Open Mike 09/02/2019

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, February 9th, 2019 - 184 comments
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184 comments on “Open Mike 09/02/2019 ”

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  1. patricia bremner 1
    9 February 2019 at 7:30 am

    To all the residents of Nelson, and all the brave people fighting the fires, we are thinking of you as you begin another day.
    If you live there and participate in the Standard, special thoughts of “Keep safe Keep well.”

      • greywarshark 1.1.1
        9 February 2019 at 12:39 pm

        Aren’t we glad in Nelson that there are still community-minded volunteers willing to turn out to help the governance and work to keep our community going!

        If left to PPP, or contracted out to private enterprise completely, we wouldn’t get the commitment and the systematic organisation; money and profit would get in the way. In the old days before fire insurance and community involvement, individual businesses would have their own coverage for fire, the other buildings nearby were left to burn down. Community is all in life, at the base of it.

        Collingwood, small and isolated has had its share and the history of its fires date from early colonial times.
        http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-NHSJ06_06-t1-body1-d6.html
        Nelson Historical Society Journal, Volume 6, Issue 6, 2008
        Collingwood Fires, 1857 to 2004 authored by Penny Griffith

        This was one of the worst:
        4 1904: November 7 (Monday)
        Fire started in a loft above Stallard’s bakery while the bakers were having supper next door after putting bread in the oven; the alarm was raised at 12.45 am. In very windy (westerly) conditions the fire spread rapidly; buildings were evacuated and people (‘for the most part half clad’) ran into the street, but the fire spread across the road. Cold lashing rain followed but it was calm and fine by 6 am. The fire was so bright it could be seen from Bainham, and it was claimed a newspaper could be read at Kaituna.

        No evidence was found to prove how the fire originated but the ‘carelessness’ of Collingwood residents was referred to, ‘as there seems no doubt that a small and regular supply of water would have put the fire out when it first originated’.

        All 21 buildings on both sides of Tasman St were destroyed, together with hens. Everything in fire-proof safes was turned to cinders, and gold melted into blobs [see, for example, the postmaster’s watch now in the Collingwood Museum]. The piano from the Public Hall was saved, plus some stock. Because the Post Office was destroyed, news initially had to be sent from Parapara, but by early afternoon a temporary telegraph office had been set up at the Courthouse. The Golden Bay Argus printery was destroyed but the Takaka newspaper office was used (the first issue being delayed by only 12 hours) until the printery was rebuilt and in operation again for the issue of 8 December. John McKinna (73) [spelt as ‘McKenna’ in Nelson papers] died from a heart attack in the afternoon after helping to fight the fire.

    • Cinny 1.2
      9 February 2019 at 12:37 pm

      +! Patricia

      Everyone is working so hard doing what they can, emergency crews etc have been phenomenal.

    • mary_a 1.3
      9 February 2019 at 1:19 pm

      Thumbs up to that statement Patricia (1).

      Can only hope the good folk of Nelson and the Tasman area remain safe and well throughout their present predicament, which hopefully will come to an end soon.

  2. Jenny - How to get there? 2
    9 February 2019 at 8:05 am

    Todd Muller has launched two public attacks on the environmental movement and the government over the past month.

    Why have the Greens been silent, with not even a squeak?

    Why are the Greens so invisible, when this invisibility is hurting them in the polls?

    • James 2.1
      9 February 2019 at 8:25 am

      Because when they talk it hurts them in the polls even more.

      I’m looking forward to seeing them under 5%

      • Jenny - How to get there? 2.1.1
        9 February 2019 at 8:45 am

        You wish.

        The example of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez shows it pays to speak up and fight your corner.

        With even the slightest tweet of criticism of her from the Republicans, Cortez hits back, lifting her profile into the stratosphere.

        The Green Party’s silence in inexplicable.

        • Morrissey 2.1.1.1
          9 February 2019 at 8:51 am

          Ha! Pretending to support AOC on the one hand, slandering Tulsi Gabbard on the other.

          https://i0.wp.com/bobcesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/cant-tell-if-serious.jpg

          • Jenny - How to get there? 2.1.1.1.1
            9 February 2019 at 9:49 am

            Hi Morrissey.

            Just a suggestion, but it might be a good idea if you gave some proof of what you are accusing me of, so that people can judge for themselves the verity of your accusation. (A smart alec unrelated gif doesen’t count).

            Just in case; Tulsi Gabbard met with Assad. Her trip was funded by a fascist group. Assad commits genocide. These are all facts that you can try and disprove if you like. Be my guest.

            • Morrissey 2.1.1.1.1.1
              9 February 2019 at 10:15 am

              Tulsi Gabbard met with Assad.

              So what? She has no doubt met with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama as well.

              Her trip was funded by a fascist group.

              U.S. “lawmakers”—and NZ ones as well—are frequently funded by fascist groups to tour Israel. Why do we not see you jumping up and down about that?

              Assad commits genocide.

              Really? Your argument for this about as rigorous as your insistence yesterday that Bill was a supporter of Assad. I note that assertion collapsed as soon as I challenged it, and you downgraded your accusation to the just as inflammatory charge that he was an “apologist.” You also charged me with the same offence.

              Simply ridiculous, Jenny. Your mad accusations carry about as much weight as a Gosman post.

          • greywarshark 2.1.1.1.2
            9 February 2019 at 12:42 pm

            Are you interested in stoushes Morrissey rather than saving this bit of the planet, and its small civil society from growing degradation? Are you Irish Mr Breen? Is it true that Irish are aggressive and like a good punch-up? I would like to be enlightened on these matters if you will.

            • Morrissey 2.1.1.1.2.1
              9 February 2019 at 1:00 pm

              I think that if you look over this writer’s oeuvre, Mr Shark, you will see that he (i.e., moi) is very opposed to “stoushes”, AKA, unlawful interventions, AKA wars of aggression. I feel nothing but contempt for the people who shout for others to go to war.

              • greywarshark …
                9 February 2019 at 1:21 pm

                Thank you Morrissey for that reply. You like to approach matters in a novel way at times, and I wondered if you were Irish. Often the English seem rather sour and dour, which perhaps explains something of our NZ temperament (and Brexit muddle perhaps). If you don’t want to say for some reason fine.

                • Morrissey …
                  9 February 2019 at 1:29 pm

                  Sorry, Shark, I wasn’t avoiding your question, I simply forgot to add that, yes, I am indeed Irish. And I must confess that, yes, I do occasionally enjoy a “stoush”, AKA a “barney”, AKA a troid, AKA a “dust-up.”

                  But that’s just online. I do not support sending other young men and women to kill people in Syria or Afghanistan or Iraq or Venezuela or anywhere else. And I think there’s a special place in Hell for the people who do advocate those things.

                  • greywarshark …
                    9 February 2019 at 3:52 pm

                    Couldn’t help being curious. I’ve got an Irish bloke in my family and I have noticed he is very definite about things, which is better than being like soggy tissue for sure.

                    And I agree let’s go back to different ways of managing sovereignty and limiting barbarism. Perhaps baring our teeth at one another, desperate singing contests, swearing and punching and wrestling extravaganzas, If there is war, though person to person combat can result in large casualties, you get to be buried in identifiable pieces.

                    Today you can be blown into smithereens, which sound quite little bits, by something from overhead that you can’t fight or avoid, or it drops chemicals that gas everyone and/or… Just seen Peter Jackson’s WW1 They Shall Never Grow Old. It seems however that war remains forever young and fresh in country’s minds and the young men get sent off to be the pawns.

        • Peter 2.1.1.2
          9 February 2019 at 11:16 am

          You see, James has the answer. They don’t have to say anything, he knows they are wrong. Hell he’s clever! Oh, and rational and mature and far-sighted and flexible, and …

          • James 2.1.1.2.1
            9 February 2019 at 4:02 pm

            I didn’t say they were wrong. I just inferred they lost more votes talking than being quite.

            Last thing I can remember them doing was reclaiming the word cunt.

            They are useless

            • Peter 2.1.1.2.1.1
              9 February 2019 at 8:20 pm

              Did you mean ‘implied’ when you wrote ‘inferred’?

              Some might infer bitterness from you that they reclaimed the word cunt and you want it back. And some might conclude it never left.

      • Bearded Git 2.1.2
        9 February 2019 at 1:47 pm

        Dream on troll…they have a solid 7-8 per cent base

    • solkta 2.2
      9 February 2019 at 9:12 am

      Well, political parties have this thing called policy and they like to share it at opportune times so people are reminded of what they are about. There is no need for the Greens to do this currently re CC, everybody knows they are creating a Climate Commission.

      And it is great the Nact are reminding people how negligent they are on this issue given how CC IS the news at the mo.

      • alwyn 2.2.1
        9 February 2019 at 9:37 am

        What is this “Climate Commission” going to do?
        Spend the next 20 years holding a conversation?
        Oh well, I suppose such a group may provide taxpayer paid jobs for their otherwise unemployable members.
        Perhaps they will stick Turei onto it.

        • James 2.2.1.1
          9 February 2019 at 10:28 am

          I pick it will be less successful than kiwi build

          • Incognito 2.2.1.1.1
            9 February 2019 at 10:39 am

            Of course, you would, but it depends on how you define “success”, doesn’t it?

            • James 2.2.1.1.1.1
              9 February 2019 at 4:02 pm

              Actually delivering what they say they will.

              • Incognito …
                9 February 2019 at 7:01 pm

                In that case I reckon you do often observe failure in others and especially in politicians. Failure, it’s everywhere around us because so many fall short of the mark because they aim too high …

                • James …
                  9 February 2019 at 7:56 pm

                  And others are just shit at their jobs. Twyford would be an amazing example of shit useless.

                  • Peter …
                    9 February 2019 at 8:12 pm

                    Is shit useless when you tell the country there is no housing crisis or being shit useless is when you believe it? Or is it something complicated like there being a housing crisis and you don’t recognise it?

                  • Ankerrawshark …
                    9 February 2019 at 10:19 pm

                    Yes tywford was shit useless at shutting down the bogus meth testing wasn’t he.

                    James I will tell you what shit useless is. National sitting on their arses for 9 years while the house issues in 2008 became a roaring crisis. And you people come on here and have the Gaul to criticise tywford.

                    Go away and read up on what happened under National in terms of housing

          • Robert Guyton 2.2.1.1.2
            9 February 2019 at 10:51 am

            James; you’re such a wet blanket. Or soggy tissue. Can’t decide which is the best descriptor.

          • Ankerrawshark 2.2.1.1.3
            9 February 2019 at 10:15 pm

            Ffs kiwi build is a 10 year programme. It is ridiculous to judge it so soon.

            I remind people how the building of the Sydney opera house unfolded…..how the architect was slated etc. it is of course an absolute master piece

        • Bearded Git 2.2.1.2
          9 February 2019 at 1:51 pm

          Better than ignoring the issue, supressing debate or piling on the Greenwash that we had for the last 9 years

    • solkta 2.3
      9 February 2019 at 9:19 am

      ps

      This one is getting really boring, can you not find something else to moan about? You are starting to look like Ed dumping this in so often at the start of Open Mike.

      • greywarshark 2.3.1
        9 February 2019 at 9:53 am

        Jenny etc
        Those words from solkta should be absorbed. You are sounding like Ed. It’s getting that you are Chicken Little yelling that The Sky is Falling. Can you try to concentrate on NZ and present us with the facts of your concerns because you care and we should know about them. That would be good. Just make them
        as short as possible. And there are plenty of people having a go at the furriners and their doings.

        Little NZ gets pushed and pulled by overseas doings, how we manage is our first concern surely. We have a chance of patching the boat and keeping afloat if we look after home affairs, while keeping a weather eye out for storms.
        Shipping analogy! I see us as the Dingy Dinghy, but it’s my dingy dinghy, and yours. Let’s keep it seaworthy. LoL

      • Jenny - How to get there? 2.3.2
        9 February 2019 at 10:08 am

        I think it is a reasonable question. The Greens are virtually invisible. Why?

        When they have been given so many opportunities to answer their detractors and raise their public profile?

        Just as James (who hates the Greens), realises, the Greens silence and public invisibility will ensure their dipping below 5%.

        Personally I disagree with James that if the Greens spoke up “it would hurt their polls even more”. Instead it is their silence is that is condemning. Not their message, which is just not being put out there. Meanwhile Todd Muller takes every opportunity to put National’s position.

        P.S. (As for being first up on the Open Mike, Open Mike usually opens at 7am my comment appeared at 8.05, hardly first up).

        • greywarshark 2.3.2.1
          9 February 2019 at 12:46 pm

          But is it every day you wake with a worried frown. and release it over the blog?
          Do you ever feel happy – it’s important to relax occasionally? Do you have a cat or dog I wonder? None of my business of course, but they do seem to provide solace for many.

          • Jenny - How to get there? 2.3.2.1.1
            9 February 2019 at 1:37 pm

            The political becomes personal.

            Really Grey?

            If the question I raised disturbs you, maybe you should try answering it, instead of casting nasturtiums as to the state of my mental health.

            And yes I do have cats, and lots of other animals in my care, all who worship me as some sort of benevolent dictator. One of them has just now climbed into an empty brown paper shopping bag just to amuse me. As I look at it’s cute little face peering out at me, I think of you.

            • greywarshark 2.3.2.1.1.1
              9 February 2019 at 4:02 pm

              Thanks Jenny tghat’s a kind thought. And the point I am making though you apparently resent it, is that we need to have more kind thoughts in our lives, and pass those on to others. And we need to have positivism not constant negativism; a balance so we can keep our spirits up and mix with others the same, going forward! If we want a chance to have a life that we enjoy that is. Because it could vanish into vicious dictatorship and loss of freedom, albeit with a smooth, smiling face.

              Someone gave a link to Chinese moves, to be in by next year, of joining everyone up with an app or something and the populace will get points for behaving correctly according to the dicta from the authorities. And those who don’t get the required points, things will be withdrawn from their life.

              • Jenny - How to get there? …
                10 February 2019 at 12:47 am

                Hi Grey I can’t imagine how you see that I am being negative. I am putting up an inspiring positive vision of the way forward, I am calling for leadership, I am providing positive examples, ie Cortez, of the sort of inspiring and positive outspoken  leadership that I am calling for the Greens to provide.

                And I am positive that they are capable of it.

                As for kind thoughts, I have lots of them. For the Greens, for our Prime Minister. I want them to be the very best they can be. The science demands it.

                There is nothing negative about my vision.

                ‘Grandma, what did you do about climate change when you were Prime Minister?’

                ‘Hello Darling, what a great question’

                Way back in 2019, when the Green Party, in response to the climate emergency, banned all internal flights for the their MPs on principle, and as a leading example of the way forward.

                As the then leader of the Labour Party and the country, to prevent our parliamentary ally, the Green Party, becoming isolated, or put at a disadvantage compared to the climate change denying parties and MPs. I immediately responded, by supporting a Green Party Bill to extend this ban to all government and opposition MPs. (As part of this package, I also supported our other government ally New Zealand First to begin double tracking the rail connection to Northland).

                This became a leading example to the world, and was the beginning of the world wide switch away from commercial aviation, towards surface travel that you see today.

                I also supported legislation to move the subsidy for free air travel, into supplying all MPs with the latest video and IT suites, to put them more in touch with their constituents and each other. 

                Happy birthday darling, I hope you like the mini-AI electric train set I bought you.

                • McFlock …
                  10 February 2019 at 1:02 am

                  I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t think calling the Greens “invisible” isn’t negative. They’re politicians, not stealth bombers.

                • Dennis Frank …
                  10 February 2019 at 7:09 am

                  I’m sympathetic to your stance, actually. I did criticise it when you applied it to James, but I agree there’s no real reason Marama or any of the others ought to keep quiet.

                  If I was advising the Green caucus, I’d suggest they brainstorm the looming necessity of positioning themselves for the next election, and as part of that give themselves a mandate for aspirational policy signalling.

                  They could even discuss who ought to lead that, if putting the onus on Marama is asking too much. Gareth is the only one who has publicly self-identified as leftist. As a centrist I have no problem with him performing such a leadership role. He did stand for the leadership. I expect he could do it on that informal basis. It would probably be prudent for him to run each speech by them before he holds a press conference.

                  That’s a method likely to work okay in respect of what you feel is missing. Herding is making them into coalition conformists. They can do that still, while repositioning as described. It’s a walk & chew gum simultaneously type of challenge. Multi-tasking.

                  • solkta …
                    10 February 2019 at 7:22 am

                    Obviously the Green Caucus discuss strategy on an ongoing basis. I don’t think it is any secret that Gareth is the Caucus strategist. As for delivering press conferences, obviously these need to be done by the MP who holds the portfolio concerned.

                    • Dennis Frank …
                      10 February 2019 at 7:37 am

                      Merely conforming to a prescription induces the herding she is complaining about. Protocols only get you so far. There’s also a time for improvising, and they need to factor that in.

                      Applying the precautionary principle. Perception that they are allowing themselves to get boxed in by MMP constraints increases the danger of dropping below the threshold. Being imaginative, and enterprising, will impress voters more and build support.

                    • solkta …
                      10 February 2019 at 7:46 am

                      Gareth making press releases beyond his portfolios would simply confuse voters. The whole point is to push forward the person who is actually handling the issue.

                    • McFlock …
                      10 February 2019 at 1:31 pm

                      One thing that I’m not sure anyone has looked at is how many voters are (for want of a better term) Green “reservists” like me – I prefer Labour, but believe both are essential to be in parliament. So if the Greens look dicey like last time, I’ll vote Green (like last time).

                      Not to mention how many Greens are staunch – frankly I think they can guarantee 5% unless they suddenly abandon all Green principles. And the Blue-Green wet dream won’t cut it for those guys – we’re talking snails over industry territory.

              • Jenny - How to get there? …
                10 February 2019 at 12:51 am

                Hi Grey,

                I was greatly encouraged by the PM’s partial ban on new off shore oil and gas exploration. In my opinion it should have been a ban on all new off shore oil and gas exploration. Still, it was a step in the right direction. This is an example of the sort of positive inspiring lead I am talking about. It captured the world’s imagination. We need more of it.

                @28:32 minutes

                ….. We announced last year, that if we are to be honest with ourselves about our future, we need to transition away from oil and gas and fossil fuels, so we have ceased to offer any more permits for oil and gas exploration in New Zealand, off shore. That was a significant move

                Jacinda Ardern

                • solkta …
                  10 February 2019 at 6:54 am

                  Piss off Jenny. That is not the “PM’s partial ban on new off shore oil and gas exploration” but rather a Green Party initiative that from my understanding was hard fought for. You are being slimy to say that you are not being negative towards the Greens while attributing their successes to Labour.

        • solkta 2.3.2.2
          9 February 2019 at 1:02 pm

          There is only one poll that matters and that is the election. At that time the Greens will be judged on how they have delivered policy objectives. Foremost will be the Carbon Act and the cannabis referendum (and hopefully act).

          • Jenny - How to get there? 2.3.2.2.1
            9 February 2019 at 3:00 pm

            One of the targets of Todd Muller’s public attack has been Generation Zero.

            James Shaw has said, that the Zero Carbon legislation is “directly the brainchild” of Generation Zero.

            Generation Zero wanted a bold Zero Carbon Act which covered all greenhouse gases including methane, the advocacy group's submission said.

            Ms Somerset called on the MPs to come together and pass the legislation unanimously to ensure it lasted.

            The climate action movement has been driven by young people because we have the most at stake," she said.

            "And candidly we ask of politicians – don't mess this up for us!" Mr Komarovsky said. "This is our best shot."

            Climate Change Minister James Shaw accepted the submission and said he would personally read it.

            The legislation was "directly the brainchild" of Generation Zero, he said.

            https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/362007/youth-message-on-zero-carbon-act-don-t-mess-this-up

            The fact that Todd Muller has especially targeted Gen. Zero in his public attack, signals to me that the National Party has no intention of honouring any Zero Carbon legislation.

            Todd Muller’s repeated demand that New Zealand must not take a lead on climate change, shows that National will do everything in their power to undermine and sabotage this piece of legislation.

            Todd Muller’s lack of good faith over the Zero Carbon legislation needs to be answered.

            I mean, when is enough, enough?

            As well as attacking Gen Zero, and attacking the government “for being blinded by Green ideology”

            Conservative politicians have also lashed out at Greenpeace over exposing illegal fishing.

            Again not a murmur from the Green Party in response.

            The Green Party are burning up their political capital like there is no tomorrow, all so as not to offend the National Party in attempt to get the National Party to sign up to the Zero Carbon Bill.

            I have read the proposed Bill* one of the main paragraphs reads in part, “We can get most of the way there using solutions that are already available. Getting there will involve moving towards 100% renewable electricity….” This is something that Todd Muller says National are against, claiming it is too expensive.

            “…..with electricity production already at 85 per cent renewable. We can continue to increase this, but as we approach 100 per cent renewable electricity, the last few per cent become very expensive and don’t deliver significant emissions reductions.”

            Todd Muller, National Party climate change spokesperson

            https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12200162

            Getting to 100% renewable would be a milestone achievement, and a leading example to the world, Muller’s quibbles that the last little bit would be to expensive to be worth it, ignores the importance of giving a global lead, which of course is fully in line with National’s anti-leadership ‘Fast Follower’ strategy.

            When are these knuckle draggers going to be challenged and exposed?

            *https://zerocarbonact.nz/

            • Ad 2.3.2.2.1.1
              9 February 2019 at 5:14 pm

              If Gen Zero thought they were going to get away with a straight out attack on Todd Muller, they should go back to school and do some learning.

              They got what they were asking for.

              Shaw and the Greens have no choice but to keep their heads down until his bill gets into parliament again. Because unless he keeps Todd Muller and National on side, he is going to get fucked over clause by clause in Cabinet by NZF on the only bill he cares about.

              • Incognito …
                9 February 2019 at 7:26 pm

                Because unless he keeps Todd Muller and National on side, he is going to get fucked over clause by clause in Cabinet by NZF on the only bill he cares about.

                I’m sorry, but I find this sentence ambiguous. Is he going to get fucked over by NZF and therefore needs National’s votes? Why would National not fuck him over, as well? Regardless, does this mean we all are going to get fucked over, euphemistically speaking? Oh boy, it sounds like the Roman orgy in Caligula.

                • Ad …
                  9 February 2019 at 7:46 pm

                  “Why would National not fuck him over as well?”

                  A good question if you are a small animal figuring out how not to die underneath an elephant.

                  But the answer is:
                  Because just as National did with the anti-smacking bill in the last gasp of the Clark government, National get to take all the political credit for rescuing the government. Labour and the Greens spend massive amounts of political capital, leading into election year, and National look like the heroes of climate change to middle New Zealand and to their base.

            • McFlock 2.3.2.2.1.2
              9 February 2019 at 5:29 pm

              Todd Muller is a fucking tool who is simply handing more ammunition to everyone who thinks he’s a tool.

              Why on earth would the Greens get in a stoush with him now? They’re not going to change his mind, and anyone they do persuade will have forgotten by next November. And the more the fool keeps talking, the more any “blue-green” party looks like a shill if they’ll go into government with him.

              The Greens know how to campaign, and better than most parties in parliament.

        • Bearded Git 2.3.2.3
          9 February 2019 at 1:54 pm

          Jenny I get regular Green Party messages on fbook detailing policies…things they are doing

    • Incognito 2.4
      9 February 2019 at 2:16 pm

      You seem to be on the same page as David Cormack: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12200816

      The Greens are active and out & about doing their things. People who are genuinely interested will know and pay attention. People who are less interested in the Greens may be happy to rely on the distorted ‘messaging’ by MSM. Less is more, right now.

      • Jenny - How to get there? 2.4.1
        9 February 2019 at 3:19 pm

        Yes you are right. David Cormack seems to be referencing similar themes and more that I have mentioned here. Thanks for this Incog.

        • Jenny - How to get there? 2.4.1.1
          9 February 2019 at 4:26 pm

          From the link supplied by Incognito

          Barely dragged over the line at the last election, its worst result at the polls since 2005 ironically gave it the best result it’s had in being part of a government.

          There are Green Ministers! And Ministers in areas that are green bread and butter issues: Minister of Climate Change for co-leader James Shaw, Minister of Conservation and Associate Minister of Environment for Eugenie Sage, and Associate Minister of Transport for Julie Anne Genter.

          All of these portfolios should have seen the Green Party thrive and constantly be in the spotlight for making great, positive, green change. Instead it’s gone missing…..
          David Cormack

          Just my point, the Green Party has gone missing. And their disappearance from public life is reflected in their poll results.

          Politics is a public affair it is conducted publicly. Todd Muller seems to have taken this mantra to heart with his public attacks on the government and the Green Party and Gen Zero. accusing them of being “blinded by Green Ideology”.

          You would have thought that Muller’s public attacks would have been the perfect opportunity for either of the Green Party leaders to deliver a devastating riposte.

          As school kids march all around the world for their governments to do something about climate change, the Green Party seems to have made little effort to emulate it here…..
          David Cormack

          We live in an age when politicians must become activists and activists must become politicians must become activists.

          Why didn’t the Green Party show some solidarity to Greenpeace and Gen Zero when they were under attack?

          ……if the media didn’t want to report on the Very Serious issues that the Green Party talked Very Seriously about then that wasn’t the Green Party’s fault. That was the media’s fault for not taking those Very Serious issues Seriously enough……
          David Cormack

          The Green Party can’t blame the media this time, because the Green Party haven’t given the media anything to go on.

          And then along came Vernon Tava.

          He ran for co-leader when Russel Norman stood down and his one platform was that the Green Party should be open to working with National.

          Rightfully dismissed, he’s cropped up again as a possible leader of a “blue-green” party. One that is environmentally friendly but would be open to working with National. Vernon doesn’t seem to have a lot of tricks.

          This ridiculous idea got a huge amount of coverage and was the perfect opportunity for the Green Party to leap into the conversation. To reassert themselves as the environmental party of New Zealand.
          David Cormack

          I have mentioned the attack on Greenpeace, I have mentioned the attack on the Government and Gen Zero. Both opportunities for the Green Party to “reassert themselves as the environmental party of New Zealand”. I had forgot to mention this, but yeah. What on earth? Again, why are the Green Party so silent?

          Why are the Green Party so absolutely missing from public life?

          Do they want to be irrelevant?

          https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12200816

          • greywarshark 2.4.1.1.1
            9 February 2019 at 5:09 pm

            You are concerned at length about the Greens. Why not write what you have on here first direct to both of the Leaders of the Green Party. Give them something direct under their noses to send a form reply then ignore, or not Jenny…

            Instead you are chipping away at them as the Coalition tries to advance in hostile territory where citizens have to be encouraged to make moves that should have been started 20 years ago. You aren’t helping the Greens or the Coalition in government by bad mouthing them so much.

            • Jenny - How to get there? 2.4.1.1.1.1
              9 February 2019 at 6:30 pm

              I have written, emailed, texted, phoned, facebook messaged, Green MPs, with zero response. I and other climate activists have requested appointments for discussions with them. It is like sending messages into an empty void.

              I have even tried to button hole them at public events, I have traveled across the region to attend such meetings. Questions from the floor are disallowed at stage managed public events.. I have stood patiently with lots of other people in queues to meet with them at the end of the same public meetings only to have time to trade brief pleasantries, before they have to move onto the next person.

              And now you say I shouldn’t voice my concerns in this forum either?

              It is my honest opinion that the Green Party are headed for electoral oblivion if they don’t break out of their self appointed public silence, on the matters of the day, especially when they or their allies are being attacked. People will think that they have no answers when the Nats publicly attack them and they keep their silence.

              I see the meteoric rise of Alexandria Cortez, who never backs down from a fight, and I wonder why we can’t have leaders like that here?

              • Bazza64 …
                9 February 2019 at 8:47 pm

                Maybe the Greens like a little too much of the “herbal jazz cigarettes”. A good reason for their relaxed stance re answering questions.

          • Ad 2.4.1.1.2
            9 February 2019 at 5:16 pm

            You won’t see them back until they have something delivered into law in Parliament. And there’s only one bill of any note that’s theirs coming up.

            Only once that is through will they be able to campaign.

            • Jenny - How to get there? 2.4.1.1.2.1
              9 February 2019 at 6:37 pm

              All I can say Ad. It had better be a doozy. If it is not and is just more vague and distant targets, but no agreed action in the here and now. I don’t think it will rescue the Greens.

              • Ad …
                9 February 2019 at 7:24 pm

                Maybe the Greens don’t want to be rescued.

                Maybe Shaw’s got the more audacious goal in mind:
                Cross Parliamentary agreement on climate change mitigation for New Zealand.

                It may well come at the expense of the Green Party, but it may not.

                I mean if they can survive nut jobs like Metiria Turei self-immolating 4 weeks out from election, maybe the Green base is still good for 5%.

    • adam 3.1
      9 February 2019 at 8:19 am

      They just following what our shitty little lap dog mp’s did years ago. Ahh Australia, so slow on nasty hard right ideological B.S.

      • francesca 3.1.1
        9 February 2019 at 8:49 am

        Here’s at least one Aussie who shows some backbone

        Former Aus. diplomat Tony Kevin and his plan to save Assange

        On that topic, news from Switzerland

        https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/wikileaks_geneva-politicians-vote-to-propose-julian-assange-asylum/44740406

        Strangely, not reported elsewhere as yet

        • greywarshark 3.1.1.1
          9 February 2019 at 10:17 am

          Go Assange. His greatest problem is that for a while he was a media darling.
          “Whom the gods would destroy they first make mad” is a slogan for today.

          The leaders of the world have gone mad under the affects of desiring ever more money and power, so they have turned into sub-Gods. People who disagree are maddened enough to stand against them, giving the sub-Gods the unchallengeable right to destroy them.

          And the media raised Assange in public eyes which can for a while strongly idolise someone, then turn around with opposite strong emotions and censure them.

          Gilbert & Sullivan illustrates the problem of the exploiter of information or the truth-teller –
          A Disagreeable Man, I Can’t Think Why
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql13RNb9OGI

          and a parody on He is a very model of a modern major-general
          (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svCpEIRAkjM

          • Tuppence Shrewsbury 3.1.1.1.1
            9 February 2019 at 1:38 pm

            Assange problem started when he became a darling of the left wing, then released more information showing left wing politicians to be as fallible as right wing politicians.

            It hurts when someone proves your heroes are as bad as your enemies

            [TS: Your comments are being held in moderation until you acknowledge the mod note on your previous contribution here. TRP]

            • Bazza64 3.1.1.1.1.1
              9 February 2019 at 8:53 pm

              Ah tuppence biscuit, I thought you got away with your comments yesterday & it seemed like the moderator’s threats were nary but a wet bus ticket. But no, TS is appearing to be a little more Putin like with its treatment of you.

        • Dennis Frank 3.1.1.2
          9 February 2019 at 11:07 am

          Thanks for the news re Swiss support for the narcissist. I’ve been critical of his character defects and reluctance to transcend them, but as an authentic whistleblower I still feel he deserves support.

          If they take the load off Ecuador, it will be a good move and I expect it will enhance their global reputation as supporters of natural justice. I hope they succeed in negotiating the transfer. If May refuses to allow it, she will destroy her credibility as a political leader.

          • Morrissey 3.1.1.2.1
            9 February 2019 at 2:03 pm

            Dennis, if you’re searching for a casual descriptor of Julian Assange, “the narcissist” is hardly appropriate. I accept he seems to be narcissistic, but that applies to virtually anyone in the public eye to some degree or other.

            Rogue killer regimes in London and Washington are seeking to destroy Assange not because he’s a narcissist, but because he’s a truth-teller.

            • Dennis Frank 3.1.1.2.1.1
              9 February 2019 at 2:25 pm

              It’s because of his behaviour. The spoilt-brat syndrome he exhibits so readily. His lack of empathy re inconsiderate attitude to his hosts. Lack of empathy usually signifies narcissism. Telling the truth ought to be a discipline applied to oneself, not merely state misbehaviour. He hasn’t matured sufficiently to become a responsible individual…

              • Morrissey …
                9 February 2019 at 2:28 pm

                Fair comment, Dennis. But let’s face it, he’s a choirboy compared to the people trying to destroy him.

              • Brigid …
                9 February 2019 at 3:31 pm

                That is your opinion of him Dennis. What do you base this on?

                • Dennis Frank …
                  9 February 2019 at 3:41 pm

                  Media coverage of what he has said and done in the past couple of years. Alienating his hosts was so unwise it can only have been due to his inability to see things from their point of view. Gratitude for their moral stand on his behalf ought to have been factored in to his view of the situation. Lack of it made it obvious he was being selfish.

                  • greywarshark …
                    9 February 2019 at 6:04 pm

                    Is he an example of the quote –

                    The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.
                    George Bernard Shaw, Man and Superman (1903) “Maxims for Revolutionists”
                    Irish dramatist & socialist (1856 – 1950)

                    • Dennis Frank …
                      9 February 2019 at 8:57 pm

                      🤩 Could be, eh? Judged by the progress he does actually manage to produce, perhaps. More likely if he grows up a little and develops a better attitude. Adversity brings out character in some folks.

                  • greywarshark …
                    9 February 2019 at 9:23 pm

                    All interesting thinking. What did you think of the comments from past diplomat Kevin that Fransesca put up at 3.1.1. Seems a sound man in his views.

                    • McFlock …
                      9 February 2019 at 9:56 pm

                      20 minutes and they never mentioned sexual assault once.

                      And if the Aussies worked hard (won’t happen) and got the UK to ignore the bail-jumping (highly unlikely), why would he need a consular escort to the airport?

                    • Dennis Frank …
                      10 February 2019 at 6:51 am

                      I watched the first third of it, don’t have time for more. The arse-licker syndrome, normally prevalent among rightists. He correctly identifies Labour as equally part of the problem, so it makes leftists into fore-lock tuggers performing ritual obeisance to the Americans.

          • McFlock 3.1.1.2.2
            9 February 2019 at 5:35 pm

            If May refuses to allow it, she will destroy her credibility as a political leader.

            Brexit.

            • Dennis Frank 3.1.1.2.2.1
              9 February 2019 at 8:54 pm

              Yeah, I know. Sword of Damocles suspended over her. Will it drop? The EU head has served her mixed messages in recent days. No renegotiation, then possible renegotiation today. Because, if they do reach a compromise, it could save her. She could soldier on, regardless of lowered credibility.

              • McFlock …
                9 February 2019 at 9:02 pm

                Even if the EU renegotiate, they’re not suddenly going to roll over.

                She’s already shat the bed so badly that nobody wants the job. Compared with Brexit, the concomitant Irish border issue, austerity, and everything else, whether Assange changes self-imposed prison under her watch would not even amount to a footnote.

                • Dennis Frank …
                  10 February 2019 at 6:55 am

                  To the British, yes. To folks expecting any political leader to honour a whistle-blower, acting on the basis of public service, it would be terminally discrediting. Even politicians who are conservative ought to balance their desire to serve the elites against a moral duty to serve the public. Can’t discount that necessity.

  4. rata 4
    9 February 2019 at 9:04 am

    Labour is (on the face of it) returning to
    its basic roots with the well being agenda.
    However by meeting with business and farming they are also
    adding more substance to the rebuild and broadening appeal
    and making it harder for National to label Labour as flaky.
    Sound economically + fairer tax system. Responsible immigration.
    Compassionate socially eg housing, education, women, Maori.
    Keeping the Green ,Women, Young and Maori vote
    as independent allies is also very smart.
    Just need to work on the Grey vote a bit more.
    Labour needs to broaden its media face by not relying on JA.
    Steve Joyce was John Keys shield for years.
    Jones and Peters do good work but are Mavericks.
    Satchi and Satchi would identify and choreograph the suitable lieutenants.
    Advantage Labour?.

    • greywarshark 4.1
      9 February 2019 at 9:55 am

      Rata’s in bloom. It’s going to be a mast year.

    • Ad 4.2
      9 February 2019 at 5:18 pm

      Not until budget 2019 lands well.

      If it doesn’t land well in the public, Labour know they have simply pushed almost all the hard political work out to the 2020 election.

      • greywarshark 4.2.1
        9 February 2019 at 9:13 pm

        That mention of Saatchi and Saatchi – does Labour have guidance from the likes of them? Labour has what to balance Cosby Textor? They need to do better than Phil Quin, Josie Pagani, Mike Williams et al. A professional body – do they have one, can they afford one? Can they afford not to?

        • Ad 4.2.1.1
          9 February 2019 at 10:46 pm

          When you’ve got a PM who’s that good to camera, and who personally made up “Let’s Do This”, the guidance is less necessary. I can’t recall a better political communicator other than Bill Clinton.

  5. alwyn 5
    9 February 2019 at 10:00 am

    Well, so much for Kiwibuild providing housing for people who couldn’t otherwise get a first home.
    https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/110468062/six-wanaka-kiwibuild-houses-on-open-market
    Six houses that were built under the Twitford banner that nobody wanted to buy. Now they are being dumped onto the open market. They are too expensive apparently. Why am I not surprised.
    I wonder how much he cost to the Country has been so far, and whether they have managed to blow through the whole $2 billion dollars yet?
    Why has Twyford still got a position in Cabinet? Is there no display of ineptitude that is sufficient to get sacked by our current lot of idiots in the Government?

    • mpledger 5.1
      9 February 2019 at 11:10 am

      If more houses get built then more people have homes – it’s as simple as that.

      The people who buy expensive homes release less expensive homes giving opportunity for people in a different price bracket.

      • Puckish Rogue 5.1.1
        9 February 2019 at 11:40 am

        Sounds an awful lot like trickle down housing supply to me 😉

        • Incognito 5.1.1.1
          9 February 2019 at 2:33 pm

          You’re correct, that’s how it looks on paper. The increased supply of housing will trickle down and the large profits for the lucky ones already on the property ladder will trickle up. It’s a win-win!

          One fly in the ointment could be that the better-off will not release their house on the property market but rent it out or advertise on Airbnb. In fact, that could be a perverse outcome of CGT unless it’s accompanied with a raft of other measures to discourage less helpful kinds of behaviour.

    • Muttonbird 5.2
      9 February 2019 at 6:23 pm

      You merely display your ignorance with comments such as this. If you bothered to read the article it quite clearly states:

      But now six finished properties are listed for sale. Although buyers will not have to go through a ballot to purchase them, they still must meet KiwiBuild purchase criteria.

      But you didn’t read the article, you silly little fellow.

      If you did you might, just might, have seen that your comments merely spew forth from a morass of ignorance.

      • Incognito 5.2.1
        9 February 2019 at 7:49 pm

        Alwyn is almighty concerned that Phil Twyford is going to Venezuelanise NZH. For further information, I refer to today’s other post on this topic.

        • alwyn 5.2.1.1
          9 February 2019 at 10:50 pm

          What on earth have you been drinking, smoking or injecting you stupid schmuck?
          For further information I would suggest you reference a single statement I have made that could possibly lend any credence to your stupid remark.
          Indeed I will wager you cannot find a single statement I have made in todays post on Venezuela.
          If I never commented on the subject how does your silly little brain come to any conclusion at all on my views on Venezuela?
          Oh that’s right you can’t so you just spew forth your fantasies.
          What a dick you are.

      • alwyn 5.2.2
        9 February 2019 at 10:41 pm

        I did read it you little diesel soaked seagull.

        People who had never bothered to register for Kiwibuild and now get a chance to buy because no one who registered wanted, or could afford the properties.

        What evidence do you think will ever be produced to demonstrate that anyone who does buy one of these places will actually have qualified? Why do I think the Government will refuse to prove they were eligible and that they will say that the privacy of the purchaser is more important than the integrity of the scheme?
        What are the chances that the actual purchase price is ever released and that the taxpayer won’t lose a lot of money from the deal?

        Why do you seem to consider you should trust the ill conceived scheme promoted by Phool Twyford?
        His record certainly doesn’t inspire any confidence does it?

        • Ad 5.2.2.1
          9 February 2019 at 10:44 pm

          Twyford needs three terms.

          In both transport and housing.

          In housing the institutions both public and private are taking too long to gear up.

          In transport the institution is in a leadership-led cataclysm and it is crippling delivery in his key policies.

          Both will now take years to fix.

          • alwyn 5.2.2.1.1
            9 February 2019 at 11:01 pm

            I would suggest that leaving Twyford in these jobs for three terms would destroy both housing and transport.
            Luckily I can’t see it happening. He is such a fool that I think Winston will sack him by later in this year. He is the most incompetent Minister in any senior role I have ever seen.
            When both Winston First and the Red-Green parties vanish at the next election it won’t matter of course.
            I really thought that it was time for a change after 3 terms. National were tired, as all 3 term Governments are. Unfortunately I was right in thinking that the current coalition troika were incapable of forming a competent Government. I only hope that National can come up with a proper competent and fresh team after only one term in Opposition. God knows they will have a lot of cleaning up to do from the activities of loose cannons like Phool..

            • McFlock 5.2.2.1.1.1
              9 February 2019 at 11:07 pm

              “destroy both housing and transport”… “Winston will sack him”… “troika were incapable of forming a competent government”… The more snipes and turds you sprinkle through your comments, the more desperate you look.

              As for most incompetent minister in any senior position you’ve seen, you do realise that two ministers and an associate minister signed off on Novopay.

              • alwyn …
                10 February 2019 at 2:05 pm

                Well that at least has given me a good laugh.
                You call the total collapse of this Government major policy activity as being in some way comparable to the temporary difficulties with a payroll system for teachers?
                The problems with Novopay were of course cured when the last Government took them seriously and put Stephen Joyce in charge of fixing the problem. This he did.
                I thought about how I would consider Novopay and Kiwibuild in terms of a comparison with accidents at sea.
                Novopay is rather like spilling a full cup of coffee over yourself when travelling on the Cook Strait ferry.
                Uncomfortable at the time and a nuisance until you can get at your luggage and change your clothes.
                The complete shambles that is Kiwibuild is best compared to the sinking of the Wahine back in 1968. A complete disaster.
                A third example would be the mess that is the Census of 12 months ago. That is about like finding that your car on the vehicle deck was smashed into by a truck and is a write-off. It needn’t have been as bad if, shortly after the Census was held, the Government and the Department, had accepted that getting any valid results out of the exercise was impossible and decided to have another Census in 2021 in what would have been the traditional year (ending in 1). They didn’t of course. The Government Statistician and the Minister simply buried their heads in the sand and pretended that everything was just peachy.

                Meanwhile we have McFlock saying that Twyford just needs a little more time. What a funny fellow he is.

                • McFlock …
                  10 February 2019 at 2:32 pm

                  Thousands of people went underpaid, not paid, and some overpaid for months, missing rent and mortgage payments and having to take out loans. It took Mr Don’t-fix-it over a year to sort out after two ministers signed off without thinking about the words “mission critical”.

                  And you call that a spilled cup of coffee.

                  And not building enough houses in the first year is a sign of the most incompetent minister you have ever seen.

                  Says it all, really.

        • Muttonbird 5.2.2.2
          9 February 2019 at 11:07 pm

          Your mask has slipped, alwyn.

          Normally restrained, tonight you are lashing out and indulging in conspiracy theories and name-calling.

          Is it because you had your own words read back to you?

        • Muttonbird 5.2.2.3
          9 February 2019 at 11:25 pm

          Now they are being dumped onto the open market.

          For reference, alwyn, this is the statement you made which you need to retract, and apologise to the forum for.

          I await your fulsome and sincere apology.🤣

  6. greywarshark 6
    9 February 2019 at 10:26 am

    Albert Finney, Brit actor has died 82. He was five times Oscar nominee and earlier from the Royal Shakespeare Company.

    His last film role came in 2012 James Bond film Skyfall, in which he played the irascible gamekeeper Kincaid.

    A life-long fan of Manchester United, he declined a CBE in 1980 and a knighthood in 2000.
    “I think the Sir thing slightly perpetuates one of our diseases in England, which is snobbery,” he said at the time.

    He was also reluctant to discuss his craft. “My job is acting, and that is why I hate interviews or lectures, explaining myself to an audience,” he once said.
    Finney was married three times and had one child with his first wife, the actress Jane Wenham.
    He was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2007, after which he largely disappeared from public view.

    • Bearded Git 6.1
      9 February 2019 at 1:58 pm

      Finney also backed the epic fulm “If” an all time favourite of mine.

      • greywarshark 6.1.1
        9 February 2019 at 3:37 pm

        I just looked at a trailer and I don’t think it would the film enabled today. Somehow the funding would dry up or something. It would be inappropriate.
        Too much echoing real life happenings.

    • Incognito 6.2
      9 February 2019 at 7:51 pm

      Someone who turns down knighthoods is of noble character.

      • greywarshark 6.2.1
        9 February 2019 at 9:28 pm

        Yes the nobility is already in the person. Knighthoods are good for a laugh though. I like the Monty Python skit of the Knight Who Never Gives Up.
        And in French taunting the castle guard scorns the silly k-nites.

  7. James 7
    9 February 2019 at 10:37 am

    https://i.stuff.co.nz/business/110418610/700000-state-home-on-kpiti-coast-sits-empty-for-20-months

    Beautiful 700k family state house left empty.

    I guess the homeless crisis is officially over then.

    • mpledger 7.1
      9 February 2019 at 11:17 am

      It was being modified for people with disabilities.

      It’s a really long process to decide what changes need to be made, get funding, draw up the plans, get quotes, get more funding, get a builder to do it (all bespoke work depending on the disability) etc.

      I know someone who has done it once and is about to do it again and she envisioned a 12 month to 18 month time frame.

      • Gabby 7.1.1
        9 February 2019 at 12:33 pm

        Specific actual people or just in case?

      • Naki man 7.1.2
        9 February 2019 at 2:08 pm

        “I know someone who has done it once and is about to do it again and she envisioned a 12 month to 18 month time frame.”

        If that is the case best to leave the job to someone who knows what they are doing.
        I have done a few of these jobs for HNZ in the past. They already have plumbers, builders, sparkies etc. Pretty standard stuff. ramps, hand rails, level entry shower,
        They vary depending on the house and the clients disability. Nothing difficult about it. Two or three weeks and job done.

        • Sacha 7.1.2.1
          9 February 2019 at 2:37 pm

          It is the palaver around the highly-rationed funding that slows things down. Paying a whole lot of people to say ‘no’.

    • veutoviper 7.2
      9 February 2019 at 11:31 am

      Stop being disingenuous, James. Of course this situation does not signal that the housing crisis is over.

      First the article says that disability renovations to that house have taken 20 months – which takes the original decisions etc to do so back to about May 2017 ie. in the National Govt era. 20 months does seem to be a long time when it appears that the house already has a lot of disability features, but it does not surprise me given the current state of the building industry.

      However, what bemuses me about that article is here is the local Mayor saying he is looking for a home for a family whose current Council-owned house is being put up for sale by his own Council because they no longer want to provide social housing to anyone other than pensioners.

      It would appear that the family may qualify for Housing NZ accommodation. If so and the house meets their needs in accord with Housing NZ criteria, why doesn’t the Council offer the Council-owned house to Housing NZ at a reasonable market rate agreed on the basis of market prices for similar house sales and/or say three market price assessments. This would then allow the family to stay in the house they have been living in without incurring moving costs, upheaval etc probably requiring financial assistance from the govt via WINZ etc. Just saying.

    • Peter 7.3
      9 February 2019 at 11:31 am

      Whoever organised a state house to be empty for that long should be given a Knighthood or Damehood for the unique achievement and a Prime Minister’s award for creativity.Such has never happened before.

      Then some officials in all sorts of departments should be sacked for not breaking rules and protocols and customary health and safety things and just going ahead and putting a new family in there the day after it was vacated.

      Not only did they deny a family a home, they denied fuckwits the opportunity to attack the government for breaking rules and protocols and customary health and safety things by putting a family in it improperly and in less than perfect circumstances.

      Anyway, on thinking about it calmly, it probably happened because the Housing NZ people on the Kapiti Coast are still coming to and are slow to process the new mindset after the years of brainwashing: THERE IS NO HOUSING CRISIS, THERE IS NO HOUSING CRISIS, THERE IS NO HOUSING CRISIS …

    • Bearded Git 7.4
      9 February 2019 at 1:59 pm

      James…That comment is so stupid it should be worth a ban…arguments based on real facts please troll.

    • Incognito 8.1
      9 February 2019 at 11:41 am

      Nah, he’s not ripping into him, he’s calling him out. I was expecting something more substantial but it’s the usual clickbait by lazy uncreative MSM waiting for snappy little tweets to ‘inspire’ their snappy little headlines.

      • Fireblade 8.1.1
        9 February 2019 at 1:17 pm

        Yes it’s clickbait and the media love it. Ross will be the go-to guy for gossip on Simon.

    • Puckish Rogue 8.2
      9 February 2019 at 11:42 am

      I think JLR is losing the PR battle on this

    • mary_a 8.3
      9 February 2019 at 3:52 pm

      Fireblade (8) … Parliament resumes next week. Could be an interesting year.

      JLR might be about to fire off on all cylinders very soon. He seemed pretty sharp at responding to SB’s recent tweet re mental health!

      Might not be such a smooth ride for Simon after all this term!

      Have the popcorn ready.

  10. Morrissey 10
    9 February 2019 at 1:12 pm

    China in direct talks with U.S. army, new sanctions on way
    RNZ, 9 February 2019

    China is holding direct communications with members of the U.S. military urging them to abandon President Donald Trump and is also preparing new sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on him, a senior Beijing official said.

    The Xi Jinping administration expects further military defections from Trump’s side, the official told Xinhua in an interview, despite only a few senior officers having done so since opposition leader Nancy Pelosi declared herself interim president last month, backed by China and dozens of other countries.

    “We believe these to be those first couple pebbles before we start really seeing bigger rocks rolling down the hill,” the official said this week, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We’re still having conversations with members of the former Trump regime, with military members, although those conversations are very, very limited.”

    The official declined to provide details on the discussions or the level at which they are being held, and it was unclear whether such contacts could create cracks in the U.S. fascist leader’s support from the military, which is pivotal to his grip on power.

    With the U.S. military still loyal to Trump, a source in Beijing close to the opposition expressed doubts whether the Xi Jinping administration had laid enough groundwork to spur a wider mutiny in the ranks.

    “It depends on what they’re offering,” Hua Chunying, vice president of the Council of the Bo’ao Forum think tank in Beijing, said.

    “Are there incentives built into these contacts that will at least cause people to question their loyalty to the regime?” ….

    https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/world/382103/us-in-direct-talks-with-venezuelan-army-new-sanctions-on-way

    • Ad 10.1
      9 February 2019 at 7:21 pm

      Analogy doesn’t work.

      • Morrissey 10.1.1
        9 February 2019 at 9:38 pm

        Why not? Apart from the fact that it’s an insult to Venezuela to compare it to the U.S.

        • Ad 10.1.1.1
          9 February 2019 at 10:03 pm

          There’s a few.

          China is close to the military equal of the United States.

          China and the United States are negotiating substantially already.

          No one from the United States military has ever defected to China.

          China is not a democracy.

          If you ran the allegory from Cuba to Venezuela you’d get a better result I’m sure.

          • Morrissey 10.1.1.1.1
            9 February 2019 at 11:48 pm

            China is not a democracy.

            What’s democracy got to do with Trump, Bolton, Pompeo, Pence, and Abrams? This is all about brute power, and demonstrating who’s boss. In motivation and even in modus operandi (terrorizing vassals and little guys into silence or complicity*) it’s little different from a Mafia boss enforcing his will.

            * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3qjZnEiOCc

  11. joe90 11
    9 February 2019 at 2:16 pm

    tl:dr – millennial conservative wunderkinder are malignant know-nothings who grew up on a diet of Info Wars and YouTube conspiracy videos.

    https://twitter.com/TP_Ambridge/status/1093202249998831616

    They were here to start a culture war, and Charlie Kirk was looking forward to the backlash.

    “There will be retaliation, there will be protest,” the 25-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, a right-wing student organisation with close links to Donald Trump, said in London recently as he described plans for an assault on British university campuses. “You will see that it takes individuals to go straight into the fire to start a movement.”

    But already some of the Tory activists Kirk recruited to launch Turning Point in the UK are having second thoughts about its war on “cultural marxism”, according to several people familiar with their internal discussions. Within days of the launch, one of the “influencers” tapped to front the campaign has distanced himself from the group, BuzzFeed News has learned.

    “There was a sense of people realising, ‘Who are these cranks?’” one source said.

    https://www.buzzfeed.com/alexspence/pro-trump-turning-point-loses-star-activists

  12. UncookedSelachimorpha 12
    9 February 2019 at 2:50 pm

    Exposing the lie of the meritocracy bullshit of the right!

    26 most hard-working people as rich as 3.8 billion laziest people combined

    “These 26 people are so hard-working that each one of them achieves about 146 million times more per day than a person from the lazier parts of the world”

  13. Dennis Frank 13
    9 February 2019 at 3:50 pm

    Russel Norman is gunning for two coalition ministers: https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/08-02-2019/russel-norman-nash-and-jones-are-leading-nz-fishing-into-rotten-waters/

    “First, the cameras on boats. The coalition government has completely iced the project. The decision will be delayed till August. This isn’t just a matter of letting things slip – they actually had to unpick existing regulations to make it happen. We’ve just learnt the fishing industry wrote Nash a letter totally opposing cameras in July last year, while hypocritically running TV ads with the memorable line “we have nothing to hide“. Nash’s current line is that he won’t implement the cameras without the “buy-in” of the fishing industry.”

    Re the other guy: “he gets campaign money from Talley’s, one of the biggest players in the business. He received ten thousand dollars from the company towards his election campaign.”

    “Jones strongly rejects any impropriety in his links with Talley’s, but it’s worth remembering this is also the fishing company that MPI found to be unlawfully under-reporting the weight of their cartons in the hoki fishery and hence under-reporting their catch. This MPI compliance investigation never saw the light of day until Greenpeace leaked it. Predictably Talley’s were not prosecuted because, as MPI’s head of compliance said, “we know from experience that prosecution will achieve behavioural change for maybe four or five years at best.” So they had a quiet chat instead and buried the report.”

    • greywarshark 13.1
      9 February 2019 at 4:15 pm

      “we know from experience that prosecution will achieve behavioural change for maybe four or five years at best.”

      That’s like excusing crimes from being prosecuted and paid for with some sort of recompense because it is known that there is recidivism, so ‘What’s the use’ let ’em lie. Trouble is they know we are stupid and con’t care about having good government, and so they don’t feel shy about telling us that we can shut up and get stuffed, when they brazenly admit what they are doing. The right wing attitude that we receive from the RWNJs here, ‘You can fuss, but we have the power, and you are just irritating twerps to be put in their place’.

    • Gabby 13.2
      10 February 2019 at 9:02 am

      Does Gnashy sympathise ideologically or is he bought and paid for?

    • Gabby 13.3
      10 February 2019 at 9:06 am

      The Pompous Prince of Provincial Pukupatting would see no impropriety in a well feathered nest.

  14. Andre 14
    9 February 2019 at 3:56 pm

    Another type of flow battery that looks interesting.

    It uses a liquid electrolyte solution and a solid sacrificial anode. You fill up with charged electrolyte (and drain your discharged electrolyte) every 500km or so, and get a new anode every 5000km or so. The discharged electrolyte goes back to a solar or wind farm to be recharged (or could be done at the fillup station with a grunty enough grid connection).

    https://phys.org/news/2019-02-refillable-technology-energy-electric-car.html

  15. greywarshark 15
    9 February 2019 at 4:09 pm

    lprent
    Twice now I have had this line come at the bottom of a comment that has time left for editing –
    ‘You can no longer edit this comment’.

  16. Andre 16
    9 February 2019 at 4:22 pm

    Just noticed from the front page photo accompanying the Venezuela piece that our very own Slimin’ Bridges appears to be following the tie-length example set by the short-fingered vulgarian.

    Reckon it’s for the same reasons?

  17. Muttonbird 17
    9 February 2019 at 6:07 pm

    Here is further evidence of the consequences of under regulation in the accomodation market.

    Putting “hotel guests” in the middle of people’s ordinary lives can cause major disruption.

    I do know that some airbnb guests in apartment blocks are asked to lie to residents by saying they are relatives of or house-sitters for the owner. This isn’t secure and it isn’t fair to the residents of apartment blocks with airbnb set up in them.

    https://i.stuff.co.nz/business/110453472/tenants-forced-to-move-out-because-of-drunken-airbnb-guests-next-door

  18. greywarshark 18
    9 February 2019 at 6:45 pm

    Brexit and Northern Ireland all explained!

  19. CHCoff 19
    9 February 2019 at 6:53 pm

    https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/firefighters-lament-winds-preventing-them-putting-tasman-fire-in-days

    The thing is, to get the containment/firebreak lines done & in conjunction with the winds whatever the directions are to those.

    IF the effort goes into that, AT some point the fire has to start turning on itself.

  20. Muttonbird 20
    9 February 2019 at 9:56 pm

    Great to see the Pride March well attended and on their own terms rather than being further highjacked by corporate PR departments and the Police wishing to promote themselves.

    A good reset by the community.

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2019/02/thousands-turn-out-for-new-auckland-pride-march-up-queen-street.html

  21. Eco Maori 21
    10 February 2019 at 9:22 am

    Kia ora R&R The Crown owes Tangata Whenua ART it inclueds Te reo waiata haka carving that is needed to keep our great culture pumping .
    They suppressed Tangata Whenua Art for decades.
    One just has to check old footage of VIP being welcomed to Powhiri to Aotearoa I just checked out BOb Marleys Poehiri the quality in those days is not as good as today
    I BACK the Idear that we NEED to record our Kaumatua knowledge no one is doing that I have heard of at the minute that needs to stepped up.
    There is a big surge in the demand for Tangata Whenua Art in the motu and Papatuanuku not just Aotearoa Art all indigenous cultures art is getting a great increase in demand .indigenous cultures respect wild life and our enviroment mother earth more that the west do and we are seeing the mess that is being made of our wildlife and Papatuanuku because of the lack of respect for others
    Ka kite ano

  22. Eco Maori 22
    10 February 2019 at 11:16 am

    We have to forget about the oil barrons distraction’s trump brexit and others and all work together to battle CLIMATE CHANGE everything else will / is irrelevant if we go past the tipping POINT.
    The world is in the middle of what is likely to be the warmest 10 years since records began in 1850, says the Met Office.
    Will the forecast temperature rises bust the Paris climate agreement?
    The Met Office says that 2015 was the first year in which the global annual average surface temperature reached 1C above the pre-industrial level, which is generally taken to mean the temperatures between 1850 and 1900.
    Each year since then, the global average has hovered close to or above the 1C mark. Now, the Met Office says that trend is likely to continue or increase over the next five years.
    “We’ve just made this year’s forecasts and they go out to 2023 and what they suggest is rapid warming globally,” Prof Adam Scaife, head of long term forecasting at the Met Office, told BBC News.
    “By looking at individual years in that forecast we can now see for the first time, there is a risk of a temporary, and I repeat temporary, exceedance of the all-important 1.5C threshold level set out in the Paris climate agreement.”
    Last October, UN scientists published a special report on the long-term impacts of a temperature rise of 1.5C.
    They concluded that it would take a massive carbon cutting effort to keep the world from tipping over the limit by 2030. The Met Office analysis now says there’s a 10 percent chance of this happening within the next five years.
    “It’s the first time the forecasts have shown a significant risk of exceedance – it is only temporary. We are talking about individual years fluctuating above the 1.5 degree level,” said Prof Scaife.
    “But the fact that that can happen now due to a combination of general warming and the fluctuations due to things like El Niño events in the next few years does mean we are getting close to that threshold.”
    How confident is the Met Office of its prediction?
    The Met Office says it has a 90 percent confidence limit in the forecasts for the years ahead.
    It says that from 2019 to 2023, we will see temperatures ranging from 1.03C to 1,57C above the 1850-1900 level, with enhanced warming over much of the globe, especially over areas like the Arctic.
    The research team says it is pretty certain in its predictions because of its past experience. The team’s previous forecast, made in 2013, predicted the rapid rate of warming that’s been observed over the past five years. It even predicted some of the lesser known details such as the patch of cooling seen in the North Atlantic and the cooler spots in the Southern Ocean.
    If the observations over the next five years match the forecasts, then the decade between 2014 and 2023 will be the warmest in more than 150 years of records.
    Ka kite ano links below P.S Some neanderthal lie and say its just summer YEA RIGHT.

    https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/environment/381910/world-headed-for-warmest-period-on-record

  23. Eco Maori 23
    10 February 2019 at 11:51 am

    Kia ora R&R Eco Maori says one is a Kiwi so long as you show respect for people and our enviroment Kiwis those that don’t want to be called a Kiwi don’t get IT .
    There you go paul henry disrespecting a fellow kiwi .
    United we are strong devided we are weak Kiwi unites the good people of Aotearoa who want and give respect fellow Kiwis in my views
    I do beleve Matariki should be celerbrated yes Matariki was delibreately suppressed to stop Matariki giving Maori Mana,
    There are chovernistic raciest people in all cultures and Maori is no different .
    Ka kite ano

  24. Eco Maori 24
    10 February 2019 at 12:44 pm

    I see this new tech for refrigerator and air conditioning in 2016 scientific mag this story is from 2016 we need to invest in efficencys as this is the low hanging fruit on OUR Worlds journey to becoming Carbon neutral some people dont want effiencys as there profits will fall.
    Innovative refrigerator developed using multistage sound wave engine
    Shinya Hasegawa and colleagues at Tokai University have developed a refrigerator (107 C) powered only by waste heat that generated sound waves in an innovative multistage traveling wave thermoacoustic engine. The refrigerator produced the gas oscillations and refrigeration at a temperature lower than the boiling point of water and achieved a minimum cold temperature of -107.4 C when the hot temperature was 270 C. The findings are published in the journal of Applied Thermal Engineering, November 2016.

    The operation of thermoacoustic (TA) engines is based on the heating, cooling and oscillation of acoustic (sound) waves created by the thermal expansion and contraction of gases such as helium enclosed dedicated cavities. The potential of TA engines for generating clean and renewable energy was demonstrated in seminal reports published in the late 1990s and early 2000s by researchers in the USA. Notably, these reports into the modern implementations of TA engines have led to increased worldwide research on the development of high efficiency TA engines to convert heat into useful power.
    Two of the main hurdles to the proliferation of this technology are (1) high efficiency systems operable at less than 300 C as compared to the 400 to 600 C range at the moment; and (2) robust design so that the systems could be used in a wide range of environments such as fishing boats and heavy industries.
    Hasegawa and colleagues have designed a high efficiency multistage-type thermoacoustic (MS-TA) engine, without moving parts, that operates at less than 300 C; the temperature of more than 80% of industrial waste heat. The design of the MS-TA engine was based on finite element numerical analysis conducted by Hasegawa and his group.
    Background and aims
    “TA engines do not have moving parts, are easy to maintain, potentially high efficiency, and low cost,” says Shinya Hasegawa, an associate professor at the Department of Prime Mover Engineering, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Japan. “My goals in this research are to develop TA engines that operates at less than 300 C with more that 30% efficiency, and also to demonstrate a refrigerator operating at -200 C at these low temperatures.”

    Read more at: https://phys.org/news/2016-12-refrigerator-multistage.html#jCp

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwV4GkniFNo

    https://phys.org/news/2016-12-refrigerator-multistage.html

    • greywarshark 24.1
      11 February 2019 at 8:54 am

      This sound waves techology that can be used for fridges sounds interesting. Any tech people who know enough to comment on how viable it is and whether we could use it for lower carbon footprint etc.?

  25. Eco Maori 25
    10 February 2019 at 4:00 pm

    We have to stop buying prouducts that use Palm oil that is produced unsestainable.
    We have to stop putting money before the welbeing of our wildlife we are the guardians of MotherEarth & her creatures some people are exployting this all for $$$$$$$$$$$$$ humans are linked to the wildlife .
    The main threat to the survival of orangutan populations in the wild is the massive expansion of palm oil plantations in Borneo and Sumatra.
    Palm oil is the most widely used vegetable oil in the world, having even surpassed soya in terms of usage. Surging global demand for palm oil has fueled massive forest destruction throughout Indonesia and Malaysia, countries that together account for 85% of the world’s palm oil production. Palm oil is ubiquitous! Half the packaged food (and other) products found on supermarket shelves now contain palm oil. Palm oil and palm kernel oil are found in all manner of baked goods, such as cookies, bread, and potato chips, as well as in chocolate and milk (where it adds Vitamin A). Palm oil has also replaced coconut as the main cooking oil traditionally used in Indonesia as well as replacing peanut oil in Myanmar. Palm oil is also extensively used in cosmetics and toiletries where it adds creaminess and/or foam to the product. Palm oil is an important ingredient in the manufacturing of soaps, shampoos, detergents, and toothpaste. Increasingly, palm oil is used as a biofuel.
    Oil palms only grow in the tropics and need much water. Originally native to South America and West Africa, palm oil plantations have now spread throughout the wet tropics to Papua New Guinea, parts of Asia, Kenya, and also back to countries in West Africa and South America where the palms are native. The problem with palm oil is that vast areas of virgin tropical rain forest are clear cut to open up land for cultivation. Palm oil is a huge industry. Palm oil accounts for 11% of Indonesia’s export earnings and is the most valuable agricultural export. Overall, it is Indonesia’s third largest export earner.
    The recent expansion of vast monocrop oil palm plantations in Asia, the Neotropics, and Africa threatens large areas of tropical rain forests. The two most affected countries in this expansion are Indonesia and Malaysia, home of the imperiled orangutans. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) indicated in 2007 that oil palm plantations are the leading cause of rainforest destruction in Malaysia and Indonesia. Another study by Princeton and a Swiss institution reported that between 1990 and 2005, up to 60% of palm oil expansion occurred at the expense of primary tropical rain forest. The establishment of palm oil plantations has been a disaster not only for endangered wildlife such as orangutans and tigers (in Sumatra) but has also exacerbated conflict with local communities in Indonesia over traditional land rights. Local people have been evicted from their customary land holdings and local communities impoverished, leading to much conflict with palm oil concession companies. Ka kite ano links below

    https://orangutan.org/rainforest/the-effects-of-palm-oil/

  26. Eco Maori 26
    10 February 2019 at 6:37 pm

    Kia ora Newshub looks like everyone is having a good time at the Big Gay Out in Auckland today. Te twerker.
    Our Australian cousins are getting a bad run from Mother Nature there pollies in power are still deniers.
    Its a good day for sports in Waikato today Ka pai
    Ka kite ano

  27. Eco Maori 27
    11 February 2019 at 8:43 am

    Kia ora The AM Show The Chinese Terracotta army is a great view of Chinas long history.
    People have to start making choices that include the risk to animals as well as humans when choice are being made the wild fires and flooding forests being cleared choice being made for money over the best choices to save animals and wild life .
    Jason I do think it’s a joke that the Australian Army cannot fly stock food in to Townsville to feed the animals that are effected by the floods the roads are stuffed so fodder can’t be trucked in.
    What about companies selling alcohol that does more damage to society than most others Substances and its sold in supermarkets go figure.
    Rude you made that Wahine feel uncomfortable respect for all is a lesson you need to learn why did the other Mayor not get interview.
    Mark I was going to comment on the 10 questions competition I chose not to comment on it.
    Internet tech is a dubble edged sword it has its good and bad points it all about have good knowledge on the tech and a ballance. Ain’t nothing wrong with Rugby it’s a game every one can play Ka kite ano.

  28. Eco Maori 28
    11 February 2019 at 11:50 am

    Some Eco Maori Music for the minute.

  29. Eco Maori 29
    11 February 2019 at 1:53 pm

    Putting solar panels on our drinking water reservoir and lakes is cool the solar panels stay cool in summer and prouduce up to 20 more power dosen’t use expencive land slows the growth of alge that is caused by our farms leaching urea it our water a lot of positives get the big tick copying this move.
    Putting Solar Panels on Water Is a Great Idea—but Will It Float?
    The U.S. has been slow to embrace the technology, even though Japan and China are zooming ahead
    Winemaker Greg Allen had a problem. As president of Far Niente Winery in Napa Valley, California, he had done the math on how much land the vineyard could possibly dedicate to solar panels, to offset energy costs. The figure—about two acres—“really hurt,” Allen says. So he compromised: Far Niente completed an array of 2,296 solar panels, 994 of which float on pontoons tethered to the bottom of the winery’s pond. The installation was the world’s first nonexperimental floating solar array.
    That was in 2008. Since then floating photovoltaics have proliferated in Asia—yet not so much in the U.S. Japan has more than 60 installations, the most of any country in the world. China, a bourgeoning giant in renewable energy, claims the world’s largest array. That facility, which went online in 2017, floats atop an artificial lake created from a collapsed coal mine near the city of Huainan. The 166,000 panels can produce some 40 megawatts, or enough electricity to power about 15,000 homes. A {{2018 World Bank report estimated the global potential for floating solar arrays on artificial water surfaces would exceed 400 gigawatts.}}}
    But floating installations also offer several advantages over land-based arrays: Most obvious is they do not take up valuable parcels that could be used for agriculture or development. The technology can be easier to install than land-based or roof-mounted systems; once assembled, crews float them into place and anchor them. The arrays can improve the environment as well; blocking sunlight from penetrating the water can reduce evaporation and inhibit algae blooms. (It is not yet clear how the arrays might affect fish, birds or other wildlife.) And because solar cells become less efficient as they heat up, the water’s cooling effect can{{ increase their conversion ability by as much as 20 percent.}}
    Given the benefits, the sluggish pace of adoption in the U.S.—which had just 14 installations at the end of 2018—can be puzzling. Teresa Barnes, who manages the photovoltaic reliability group at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), says the availability of open land could be one factor. Yet lack of land has often been a driver at the
    small number of U.S. sites. That was the case for the Kelseyville County Waterworks District in California, which installed a 720-panel array on its wastewater treatment pond in 2018. Good payback is another incentive; the district anticipates it will recoup installation costs within eight years of operation. Links below ka kite ano

    https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/putting-solar-panels-on-water-is-a-great-idea-mdash-but-will-it-float/

  30. Eco Maori 30
    11 February 2019 at 6:45 pm

    Kia ora Newshub the polls give me hope that we will be able to combat climate changes Ka pai
    I seen that scientists review on our insects collapseing they are treasure that we need yes the pesticides that the big companies flog to us lieing that the chemicals have no negative effect on on human and the wildlife YEA RIGHT Organic farming will save our insects and awa rivers and Environment. NZ big companies best start to invest in organic farming products or risk going BROKE.
    Times are changing for the better in Aotearoa society Ka pai
    Its not on that people import workers and rip them off hope the offenders gets what they deserve.
    The Sir Edmund Hillary trust does a good deed with the youth Kayaking and his grandson kayaking trip in Antarctic. Ka kite ano

  31. Eco Maori 31
    11 February 2019 at 7:13 pm

    The Crowd goes Wild sorry Guys I have chosen not to comment on our sports stars as unusual phenomenon happens ECO MAORI enjoys the show heaps Kia kaha Ka kite ano