants are unique in New Zealand because they fund time and research costs of up to $4000 in advance.

    Applications for the 2016 grants and student journalism prizes are now open, and close on Friday 9 September….
    Applications and nominations can be submitted online through the Jesson website or by mail.
    Grant applicants should submit an outline of their proposed project and explain how it meets the criteria set out the Jesson website http://www.brucejesson.com.
    It is usual to submit references and/or examples of previous work, and a budget for the project.

    The separate Emerging Journalism Prize for student journalists offers $1000 for “outstanding recent work by New Zealand print journalism students.” It is nominated by the heads of New Zealand journalism schools or journalism programme leaders for work by student journalists published between the closing date of last year’s award, 18 Sept 2015, and this year’s closing date 9 Sept 2016.

    Entries for both awards will be assessed by members of the Bruce Jesson Foundation’s Journalism Sub-committee: Simon Collins (convenor), Joe Atkinson, Bryan Bruce, Geoff Kemp and Nicola Legat. The committee’s convenor may be contacted here.
    http://www.brucejesson.com/contact/journalism-sub-committee-convenor/

  9. travellerev 9
    8 April 2016 at 1:01 pm

    For those of you interested to learn more about the work of Architects and Engineers for 9/11 truth here is week 1 of their 4 week webinar program.

  10. ianmac 10
    8 April 2016 at 1:19 pm

    Remember the publicity when Mt Puna was arrested at the airport for Student Loan overdue? Thanks No Right Turn:
    “Mr Puna lives and works in the Cook Islands. The Cook Islands along with Niue and Tokelau are dependent territories. This means that those who are citizens of these countries are also citizens of New Zealand, and that MrPuna was never an overseas based borrower to start with.

    IRD have belatedly acknowledged this – his alleged $120,000 loan was reduced to $30,000, now further less the $5000 he was forced to borrow from his family in order to be released from his imprisonment at the airport.”……
    http://norightturn.blogspot.co.nz/2016/04/an-expensive-mistake.html

  11. The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 11
    8 April 2016 at 3:40 pm

    Anyone yet found that mention you all assumed Key would have in the Panama Papers?

    Keep me informed, will you?

    • maui 11.1
      8 April 2016 at 3:47 pm

      Oh well, might just be a slow burner instead.

      • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 11.1.1
        8 April 2016 at 3:49 pm

        So long as we’re all clear that he’s definitely involved.

        I will check back periodically for news.

        • Bill 11.1.1.1
          8 April 2016 at 4:28 pm

          Mossack Fonseca isn’t the only firm involved in this kind of shit. There are at least three other, larger firms, that have their client data in tact.

          I’d be very surprised if John Key doesn’t have something squirreled away by one of them….very surprised. He’s worth, what? 50 million? And banging money away in off-shore accounts is just normal, everyday stuff for peeps with that sort of money.

          • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 11.1.1.1.1
            8 April 2016 at 4:30 pm

            And banging money away in off-shore accounts is just normal, everyday stuff for peeps with that sort of money.

            Got a link for that? Or is this pronouncement as a consequence of personal experience?

            • McFlock 11.1.1.1.1.1
              8 April 2016 at 4:51 pm

              here you go

              • BM …
                8 April 2016 at 6:21 pm

                I just had a look, haven’t been that interested

                Just have to say, what the fuck are the left going on about NZ being this massive tax haven?
                Christ, we’re not even in the top 10, which makes us less of a tax haven than the UK! and going by the graph shown the UK barely even rates.

                https://panamapapers.icij.org/graphs/

                Starting to seriously smell like KDS.

                • maui …
                  8 April 2016 at 6:53 pm

                  Obviously didn’t look at the graph further down the page, where NZ is listed as one of the 21 countries Mossack-Fonseca uses “for tax purposes”.

                • BM …
                  8 April 2016 at 7:13 pm

                  New Zealand appears once on that page.

                  I’m assuming you’re talking about the graph with the title

                  From the Caribbean to the Pacific: tax havens used by Mossack Fonseca

                  Other countries and states on that graph are

                  BAHAMAS
                  BELIZE
                  BRITISH ANGUILLA
                  BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
                  COSTA RICA
                  CYPRUS
                  HONG KONG
                  ISLE OF MAN
                  JERSEY
                  MALTA
                  NEVADA
                  NEW ZEALAND
                  NIUE
                  PANAMA
                  RAS AL KHAIMAH
                  SAMOA
                  SEYCHELLES
                  SINGAPORE
                  UNITED KINGDOM
                  URUGUAY
                  WYOMING

                  According to that graph we are so small in the scale of tax havens they didn’t even bother plotting us on the graph!

                  KDS rides again !

                • McFlock …
                  8 April 2016 at 8:28 pm

                  Not in the top ten out of 200-odd countries?

                  You tories have a low threshold for acceptable standards. But then we already knew that – especially Northlanders and Southlanders…

      • Chooky 11.1.2
        8 April 2016 at 3:56 pm

        yes Panama Papers have not been revealed yet…only a tiny select titivating skewed selection thus far…here is to hoping someone is sweating

        ‘Panama Papers: WikiLeaks’ Kristinn Hrafnsson calls for data leak to be released in full’

        http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/panama-papers/panama-papers-wikileaks-kristinn-hrafnsson-calls-for-data-leak-to-be-released-in-full-34601909.html

        • logie97 11.1.2.1
          8 April 2016 at 4:38 pm

          UK’s Cameron has made statements to the effect that he disposed of his shareholdings prior to his becoming PM in order to avoid any accusations of “conflicts of interest”. Key apparently simply created a Blind Trust in which to move all of his investment portfolios to remove any suspicions.

          Trusts … mmmmm.

          • Draco T Bastard 11.1.2.1.1
            8 April 2016 at 5:59 pm

            Key apparently simply created a Blind Trust in which to move all of his investment portfolios to remove any suspicions.

            And yet he still knew that he owned shares in a winery despite the fact that those shares were, IIRC, held by the ‘blind’ trust.

    • adam 11.2
      8 April 2016 at 4:23 pm

      Spin spin spin, I love how you fishing for the new spin. Here it is folks.

      The National Party shortly after coming into office tweaked the laws, created a de-facto tax haven for criminals, and people who think it is sport to avoid tax.

  12. Descendant Of Sssmith 12
    8 April 2016 at 4:48 pm

    Aye giving land back to the people. Hopefully next they’ll give copyright back to the people as well.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/europe/78709340/scotland-moves-against-wealthy-gentry-dominating-land

    The package of changes, contained in the 2015 Land Reform Bill, defines land as a finite resource that must be protected in law for the common good and in the public interest.

    The third stage of a detailed, 10 part Bill passed in March and paves the way for a new Land Register to ensure greater transparency of land ownership and improvements to community rights to roam common land.

  13. Reddelusion 13
    8 April 2016 at 5:05 pm

    Strangly very little comment on this site on Government proposed changes to CYFS, general feedback across the board has been very positive, It is an unusual policy for a Proto fascist government that is just there for the rich, what next passing on the first benefit increases in 20 years, raising the minimum wage, who would think ?

    • McFlock 13.1
      8 April 2016 at 5:11 pm

      The sales brochure sounds good, but I think many people are waiting to see how this crowd fuck it up.

      Probably by letting the new central organisation privatise shit. Was trying to find some home help support for an acquaintance with a chronic condition, got referred to an office at the other end of the country because that was who won the DHB contract 🙄

    • ianmac 13.2
      8 April 2016 at 5:51 pm

      I think the funds are to be taken from other agencies. According to Tolley on Radio National yesterday. Robbing Peter to…

      • McFlock 13.2.1
        8 April 2016 at 6:00 pm

        well, if the money from the other agencies was only for children, and the new single agency gets all that money, and it’s sufficient for the job, and if the single agency closes all the cracks that currently exist between different organisation without creating new cracks when it contracts for services, then it might be better for the kids.

        That’s a lot of “if”s ‘twixt Tolley and triumph, however…

  14. Reddelusion 14
    8 April 2016 at 5:16 pm

    Ok until otherwise you agree it’s a good policy, that’s a start

    • Descendant Of Sssmith 14.1
      8 April 2016 at 5:34 pm

      Waiting for National to say the special dividends from the Kiwibank sale will fund it.

      Politically that would be as funny as the benefit increases.

      (It would still be theft of money that government shouldn’t be touching but it would be funny.)

  15. Reddelusion 15
    8 April 2016 at 6:00 pm

    Strange again the kiwi bank idea came from a legend of the left, just irony after irony in our little south pacific proto fascist state for the rich Also sort of struggling how government prioritising between its own capital and expenditure is theft, if it does as you say and use special dividend to support social services (oops not another Proto fascist state contradiction)

    • Draco T Bastard 15.1
      8 April 2016 at 6:28 pm

      Strange again the kiwi bank idea came from a legend of the left

      Got any proof of that?

      Cullen may have announced but where did the idea come from?

      • Reddelusion 15.1.1
        8 April 2016 at 6:39 pm

        He admitted as such on Paul henry this week, plainly ask who idea was it, he quite proudly said it was his

        • Draco T Bastard 15.1.1.1
          8 April 2016 at 6:57 pm

          Well then, Cullen just went down in my estimation and it wasn’t that high to begin with.

          • Reddelusion 15.1.1.1.1
            8 April 2016 at 7:07 pm

            Fair enough

            • logie97 15.1.1.1.1.1
              8 April 2016 at 7:47 pm

              From memory, and it is proving to be less reliable these days, Jim Anderton dragged Cullen kicking and screaming to fall in behind the creating of KiwiBank in the first place. So it would not be a surprise to see him working with the asset sale brigade…

    • Descendant Of Sssmith 15.2
      8 April 2016 at 6:31 pm

      I can’t see any irony at all.

      “A number of historians regard fascism either as a revolutionary centrist doctrine, as a doctrine that mixes philosophies of the left and the right, or as both those things. Fascism was founded during World War I by Italian national syndicalists who drew upon left-wing and right-wing political views.”

      “Some scholars consider fascism to be right-wing because of its social conservatism and authoritarian means of opposing egalitarianism”

      Not sure why you would suggest such a thing.

      You do get that when I call national fascist it’s colloquial rather than literal and to counter balance the left being referred to so often as communists (when most are far from communists).

      There are of course fascist approaches within the National Party that make such colloquialism appropriate:

      1. The spying on it’s own citizens and the increase of surveillance powers
      2. The use of nothing to fear, nothing to hide as a justification
      3. A strong emphasis on nationalism
      4. The notion that an election gives me the leader mandate to do whatever the fuck I want
      5. The links between the elite and the party – from fundraising, to law changes, to the taking over of elected bodies
      6. The attacks on notions of egalitarianism and the promotion of individualism
      7. The demeaning of the poor as undeserving and responsible for their own misfortune and the racism that this exudes both in political aspects and in the general populace.
      8. The promotion of work for the disabled and the ill as the means to salvation.

      Also sort of struggling how government prioritising between its own capital and expenditure is theft.

      Cause neither the ACC money nor the pension money is theres to expend in that way.

      • Reddelusion 15.2.1
        8 April 2016 at 6:50 pm

        Understanf your points but I suggest most governments would be considered facist based on your criteria, ie you could apply to any government and find some evidence of such? I think degrees is important here, calling national facist is absurd where the benchmark is Mussolini Italy and Nazi Germany

        Re your last point the ACC and Superfund have simply traded one asset for another, while nzpost has traded and asset for cash and are paying a special dividend to thier shareholder, I can’t see the problem if all parties see the deal as a win win of which they obviously do based on thier respective strategic direction

  16. Reddelusion 16
    8 April 2016 at 7:03 pm

    More from this is a strange week file

    why is a Proto fascist right wing government for the rich promoting a true ( and deserved) legend of the left and a feminist to boot as head of the UN

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  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 hour ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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