So given Restaurant Brands has concluded that Zero Hour contracts are not acceptable, are our MSM going to put the pressure on Key/Nats. Campbell Live deserves a lot of credit for this, …great work CL.
And yet Mr lister says its all the labour/greens fault they sold cheap and that all that wealth has transfered to the wealthy few.???
He neglected to say that even with this cheap deal most mum and pop s couldn’t get enough money together to get them ,and all the advise was if you have a mortgage or are not share savvy to stay away.!!!
The winners were wealthy speculators.
Power users and NZ citizens (past and present) lost out.
Greed is good in John Key’s NZ.
Everything is for sale.
We have lost our way as a country.
I did not know there was a new law which came into force recently whereby electricity companies have to be reimbursed when a large consumer such as the Wellington City Council cuts its power use because of efficiencies. So they have to keep paying the full amount even though they are using less electricity. There was an interview on Radio NZ the other day about this. It seems outrageous and means shareholders will always be guaranteed a return and NZers will pay even when power savings are made.
“In hindsight, it seems Labour and the Greens might have almost single-handedly contributed to a significant transfer of wealth from the average New Zealander (as the seller) to a much smaller group of people – those who could afford to buy shares in the IPOs.”
Not really the point, the point was National said what they were going to, Labour opposed what National was going to do and we had an election in which National spanked Labour
So knowing the sales were going to happen the left decided to try to influence the sales and they did…just not the way they anticipated
Had the left kept quiet then NZ would have recieved more money from the sales and more midde NZers would have bought shares
So well done left you helped me get more shares then i otherwise would have
No, my arguement is the left screwed up and there was no “mugging” or any such thing
All that happened is that NZ got less money out of the sale and the people who bought shares got a much better deal because and only because of the left
National said what they were going to do before the election, National got elected and did what they said what they were going to do
Labour put out their idea of kiwi power to attempt to sabotage the sale which worked in as much as scaring a whole bunch of middle NZ against buying the shares
which in turn drove the price down
In short the Left screwed up really, really, badly
I assert that because there was no mugging, there was nothing illegal, National and Labour gave their viewpoints and the people of NZ went with National
If you want to apportion blame (though you really have no need to) then look at Labours woeful performance
Legal does not mean ethical.
Selfish greed motivates pr.
Societal responsibilities does not.
And thanks to his ilk we have a collapsing planet and a human society ill prepared to deal with it.
I only have contempt for folk like pr, Mike Hosking, Paul Henry and all those whose have placed their selfish greed above our communal needs as a planetary whole.
They are not worth debating with.
I assert that because there was no mugging, there was nothing illegal
You assert there was no mugging because you assert there was no mugging. Nice. Oh, and because it’s only mugging if it’s illegal? So people can’t be robbed or mugged in a region with no rule of law, I guess.
Basically, people who bought shares in the looted assets aimed to follow in a long line of wealthy capitalists who gained their wealth using techniques that were subsequently made illegal, from insider trading, anti-competitive practises, monopolistic behaviour, cartel behaviour, or hiring private armies against competitors and workers. Fuck ’em all.
Like you know what the hell you’re talking about.
Selling assets benefited wealthy speculators.
Even the rich’s wealth manager says so.
Most NZers would be a lot better off if they had control over the country’s resources and assets.
But then, you know more, don’t you?!
You tr*** for the 1% which really gives the qualifications to speak for the average citizen.
The government sold assets that had a higher rate of return than the interest on the debt the sales were used to pay down.
The government made NZ poorer.
Pure sophistry from chris73. In his PR world it’s possible to describe anything as anything just by using language in different ways. But he can’t avoid the equation.
(x) = previous total value of assets in public ownership.
(y) = current total value of assets in public ownership.
It’s ok, we’re going to confiscate that stolen property right back off you, with no compensation. Thank you at least for giving us some money when you stole them.
Reality is an increasingly divided country.
Greedy selfish rich folk like you and increasing numbers of desperate people with either no jobs or terribly paid work.
Not really the point, the point was National said what they were going to, Labour opposed what National was going to do and we had an election in which National spanked Labourgot voted in with less than 50% voter support and 70% of voters against selling assets.
FTFY
We do not have a democracy, we have a dictatorship that we get to change every now and then.
So well done left you helped me get more shares then i otherwise would havebecome an even bigger bludger
FTFY as well. And, yes, that’s what shareholders are – bludgers. They get income from other peoples work.
“Without shareholders most business’s wouldn’t be able to grow and employ more people”
So you are a socialist then, with your positive views on communal ownership… and also blind like pretty much all business owners who fail to recognise their own deeply socialist and cooperative activities
Desperate stuff from you Puckish Rogue. No evidence, all supposition and a lot of ideological rhetoric.
The fact is – national are a government with very little popular support. I think most will agree the labour party is a party with even less popular support. So what, they are both pathetic.
But you keep dreaming your ideological wet dreams Puckish Rouge, it will keep you warm when you have no ideas left…
Apologies if someone has already posted this, but the official final results of the Northland by-election were released yesterday morning. These final results include 1122 special votes.
Of the total 29,590 votes cast:
Winston Peters – 16,089 (54.4%) up by 730 from the provisional result of 15,359 (53.95%)
Mark Osborne – 11,648 (39.4%) up by 301 from the provisional result of 11,347 (39.86%)
Willow Jean Prime 1,380 (4,7%) up by 65 from the prov result of 1,315 (4.6%).
The remaining 26 special votes went to other candidates, or were invalid etc.
“Asked yesterday whether MPs should fly economy class, Prime Minister John Key said that when his ministers got off a plane, they were expected to go to work straight away.
“I expect people to spend the minimum amount of time they realistically can in a foreign location, and to be working hard when they’re there.
“It’s easy to value an economy ticket at a lower rate, but if your MP or minister is so exhausted they are not concentrating on what they’re doing, then they are actually not providing value for the country.”
Whether it is a holiday or not is beside the point.
The question is whether MPs should be flying economy or not. On long-haul flights where they do have engagements within hours of landing, flying business class is appropriate.
If however they don’t have engagements until the next day, business class would not seem to be warranted.
politicians don’t need business class – that is elite bullshit – and they especially don’t need it when they go on holiday – if you want to believe key when he says they have engagements on their holiday go for it but it is just another lie to me.
And we can look forward to Seymour questioning the perk his mentor Douglas gets each year – First Class travel to any destination for the Knight and his Lady every year. But then, they have done so much for the country, we shouldn’t question it should we …
“politicians don’t need business class – that is elite bullshit”
How much international travel have you done? How much of it has been business class? How many important meetings have you had to go to shortly after arriving at your destination?
Business class exists for a reason – bussinesses demand it because they see value in it. If they didn’t see value in it, they wouldn’t pay for it. I don’t see why the government should operate to a lower standard than a private enterprise.
if they or their staff, cannot schedule the meetings or holiday activities to accommodate their limited time then that is where the remedy should be imo
as for me – you’re right – if and when I travel overseas I don’t travel business class – oh want a loser I must be lol
You’re really showing your ignorance here as well as your closed mind.
if they or their staff, cannot schedule the meetings or holiday activities to accommodate their limited time
Getting off a plane and into a meeting is excellent scheduling. Getting off a plane and having go to the hotel to have a rest and catch up with work that you should have done on the plane is incredibly poor scheduling.
The point of business class is that it is quieter, more restful and has enough room for the person to work. In other words, so that the person can get off a plane, go to a meeting and then get back on the plane.
It’s not a question of trust but a question of giving them the conditions necessary to do their jobs well while maintaining their health. If a private employer was pushing to dangerously decrease working conditions the way that you’re demanding that the working conditions of MPs be decreased you’d be screaming blue murder.
‘working’ you think they’ll be working, lol that’ll be the day – but now with laptops and phones I suppose we are all working all the time and yes I’ll do the blue murder thingy for that one. No one let alone me is suggesting that MP’s should have dangerous working conditions – that is ludicrous in the extreme.
‘working’ you think they’ll be working, lol that’ll be the day
Contrary to what the majority of RWNJs and some Left wingers as well think our politicians do work and they work hard. 90+ hour weeks in fact with a lot of that work done on the move. It’s one of the major reasons why we supply them with chauffeured limousines.
No one let alone me is suggesting that MP’s should have dangerous working conditions
Actually getting someone to fly 12 or more hours in a cramped position in dehydrating conditions then having them work 8 hours, suffering jet leg, is actually fairly bad for ones health.
You are exhausted, usually underfed and dehydrated, uncomfortable and not thinking clearly. Having done my fair share of long haul economy I would never expect anyone to go straight to work from a long haul in economy.
MPs on a taxpayer-funded tour of Europe will largely have the coming weekend to themselves to enjoy the sights of Dublin… after a short flight from Paris to Dublin tomorrow the group have the weekend off except for a dinner hosted by New Zealand High Commissioner and former Speaker Sir Lockwood Smith… Mr Tabuteau’s Paris photographs were taken earlier this week and the day before the Speaker’s Tour began… On Monday the tour will move on to Belfast, where they will receive a guided tour of the city and its Parliament buildings, meet politicians and attend a hosted lunch. Later next week they move on to Poland and Germany.
Funny how only managers need business class. Must be a very difficult occupation?
Technicians, oil rig workers, ships crews etc, etc, fly cattle class and go straight to work for several weeks solid, 12 hour or more hour days, as soon as they get there.
Funny how only managers need business class. Must be a very difficult occupation?
No, it means that they can work en-route whereas ‘Technicians, oil rig workers, ships crews etc, etc’ can’t.
Please note: I’m not really in favour of the management class but if we’re going to have people flying from A to B and we expect them to work on that flight then we need to give them the conditions to support that work.
Business class exists for a reason – bussinesses demand it because they see value in it. If they didn’t see value in it, they wouldn’t pay for it.
Let’s cut to the chase here. Senior executives and directors demand it for themselves and are more than happy to pay for it from the company’s funds. Surprise surprise.
And let’s not forget what the ultimate logical extension of this vital corporate “need” is: the private Gulfstream jet, which is ultimately paid for by gouging tax payers and the bottom 95% of people more and more.
See how very easy it is to justify self serving entitlement: I have no better quote than from the beautiful marketed women of L’Oreal – it’s because “I’m worth it.”
Why is it the country celebrates our exchange rate getting stronger such as parity parties for goodness sake!
As much as I like the occasional overseas adventure and cheaper imports, I have often felt higher returns for our exporters means more jobs; the lower dollar would mean less travel overseas and fewer imports; and maybe our interest rates would drop.
What would happen if we got back to Aus 90 cents, and similar falls elsewhere?
Because the people celebrating now have cheaper shopping trips to Melbourne.
And their 48 inch flats screen TVs will be cheaper so they can watch XFactor and live happily ever after on Planet Key.
“While the active military fighting is mostly paused under the Minsk Agreements, that does not mean that the diplomatic fighting has lessened. In fact, the diplomatic war threatens the fragile peace and, last night, John and Steve explained some of the consequences.
During last night’s program, many issues were discussed. A few of the bullet points to listen for:
Why is there such a “War Party” campaign against the Minsk Agreements?
What is behind Russia’s efforts to befriend Greece?
Details of the recent statements by Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov that the U.S. “wants Minsk to fail” and the Sec. of State Kerry is “detached from reality”.
As usual, I urge you to give this a thorough listen and to remain up-to-date on this evolving situation.
The Police have been let down by the roastbusters inquiry.
It’s not fair everyone’s picking on them.
They didn’t even rape anyone, this time.
They already investigated their own actions and it turns out they’re golden.
Except for a whole bunch of fuck-ups.
But if you look at every tiny little aspect of every fuck-up on its own, and pretend it’s the only one, it doesn’t seem that bad.
The real villains are those naughty boys in west ak.
And those girls who didn’t want to go to court, it’s their fault too.
Time and time again this guy gets in front of the media and talks absolute bullshit, much of it offensive, most of it self-contradictory, and journalists just sit there and let him run his nasty thin-lipped mouth.
There has long been a tacit (sometimes explicit) understanding between the Police and the media that if they want the juicy details they’d better not be too critical of the police.
O’Connor is taking the piss out of this unholy convention and our journalists are letting him get away with it.
The bit where he said we should focus on the evil roastbusters and they were the ones in the wrong was a bit rich. I though the police were responsible for dealing with these sorts of situations …
Yes that would seem to be their frickin job, that they didn’t fricking do, which is precisely why we’re talking about it ritually humiliating the police.
Greg O’Connor represents the coppers
Greg O’Connor says what the coppers think
The coppers are a lowly lot in these situations from what Greg O’Connor has said
Greg O’Connor should stay because he offers an honest, and unintentional I suspect, insight to copper thinking. It aint good thinking but at least we know and can take steps to protect ourselves from the coppers when necessary
“If he wasn’t saying what they think, they’d vote him out.”
Maybe, but it’s also possible this is like the Federated Farmers situation, where politics keep certain people in power and many don’t bother being involved because of that ie they don’t represent farmers, they represen the farmers who agree with them.
Ok so it’s a volutary membership, but according to the numbers they claim to represent (8600 constables and 2300 unsworn staff) it’s damn near 100% membership.
Bet there are internal politics that make standing against O’Connor difficult. The mind boggles at what someone would campaign on and the consequences of that.
John Key has gone to ground. His nightly appearances on TV 6pm news have temporarily vanished. He’s done this before when he and/or his government has messed up big time then he bursts into life again when he considers enough water has flowed under the bridge for the voters to forget. I predict he’ll reappear in about 2 weeks time – shortly before parliament sits again.
Hey the Nats are leading the charge to control supply by sitting on large housing NZ sites, not building affordable houses in 11 years they owned it, and then stealing from the public by selling them off at ‘market’ value while blaming all and sundry for the lack of affordable houses.
Words can’t describe the disgust. Especially controlling the message that the RMA is the problem, private landlords are the problem, affordable land not being available…
The National government ideology is the problem!
Hello transfer our wealth to the top 1% and then blame the people of NZ and reduce standards via RMA to make the 1% even richer and not accountable !
Can’t wait for our entire country to be sold via the TPPA agreement over a game of golf. NOT!
+1 save NZ. Scandalous. The article should be wading in criticising government housing policy; instead it gives details of the Homestart package.
At least Northland has given us some hope down here in Wanaka that the gutting of the RMA may not happen. The shores of our lakes may yet be saved from a string of mansions desecrating them, which is what will happen if Key and not-so-slick Nick get their way.
Patrolman Michael Slager, 33, opened fire on father-of-four Walter Scott, 50, in North Charleston, South Carolina, on Saturday morning after reportedly stopping him over a broken tail light…Slager was charged with murder on Tuesday and could face the death penalty after the incendiary footage emerged. The officer had previously defended his actions, saying he feared for his life after Scott wrestled his Taser gun from him during a scuffle…However, cellphone footage from the scene showed Scott getting around 15-20 feet away before Slager opened fire with seven shots in quick succession followed by an eighth. The 50-year-old U.S. Coast Guard veteran was hit five times.
What can one say about this race killing. They lie, they pretend and then they shoot men of colour dead. No one deserves to be murdered let alone because of their skin colour. The USA has descended into a hell for many – those charged with protecting – instead kill, then lie, ffs, I say again FFS!!!
I’m relieved that someone finally caught one of the murders on film (kudos to the person who did that), and horrified that if it hadn’t this would be another policeman walking free. Let’s now watch and see who attempts to frame this as ‘different’ to the other killings of black men by police. Real murder is when someone films it.
Finally? Several of these murders have been caught on camera and yet the officers have still got away with it. This may be the first time that an officer has been charged with the murder.
My brother-in-law suffered a stroke at the age of thirty, and a nursing acquaintance lost her son to a stroke at 19 – both were linked to the use of strong epoxies at work as they were cabinetmakers. This happened many years ago, with my brother in law passing away in his sixties.
In the article I read that he works in the Sleepyhead factory in Otahuhu as a bedmaker. Coincidentally, I have just been talking to someone who used to make mattresses and he told me how they used to throw the mattresses out in the yard to air out because of the severity of the fumes. When he left, and a later trainee was given more responsibility this practice was stopped and a few months later the factory burned down – the mattresses caught fire, when a spark from the springs lit the gases.
The article goes on to say: “The Stroke Foundation says strokes in the young tend to be caused by non-preventable factors, such as a weakness in the wall of a blood vessel that has been present since birth.” which dismisses the notion of environmental factors playing a part.
Does anyone know more about the use of chemicals causing strokes? And if this is a possibility, surely OSH should get involved.
Anecdote often points to the truth. I have heard many similar stories about men working as diesel mechanics… they always die early …..
There were of course similar anecdote about all sorts of chemicals and products that we were assured by the authorities were safe but later turned out to be deadly….. 245t, DDT, asbestos, formaldehyde, the list goes on ……
and what this shows us is that the authorities cannot be trusted to have it right
trust your instincts is by far the better way to go. The authorities have shot their credibility on these matters. 1080 will be the next one.
………….
speaking of which – Auckland is about to be bombed with 1080 to get rid of the rats. Will be watching for the reaction from people now it is the country’s largest city getting shat on by 1080 instead of just remote regional areas like the west coast. Enjoy.
Not directly related, but I once met an ex-pilot (private, I think) who told me he lost his pilot’s licence because he’d had a heart attack, resulting from years of exposure to diesel fumes from the forklifts in the warehouse he worked at.
My grandfather was a vehicle painter for the Post Office, and he had a series of stroke beginning about 20 years ago (he died 5 years ago this month from complications relating to the strokes), but he was also a woodworker at home (quite a craftsman, at that). He would have been exposed to epoxies, although not at the same level.
You might well be onto something there.
Perhaps you could look up research fields at medical schools, and see if you can find someone who specialises in the field. They might be able to point you in a useful direction.
You could also contact a few guitar makers, I’d guess Ernie Ball Music Man would be a good place to begin, and see if they know of anything they’re willing to share.
This Australian website on deliberate inhalant abuse states multiple times that there is “no safe level” of inhalant use. It’s sobering to reflect on what that might mean to workers who are exposed to chemical/solvent inhalation on a daily basis. Solvent inhalation is known to cause damage to red blood cells and also alterations to blood pressure. It is also related to a sudden death syndrome.
Well, it doesn’t really dismiss environmental factors, it’s just that in younger people there’s usually not the time for hypertension, pollution, etc to play a part, so the big factor is a congenital problem.
Fumes are definitely a possibility, as a number of studies have identified environmental causes as being associated with strokes, but the other option is undiagnosed hypertension (high blood pressure). Tradesmen, if not smokers then more likely to be around smokers, living in possibly more polluted areas, possibly with fumes but also diesel trucks and forklifts etc in their workplace, and with more stress – they could all be a package of factors which result in more strokes for people working as furniture makers.
In my case I was never a furniture maker but I was under 30, working all hours of the day and night (almost literally – it was a seasonal rush, and I was working one job description from 9-5 and another from 7pm to 3am or similar). I was watching telly when I had a couple of hours of down-time, and just had a spontaneous nose bleed while resting. Turned out my blood pressure was so high they almost hospitalised me immediately when I went to the doctor (the normal is 120/80, I was 180/120). I looked at it as basically a vein in my head was popping and I was lucky it was on the outside of my skull.
After several years my bp is now decidedly normal, but it has degraded my system in a number of exciting ways. So it goes. I was still damned lucky.
zouch.
ISTR hitting 200 in an ED with a dodgy ankle on top of the resting hypertension. I recall thinking at the time that if they tried to put a line in my arm the needle might turn into a projectile.
But the lower one never hit 140. Although I was only in mild agony, not kidney stone agony 🙂
Hi Molly, I don’t have any knowledge about the correlation between occupational chemicals and strokes but I do know NZ has a history of being less than proactive around workplace safety in regard to handling hazardous materials.
Sorry thats not very helpful!
There’s the case of workers at the Ivan Watkins Dow plant at Paritutu, New Plymouth and their battle for ACC as a result of exposure to dioxins. Residents close to the plant eventually got access to health checks. There was a very good doco on the issue called Let us Spray, which there is a link to in this 2006 Green Party blog:
There was the story of PCP poisoning at the timber mill in Whakatane. It was basically a health and environmental disaster which Joe Harawira and other affected workers worked hard for 20 years to get any recognition for their occupational illnesses. My Da worked at this same mill in the 50’s and 60’s when it was known as the Whakatane Board Mills. He suffered from respiratory illness his whole life, after going to work there. The article below discusses other unsafe workplaces in NZ too:
Here in Wellington there has been some talk of wharf workers who developed neurological illness which their families believe was a result of exposure to methyl bromide.
It will be interesting to watch the battle between the minister of education and the Redcliffs school community in Christchurch.
Redcliffs is a fairly affluent community unlike the less wealthy people of Philipstown who were recently forced by Ms Parata to close their school and transport children out of the local district.
Parata wants to close Redcliffs school in spite of a number of geotech reports that say it is safe from future earthquakes.
I suspect that the educated and assertive people of Redcliffs won’t be so easily bullied and downtrodden as the people of Philipstown and Woolston.
These schools are in the Port Hills electorate, ably and tirelessly represented by Labour’s Ruth Dyson, whose support for retaining the school in Redcliffs will be appreciated by her constituents.
Nuk Korako, the National wannabe member for the Port Hills electorate was challenged to give his views. I guess if you are like him, an MP who has flukily scraped in at the bottom of a list, you have a dilemma. Do you support the people in the electorate you want to vote for you or do you support your minister who is determined to close a highly prized local facility.
So far has been strangely silent.
Will it be..’Minister backs down under pressure from lowly list MP’?
spare a thought for Rio Tinto…'”Rio Tinto reported last week that net earnings from its Australasian aluminium smelters rose by 131 per cent to US$291 million ($220 million)”
they only would have made about $190 million without yanKey ‘s intervention!
@Les
My heart is bleeding for this poor corporate.
Please help by giving them more corporate welfare, only 131% profit no wonder National had to donate 30 million of taxpayers dollars to them.
Funny if you went to IRD and asked for a tax cut they are not so obliging…..
Or if you went to WINZ no can do….
Can’t afford any rail infrastructure either…
No bridges in Northland (apart from as a bribe)
Or any investment in our own state owned assets…. (apart from the chosen few)
And poor Sky city didn’t get the taxpayers to subsidise their privately owned hotel next to the casino, they ONLY got the cheap real estate, the non complying gambling concessions and the tax payers got, what, actually what did we get….. Oh nothing again, just money to the National party elite under the table….
Assuming this is correct they would have only made NZ$350m without the NZ$30m corporate welfare from Key/Joyce/English.
Meanwhile a block of land that Labour bought for state housing in 2004 has today been listed for sale and is likely to fetch something close to NZ$30m…..
This is what happens when narcissism and hubris come together in one shallow and vacuous human being.
Mike Hosking surely epitomises everything that has been wrong with New Zealand since the 1980s.
Me, me, me.
Greed is good in John Key’s New Zealand.
The article is also total twaddle and shows an utter ignorance total ignorance of the real economic factors underlying the rising dollar and house prices.
Hosking doesn’t let the facts get in the way of his self-centred view of the world and propagates an opinion that supports the world view of the elite he is paid to represent.
That is astounding, truly astounding…. as many of the comments at the bottom of the story attest to….
failure on so many levels….
…the biggest of which is our own society’s failure. Our society’s failure at recognising true success. Mike Hosking certainly reflects a large part of our society. Such a shame. So shallow. So wrong. So shameful.
Pride before the fall comes to mind….. because after all, house prices are not at record levels, it is the debt that pays for the houses that is at record levels. Remove the debt from all of these houses and what is left?
what is left?
what is left?
.. nothing but smoke, mirrors and fools
………………………………..
and one more thing that I have seen through too many booms and busts – comments like Hoskings. When comments like Hoskings appear it always always always indicates the bust is imminent i.e. the boom is at its peak
Q. Has the NZH published an article about house prices and NZD parity authored by someone from a financial background ?
I query as it appears this commentary is being left to those who have no idea what they are talking about and I sense it is because even the talking head ‘financial economic and business reporters’ do not want their names near the discussion so it is handed over to the ignorants
The comments are 98% scathing of Hosking’s selfish perspective.
Favourites include:
“I guess I’m one of the lucky ones – I’m not a property investor but I’ve owned a house since the 90s and am not burdened by a large mortgage – but reading the self-indulged elitist tripe you’ve just written makes me really crave for a nice Irish-type housing bubble correction just so I can see you and your boring money-obsessed clan down at the city mission night shelter. Among the people you pretend to feel sorry for.
Believe me – it’s coming and I will remind you by posting this article to you…..”
“Why do people even listen to this right wing cheerleader that simply parrots National Party slogans? I’ve heard more intelligent debate from 5 year olds.”
‘Mike, “Better to be remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt”….Abraham Lincoln’
“I’d never have believed that even this ultra-right wing apologist for the National Party could ever come up with such unadulterated claptrap.”
“Buddy, the only thing more staggering than your ignorance, is your arrogance in spite of it. Please do us all a favour, and stop commenting on topics you simply don’t understand.”
If, like Hosking, you bought a house cheap and sold it for a lot, he would see that as successful, as he now has more money.
It’s a very shallow selfish outlook but that’s his thinking.
Sure, that is a one-person “win” against and equal and opposing one-person “loss”, so net is nil benefit to society. And even then it is not a “win” for that person as they will have to buy again at the same price.
I was more talking about how high house prices are a success for society. They are not.
Low house prices would be a success. If thinking is applied to the situation that is.
There was a time when discussion was somewhat informed and serious on financially related subject matter
Since 1990 the chatter has been relegated to point scoring and winner v loser sports casting shouty ignorant diatribe
Since the internet became mainstream and people gained access to varied and informed opinion the MSM discussion was shifted to outright lies and propaganda
“People with money” (is that the PC-gone-mad term?) shouldn’t need to be “very generous”, because a reasonably-tiered tax structure would ensure that both the generous ones and the selfish ones pay a little back to the society which enabled them to have the money in the first place.
It’s not the possession of money that irks the plebs. It’s the Randian Superheroes who kick the ladder away afterwards that piss people off.
The silly fellow (I used another expression in the draft that used language that made even me think twice before posting) thinks that a high dollar is a good thing in an economy established on exports, from dairy to tourism.
What he doesn’t get is that the value of a free-floated currency bears no relation, none at all, to the quality of life for citizens in the country that issues that currency. It’s the most meaningless measure of “success” one can imagine, outside of a media industry pay packet.
Hosking doesn’t think about society.
He thinks about one person. Himself.
High house prices are therefore good because he now has more money to spend on buying more things for himself .
A high dollar means he can buy expensive imported cars for less and spend less on holidays.
He does not care how NZ does.
He cares how he does.
Simple.
Selfish.
Sociopathic.
‘Between 200 and 300 people have been evacuated from a fire at Federal House in central Auckland.
SkyCity spokesman Colin Espiner said all staff at Federal House had been evacuated and smoke could be seen from the top of the Federal House building.’
More likely to be Mike Hoskings’ pants that caused the fire; all that uninformed commentary in the herald has caught up with him. Is he still on of skycity’s shills or did they get a brighter one?
‘Open Letter’ / OIA request to Auckland Mayor Len Brown – why was there a secret meeting in the Mayoral Office with Minister for Trade Tim Groser on 7 April 2015 ?:
Dear Len,
I understand that on 7 April 2015, there was a meeting held in the Auckland Mayoral Office at 135 Albert Street, with the Minister of Trade, Tim Groser.
My understanding is that this meeting concerned the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), and local government.
I requested to attend this meeting on 7 April 2015.
(The copy of my request is included as BACKGROUND information at the end of this post).
Under the Official Information Act, please provide the information which confirms the following:
1) Who organised this meeting, presumably, (as it was apparently held in your Mayoral Office), between yourself as Auckland Mayor, and the Minister of Trade Tim Groser?
2) What was the purpose of this meeting between yourself as Auckland Mayor, and the Minister of Trade Tim Groser?
3) Who attended this meeting?
4) Why were the public, the media, and, as I understand it, elected Auckland Councillors not advised of, or invited to this meeting?
5) Please provide ALL/ANY minutes / reports / briefing papers or the like arising from, or preceding this meeting.
BACKGROUND information – my request to attend this above-mentioned meeting:
______________________________________________________________________________________
7 April 2015
Len Brown
Auckland Council Mayor
Dear Len,
As someone who has attended TPPA meetings in Auckland, as a registered ‘Stakeholder’ both in 2010 and 2012, I request to attend the meeting to be held today, at 2.45pm in the Auckland Mayoral Office (Auckland Town Hall), with the NZ Minister of Trade, Tim Groser.
Please be reminded that as an ‘anti-corruption / anti-privatisation Public Watchdog’, and 2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate, I am totally opposed to any steps that would increase corporate control over New Zealand.
Signing the TPPA, in my considered opinion, would do just that.
I am concerned that attempts may be made to undermine the following resolution of Auckland Council, made on 6 December 2012:
‘Just a fortnight after its tenth anniversary, Campbell Live is facing the axe.
Following a meeting this afternoon, Mediaworks confirmed the primetime show is under review. Ratings for the 7pm current affairs stalwart have been in steady decline.’
Trying not be paranoid but Campbell is the only balance to the scum bags hosking and henry .
Do we really believe seven sharps ratings vs Campbell lives.????
After the changes at Radio NZ with the miserable Espiner and Ferguson running Morning Report and Mora now on Checkpoint, Key’s cronies can get away with grand larceny without any questions being asked.
This film ( from the US) seems pertinent.
The Last Shadow of Liberty
Insiders said that Campbell has been visibly stressed in recent weeks.
While staff said the initiative came out of the blue, the show has been under intense pressure since the arrival of Weldon, who is a big fan of Paul Henry.
Christie has indicated that she is not a big fan of Campbell, though the show has survived thanks to strong advertiser support.
‘A TV3 source said Campbell Live staff turned up at the regular editorial meeting and were met by the head of news and current affairs, Mark Jennings, and a human resources legal representative.’
A human resources legal representative.
Sounds like an axe job.
@Olwyn – Martyn Bradbury has set up a Facebook Page – I’ve just been accepted as a member. I’m pretty sure it’s entitled Save Campbell Live, or similar. What is happening to broadcasting in N Z. 🙁
Mark Weldon (ex NZ stockmarket CEO and fan of Paul Henry) and Julie Christie, reality TV queen and well known for her ultra-right views, are the two who are gunning for Campbell. Nobody at The Standard should be surprised, but what a pity Campbell is one bright light in our awful MSM.
Jim Mora references the Taxpayers’ Union when taking about 10 year passports.
Why does Radio New Zealand provide succour and support for Jordan Williams, clearly implicated in Dirty Politics?
John Campbell is hot property and very popular, the problem with these right wing idiot media owners is that they just love to crap on their staff and what is successful.
Has anyone noticed the secret sabotage from the inside on Campbell Live with the turtle/puppy low brow stories, not exactly gripping viewing, serious, or current affairs and little investigative journalism.
Can Julie Christie, Weldon et al, cope with serious current affairs – nope – replacement slap stick comedy duo Jono and Ben is advocated. They don’t want real journalism and as usual sabotaging it with their ‘ideas’.
Love the way these brainiacs don’t seem to realise the public and advertisers till love John Campbell and they are pretty much the only prime time current affairs still going.
The good thing is that John Campbell will just go on to better things and hopefully a ‘real’ current affairs show.
The media landscape is changing even if it is a Internet format I have not doubt the talent that is on Campbell Live can be better utilised with more appropriate employers and content.
If TV3 are too stupid to utilise them someone else will be snapping them up!
Go John Campbell and those ‘real’ Kiwi commentators who actually give a damn about this country and are not these hideous personalities like Hosking and Henry.
Obviously TV3 execs haven’t heard the ‘message’ sent from Northland… about National and Act on their way out.
Right, to save me the time, can someone supply a direct email or postal address for f****g Julie Christie and Mark Weldon? I’m not waiting around for a petition… I’m going to tell them personally what I think of them.
Do you mind if I use a couple of excepts from your your comment SaveNZ? There’s some good descriptive stuff which I should enjoy passing on to them!
This is a political decision. Dirty Politics? You bet.
‘Former New Zealand stock exchange boss Mark Weldon is taking over as group chief executive of Mediaworks, the company which owns TV3, Four and controls half of the country’s commercial radio market.
Weldon replaces Sussan Turner who resigned unexpectedly on July 2 amid expectation of significant change at the company after it was rescued from receivership in November last year.’
Did you notice the old job?
Former New Zealand stock exchange boss.
Also, someone who works at mediaworks and is a fan of Paul Henry is very likely to be friend of Stephen Joyce. Why did we lose Northland? Because there are still a few fragments of the media not entirely under our control. I know, lets get rid of Campbell and replace him with buffoons.
Oh don’t worry Olwyn. I fully intend to bring up the Joyce/Key Dirty Political angle. I may threaten an OIA for the dates and contents of their most recent communications with the said Mr Joyce! And thank-you for the word “buffoon”.
I like it.
Thanks Anne – I have emailed and signed a petition. I have been thinking that if they go through with it, Andrew should offer Campbell a job as press secretary – he would have the inside running on the links between mediaworks and the current government. 🙂
Fabulous idea. I could imagine John Campbell and Andrew Little getting along very well. Two highly principled people. He could still rejoin a news network at a later stage because press secretaries are inter-changeable. I knew a former journo who was a Labour supporter but years ago he went and worked for Murray McCully.
MediaWorks is New Zealand’s largest independent broadcaster, and reaches 3.8 million Kiwis through its TV, Radio and Digital platforms. The company is owned by MediaWorks Holdings Limited, and governed by a Board of Directors; Rod McGeoch (chair), Julie Christie, Martin Dalgleish and Paul Lockey. MediaWorks is led by Group Chief Executive Officer Mark Weldon.
Mark Weldon – Group Chief Executive Officer, MediaWorks
Mark Weldon joined MediaWorks in August 2014 as Chief Executive Officer of the Group, managing the company’s Radio, Television and Interactive operations.
Mark Jennings – Group Head of News
Mark Jennings has had a long and distinguished career in television news and current affairs. He joined MediaWorks TV in 1989, and was appointed Director of News & Current Affairs for MediaWorks TV in 1994. In December 2014, Mark was appointed to lead the integration of MediaWorks’ TV, Radio and Digital news operations into an unified news team.
The Department of Corrections said the closure of the prison units will coincide with the opening of the new 960-bed Auckland South Corrections Facility.
The new prison at Wiri, South Auckland will be run by private company Serco.
Weldon has served as the CEO of NZX Limited (NZX). NZX runs the national stock exchange located in Wellington, New Zealand. NZX also runs the national energy markets, derivative markets, and has a growing commodities focus in both the markets (grain, dairy) and information areas. NZX also runs New Zealand’s only clearing and settlement infrastructure – clearing, settling and managing risk in exchange-traded products. When Weldon took over NZX, it was a mutual organization that had nearly been sold to the ASX for a peppercorn. He led the exchange through a demutualization and a listing. In the 8 years following its listing in 2003, shareholders in NZX received average annual returns of 24%. Since 2002, new business lines in clearing, settlement, information, commodities, and derivatives have been established in New Zealand and Australia.
Weldon previously worked at Skadden, Arps in New York, and also at McKinsey & Company, also in New York.
Weldon has given a significant amount of time to public policy and to “NZ Inc”. Some of the things in this area he has done include:
leading the Prime Minister’s Appeal for Christchurch, after the devastating 22 February 2011 earthquake
chairing the Prime Minister’s Job Summit in 2009
participating on the Capital Markets Development Taskforce in 2009/10; the Tax Working Group in 2009; and the Climate Change Leadership Forum in 2007
This was in the Herald’s gossip pages a couple of days ago.
Sounds like it’s Henry’s show that may have cost Campbell’s team and their fine journalism.
Also note the link to Stephen Joyce…Rachel Morton off to work for him. All too convenient?
‘A swag of TV3’s female reporters are deserting the network amid insider talk of unhappiness about Paul Henry’s new show stealing all the attention – and money.
Rebecca Wright, Jane Luscombe, Rachel Morton and Kim Grade (formerly Chisnall) all left recently or are leaving the network soon.
And although all have other roles to go to, Spy has learned their exits come as MediaWorks’ bosses put Henry’s multi-platform breakfast show, with co-hosts Jim Kayes, Hilary Barry and Perlina Lau, in the limelight – some claim at the expense of other established shows.’
‘Few people leave a job when prospects are bright and opportunities plentiful.
TV One and Prime have had Sunday and 60 Minutes pumping out the stories since February.
But TV3’s Third Degree has no return date set. Nor has the new-format Nightline, to be hosted by David Farrier and Samantha Hayes.
Instead, insiders have moaned to Spy that MediaWorks CEO Mark Weldon has all the resources focused on the Henry project and other news departments are peeved.
A spokeswoman for TV3 wouldn’t comment but Spy understands the newsroom is resigned to the emphasis on Henry heading up an entire radio brand – as well as fronting the flagship for MediaWorks as a while.’
‘Wellington-based Morton has been tempted to the dark side and is heading to the Beehive to join Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce’s team.
Luscombe is also heading in to political job of sorts as she goes to work for the Retirement Commissioner Diane Maxwell.
Wright, who was a darling of TV3, starts at opposition TVNZ today after being tempted away by her former mentor, head of newsgathering Phil O’Sullivan, who recently returned from the United Arab Emirates where he worked as CNN Abu Dhabi bureau chief.
Grade and her cameraman husband Daniel have left to pursue opportunities in the UK.’
Henry needs the money for his show, can’t make it as an MP, can’t make it on breakfast, can’t make it in OZ, now all resources from TV3 taken to try to make him popular.
The man’s a dog!
Face it, all the money in the world can’t make him saleable.
Campbell Live has done so much for the people of Christchurch.
The only show to advocate for the unheard victims there.
Those insurance companies will be delighted his show is being axed.
I agree but don’t tell anyone:) he might be fired, oh, he is already facing the axe.
I’m pretty sure the execs will cave on this one, there will be massive fall out for the show going and very obvious to the dirty politics reasons why…
Maybe John Campbell is so sick of the fuckers in TV, he will take sweet revenge and change the world parliamentary style:)
Imagine world peace and John Campbell as co leader of the Greens. Strange things are happening, look at Northland. They said Winston was impossible to win.
Journalists need to start fighting back!!! If they have come for the most popular guy on TV, it means journalism is nothing but a zero hour contract in this country.
But maybe we actually need some nice politicians:)
And ultimately they can do more to change what is wrong.
Anyway I’m not sure the execs at TV3 are stupid enough to axe him with all the uproar. But if they did, he would be completely sought after in whatever he wanted to do.
We definitely need more nice politicians. I just don’t think they last that long. They either get out, or they change 🙁
Quotas would change that 😈
Tend to agree that Campbell would land on his feet. It’s the country’s loss not his depending on what he would go on to. You may be right that it’s unlikely to happen.
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Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
Introduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...
Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...
New Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...
Jobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...
A new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says. “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...
Check against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with your Board and team, for hosting me. I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...
Your Excellency Ambassador Meredith, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States, Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us. Ladies and gentlemen - In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations. ...
The Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...
Rape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston. “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...
New research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region. The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu. “New Zealand has deep and ...
There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co. Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...
Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government. I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America. “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says. “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli. ...
The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
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 ...
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 ...
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. ...
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 ...
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 ...
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’ ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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. ...
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 ...
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 ...
By Kaneta Naimatu in Suva Journalists in the Pacific region play an important role as the “eyes and ears on the ground” when it comes to reporting the climate crisis, says the European Union’s Pacific Ambassador Barbara Plinkert. Speaking at The University of the South Pacific (USP) on World Press ...
Aldora Itunu is back in the Black Ferns squad after a three-year absence. The last of her 24 internationals was an underwhelming loss to France (7-29) in Castres to conclude the disastrous 2021 Northern Tour. The powerhouse prop won a Rugby World Cup in 2017 and thought she was done. ...
The fight to control major transport policy and projects in Auckland has burst into the open again, with councillors rejecting Mayor Wayne Brown’s latest attempt to steer things more under his influence. Councillors from the left and right broke ranks on the mayor’s bid to control Auckland Transport more directly ...
Exhausted by the general election campaign, horrified by the twilight zone of coalition negotiations, distracted by the silly season and waiting for the honeymoon to begin, Raw Politics has been in hibernation since October. From today, we’re back. Our weekly political video show and podcast returns for ...
By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk Authorities in the small town of Boulouparis have commemorated Armistice Day on May 8 with a new memorial honouring New Zealand soldiers who were stationed in New Caledonia during World War II. The ceremony took place in the township on the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sara Dehm, Senior lecturer, international migration and refugee law, University of Technology Sydney The High Court unanimously ruled today that the Australian government can keep asylum seekers in immigration detention indefinitely in cases where they do not “voluntarily” cooperate with their own ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kim Munro, Lecturer, Creative Industries and Digital Media, University of South Australia Twenty-four hours after the release of Macklemore’s pro-Palestine protest song Hind’s Hall on social media on May 7, the video had already notched up over 24 million views. In ...
Failing to anticipate the complexity of the consenting system is being cited as the the current builder's shortcomings, an Infrastructure Commission review says. ...
350 Aotearoa is calling the Environment Select Committee’s decision to allow oral submissions from just 40% of individual, unique submitters who asked to speak to the committee ‘a disgraceful blight to democracy’. ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Edward Musole, PhD Law Student, University of New England Girts Ragelis/ShutterstockRecent trends show Australians are increasingly buying wearables such as smartwatches and fitness trackers. These electronics track our body movements or vital signs to provide data throughout the day, with ...
Papua New Guinea experienced a significant earthquake on 24 March in East Sepik and there has also been recent flooding there and in surrounding provinces. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yousuf Mohammed, Dermatology researcher, The University of Queensland Maridav/Shutterstock You wake up, stagger to the bathroom and gaze into the mirror. No, you’re not imagining it. You’ve developed face wrinkles overnight. They’re sleep wrinkles. Sleep wrinkles are temporary. But as your ...
The Environment Select Committee has just announced that 60 percent of individuals who asked to speak at the hearings will not be heard. This equates to almost 700 people who made individual submissions and more than 1000 more who made a form submission. ...
The Royal New Zealand Ballet is performing Swan Lake around the country. What kind of dream does the ballet sell?Before going to see the Royal New Zealand Ballet perform Swan Lake, I had about as much familiarity with the plot of this ballet as could be expected from having ...
A new poem by Auckland poet Eamonn Tee. High Tide at Local Maxima It is only going to get worse. The streams will be narrow and fickle. The week will bend and buckle like a pot-bellied waist. You will make it to the weekend with one ...
The New Zealand entrepreneur behind beauty business Ethique is gearing up to launch a new eco-venture. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Our thirst for a tasty bevvy is insatiable, but it comes with a hefty plastic price for the planet: 580 billion ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 James by Percival Everett (Mantle, $38) A retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from ...
By Kamna Kumar in Suva Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Henry Puna stressed the importance of media freedom and its link to the climate and environmental crisis at the 2024 World Press Freedom Day event organised by the University of the South Pacific’s journalism programme. Under the theme “A Planet for ...
Tara Ward previews a new local TV series offering alternative visions of motherhood. This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. A woman is clambering up the side of her two-story house, clinging desperately to a drainpipe. Nearby, her child is perched on the ...
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is supportive of the cross-party approach to climate adaptation announced by the Minister of Climate Change today. ...
The Sustainable Business Council (SBC) and Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC) welcome today’s announcement from Government around a bipartisan inquiry into an enduring climate adaptation framework for New Zealand. ...
The Free Speech Union welcomes the decision by the Department of Internal Affairs, and Minister Brooke Van Velden, to abandon proposals to further regulate online speech. ...
Its new building in Wellington will not be nearly big enough for all its records, and it has also run out of money to build its new storage facility in Levin. ...
BusinessNZ is congratulating the Minister of Climate Change for his work in achieving cross-party consensus for a way forward on climate adaptation. ...
Recent research reveals the repeal of smokefree measures is not only bad for our health, but also the economy. The Government has repealed various smokefree measures to ensure it keeps collecting $1.2 billion a year in tobacco taxes, in order to pay for tax cuts already being delivered to ...
The club’s surprisingly good season is built on the desire to prove a random A-League YouTuber wrong… and a few other factors.“There’s no way that Wellington Phoenix play finals this year. I can’t see it happening at all.” Those are the words of Lachlan Raeside, an Australian football content ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By César Albarrán-Torres, Senior Lecturer, Department of Media and Communication, Swinburne University of Technology Apple TV+ As one of billions of bilingual individuals in the world, it disappoints me when a film or TV show with characters of a non-English-speaking background is ...
The under-utilised course is a waste of space, and with a little political will, it could be turned into something better. For the duration of her stay in Wellington, my long-suffering cousin listened to me rant about golf courses. They’re bad for the environment: water intensive and pesticide heavy. They ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leah Ruppanner, Professor of Sociology and Founding Director of The Future of Work Lab, Podcast at MissPerceived, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock A recent report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows US fertility rates dropped 2% in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amy Corderoy, Medical doctor and PhD candidate studying involuntary psychiatric treatment, School of Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney shop_py/Shutterstock Picture two people, both suffering from a serious mental illness requiring hospital admission. One was born in Australia, the other in Asia. Hopefully, ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Goss, Adjunct Associate Professor, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra Government spending on health has been growing so rapidly that a decade ago the then health minister Peter Dutton called it “unmanageable” and “unsustainable”. Health spending grew in real terms by ...
New Zealand's largest electricity distributor is warning the country to hurry up with controls around charging electric vehicles or face unnecessary bills running into the billions. ...
New Zealanders have been asked to conserve energy this morning to combat a possible electricity shortfall, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. A call to conserve power New Zealand is facing a possible electricity shortfall, with people up ...
Writer Rebecca K Reilly breaks down the national book awards. What are the Ockhams?The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards are our annual national awards for books published for adults, and have existed in this form since 2016. There are four categories: Fiction, Poetry, General Non-fiction and Illustrated Non-fiction. There ...
Wellington City Council should keep its 34% ownership share in Wellington International Airport, argue Unions Wellington spokespeople Finn Cordwell and Ashok Jacob. Insanity, as the saying goes, is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Wellington City Council (WCC) is yet again proposing to dispose ...
New Zealand’s largest book publisher has undergone drastic changes this week, leaving its future role in local publishing uncertain. Two of the most recognisable local publishers in New Zealand are among those restructured out of Penguin Random House, it was announced this week. Head of publishing Claire Murdoch will leave ...
In 2021 the Public Interest Journalism Fund launched the Te Rito Journalism project, a $2.4 million initiative to boost diversity in New Zealand’s newsrooms. The initiative was in response to the decades-long shortage of Māori and Pacific journalists in the media industry. It was billed as New Zealand’s ...
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By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist A former Tuvalu prime minister says while the New Zealand government’s oil and gas plans show it is concerned about its economy, he is more concerned about the livelihoods and survival of the Tuvalu people. Enele Sopoaga — who still serves as an MP ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Somwrita Sarkar, Senior Lecturer in Design and Computation, University of Sydney The “latte line” is the infamous, invisible boundary that divides Sydney between the more affluent north-east and the south-west. Historically, people north of the line enjoy better access to jobs and ...
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RNZ Pacific Former Fiji Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has been sentenced to one year in prison, Fiji media are reporting. Bainimarama, alongside suspended Fiji Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho appeared in the High Court in Suva today for their sentencing hearing for a case involving their roles in blocking a police ...
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/270704/restaurant-brands-calls-time-on-zero-hours
So given Restaurant Brands has concluded that Zero Hour contracts are not acceptable, are our MSM going to put the pressure on Key/Nats. Campbell Live deserves a lot of credit for this, …great work CL.
What do you think?
So we were ripped off.
‘Meridian stock performance shows float offer too cheap’
Thanks John Key.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11429715
And yet Mr lister says its all the labour/greens fault they sold cheap and that all that wealth has transfered to the wealthy few.???
He neglected to say that even with this cheap deal most mum and pop s couldn’t get enough money together to get them ,and all the advise was if you have a mortgage or are not share savvy to stay away.!!!
The winners were wealthy speculators.
Power users and NZ citizens (past and present) lost out.
Greed is good in John Key’s NZ.
Everything is for sale.
We have lost our way as a country.
Mark Lister works for the elite.
What would you expect him to say?
Can’t say I’d ever noticed the guy before but he certainly spun that story for all it’s worth.
I did not know there was a new law which came into force recently whereby electricity companies have to be reimbursed when a large consumer such as the Wellington City Council cuts its power use because of efficiencies. So they have to keep paying the full amount even though they are using less electricity. There was an interview on Radio NZ the other day about this. It seems outrageous and means shareholders will always be guaranteed a return and NZers will pay even when power savings are made.
I was astounded by this as well Sirenia. Is it part of getting ready for the TPPA?
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/20173753/could-savings-in-energy-efficient-lighting-be-clawed-back
Free markets ideology has slowly but surely morphed into free money ideology.
“In hindsight, it seems Labour and the Greens might have almost single-handedly contributed to a significant transfer of wealth from the average New Zealander (as the seller) to a much smaller group of people – those who could afford to buy shares in the IPOs.”
Marvellous effort that, really super stuff 🙂
As. I typed, “Greed is good in John Key’s NZ.”
And you are symptomatic of this.
Not really the point, the point was National said what they were going to, Labour opposed what National was going to do and we had an election in which National spanked Labour
So knowing the sales were going to happen the left decided to try to influence the sales and they did…just not the way they anticipated
Had the left kept quiet then NZ would have recieved more money from the sales and more midde NZers would have bought shares
So well done left you helped me get more shares then i otherwise would have
Yes, as I said, there are those in NZ who celebrate their own selfish greed at the expense of others misfortune.
And you are one of those
greed for the self is the right wing’s m.o.
in spite of the fact that the human is a communal species.
So not even going to acknowledge the left royally screwed up? Didn’t think so…
Your argument seems to be that if we didn’t fight back the mugger wouldn’t have stolen so much.
Thing is that criminals take more in the long term from people who don’t take any action to stop it.
Sooner or later (sooner if the SNP, Iceland and so on are anything to go by) the pendulum will swing to the left again. Not just Lab5 left, either.
+1
No, my arguement is the left screwed up and there was no “mugging” or any such thing
All that happened is that NZ got less money out of the sale and the people who bought shares got a much better deal because and only because of the left
National said what they were going to do before the election, National got elected and did what they said what they were going to do
Labour put out their idea of kiwi power to attempt to sabotage the sale which worked in as much as scaring a whole bunch of middle NZ against buying the shares
which in turn drove the price down
In short the Left screwed up really, really, badly
You assert that because what Paul said
I assert that because there was no mugging, there was nothing illegal, National and Labour gave their viewpoints and the people of NZ went with National
If you want to apportion blame (though you really have no need to) then look at Labours woeful performance
Legal does not mean ethical.
Selfish greed motivates pr.
Societal responsibilities does not.
And thanks to his ilk we have a collapsing planet and a human society ill prepared to deal with it.
I only have contempt for folk like pr, Mike Hosking, Paul Henry and all those whose have placed their selfish greed above our communal needs as a planetary whole.
They are not worth debating with.
You assert there was no mugging because you assert there was no mugging. Nice. Oh, and because it’s only mugging if it’s illegal? So people can’t be robbed or mugged in a region with no rule of law, I guess.
Basically, people who bought shares in the looted assets aimed to follow in a long line of wealthy capitalists who gained their wealth using techniques that were subsequently made illegal, from insider trading, anti-competitive practises, monopolistic behaviour, cartel behaviour, or hiring private armies against competitors and workers. Fuck ’em all.
Selling assets was not an error by the government
It was deliberate theft
+111
By selling our assets this government has made NZ poorer.
No it hasn’t
Like you know what the hell you’re talking about.
Selling assets benefited wealthy speculators.
Even the rich’s wealth manager says so.
Most NZers would be a lot better off if they had control over the country’s resources and assets.
But then, you know more, don’t you?!
You tr*** for the 1% which really gives the qualifications to speak for the average citizen.
No it hasn’t, the actions of the left made NZ poorer
The government sold assets that had a higher rate of return than the interest on the debt the sales were used to pay down.
The government made NZ poorer.
The governement has not sold the assets, NZ still controls the assets.
Pure sophistry from chris73. In his PR world it’s possible to describe anything as anything just by using language in different ways. But he can’t avoid the equation.
(x) = previous total value of assets in public ownership.
(y) = current total value of assets in public ownership.
(x) > (y)
ps I just love this: “The governement has not sold the assets”
So you didn’t buy any shares then, and you won’t mind when we take them back.
pr is in denial.
Rather than admitting his selfishness and greed in buying the country’s assets.
But he didn’t buy them, Paul. He can’t have done, as the govt didn’t sell them.
“You know I can’t buy your ghost shares, John” 🙂
No, it wasn’t the actions of the Left but the actions of the Right in their greed and selfishness.
It’s ok, we’re going to confiscate that stolen property right back off you, with no compensation. Thank you at least for giving us some money when you stole them.
Heres something that might help you out:
https://anatheistviewpoint.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/screen-shot-2012-04-28-at-19-21-50.png
Reality is an increasingly divided country.
Greedy selfish rich folk like you and increasing numbers of desperate people with either no jobs or terribly paid work.
FTFY
We do not have a democracy, we have a dictatorship that we get to change every now and then.
FTFY as well. And, yes, that’s what shareholders are – bludgers. They get income from other peoples work.
in which National spanked Labour got voted in with less than 50% voter support and 70% of voters against selling assets.
Got voted in, nothing else matters (although in terms of MMP Labour got an absolute spanking from National)
We do not have a democracy, we have a dictatorship that we get to change every now and then.
I pretty much agree with this
They get income from other peoples work.
Without shareholders most business’s wouldn’t be able to grow and employ more people
“Without shareholders most business’s wouldn’t be able to grow and employ more people”
so wrong
so misunderstood
so ignorant
So greedy
So self-centred
So much the problem
So not the solution
“Without shareholders most business’s wouldn’t be able to grow and employ more people”
So you are a socialist then, with your positive views on communal ownership… and also blind like pretty much all business owners who fail to recognise their own deeply socialist and cooperative activities
Not if we change the system. Zero interest and zero fees on loans. How much in demand do you think shareholders would be then?
Desperate stuff from you Puckish Rogue. No evidence, all supposition and a lot of ideological rhetoric.
The fact is – national are a government with very little popular support. I think most will agree the labour party is a party with even less popular support. So what, they are both pathetic.
But you keep dreaming your ideological wet dreams Puckish Rouge, it will keep you warm when you have no ideas left…
Apologies if someone has already posted this, but the official final results of the Northland by-election were released yesterday morning. These final results include 1122 special votes.
Of the total 29,590 votes cast:
Winston Peters – 16,089 (54.4%) up by 730 from the provisional result of 15,359 (53.95%)
Mark Osborne – 11,648 (39.4%) up by 301 from the provisional result of 11,347 (39.86%)
Willow Jean Prime 1,380 (4,7%) up by 65 from the prov result of 1,315 (4.6%).
The remaining 26 special votes went to other candidates, or were invalid etc.
http://www.elections.org.nz/news-media/northland-election-official-results
[Hope i got my %s and other calculations above right!]
Now we wait to see whether/when Winston Peters resigns as a list MP, and who the additional NZF list MP will be …..
EDIT – lost in the depths of the Herald’s online site, this from Audrey Young
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11429470
key sprays,
“Asked yesterday whether MPs should fly economy class, Prime Minister John Key said that when his ministers got off a plane, they were expected to go to work straight away.
“I expect people to spend the minimum amount of time they realistically can in a foreign location, and to be working hard when they’re there.
“It’s easy to value an economy ticket at a lower rate, but if your MP or minister is so exhausted they are not concentrating on what they’re doing, then they are actually not providing value for the country.”
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11429686
expect this, expect that – yeah nah key – poor exhausted mp’s unable to concentrate on their holiday – so sad 🙁
Whether it is a holiday or not is beside the point.
The question is whether MPs should be flying economy or not. On long-haul flights where they do have engagements within hours of landing, flying business class is appropriate.
If however they don’t have engagements until the next day, business class would not seem to be warranted.
nah it actually IS the point
politicians don’t need business class – that is elite bullshit – and they especially don’t need it when they go on holiday – if you want to believe key when he says they have engagements on their holiday go for it but it is just another lie to me.
And we can look forward to Seymour questioning the perk his mentor Douglas gets each year – First Class travel to any destination for the Knight and his Lady every year. But then, they have done so much for the country, we shouldn’t question it should we …
for the country, to the country… same thing to them, we’re expected to thank them either way
Amazing how the Herald keeps trying to promote the ACT Party
I must admit I thought they had got this story juxtaposed well
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11429695
My sorrow to the dead chimpanzee – if it was up to me I wouldn’t allow animals to be kept in zoos – but perhaps that is another thread…
“politicians don’t need business class – that is elite bullshit”
How much international travel have you done? How much of it has been business class? How many important meetings have you had to go to shortly after arriving at your destination?
Business class exists for a reason – bussinesses demand it because they see value in it. If they didn’t see value in it, they wouldn’t pay for it. I don’t see why the government should operate to a lower standard than a private enterprise.
if they or their staff, cannot schedule the meetings or holiday activities to accommodate their limited time then that is where the remedy should be imo
as for me – you’re right – if and when I travel overseas I don’t travel business class – oh want a loser I must be lol
You’re really showing your ignorance here as well as your closed mind.
Getting off a plane and into a meeting is excellent scheduling. Getting off a plane and having go to the hotel to have a rest and catch up with work that you should have done on the plane is incredibly poor scheduling.
The point of business class is that it is quieter, more restful and has enough room for the person to work. In other words, so that the person can get off a plane, go to a meeting and then get back on the plane.
your trust in politicians is quaint
It’s not a question of trust but a question of giving them the conditions necessary to do their jobs well while maintaining their health. If a private employer was pushing to dangerously decrease working conditions the way that you’re demanding that the working conditions of MPs be decreased you’d be screaming blue murder.
‘working’ you think they’ll be working, lol that’ll be the day – but now with laptops and phones I suppose we are all working all the time and yes I’ll do the blue murder thingy for that one. No one let alone me is suggesting that MP’s should have dangerous working conditions – that is ludicrous in the extreme.
Contrary to what the majority of RWNJs and some Left wingers as well think our politicians do work and they work hard. 90+ hour weeks in fact with a lot of that work done on the move. It’s one of the major reasons why we supply them with chauffeured limousines.
And yet that is actually what you’re demanding.
“And yet that is actually what you’re demanding.”
really? you’re losing it mate
Actually getting someone to fly 12 or more hours in a cramped position in dehydrating conditions then having them work 8 hours, suffering jet leg, is actually fairly bad for ones health.
You are exhausted, usually underfed and dehydrated, uncomfortable and not thinking clearly. Having done my fair share of long haul economy I would never expect anyone to go straight to work from a long haul in economy.
so are you saying I am demanding dangerous working conditions for MP’s like d here too
there you go draco you got a new buddy 🙂
No I’m telling you after a long haul economy flight it is ludicrous to expect anyone to be able to perform in a competent and safe manner
here’s the work
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11430749
You done much travelling? Flying long haul, 13, 14, 20 hours even in economy is extremely draining.
Funny how only managers need business class. Must be a very difficult occupation?
Technicians, oil rig workers, ships crews etc, etc, fly cattle class and go straight to work for several weeks solid, 12 hour or more hour days, as soon as they get there.
No, it means that they can work en-route whereas ‘Technicians, oil rig workers, ships crews etc, etc’ can’t.
Please note: I’m not really in favour of the management class but if we’re going to have people flying from A to B and we expect them to work on that flight then we need to give them the conditions to support that work.
It means that they award themselves beyound their value to the company, just as they do with wages.
And they read novels and watch movies on their ipads enroute. Going by many hours of direct observation.
“And they read novels and watch movies on their ipads enroute. Going by many hours of direct observation.”
Fly business class often do you?
Used to.
Fascist.
Godwin.
Let’s cut to the chase here. Senior executives and directors demand it for themselves and are more than happy to pay for it from the company’s funds. Surprise surprise.
And let’s not forget what the ultimate logical extension of this vital corporate “need” is: the private Gulfstream jet, which is ultimately paid for by gouging tax payers and the bottom 95% of people more and more.
See how very easy it is to justify self serving entitlement: I have no better quote than from the beautiful marketed women of L’Oreal – it’s because “I’m worth it.”
So no business class for anyone ever?
When there is 100 mil worth of plant sitting idle while someone rests after their flight, yes.
Politicians on jollies, No!
Why is it the country celebrates our exchange rate getting stronger such as parity parties for goodness sake!
As much as I like the occasional overseas adventure and cheaper imports, I have often felt higher returns for our exporters means more jobs; the lower dollar would mean less travel overseas and fewer imports; and maybe our interest rates would drop.
What would happen if we got back to Aus 90 cents, and similar falls elsewhere?
Because the people celebrating now have cheaper shopping trips to Melbourne.
And their 48 inch flats screen TVs will be cheaper so they can watch XFactor and live happily ever after on Planet Key.
Greed is good in John Key’s New Zealand.
FYI. This weeks Stephen F Cohen / John Batchelor Show update of the Ukraine crisis.
http://www.tfmetalsreport.com/podcast/6748/jb-and-sfc-update
“While the active military fighting is mostly paused under the Minsk Agreements, that does not mean that the diplomatic fighting has lessened. In fact, the diplomatic war threatens the fragile peace and, last night, John and Steve explained some of the consequences.
During last night’s program, many issues were discussed. A few of the bullet points to listen for:
Why is there such a “War Party” campaign against the Minsk Agreements?
What is behind Russia’s efforts to befriend Greece?
Details of the recent statements by Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov that the U.S. “wants Minsk to fail” and the Sec. of State Kerry is “detached from reality”.
As usual, I urge you to give this a thorough listen and to remain up-to-date on this evolving situation.
TF”
Poor old Greg O’Connor.
The Police have been let down by the roastbusters inquiry.
It’s not fair everyone’s picking on them.
They didn’t even rape anyone, this time.
They already investigated their own actions and it turns out they’re golden.
Except for a whole bunch of fuck-ups.
But if you look at every tiny little aspect of every fuck-up on its own, and pretend it’s the only one, it doesn’t seem that bad.
The real villains are those naughty boys in west ak.
And those girls who didn’t want to go to court, it’s their fault too.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/20174045/roast-busters-police-officer-speaks-out-against-treatment
Greg you fucking muppet, if you know who the real villains are you should have arrested them. Why are journalists afraid of this clown?
Susie Ferguson handled him pathetically this morning.
If that is his attitude, he should resign
So should she.
Time and time again this guy gets in front of the media and talks absolute bullshit, much of it offensive, most of it self-contradictory, and journalists just sit there and let him run his nasty thin-lipped mouth.
There has long been a tacit (sometimes explicit) understanding between the Police and the media that if they want the juicy details they’d better not be too critical of the police.
O’Connor is taking the piss out of this unholy convention and our journalists are letting him get away with it.
Sue is chooses who play tough with.
She obeys the orders her masters give her.
The bit where he said we should focus on the evil roastbusters and they were the ones in the wrong was a bit rich. I though the police were responsible for dealing with these sorts of situations …
Yes that would seem to be their frickin job, that they didn’t fricking do, which is precisely why we’re
talking about itritually humiliating the police.They treat him unlike any other UNION leade rin the country. Except for Jordan Williams, of course.
did greg mention that if the police had been armed they could have dealt with the girls and this would never have been an issue?
Not the police who should be armed – but teenage girls….
“If that is his attitude, he should resign”
Pretty good summary of his career.
Greg O’Connor represents the coppers
Greg O’Connor says what the coppers think
The coppers are a lowly lot in these situations from what Greg O’Connor has said
Greg O’Connor should stay because he offers an honest, and unintentional I suspect, insight to copper thinking. It aint good thinking but at least we know and can take steps to protect ourselves from the coppers when necessary
Good point v. O’Connor is elected by the coppers.
If he wasn’t saying what they think, they’d vote him out.
Yup cos he is their UNION leader. Compare that interview with say, an interview with Helen Kelly… She gets attacked more and she shows more integrity.
“If he wasn’t saying what they think, they’d vote him out.”
Maybe, but it’s also possible this is like the Federated Farmers situation, where politics keep certain people in power and many don’t bother being involved because of that ie they don’t represent farmers, they represen the farmers who agree with them.
Yes that’s true. Is it compulsory for police to belong to the association?
Ok so it’s a volutary membership, but according to the numbers they claim to represent (8600 constables and 2300 unsworn staff) it’s damn near 100% membership.
gotta be part of the team.
Mind you, it is nice to see a unionised industry…
Yep and their union gets them some pretty good benefits from what I hear.
Bet there are internal politics that make standing against O’Connor difficult. The mind boggles at what someone would campaign on and the consequences of that.
Yes I suspect you’re right, but I also don’t believe the internal politics are all that complex 😉
THIS ^^^^^
And let’s not forget it was only 2008 (?) that Mags ran her eyes over the police and they promised a culture change…
John Key has gone to ground. His nightly appearances on TV 6pm news have temporarily vanished. He’s done this before when he and/or his government has messed up big time then he bursts into life again when he considers enough water has flowed under the bridge for the voters to forget. I predict he’ll reappear in about 2 weeks time – shortly before parliament sits again.
And that loss in the Cricket Final… He is pondering making McCullum a Sir in the Queens birthday list…
or enough water has flowed under ten bridges in Northland: yeah, right 😉
Speaking of more assets sales, and state assets being sold into private hands….
Housing NZ sells off ‘social’ land
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11429699
Hey the Nats are leading the charge to control supply by sitting on large housing NZ sites, not building affordable houses in 11 years they owned it, and then stealing from the public by selling them off at ‘market’ value while blaming all and sundry for the lack of affordable houses.
Words can’t describe the disgust. Especially controlling the message that the RMA is the problem, private landlords are the problem, affordable land not being available…
The National government ideology is the problem!
Hello transfer our wealth to the top 1% and then blame the people of NZ and reduce standards via RMA to make the 1% even richer and not accountable !
Can’t wait for our entire country to be sold via the TPPA agreement over a game of golf. NOT!
I agree.
Bill English and Nick Smith are outright liars.
+1 save NZ. Scandalous. The article should be wading in criticising government housing policy; instead it gives details of the Homestart package.
At least Northland has given us some hope down here in Wanaka that the gutting of the RMA may not happen. The shores of our lakes may yet be saved from a string of mansions desecrating them, which is what will happen if Key and not-so-slick Nick get their way.
RIP Walter Scott
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11429860
What can one say about this race killing. They lie, they pretend and then they shoot men of colour dead. No one deserves to be murdered let alone because of their skin colour. The USA has descended into a hell for many – those charged with protecting – instead kill, then lie, ffs, I say again FFS!!!
An alternative fund has raised $91.
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/04/08/3644461/gofundme-rejects-campaign-support-south-carolina-officer-charged-murder/
http://mappingpoliceviolence.org/
https://twitter.com/deray
https://twitter.com/ShaunKing
https://twitter.com/WesleyLowery
It’s mind blowing mm, and quite chilling, what almost seems like the systematic murder of unarmed innocent black men by the authorities.
How does a broken tail light, walking down the street, selling cigarettes on the street, end in murder? What kind of culture allows this?
Apologies for reposting but this beautiful, atmospheric musical dedication to Eric Garner came to mind last night as I saw that footage on the news:
https://soundcloud.com/we-are-temporary/i-cant-breathe-in-memory-of-eric-garner
I’m relieved that someone finally caught one of the murders on film (kudos to the person who did that), and horrified that if it hadn’t this would be another policeman walking free. Let’s now watch and see who attempts to frame this as ‘different’ to the other killings of black men by police. Real murder is when someone films it.
Finally? Several of these murders have been caught on camera and yet the officers have still got away with it. This may be the first time that an officer has been charged with the murder.
My brother-in-law suffered a stroke at the age of thirty, and a nursing acquaintance lost her son to a stroke at 19 – both were linked to the use of strong epoxies at work as they were cabinetmakers. This happened many years ago, with my brother in law passing away in his sixties.
I saw this headline in the Herald today: Stroke hits young father of 27 and wondered about his occupation.
In the article I read that he works in the Sleepyhead factory in Otahuhu as a bedmaker. Coincidentally, I have just been talking to someone who used to make mattresses and he told me how they used to throw the mattresses out in the yard to air out because of the severity of the fumes. When he left, and a later trainee was given more responsibility this practice was stopped and a few months later the factory burned down – the mattresses caught fire, when a spark from the springs lit the gases.
The article goes on to say: “The Stroke Foundation says strokes in the young tend to be caused by non-preventable factors, such as a weakness in the wall of a blood vessel that has been present since birth.” which dismisses the notion of environmental factors playing a part.
Does anyone know more about the use of chemicals causing strokes? And if this is a possibility, surely OSH should get involved.
Anecdote often points to the truth. I have heard many similar stories about men working as diesel mechanics… they always die early …..
There were of course similar anecdote about all sorts of chemicals and products that we were assured by the authorities were safe but later turned out to be deadly….. 245t, DDT, asbestos, formaldehyde, the list goes on ……
and what this shows us is that the authorities cannot be trusted to have it right
trust your instincts is by far the better way to go. The authorities have shot their credibility on these matters. 1080 will be the next one.
………….
speaking of which – Auckland is about to be bombed with 1080 to get rid of the rats. Will be watching for the reaction from people now it is the country’s largest city getting shat on by 1080 instead of just remote regional areas like the west coast. Enjoy.
Not directly related, but I once met an ex-pilot (private, I think) who told me he lost his pilot’s licence because he’d had a heart attack, resulting from years of exposure to diesel fumes from the forklifts in the warehouse he worked at.
My grandfather was a vehicle painter for the Post Office, and he had a series of stroke beginning about 20 years ago (he died 5 years ago this month from complications relating to the strokes), but he was also a woodworker at home (quite a craftsman, at that). He would have been exposed to epoxies, although not at the same level.
You might well be onto something there.
Perhaps you could look up research fields at medical schools, and see if you can find someone who specialises in the field. They might be able to point you in a useful direction.
You could also contact a few guitar makers, I’d guess Ernie Ball Music Man would be a good place to begin, and see if they know of anything they’re willing to share.
This Australian website on deliberate inhalant abuse states multiple times that there is “no safe level” of inhalant use. It’s sobering to reflect on what that might mean to workers who are exposed to chemical/solvent inhalation on a daily basis. Solvent inhalation is known to cause damage to red blood cells and also alterations to blood pressure. It is also related to a sudden death syndrome.
http://www.inhalantsinfo.org.au/about_inhalants.php
Well, it doesn’t really dismiss environmental factors, it’s just that in younger people there’s usually not the time for hypertension, pollution, etc to play a part, so the big factor is a congenital problem.
Fumes are definitely a possibility, as a number of studies have identified environmental causes as being associated with strokes, but the other option is undiagnosed hypertension (high blood pressure). Tradesmen, if not smokers then more likely to be around smokers, living in possibly more polluted areas, possibly with fumes but also diesel trucks and forklifts etc in their workplace, and with more stress – they could all be a package of factors which result in more strokes for people working as furniture makers.
In my case I was never a furniture maker but I was under 30, working all hours of the day and night (almost literally – it was a seasonal rush, and I was working one job description from 9-5 and another from 7pm to 3am or similar). I was watching telly when I had a couple of hours of down-time, and just had a spontaneous nose bleed while resting. Turned out my blood pressure was so high they almost hospitalised me immediately when I went to the doctor (the normal is 120/80, I was 180/120). I looked at it as basically a vein in my head was popping and I was lucky it was on the outside of my skull.
After several years my bp is now decidedly normal, but it has degraded my system in a number of exciting ways. So it goes. I was still damned lucky.
my record bp is 200/140 as they put me in the ambulance….kidney stone
zouch.
ISTR hitting 200 in an ED with a dodgy ankle on top of the resting hypertension. I recall thinking at the time that if they tried to put a line in my arm the needle might turn into a projectile.
But the lower one never hit 140. Although I was only in mild agony, not kidney stone agony 🙂
Hi Molly, I don’t have any knowledge about the correlation between occupational chemicals and strokes but I do know NZ has a history of being less than proactive around workplace safety in regard to handling hazardous materials.
Sorry thats not very helpful!
There’s the case of workers at the Ivan Watkins Dow plant at Paritutu, New Plymouth and their battle for ACC as a result of exposure to dioxins. Residents close to the plant eventually got access to health checks. There was a very good doco on the issue called Let us Spray, which there is a link to in this 2006 Green Party blog:
https://blog.greens.org.nz/2006/10/24/dioxin-disaster/
There was the story of PCP poisoning at the timber mill in Whakatane. It was basically a health and environmental disaster which Joe Harawira and other affected workers worked hard for 20 years to get any recognition for their occupational illnesses. My Da worked at this same mill in the 50’s and 60’s when it was known as the Whakatane Board Mills. He suffered from respiratory illness his whole life, after going to work there. The article below discusses other unsafe workplaces in NZ too:
http://werewolf.co.nz/2013/03/people-profits-and-poison/
Here in Wellington there has been some talk of wharf workers who developed neurological illness which their families believe was a result of exposure to methyl bromide.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/the-wellingtonian/8102584/Did-methyl-bromide-kill-Rick-Graham
(thats just one example)
I could go on. I think you are right to feel suspicious about the link between exposure to epoxies and strokes. Good luck with your research.
It will be interesting to watch the battle between the minister of education and the Redcliffs school community in Christchurch.
Redcliffs is a fairly affluent community unlike the less wealthy people of Philipstown who were recently forced by Ms Parata to close their school and transport children out of the local district.
Parata wants to close Redcliffs school in spite of a number of geotech reports that say it is safe from future earthquakes.
I suspect that the educated and assertive people of Redcliffs won’t be so easily bullied and downtrodden as the people of Philipstown and Woolston.
These schools are in the Port Hills electorate, ably and tirelessly represented by Labour’s Ruth Dyson, whose support for retaining the school in Redcliffs will be appreciated by her constituents.
Nuk Korako, the National wannabe member for the Port Hills electorate was challenged to give his views. I guess if you are like him, an MP who has flukily scraped in at the bottom of a list, you have a dilemma. Do you support the people in the electorate you want to vote for you or do you support your minister who is determined to close a highly prized local facility.
So far has been strangely silent.
Will it be..’Minister backs down under pressure from lowly list MP’?
spare a thought for Rio Tinto…'”Rio Tinto reported last week that net earnings from its Australasian aluminium smelters rose by 131 per cent to US$291 million ($220 million)”
they only would have made about $190 million without yanKey ‘s intervention!
@Les
My heart is bleeding for this poor corporate.
Please help by giving them more corporate welfare, only 131% profit no wonder National had to donate 30 million of taxpayers dollars to them.
Funny if you went to IRD and asked for a tax cut they are not so obliging…..
Or if you went to WINZ no can do….
Can’t afford any rail infrastructure either…
No bridges in Northland (apart from as a bribe)
Or any investment in our own state owned assets…. (apart from the chosen few)
And poor Sky city didn’t get the taxpayers to subsidise their privately owned hotel next to the casino, they ONLY got the cheap real estate, the non complying gambling concessions and the tax payers got, what, actually what did we get….. Oh nothing again, just money to the National party elite under the table….
@les US$291m is about NZ$380m.
Assuming this is correct they would have only made NZ$350m without the NZ$30m corporate welfare from Key/Joyce/English.
Meanwhile a block of land that Labour bought for state housing in 2004 has today been listed for sale and is likely to fetch something close to NZ$30m…..
3 days remaining until the scheduled return of; the last of the Rawsharkans.
Pasupial +100…lol…am still with you on the line
This is what happens when narcissism and hubris come together in one shallow and vacuous human being.
Mike Hosking surely epitomises everything that has been wrong with New Zealand since the 1980s.
Me, me, me.
Greed is good in John Key’s New Zealand.
The article is also total twaddle and shows an utter ignorance total ignorance of the real economic factors underlying the rising dollar and house prices.
Hosking doesn’t let the facts get in the way of his self-centred view of the world and propagates an opinion that supports the world view of the elite he is paid to represent.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11429673
That is astounding, truly astounding…. as many of the comments at the bottom of the story attest to….
failure on so many levels….
…the biggest of which is our own society’s failure. Our society’s failure at recognising true success. Mike Hosking certainly reflects a large part of our society. Such a shame. So shallow. So wrong. So shameful.
Pride before the fall comes to mind….. because after all, house prices are not at record levels, it is the debt that pays for the houses that is at record levels. Remove the debt from all of these houses and what is left?
what is left?
what is left?
.. nothing but smoke, mirrors and fools
………………………………..
and one more thing that I have seen through too many booms and busts – comments like Hoskings. When comments like Hoskings appear it always always always indicates the bust is imminent i.e. the boom is at its peak
From the article, some insight into the workings of Hosking’s selfish mind.
“People want what you’ve got…”
“Yes it makes a holiday cheaper, yes it makes imported TVs cheaper…”
Vapid.
Self obsessed
A popinjay.
Or you you could read some insightful analysis.
http://www.theautomaticearth.com/2015/04/theres-trouble-brewing-in-middle-earth/
Q. Has the NZH published an article about house prices and NZD parity authored by someone from a financial background ?
I query as it appears this commentary is being left to those who have no idea what they are talking about and I sense it is because even the talking head ‘financial economic and business reporters’ do not want their names near the discussion so it is handed over to the ignorants
Don’t know.
Doubt the Herald would look at the story objectively though.
The two links I have looked at were authored by the ‘police reporter’ and the ‘talkback host’
At least the comments section indicates the propaganda has been spotted
NZ is a psychological operation of the most cynical variety
The comments are 98% scathing of Hosking’s selfish perspective.
Favourites include:
“I guess I’m one of the lucky ones – I’m not a property investor but I’ve owned a house since the 90s and am not burdened by a large mortgage – but reading the self-indulged elitist tripe you’ve just written makes me really crave for a nice Irish-type housing bubble correction just so I can see you and your boring money-obsessed clan down at the city mission night shelter. Among the people you pretend to feel sorry for.
Believe me – it’s coming and I will remind you by posting this article to you…..”
“Why do people even listen to this right wing cheerleader that simply parrots National Party slogans? I’ve heard more intelligent debate from 5 year olds.”
‘Mike, “Better to be remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt”….Abraham Lincoln’
“I’d never have believed that even this ultra-right wing apologist for the National Party could ever come up with such unadulterated claptrap.”
“Buddy, the only thing more staggering than your ignorance, is your arrogance in spite of it. Please do us all a favour, and stop commenting on topics you simply don’t understand.”
What on earth is “successful” about high house prices?
Does anybody know?
Low house prices would be infinitely better.
If, like Hosking, you bought a house cheap and sold it for a lot, he would see that as successful, as he now has more money.
It’s a very shallow selfish outlook but that’s his thinking.
Hosking is married to Kate Hawksby whose brother is married to the daughter of Graham Hart
Hosking is very much an inside man
Sure, that is a one-person “win” against and equal and opposing one-person “loss”, so net is nil benefit to society. And even then it is not a “win” for that person as they will have to buy again at the same price.
I was more talking about how high house prices are a success for society. They are not.
Low house prices would be a success. If thinking is applied to the situation that is.
There was a time when discussion was somewhat informed and serious on financially related subject matter
Since 1990 the chatter has been relegated to point scoring and winner v loser sports casting shouty ignorant diatribe
Since the internet became mainstream and people gained access to varied and informed opinion the MSM discussion was shifted to outright lies and propaganda
Seems like you dont like people with money Paul. A lot of these people are very generous as well Paul.
“People with money” (is that the PC-gone-mad term?) shouldn’t need to be “very generous”, because a reasonably-tiered tax structure would ensure that both the generous ones and the selfish ones pay a little back to the society which enabled them to have the money in the first place.
It’s not the possession of money that irks the plebs. It’s the Randian Superheroes who kick the ladder away afterwards that piss people off.
+100
Studies have always shown that the poor are way more generous than the rich and that includes those rich who are more generous than average.
Heres the thing: The only reason why we have poverty is because we have the rich.
People getting richer without doing anything productive or useful is considered successful on Planet Key.
The silly fellow (I used another expression in the draft that used language that made even me think twice before posting) thinks that a high dollar is a good thing in an economy established on exports, from dairy to tourism.
What he doesn’t get is that the value of a free-floated currency bears no relation, none at all, to the quality of life for citizens in the country that issues that currency. It’s the most meaningless measure of “success” one can imagine, outside of a media industry pay packet.
What a … a … a gosh darn imbecile. Sigh.
Hosking doesn’t think about society.
He thinks about one person. Himself.
High house prices are therefore good because he now has more money to spend on buying more things for himself .
A high dollar means he can buy expensive imported cars for less and spend less on holidays.
He does not care how NZ does.
He cares how he does.
Simple.
Selfish.
Sociopathic.
Excellent piece by Terry Eagleton on how universities are being killed. Fairly relevant to New Zealand:
https://rdln.wordpress.com/2015/04/09/terry-eagleton-on-the-death-agony-of-universities/
Pure Gold on the Paul Henry show this morning
“NZ herald run by a bunch of twats” and the journalism is “shite”…….somethings he does get right !
Slater says the same
You could substitute “NZ Herald” with “Whaleoil” and Henry would be right on two counts.
Pot calling the kettle when it comes to there journalism.
A think game for all and sundry…….
how would our world be if our house prices were an average of say $200,000 instead of $500,000?
what would change?
See two nincompoops, one in UK and the the other one here in NZ.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/4/9/x/5/n/image.related.StuffLandscapeSixteenByNine.620×349.149x6c.png/1428454107910.jpg
http://static.stuff.co.nz/1428451856/379/11509379.jpg
News report here:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/67647540/why-politicians-should-just-stop-eating
Reports of a fire at SkyCity. Not sure if it started in the PM’s pants, probably a little too early to tell.
A couple of fire engines have raced into Devonport in the past 10 minutes. P’raps they plan to take the ferry across.
Edit: oops… they’re on their way back – sirens blaring. The ferry must have been full.
maybe the dispatcher is using apple maps? 🙂
‘Between 200 and 300 people have been evacuated from a fire at Federal House in central Auckland.
SkyCity spokesman Colin Espiner said all staff at Federal House had been evacuated and smoke could be seen from the top of the Federal House building.’
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11430118
More likely to be Mike Hoskings’ pants that caused the fire; all that uninformed commentary in the herald has caught up with him. Is he still on of skycity’s shills or did they get a brighter one?
Still gets cash from them I believe
FYI
_____________________________________________________________________________________
9 April 2015
Auckland Council Mayor
Len Brown
‘Open Letter’ / OIA request to Auckland Mayor Len Brown – why was there a secret meeting in the Mayoral Office with Minister for Trade Tim Groser on 7 April 2015 ?:
Dear Len,
I understand that on 7 April 2015, there was a meeting held in the Auckland Mayoral Office at 135 Albert Street, with the Minister of Trade, Tim Groser.
My understanding is that this meeting concerned the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), and local government.
I requested to attend this meeting on 7 April 2015.
(The copy of my request is included as BACKGROUND information at the end of this post).
Under the Official Information Act, please provide the information which confirms the following:
1) Who organised this meeting, presumably, (as it was apparently held in your Mayoral Office), between yourself as Auckland Mayor, and the Minister of Trade Tim Groser?
2) What was the purpose of this meeting between yourself as Auckland Mayor, and the Minister of Trade Tim Groser?
3) Who attended this meeting?
4) Why were the public, the media, and, as I understand it, elected Auckland Councillors not advised of, or invited to this meeting?
5) Please provide ALL/ANY minutes / reports / briefing papers or the like arising from, or preceding this meeting.
______________________________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND information – my request to attend this above-mentioned meeting:
______________________________________________________________________________________
7 April 2015
Len Brown
Auckland Council Mayor
Dear Len,
As someone who has attended TPPA meetings in Auckland, as a registered ‘Stakeholder’ both in 2010 and 2012, I request to attend the meeting to be held today, at 2.45pm in the Auckland Mayoral Office (Auckland Town Hall), with the NZ Minister of Trade, Tim Groser.
Please be reminded that as an ‘anti-corruption / anti-privatisation Public Watchdog’, and 2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate, I am totally opposed to any steps that would increase corporate control over New Zealand.
Signing the TPPA, in my considered opinion, would do just that.
I am concerned that attempts may be made to undermine the following resolution of Auckland Council, made on 6 December 2012:
http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/SiteCollectionDocuments/aboutcouncil/committees/regionaldevelopmentoperationscommittee/meetings/regionaldevelopmentandoperationscommin20121206.pdf000000000
The end of the last thinking mainstream news TV
‘Just a fortnight after its tenth anniversary, Campbell Live is facing the axe.
Following a meeting this afternoon, Mediaworks confirmed the primetime show is under review. Ratings for the 7pm current affairs stalwart have been in steady decline.’
http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/67670289/campbell-live-to-be-reviewed
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11430174
Trying not be paranoid but Campbell is the only balance to the scum bags hosking and henry .
Do we really believe seven sharps ratings vs Campbell lives.????
If Campbell Live goes, then there really is nothing left.
“Do we really believe seven sharps ratings vs Campbell lives.????”
Yes, because most people, I think, do not watch quality TV programmes. To them, the idea of ‘quality’ is quite different to mine.
“Do we really believe seven sharps ratings vs Campbell lives.????”
I’d want to see the broadcast ratings for both shows and how they stack up against online access for both shows. Plus twitter, FB etc.
Then an analysis of the post-tv generation and who still watches and how get their content elsewhere. etc.
I won’t be surprised if Key, Joyce and this government have influenced this move as John Campbell has been a powerful painful thorn to them.
After the changes at Radio NZ with the miserable Espiner and Ferguson running Morning Report and Mora now on Checkpoint, Key’s cronies can get away with grand larceny without any questions being asked.
This film ( from the US) seems pertinent.
The Last Shadow of Liberty
Awful! From the Herald:
Insiders said that Campbell has been visibly stressed in recent weeks.
While staff said the initiative came out of the blue, the show has been under intense pressure since the arrival of Weldon, who is a big fan of Paul Henry.
Christie has indicated that she is not a big fan of Campbell, though the show has survived thanks to strong advertiser support.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11430174
Jono & Ben are the suggested replacement. And so another oasis of decency and sanity looks to be going down the gurgler.
Friom the NZ Herald.
‘A TV3 source said Campbell Live staff turned up at the regular editorial meeting and were met by the head of news and current affairs, Mark Jennings, and a human resources legal representative.’
A human resources legal representative.
Sounds like an axe job.
We need a petition
Agreed. I don’t know how to set one up – I will look if someone has set one up on facebook.
@Olwyn – Martyn Bradbury has set up a Facebook Page – I’ve just been accepted as a member. I’m pretty sure it’s entitled Save Campbell Live, or similar. What is happening to broadcasting in N Z. 🙁
Thanks Jilly. Maria Sherwood is also setting one up, at John Key has Let Down New Zealand.
Bastards.
Jono and Ben above Campbell Live.
“If you have selfish ignorant citizens, then you’re going to get selfish ignorant leaders.”
George Carlin is a genius.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41jCCyT5wuA
@ Paul
Mark Weldon (ex NZ stockmarket CEO and fan of Paul Henry) and Julie Christie, reality TV queen and well known for her ultra-right views, are the two who are gunning for Campbell. Nobody at The Standard should be surprised, but what a pity Campbell is one bright light in our awful MSM.
Jim Mora references the Taxpayers’ Union when taking about 10 year passports.
Why does Radio New Zealand provide succour and support for Jordan Williams, clearly implicated in Dirty Politics?
I think the questions you should be seeking answers for are….
Who or what is writing the scripts ?
How are the messages passed such that references identities and personalities appear in coordinated manner across the sphere ?
Just noticed this http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11430174
John Campbell is hot property and very popular, the problem with these right wing idiot media owners is that they just love to crap on their staff and what is successful.
Has anyone noticed the secret sabotage from the inside on Campbell Live with the turtle/puppy low brow stories, not exactly gripping viewing, serious, or current affairs and little investigative journalism.
Can Julie Christie, Weldon et al, cope with serious current affairs – nope – replacement slap stick comedy duo Jono and Ben is advocated. They don’t want real journalism and as usual sabotaging it with their ‘ideas’.
Love the way these brainiacs don’t seem to realise the public and advertisers till love John Campbell and they are pretty much the only prime time current affairs still going.
The good thing is that John Campbell will just go on to better things and hopefully a ‘real’ current affairs show.
The media landscape is changing even if it is a Internet format I have not doubt the talent that is on Campbell Live can be better utilised with more appropriate employers and content.
If TV3 are too stupid to utilise them someone else will be snapping them up!
Go John Campbell and those ‘real’ Kiwi commentators who actually give a damn about this country and are not these hideous personalities like Hosking and Henry.
Obviously TV3 execs haven’t heard the ‘message’ sent from Northland… about National and Act on their way out.
Right, to save me the time, can someone supply a direct email or postal address for f****g Julie Christie and Mark Weldon? I’m not waiting around for a petition… I’m going to tell them personally what I think of them.
Do you mind if I use a couple of excepts from your your comment SaveNZ? There’s some good descriptive stuff which I should enjoy passing on to them!
This is a political decision. Dirty Politics? You bet.
Last August
‘Former New Zealand stock exchange boss Mark Weldon is taking over as group chief executive of Mediaworks, the company which owns TV3, Four and controls half of the country’s commercial radio market.
Weldon replaces Sussan Turner who resigned unexpectedly on July 2 amid expectation of significant change at the company after it was rescued from receivership in November last year.’
Did you notice the old job?
Former New Zealand stock exchange boss.
One of key’s friends.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11304197
Also, someone who works at mediaworks and is a fan of Paul Henry is very likely to be friend of Stephen Joyce. Why did we lose Northland? Because there are still a few fragments of the media not entirely under our control. I know, lets get rid of Campbell and replace him with buffoons.
Oh don’t worry Olwyn. I fully intend to bring up the Joyce/Key Dirty Political angle. I may threaten an OIA for the dates and contents of their most recent communications with the said Mr Joyce! And thank-you for the word “buffoon”.
I like it.
Thanks Anne – I have emailed and signed a petition. I have been thinking that if they go through with it, Andrew should offer Campbell a job as press secretary – he would have the inside running on the links between mediaworks and the current government. 🙂
Fabulous idea. I could imagine John Campbell and Andrew Little getting along very well. Two highly principled people. He could still rejoin a news network at a later stage because press secretaries are inter-changeable. I knew a former journo who was a Labour supporter but years ago he went and worked for Murray McCully.
@Anne
That’s not a bad idea.
Lets face it John Campbell is one of the most popular people in NZ and totally wasted by TV3.
There is a rumour his employer is so jealous of him that he is only allowed to speak for 2 minutes on Campbell live per segment.
MediaWorks Corporate
3 Flower St
Eden Terrace
Auckland
Private Bag 92624
Symonds Street
Auckland 1150
ph: +64 9 928 9000
For MediaWorks Corporate enquiries
Email: replies@mediaworks.co.nz
Can’t find a direct email to Mr Weldon
Thanks Paul. I hope others will also send emails/ letters.
From thier website
MEDIAWORKS MANAGEMENT
MediaWorks is New Zealand’s largest independent broadcaster, and reaches 3.8 million Kiwis through its TV, Radio and Digital platforms. The company is owned by MediaWorks Holdings Limited, and governed by a Board of Directors; Rod McGeoch (chair), Julie Christie, Martin Dalgleish and Paul Lockey. MediaWorks is led by Group Chief Executive Officer Mark Weldon.
Mark Weldon – Group Chief Executive Officer, MediaWorks
Mark Weldon joined MediaWorks in August 2014 as Chief Executive Officer of the Group, managing the company’s Radio, Television and Interactive operations.
Mark Jennings – Group Head of News
Mark Jennings has had a long and distinguished career in television news and current affairs. He joined MediaWorks TV in 1989, and was appointed Director of News & Current Affairs for MediaWorks TV in 1994. In December 2014, Mark was appointed to lead the integration of MediaWorks’ TV, Radio and Digital news operations into an unified news team.
@Anne go for it.
Probably get onto the advertisers to lobby. These execs have no decency or loyalty but they love money.
260 staff lose their jobs in three New Zealand prisons as Corrections relocate to new 960 bed Auckland prison.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11430134
Any body want to buy three nice, tidy, gated, social housing communities?
The Department of Corrections said the closure of the prison units will coincide with the opening of the new 960-bed Auckland South Corrections Facility.
The new prison at Wiri, South Auckland will be run by private company Serco.
The master plan of privatisation continues….
Mark Weldon on wikipedia
Weldon has served as the CEO of NZX Limited (NZX). NZX runs the national stock exchange located in Wellington, New Zealand. NZX also runs the national energy markets, derivative markets, and has a growing commodities focus in both the markets (grain, dairy) and information areas. NZX also runs New Zealand’s only clearing and settlement infrastructure – clearing, settling and managing risk in exchange-traded products. When Weldon took over NZX, it was a mutual organization that had nearly been sold to the ASX for a peppercorn. He led the exchange through a demutualization and a listing. In the 8 years following its listing in 2003, shareholders in NZX received average annual returns of 24%. Since 2002, new business lines in clearing, settlement, information, commodities, and derivatives have been established in New Zealand and Australia.
Weldon previously worked at Skadden, Arps in New York, and also at McKinsey & Company, also in New York.
Weldon has given a significant amount of time to public policy and to “NZ Inc”. Some of the things in this area he has done include:
leading the Prime Minister’s Appeal for Christchurch, after the devastating 22 February 2011 earthquake
chairing the Prime Minister’s Job Summit in 2009
participating on the Capital Markets Development Taskforce in 2009/10; the Tax Working Group in 2009; and the Climate Change Leadership Forum in 2007
Note the New York banking connection, like Key.
This was in the Herald’s gossip pages a couple of days ago.
Sounds like it’s Henry’s show that may have cost Campbell’s team and their fine journalism.
Also note the link to Stephen Joyce…Rachel Morton off to work for him. All too convenient?
‘A swag of TV3’s female reporters are deserting the network amid insider talk of unhappiness about Paul Henry’s new show stealing all the attention – and money.
Rebecca Wright, Jane Luscombe, Rachel Morton and Kim Grade (formerly Chisnall) all left recently or are leaving the network soon.
And although all have other roles to go to, Spy has learned their exits come as MediaWorks’ bosses put Henry’s multi-platform breakfast show, with co-hosts Jim Kayes, Hilary Barry and Perlina Lau, in the limelight – some claim at the expense of other established shows.’
‘Few people leave a job when prospects are bright and opportunities plentiful.
TV One and Prime have had Sunday and 60 Minutes pumping out the stories since February.
But TV3’s Third Degree has no return date set. Nor has the new-format Nightline, to be hosted by David Farrier and Samantha Hayes.
Instead, insiders have moaned to Spy that MediaWorks CEO Mark Weldon has all the resources focused on the Henry project and other news departments are peeved.
A spokeswoman for TV3 wouldn’t comment but Spy understands the newsroom is resigned to the emphasis on Henry heading up an entire radio brand – as well as fronting the flagship for MediaWorks as a while.’
‘Wellington-based Morton has been tempted to the dark side and is heading to the Beehive to join Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce’s team.
Luscombe is also heading in to political job of sorts as she goes to work for the Retirement Commissioner Diane Maxwell.
Wright, who was a darling of TV3, starts at opposition TVNZ today after being tempted away by her former mentor, head of newsgathering Phil O’Sullivan, who recently returned from the United Arab Emirates where he worked as CNN Abu Dhabi bureau chief.
Grade and her cameraman husband Daniel have left to pursue opportunities in the UK.’
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11425304
Henry needs the money for his show, can’t make it as an MP, can’t make it on breakfast, can’t make it in OZ, now all resources from TV3 taken to try to make him popular.
The man’s a dog!
Face it, all the money in the world can’t make him saleable.
Campbell Live has done so much for the people of Christchurch.
The only show to advocate for the unheard victims there.
Those insurance companies will be delighted his show is being axed.
John Campbell for Mayor of Auckland!
Or
John Campbell in parliament!
He would be absolutely fantastic!!!
Lets face it, he is wasted in Television anyway.
Hypothetical question. ?What party would he go to he’s always kept his personal politics close to his chest.
Greens
I agree but don’t tell anyone:) he might be fired, oh, he is already facing the axe.
I’m pretty sure the execs will cave on this one, there will be massive fall out for the show going and very obvious to the dirty politics reasons why…
Maybe John Campbell is so sick of the fuckers in TV, he will take sweet revenge and change the world parliamentary style:)
Imagine world peace and John Campbell as co leader of the Greens. Strange things are happening, look at Northland. They said Winston was impossible to win.
Journalists need to start fighting back!!! If they have come for the most popular guy on TV, it means journalism is nothing but a zero hour contract in this country.
He’s too nice to be a politician 😉 Besides, we need him to stay in journalism.
But maybe we actually need some nice politicians:)
And ultimately they can do more to change what is wrong.
Anyway I’m not sure the execs at TV3 are stupid enough to axe him with all the uproar. But if they did, he would be completely sought after in whatever he wanted to do.
We definitely need more nice politicians. I just don’t think they last that long. They either get out, or they change 🙁
Quotas would change that 😈
Tend to agree that Campbell would land on his feet. It’s the country’s loss not his depending on what he would go on to. You may be right that it’s unlikely to happen.
Breakfast TV’s ratings way above Paul Henry’s.
‘Paul Henry loses breakfast ratings battle,’
Get rid of Henry please.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11429509