And we foolishly put it down to a simple cocktail of stupidity and nastiness, extended by a few glasses of Martinborough and a little Chanel fragrance in the air. It is even simpler than that. Someone wants/needs to make a few dollars!
When/if Annette creates a by-election there is no certainty that a) her replacement is solid ABC and b) the selected candidate actually wins.
438 votes is all that separates Labour from National in Rongotai! And Chris Finlayson was the Natz boy in 2011. And Russel Norman was the Green candidate! Top drawer stuff! A three way race or even a two way race would not be attractive to the ABC gang. http://electionresults.org.nz/electionresults_2011/electorate-45.html
As Shearer won the Caucus leadership by only one vote, the Rongotai issue must be playing on some minds! The 2013 50% “endorsement” vote for the ABCs is at risk.
So one $0.75 gets me a Dollar if Annette creates a by-election, which in turn would buy me nearly four shares in Shearer loosing, which pays $4.00.
So I can turn $0.75 into $4.00 in six months. All I have to do is keep Cunliffe overseas!
Now which Labour MP comes to mind when you think of iPredict and a dodgy cash raising scams?
See, I told you it was as simple as ABC!
(all a bit of fun to take our minds of the stupid mess in which we find ourselves. Try your own version of this game)
Continued silence from Shearer on the caucus crapping on Cunliffe plus the Grey speech seems to have turning the blog tide from frustration and despair to anger. A party member’s resignation petition has been started – I doubt it will get legs but it’s indicative of the level of feeling – and even Red Alert is turning sour.
PG no offence but why do you copy & paste the exact same comment on Kiwiblog & the standard?
Its kinda weird & shows that you’re not really making an effort to introduce a new thought on a particular topic.
Be original man, anything else is plain boring and/or odd.
I would suggest that you take a break from blog commenting for a while – get out in the real world, take a breath of fresh air, and you will find that you will get better perspective on life.
The comment is there to get you to click on the link to his site where you will get a larger version on the ill informed and badly written views on how the world should work according to Pete George.
It is called link-whoring for obvious reasons, and we tolerate it provided it is related to the post (anything is a topic for Open Mike) and is kept short. Since the intent is to sell a link, the text is a come hither and really isn’t designed to promote discussion here, KB, or the other sites that it has been pasted into.
Even worse Jimmie, Pete gets banned here periodically, for eventually stepping over a line. But that line happens in the context of him pissing of large numbers of people by doing things like grabbing post one of Open Mike each day, link whoring, concern trolling, and posting excessive amounts of the most inane, stupid and disingenuous posts we see here.
The ugly “hate Cunliffe” campaign reveals the politics of envy, worsened by stabbing him in the back while he is abroad. Certain members clearly are threatened by Cunliffe’s superior talents. There are indeed a lot of “dead bodies” in Labour and I doubt Cunliffe would desire to preside over this funeral. Would the Greens for one moment even want to be in coalition with Labour as it is at this time?
Would the Greens for one moment even want to be in coalition with Labour as it is at this time?
It might be ok, just never let any MP leave the country.
Seriously, this sort of destructive behaviour should be a serious concern to Greens. The Green and Labour cultures are further apart than the policitics of Act and Mana. And as we can see, Labour clashes, whether inter party or intra party, are not pretty.
The Green and Labour cultures are further apart than the policitics of Act and Mana.
You can’t be serious? Act has policy that is directly targeted at Maori to ensure they remain repressed. Acts membership is bursting at the seems with openly racist bigots who are not afraid of promoting their divisiveness with a bit of race baiting. The Mana party on the other hand is concerned with poverty, which disproportionately effects Maori. The proposed Hone Heki tax, which abolishes GST is lightyears away from Acts tax policy that would mean no new initiatives for ten bloody years. Act is already dead in the water, while Mana is still a rising force.
In contrast to the division between the Act and Mana parties, the Greens and Labour find many similarities between their policies… So much so that some claim they’re stealing each others ideas. Their policy on how to eradicate child poverty and ensure the conservation estate is respected are now almost identical. There are differences, but there are more similarities that make a coalition between Labour and the Greens workable. One cannot say the same thing about Mana and Act.
I invite you to a tour fo the heartland. Not the pastoral base you’re travelling through now. But here, The Standard.
According to all rankings, this site is the Leader of the Digital Opposition. We are the crowded town hall that in analogue space now rarely exists.
We are the proving ground for a Labour-Green coalition by 2014. Nowhere else does what we are doing.
Over the past 48 hours your caucus has shown itself to be out of control, with attacks from within on Louisa Wall and David Cunliffe.
Please explain how you will demonstrate the leadership that forms a united Labour caucus.
Please explain how you will set things right with these MPs.
At the moment it looks like you have neither the will nor the power to lead a united caucus. At the moment you do not appear capable of unifying us. Show us your leadership.
Your leadership is being questioned on this site because normally such egregious behaviour by your MPs would have been dealt with swiftly and surely.
Without your action in this matter Labour activist discontent will focus on the constitutional review and make for a deeply destabilised November Labour annual conference. This conference will of course evaluate everything you have done to date.
The futre of the activist base of a Labour-Green coalition could be formed here on this site, by your participation. Or, by your sustained absence, broken. Trust me, it’s breaking already.
Failure to apepar in front of New Zealand’s progressive activist base, as Leader of the Opposition, means of course we will all get to describe you in a single word.
If you truly believe that the caucus has a “fear” of a bunch of half witted shut ins and spotty political nerds then Labour has got bigger problems than I thought.
How many commentators were responsible for the 380 comments? My guess would be under 100. Not really the power base of Labour activists that you think it is when half of those are greens stirring shit and alot of the rest retarded Marxists (quite a bit of crossover between those groups as well).
If you think this site is a heavy weight political power broker then you are deluded. It has probably the equivalent impact that online strategy war gamers have on the war in Afghanistan.
I said paying attention, not basing their whole future on it. They and all parties need to listen to all of their constituents and whether you like it or not people who comment here are voicing their valid opinions that any party should listen to. Some of the people who comment on here are also out on the street (not “half witted shut-ins”) working for the party and are entitled to their opinion both here and at local meetings, without the fear of being insulted with crass bullies like you KK.
I’m one of those 5,000 readers and although I don’t add any comments, I can assure you I read the Standard every day as an antidote to the shallow, one dimensional views in the mainstream media. I also read Kiwiblog, but find many commenters on that site don’t really discuss anything in depth and seem to be really bigoted and nasty just like a bunch of red-neck crackers really.
You’re right. It is a hell of a strapline. I’ll test it out with the other authors.
Damn it. The reason I support people silly enough to want to be politicians is because otherwise I would feel this frigging sense of responsibility to do the frigging job myself. That seriously interferes with programming.
We’ve shown how you can do the digital job with a minimal budget, crowd sourced, and probably with a wider readership than anything else on the labour/green spectrum apart from Greenpeace. But Labour limps on with a website that is still a shocker for finding information and looks half dead, and red alert which is starting to have a permanent mid winter slump. I must recheck the greens digital stuff again…
Meanwhile in Employerland here’s todays forecast…..
Raining..expect flight delays for visitors, and some telecom outages stuffing up online services….means extra work and overtime to be paid
Check the post box and bank account, lovely recession, debtor days blown out by 10 in last quarter to unreasonably unhealthy level….talk to bank re extending overdraft for working capital to cover the slow payers on big projects.
See Debt Collection re bills being chased…write off significant amount as one company has gone belly up, send legal letter to government department.
Employees telling me they want a pay rise….check Profit @ Loss ledger, revenue flat, behind target, profitability down…so you want a pay rise?
Taxman GST, fabulous. Pay now, do not anny, ever! Check who we can pay late as we juggle cash.
Cold weather, people sick..more rain, transport delays, lost work hours.
All good fun when the economy and weather is good, now for the painful time. Do you employees want to share some pain? Paycuts? I thought not.
You’re in business mate. You take the risks and in return you profit more than workers do in the boom times. That’s the deal. If you can’t make your business work in a country that has one of the most business-friendly environments in the world then maybe it’s just not meant to be.
Hole in one Bill, as we say “on the money”. Yes the good years are good and the bad can kill you. The reason I laid it out was to put some balance in some of the posts I see where all employers equal blood sucking parasites. My biggest gripe is actually other businesses (especially corporates) and their “business school managerial” class who occupy their power structures BUT who have no ownership or cares thereof.
I agree with you on that. I think you’ll find most people at TS have nothing against small employers (in fact I think you’d find a few of them are small employers) but would share your view of the corporates. And let’s face it, large enterprises employ something like 80% of all private sector workers and many, if not most, large enterprises in NZ are multinationals. I think that when people rail against business they’re generally talking about big capital rather than the small, locally owned, IT firm that employs ten people. In fact I think most here would welcome a degree of corporate welfare if it were for small, kiwi owned businesses rather than the big aussie and US owned ratbags it mostly goes to.
Good of you to speak out Bored. Does Labour even see the small business owners going under on and off the main street of small towns and cities all over NZ.
Does Labour even see the small business owners going under on and off the main street of small towns and cities all over NZ
However disillusioned I am with Labour, it seems they do recognise the small businesses in small town NZ. One of the reasons for the heartland meetings, and talking in business language during those meetings, I suspect. Whether they have the solution right or not is a whole other topic.
Well yeah, according to the Gospel of Dave as outlines to the Pip-Growers in Nelson we all have to grow a lot more apples and get really smart with them,
We don’t do tenure in New Zealand because our labour laws are not (quite) as barbaric as those in the US.
Perhaps my humour was a bit gruff. I think that small business in NZ has it hard in good part because nobody in this country has much money. When the world bank says we’ve got a great business environment they mean for big multinational business. I think these two facts are connected.
IB
Yes I agree with that. But small business is not a baddie and needs to be encouraged and most business is hard under the conditions and the political jerks we have now. Let’s have more business and good tax laws and better pay to revolve round the business. I know tht’s the sort of thing you want.
And let’s hear more talk about the multiplier. More economic literacy. It isn’t hard to come up to the 101 level which then means we would all be informed to the level of most of our pollies and small business managers. And though a little bit of learning can be a dangerous thing, being on the same level playing field is fairer and other applicable cliches.
Small business is hard because New Zealanders are not paid enough to buy their products, finance is extremely difficult to get beyound the house mortgage and the playing field is slanted to help offshore large corporates.
Business owners need to realise that the same things that hurt NZ employees, hurt them too.
Again we have a recessive National Government. And again we see local shops and businesses closing.
I went back to a wage job when National got back in. Knowing that there would be the inevitable right wing policy caused downturn.
Most people here are/were either SME owners or supportive of small NZ business.
Small innovative business deserves our help.
Business which can only compete by being the lowest payer on the block does not deserve help and even under right wing terms should fail.
“A business which cannot pay the costs of its resources should fail to allow more efficient use of resources”.
Businesses which require tax payer top ups to employees so they can live are not viable.
I suppose we should be more clear, that we are attacking corporates, especially financial ones, who have power, and income, way in excess of their usefulness.
National is the party of big business and corporates. Labour gifts them the SME sector by not differentiating between struggling small businesses and the ticket clipping corporates who rip them off.
Thanks all the respondents (IB, Prism, KJT, CV), seems we have identified that there is an opportunity for Labour to differentiate themselves with small business (make National the party of the “evil corporates”).
From where I sit the future for corporates looks grim, they are too growth orientated, and find it hard to add value at a local level plus hold longer term “goodwill” based arrangements. As we become a non growth localised solid state economy small business will become the norm.
I do indeed, funny thing is that most people who ask for a raise get a bit of a shock when their true cost versus profitability is revealed. I can be a bit biased because I prefer all business partners and as many employees as possible to have some skin in the game i.e profit share etc.
Myself I have always pushed my base salary as low as possible and the risk versus reward as high. Certainly keeps you focused on not getting burnt. On the downside some months pickings can be slim and it pays to make sure your valuable staff (which is everybody) get enough to keep them going and focused, which is why retained earnings are vital. Too many employers forget that all businesses need a buffer, and pay themselves out. Then they lose key staff and consequently go bust.
This is interesting from KapiMana (local paper Porirua) by Andrea ONeil
Not on line
“Horses Died on Hobbit Time
John Smythe aFormer horse wrangler formerly working for 3 foot 7 about the death of 3 horses. maintains he has been fired for speaking out.
The first, was a small horse killed by ‘highly strung gelding”
We questioned it but was told to do our jobs.
The second was when a horse was put in a paddock with a sheer bluff down to a stream.
Again the wranglers questioned the decision, but were assured the horses would be OK
Two days latter the horse was found submerged in the creek.
Then it was decided all horses would be stabled because of the 2 deaths. They were fed on grain, and a third horse died because of the grain feed when used to grass.
When Mr Smythe talked to management about the decisions he lost his job.
Mr Smthe formerly owned a horse trekking business and a shepherd
3foot7 did not answer questions but release a statement
we worked closely with American Humane Association and have taken grat care to follow thre guidelines. We also worked closely with a local vet …. ”
Sort of sounds as if we know best by 3foot7. Not a good look.
Also I would have thought there was interest in this BUT i haven’t seen anything on any other new.
Now the “theonering” online article, links, and comments have been removed… spooky. Perhaps PJackson’s legal team has been sending some “desist” letters around.
Anyhow, the story is still there in black and white in various Wgtn community newspapers, including one right in front of me.
Hi there. I also worked as a wrangler for the Hobbit alongside John Smythe and also after he was fired. What he claims is absolutely true. There were also other incidences before and after John left. Two horses had a leg each degloved in seperate incidences where they got caught in fences. There was also cruelty to one of the horses at least that I know of where it was hobbled and left tied on the ground for half a day because it was too “fresh” for the rider and this horse ended up with severe rope burns on it’s legs which had to be covered with make up for filming
From John Armstrong http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10825624
“Faced with plenty of tricky questions during a press conference yesterday, the Minister of Education reverted to her preferred gambit of answering such questions with a bland statement about something which more often than not bore little relation to what was being asked.”
I have a solution for the schools who dont believe the Stds data has any relevance.
Take a lead for the Minister
Schools should such questions with a bland statement about something which bear little relation to what is being asked.
Oil market volatility is the new norm. So far 2012 is the fourth most volatile year for oil prices since 1982. The other top three years were 2007, 2008 and 2009. Since the production of oil from conventional sources peaked in 2005 we have reached a new paradigm: highly volatile oil prices. My take on the situation: http://www.southernlimitsnz.com/2012/08/the-new-paradigm-volatile-oil-markets.html
Wongers is of course right next to the Rangitikei electorate which voted in Bruce Beetham, so there is no accounting for what weirdness might have crossed over. I’m speculating (maybe unfairly I admit) that the Rangitikei Rednecks would have a way of “fixing” the “different” person even Wonganoovians might be alarmed by!
David Shearer emphatically endorses David Cunliffe here; albeit, typically, he is only quoted at the end of Tracey’s article.
“But Shearer yesterday hit out at the speculation and said Cunliffe had his full backing.
There was no suggestion that Cunliffe would be demoted.
“God no, the guy’s got a huge brain. He’s really across economy policy. Hell no, I want him to be there and want him to keep doing what he’s doing . . . I don’t think there would be anybody else in the caucus who could do it as well as him, to be honest.”
What is this new expression “across”? eg He’s really across economy policy Does that mean he understands it? Is good at it? Where did it come from (NZ or ?)?
Gee i have been supporting the ‘give David Shearer a chance camp’ waiting to see what we could actually expect from Shearer as a Labour Prime Minister,
What a difference a day makes, i had the chance to read a speech Shearer made to Grey Power the other day and a few paragraphs into it Shearer deliberately launches into a bit of beneficiary bashing, and, i have to say that i have never seen the present Slippery little Shyster we have as Prime Minister mount such an open attack,
I havn’t been a member of the Labour Party for at least 20 years and guess what Shearers speech to Grey Power has just about given me the political motivation to sign up as a member,
In all honesty tho, if i do so it will only be for the negative ideal of ridding the Labour Party of a leader(spit) who would fit right at home among the ACT party,(all 2 of them),
a) You could accuse Garner of having or assisting agendas, but I doubt you can show when he has ever made things up like that.
b) No denial, no clarification, so the story stays as read unchallenged.
c) No unprompted defence or endorsement of Cunliffe.
There’s nothing to suggest the story is false, and there’s nothing to suggest Shearer disapproves of it. That leaves:
a) Shearer backs the story (and could be a source), or
b) Shearer doesn’t have the will or want to stick up for Cunliffe.
Good point bad12. Duncan Garner was recently removed as head of The Nation program soon after making unfounded statements against Shearer. Of course a bullshit excuse was made up to save face.
Garner has form on this kind of thing, as does Chris Trotter, Cameron Slater, David Farrar and all the other hacks who are working for Keys government. They have nothing constructive to offer, because National is not a constructive party, and so attacking Labour is their preferred option.
PG is showing his political naivety… Anybody recall when Garner told Chris Carter: “I am going to fucking get you, Carter. If it takes me to Christmas I am going to fucking destroy you.” Clearly he’s motivated to do as much damage to Labour and its MPs as he can… Whatever Duncan Garner reports, especially when there’s no corroborating information, should be taken with a grain of salt.
Yeah, Labour people might have their reasons for wanting to believe Garner but allowing the likes of a TV3news reporter to set the political agenda of the left is pretty much the attitude of defeatism,
Whether those reasons are anti-Mallard or anti-Shearer does not to me really matter, allowing the Garner’s of this world a say in the political process simply gives encouragement for them all to be spreading rumor and innuendo as fact…
The fact that she tried to shut down one the biggest employer and economic powerhouse of Rongotai will make that a bit harder than you think. People there absolutely hate her
Joke post of the week don’t you think, i do live there and while not personally having met Helen Kelly from what i have seen of Her published comments She would be able to represent the diverse views of this electorate with aplomb,
What you really mean with your ill thought out comment is that Sir(spit)Peter Jackson and His acolytes,(those that suck at that fat pricks appendage), despise Kelly for standing up for the rights of the average worker in the industry thus making it harder for the likes of Jackson to be able to view another zero on the bank balance,
While Jackson and the few make and stash the bulk of the profits of movie making while denying the average worker is just that,a waged employee, there is very little to be gained by anyone in this electorate from Jackson’s movie making except bragging rights,
Bragging rights do not serve to put food upon the table and while Jackson and His inner circle are busily spending their gains elsewhere there is hardly a huge economic boost to the local industry out here on the island…
He went nuts on the Hobbit hating thing. I got at least two flyers in the mail box, and he talked it up on the stump. I think there was even a billboard, but can’t be sure. In an election where National recieved it’s record highest ever blah blah he managed to lose votes running on the Hobbit hating meme.
To paraphrase Palin, I can see Weta from my house ( ie I live in the place you call “there”), my kid’s mates are mostly in weta families. I haven’t heard shit about any hate. Not one peep. The Nats get laughed at a lot though.
If the billboard you are thinking of was among the forest of them at the Miramar cut it got kicked over early in the piece, strangely enough even the ACT one survived…
On a completely seperate note, the Dotcom case has been moderately interesting. Apparently police had blocked all the phone lines, so when Mona Dotcom needed medical attention to do with her pregnancy the police ended up dialling 111 themselves.
Which raises the point: if the police thought there was enough of a risk of violence to use overwhelming force and armed police, two helicopters, and mobilise the STG, why didn’t they have an ambulance at a safe hold point?
Surely if you think violence is enough of a risk to carry automatic weapons, then at least one ambulance in your pocket would be a prudent step – particularly if your target is a “large” man and there is a pregnant woman on site.
In news today, Slippery the Prime Minister has said He will not be attending the service for the 2 soldiers killed in Afghanistan,
Apparently our Prime Minister finds that attending a baseball game in which His son is playing is Far Far more important than actually fronting up and showing due respect to those who have served and died in a war on behalf of the Prime Minister,
Respect for our allies in such a war was also missing in action the other day when the Prime Minister made snide reference to Hungarian soldiers serving next to the Kiwi troops in Afghanistan cracking jokes which insinuated that those Hungarian soldiers were cowardly in their service in that country,
The sooner New Zealand troops are home from that country the better, and, the sooner that disrespectful Slippery little shyster is removed from the office of Prime Minister the sooner we all might gain a small modicum of hope that as a country we do have a brighter future…
ourism New Zealand has unveiled a new campaign to capitalise on the release later this year of the first of three Peter Jackson Hobbit films.
Launching proper in August, the new advertisement will amount to “the latest evolution of the 100% Pure New Zealand campaign”, says the tourism group’s boss in a press release.It will “draw together the themes ’100% Pure’ and ’100% Middle Earth’”.
It is the United Nations’ International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples today.
The Mana Movement have produced a scorecard. Needless to say the Government has scored zero – which I consider optimistic.
• Give consent to projects affecting our lands and resources, particularly water:
(Article 32)
Government pushed ahead with selling shares in state-owned power companies without the consent of Māori, and before Māori ownership interests in water have been determined and settled. Government has indicated they will legislate against Māori ownership in water. FAIL
Metiria Turei has also issued a very strong statement
“If the international commitments that New Zealand signs up to are to have any meaning, then the Government must honour them at all times, not just when it is convenient,” said Mrs Turei.
“The Key Government must honour the pledges it has made and negotiate in good faith with the representatives that Maori select for themselves on the issue of water rights and asset sales.
“The Key Government also needs to give proper consideration to the findings of the Waitangi Tribunal.
4. For what would you throw the remote at the television?
The news. I’m a great admirer of escapist fiction, publicity handouts and celebrity drivel in a general sense but why call it The News. Perhaps it’s the title that doesn’t work.
So in first public servants are under-performing workers in a bloated public sector so need to be gotten rid of, the next thing you know they’re highly skilled, knowledgeable people who can be sold to other countries for their expertise.
The main reason Key is going to the US is to meet with top tier banks and financial insitutions there. It is partly a sales trip and preparations for asset sales will be discussed.
That’s why he can’t cancel the trip to attend our soldiers’ funerals.
Still it is grotesque. I’m sick of the left in New Zealand being accused of being weak on defence and armed services issues. The right may wrap themselves in the flag but that doesn’t hide their indifference and cynicism. They are willing to send young men and woman into harms way but not willing to pay for it (National can whine about skyhawks all the want. Every major defence purchase has been made by labour since the sixties)
Interesting, i would have thought that Slippery the Prime Minister would have fallen all over Himself to be seen attending the funeral of the Kiwi Soldiers killed in action,
Perhaps after all but accusing the Hungarian troops serving next to the Kiwi’s in Afghanistan of being cowards He has had a sudden case of ‘shyness’ at being close to military matters,
Perhaps i connect matters of seemingly totally differing nature far to easily but the 2 incidents of military matters simply draws me back to a 3rd one earlier in the piece,
I cannot for the life of me ‘see’ why it is that after cancelling the upgrade to the surrounds of the National War Memorial soon after coming into office in 2009 He is now dead keen for this now to go ahead, its as if our Slippery Prime Minister, one who cannot be said to have ever entertained a close relationship with the truth, is expecting the war memorial to have a far greater use in the future than the annual pilgrimages to the 2 world war ceremonies thus far,
Could our Prime Ministers wee trip back to ‘ the masters’ country be purely educational so as to appraise Him of what is expected of us in the next one…
By tomorrow morning, thast link will be with most of the country’s media.
Whatever our feelings on our involvement in Afghanistan, if the government is going to send our men and women into harms way in another country, the least that the PM of the day can do is attend their funerals.
Who knows, it may make our leaders more wary before deciding to kow-tow to Washington.
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Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
“You talking about me?”The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
Roger Partridge writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
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. ...
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. ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
The Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
“Never again - No AUKUS” was the message of the wreath laid at this morning’s national ANZAC Day commemorative service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park this morning by the Stop AUKUS group. ...
Until this month, Auckland swimmer Hazel Ouwehand had never met a qualifying time in an Olympic event for a New Zealand team, even as a junior. Now she’s very likely off to the Paris Olympics after swimming well under the qualifying standard in the 100m butterfly twice – both in ...
While Anzac Day has experienced a resurgence in recent years, our other day of remembrance has slowly faded from view.The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. Original illustrations by Hope McConnell.First published in 2022.The high school’s head girl and ...
Australian and New Zealand volunteers fought together in the Waikato War, yet still its place in the Anzac tradition is unacknowledged by our defence forces or Returned Services Association.First published in 2018.When I was a boy cub I attended Anzac Day services in the South Auckland suburb of ...
A poem by Wellington writer Tayi Tibble.Hoki Mai She kisses him goodbye with her eyes still wet and alight from their last swim in the Awatere river. At the train station celebration, she leads the Kapa Haka but her voice keeps breaking under and over itself like waves. ...
A poem from Bill Manhire’s 2017 book of verse Some Things to Place in a Coffin.My World War I Poem Inside each trench, the sound of prayer. Inside each prayer, the sound of digging. Image courtesy of Auckland War Memorial Museum. ...
There are three books I have wolfed down in one sitting over the last two years. Colleen Maria Lenihan’s gorgeous and sad debut Kōhine, Noelle McCarthy’s memoir Grand about becoming her mother and then unbecoming her, and now Hine Toa, a staunch yet gentle self-portrait by living legend Ngāhuia te ...
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Asia Pacific Report Students and activist staff at Australia’s University of Sydney (USyd) have set up a Gaza solidarity encampment in support of Palestinians and similar student-led protests in the United States. The camp was pitched as mass graves, crippled hospitals, thousands of civilian deaths and the near-total destruction of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James B. Dorey, Lecturer in Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong Australian teddy bear bees are cute and fluffy, but get a look at that massive (unbarbed) stinger! James Dorey Photography Most of us have been stung by a bee and we ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jen Roberts, Senior Lecturer, School of Humanities and Social Inquiry, University of Wollongong Aussie~mobs/FlickrVictor Farr, a private in the 1st Infantry Battalion, was among the first to land at Anzac Cove just before dawn on April 25 1915. Victor Farr ...
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Duh! It was staring us straight in the face.
And we foolishly put it down to a simple cocktail of stupidity and nastiness, extended by a few glasses of Martinborough and a little Chanel fragrance in the air. It is even simpler than that. Someone wants/needs to make a few dollars!
Annette wants to be Mayor of Wellington. iPredict is currently trading at $0.75 on there being a by-election in Rongotai.
https://www.ipredict.co.nz/app.php?do=contract_detail&contract=B.E.RONGOTAI
When/if Annette creates a by-election there is no certainty that a) her replacement is solid ABC and b) the selected candidate actually wins.
438 votes is all that separates Labour from National in Rongotai! And Chris Finlayson was the Natz boy in 2011. And Russel Norman was the Green candidate! Top drawer stuff! A three way race or even a two way race would not be attractive to the ABC gang.
http://electionresults.org.nz/electionresults_2011/electorate-45.html
As Shearer won the Caucus leadership by only one vote, the Rongotai issue must be playing on some minds! The 2013 50% “endorsement” vote for the ABCs is at risk.
Getting rid of Shearer in 2013 only requires a $0.27 punt to win a $1.00!!!!
https://www.ipredict.co.nz/app.php?do=contract_detail&contract=SHR.DEPART.2013
And iPredict is only asking $0.40 for Grant Robertson.
https://www.ipredict.co.nz/app.php?do=contract_detail&contract=LABLEAD2.ROBERTSN
So one $0.75 gets me a Dollar if Annette creates a by-election, which in turn would buy me nearly four shares in Shearer loosing, which pays $4.00.
So I can turn $0.75 into $4.00 in six months. All I have to do is keep Cunliffe overseas!
Now which Labour MP comes to mind when you think of iPredict and a dodgy cash raising scams?
See, I told you it was as simple as ABC!
(all a bit of fun to take our minds of the stupid mess in which we find ourselves. Try your own version of this game)
Continued silence from Shearer on the caucus crapping on Cunliffe plus the Grey speech seems to have turning the blog tide from frustration and despair to anger. A party member’s resignation petition has been started – I doubt it will get legs but it’s indicative of the level of feeling – and even Red Alert is turning sour.
Is Shearer facing a Labour revolt?
Regardless of whether this spreads and grows or not it’s an awful look for Shearer’s leadership (or lack thereof).
And it’s a worrying sign for New Zealand politics, which needs a strong and credible opposition. It’s getting neither from Labour.
🙄
🙄
PG no offence but why do you copy & paste the exact same comment on Kiwiblog & the standard?
Its kinda weird & shows that you’re not really making an effort to introduce a new thought on a particular topic.
Be original man, anything else is plain boring and/or odd.
I would suggest that you take a break from blog commenting for a while – get out in the real world, take a breath of fresh air, and you will find that you will get better perspective on life.
Just saying ya know…..
The comment is there to get you to click on the link to his site where you will get a larger version on the ill informed and badly written views on how the world should work according to Pete George.
It is called link-whoring for obvious reasons, and we tolerate it provided it is related to the post (anything is a topic for Open Mike) and is kept short. Since the intent is to sell a link, the text is a come hither and really isn’t designed to promote discussion here, KB, or the other sites that it has been pasted into.
Even worse Jimmie, Pete gets banned here periodically, for eventually stepping over a line. But that line happens in the context of him pissing of large numbers of people by doing things like grabbing post one of Open Mike each day, link whoring, concern trolling, and posting excessive amounts of the most inane, stupid and disingenuous posts we see here.
Hence the 🙄 lines. 😉
“posting excessive amounts of the most inane, stupid and disingenuous posts we see here. ”
Damn, I thought that was me. I guess I’ll settle for second place.
Don’t flatter yourself.
You’d probably pip gold on quality, but pg aces it on quantity
Awesome, misson achieved.
I like how he writes in the authoritative, but everyone thinks he’s an idiot.
Jimmie that one was a test to see which blog would produce the most diversionary disses.
link-whoring in the name of science… 🙄
Lol. 🙄
The ugly “hate Cunliffe” campaign reveals the politics of envy, worsened by stabbing him in the back while he is abroad. Certain members clearly are threatened by Cunliffe’s superior talents. There are indeed a lot of “dead bodies” in Labour and I doubt Cunliffe would desire to preside over this funeral. Would the Greens for one moment even want to be in coalition with Labour as it is at this time?
It might be ok, just never let any MP leave the country.
Seriously, this sort of destructive behaviour should be a serious concern to Greens. The Green and Labour cultures are further apart than the policitics of Act and Mana. And as we can see, Labour clashes, whether inter party or intra party, are not pretty.
Pete George
You can’t be serious? Act has policy that is directly targeted at Maori to ensure they remain repressed. Acts membership is bursting at the seems with openly racist bigots who are not afraid of promoting their divisiveness with a bit of race baiting. The Mana party on the other hand is concerned with poverty, which disproportionately effects Maori. The proposed Hone Heki tax, which abolishes GST is lightyears away from Acts tax policy that would mean no new initiatives for ten bloody years. Act is already dead in the water, while Mana is still a rising force.
In contrast to the division between the Act and Mana parties, the Greens and Labour find many similarities between their policies… So much so that some claim they’re stealing each others ideas. Their policy on how to eradicate child poverty and ensure the conservation estate is respected are now almost identical. There are differences, but there are more similarities that make a coalition between Labour and the Greens workable. One cannot say the same thing about Mana and Act.
Stop with the inflammatory nonsense PG.
I didn’t say ‘policies’, I said ‘cultures’. The Labour and Green parties have vastly different cultures.
In practice Labour is closer to National than the Greens on most policy.
Dear Mr Shearer,
I invite you to a tour fo the heartland. Not the pastoral base you’re travelling through now. But here, The Standard.
According to all rankings, this site is the Leader of the Digital Opposition. We are the crowded town hall that in analogue space now rarely exists.
We are the proving ground for a Labour-Green coalition by 2014. Nowhere else does what we are doing.
Over the past 48 hours your caucus has shown itself to be out of control, with attacks from within on Louisa Wall and David Cunliffe.
Please explain how you will demonstrate the leadership that forms a united Labour caucus.
Please explain how you will set things right with these MPs.
At the moment it looks like you have neither the will nor the power to lead a united caucus. At the moment you do not appear capable of unifying us. Show us your leadership.
Your leadership is being questioned on this site because normally such egregious behaviour by your MPs would have been dealt with swiftly and surely.
Without your action in this matter Labour activist discontent will focus on the constitutional review and make for a deeply destabilised November Labour annual conference. This conference will of course evaluate everything you have done to date.
The futre of the activist base of a Labour-Green coalition could be formed here on this site, by your participation. Or, by your sustained absence, broken. Trust me, it’s breaking already.
Failure to apepar in front of New Zealand’s progressive activist base, as Leader of the Opposition, means of course we will all get to describe you in a single word.
No-one wants this.
Sincerely.
I agree Ad.
I hear there are some in Labour’s caucus who despise the Standard. This hate is obviously motivated by fear.
When a simple post can attract over 380 comments and outpourings of disgust you know something is up.
Shearer needs to man up and demote the person responsible.
And the MPs should show some guts and come over and debate matters.
Also agreed, would love to know the Labour leadership were paying attention to The Standard comments, positive and negatives.
If you truly believe that the caucus has a “fear” of a bunch of half witted shut ins and spotty political nerds then Labour has got bigger problems than I thought.
How many commentators were responsible for the 380 comments? My guess would be under 100. Not really the power base of Labour activists that you think it is when half of those are greens stirring shit and alot of the rest retarded Marxists (quite a bit of crossover between those groups as well).
If you think this site is a heavy weight political power broker then you are deluded. It has probably the equivalent impact that online strategy war gamers have on the war in Afghanistan.
I said paying attention, not basing their whole future on it. They and all parties need to listen to all of their constituents and whether you like it or not people who comment here are voicing their valid opinions that any party should listen to. Some of the people who comment on here are also out on the street (not “half witted shut-ins”) working for the party and are entitled to their opinion both here and at local meetings, without the fear of being insulted with crass bullies like you KK.
For every hundred commentators here there are probable 5,000 readers. That is the activist base. Without these people Labour would struggle.
And you are sure that theses silent lurkers fully support the comments here that you want Labour to take notice of.
My suspicion is that alot of them are more like zoo patrons, coming to watch funny looking fuckers lob shit at each other.
Ah I guess that explains your choice of handle. 😈
very good
I’m one of those 5,000 readers and although I don’t add any comments, I can assure you I read the Standard every day as an antidote to the shallow, one dimensional views in the mainstream media. I also read Kiwiblog, but find many commenters on that site don’t really discuss anything in depth and seem to be really bigoted and nasty just like a bunch of red-neck crackers really.
+1, but without the Kiwiblog
+1
As so far as the Standard goes. Although I would rather castrate myself than visit the Penguin and the rest of the RWNJs at ‘Red-neck Crackerblog’.
kk so why do you bother with your neanderthal comments.
did someone let you out of the weta workshops closet.
Leader of the Digital Opposition
Lprent, I’m just saying, total candidate for a new strapline.
You’re right. It is a hell of a strapline. I’ll test it out with the other authors.
Damn it. The reason I support people silly enough to want to be politicians is because otherwise I would feel this frigging sense of responsibility to do the frigging job myself. That seriously interferes with programming.
We’ve shown how you can do the digital job with a minimal budget, crowd sourced, and probably with a wider readership than anything else on the labour/green spectrum apart from Greenpeace. But Labour limps on with a website that is still a shocker for finding information and looks half dead, and red alert which is starting to have a permanent mid winter slump. I must recheck the greens digital stuff again…
Meanwhile in Employerland here’s todays forecast…..
Raining..expect flight delays for visitors, and some telecom outages stuffing up online services….means extra work and overtime to be paid
Check the post box and bank account, lovely recession, debtor days blown out by 10 in last quarter to unreasonably unhealthy level….talk to bank re extending overdraft for working capital to cover the slow payers on big projects.
See Debt Collection re bills being chased…write off significant amount as one company has gone belly up, send legal letter to government department.
Employees telling me they want a pay rise….check Profit @ Loss ledger, revenue flat, behind target, profitability down…so you want a pay rise?
Taxman GST, fabulous. Pay now, do not anny, ever! Check who we can pay late as we juggle cash.
Cold weather, people sick..more rain, transport delays, lost work hours.
All good fun when the economy and weather is good, now for the painful time. Do you employees want to share some pain? Paycuts? I thought not.
You’re in business mate. You take the risks and in return you profit more than workers do in the boom times. That’s the deal. If you can’t make your business work in a country that has one of the most business-friendly environments in the world then maybe it’s just not meant to be.
Hole in one Bill, as we say “on the money”. Yes the good years are good and the bad can kill you. The reason I laid it out was to put some balance in some of the posts I see where all employers equal blood sucking parasites. My biggest gripe is actually other businesses (especially corporates) and their “business school managerial” class who occupy their power structures BUT who have no ownership or cares thereof.
I agree with you on that. I think you’ll find most people at TS have nothing against small employers (in fact I think you’d find a few of them are small employers) but would share your view of the corporates. And let’s face it, large enterprises employ something like 80% of all private sector workers and many, if not most, large enterprises in NZ are multinationals. I think that when people rail against business they’re generally talking about big capital rather than the small, locally owned, IT firm that employs ten people. In fact I think most here would welcome a degree of corporate welfare if it were for small, kiwi owned businesses rather than the big aussie and US owned ratbags it mostly goes to.
Good of you to speak out Bored. Does Labour even see the small business owners going under on and off the main street of small towns and cities all over NZ.
Does Labour even see the small business owners going under on and off the main street of small towns and cities all over NZ
However disillusioned I am with Labour, it seems they do recognise the small businesses in small town NZ. One of the reasons for the heartland meetings, and talking in business language during those meetings, I suspect. Whether they have the solution right or not is a whole other topic.
Well yeah, according to the Gospel of Dave as outlines to the Pip-Growers in Nelson we all have to grow a lot more apples and get really smart with them,
Apple pie anyone…
Hmm. 😆 or 😥 ?
IB
How smug. Presumably you don’t try this difficult enterprise. Rental properties, housing do-ups instead maybe? Or professional post with tenure?
We don’t do tenure in New Zealand because our labour laws are not (quite) as barbaric as those in the US.
Perhaps my humour was a bit gruff. I think that small business in NZ has it hard in good part because nobody in this country has much money. When the world bank says we’ve got a great business environment they mean for big multinational business. I think these two facts are connected.
IB
Yes I agree with that. But small business is not a baddie and needs to be encouraged and most business is hard under the conditions and the political jerks we have now. Let’s have more business and good tax laws and better pay to revolve round the business. I know tht’s the sort of thing you want.
And let’s hear more talk about the multiplier. More economic literacy. It isn’t hard to come up to the 101 level which then means we would all be informed to the level of most of our pollies and small business managers. And though a little bit of learning can be a dangerous thing, being on the same level playing field is fairer and other applicable cliches.
Small business is hard because New Zealanders are not paid enough to buy their products, finance is extremely difficult to get beyound the house mortgage and the playing field is slanted to help offshore large corporates.
Business owners need to realise that the same things that hurt NZ employees, hurt them too.
Again we have a recessive National Government. And again we see local shops and businesses closing.
I went back to a wage job when National got back in. Knowing that there would be the inevitable right wing policy caused downturn.
Most people here are/were either SME owners or supportive of small NZ business.
Small innovative business deserves our help.
Business which can only compete by being the lowest payer on the block does not deserve help and even under right wing terms should fail.
“A business which cannot pay the costs of its resources should fail to allow more efficient use of resources”.
Businesses which require tax payer top ups to employees so they can live are not viable.
I suppose we should be more clear, that we are attacking corporates, especially financial ones, who have power, and income, way in excess of their usefulness.
National is the party of big business and corporates. Labour gifts them the SME sector by not differentiating between struggling small businesses and the ticket clipping corporates who rip them off.
Thanks all the respondents (IB, Prism, KJT, CV), seems we have identified that there is an opportunity for Labour to differentiate themselves with small business (make National the party of the “evil corporates”).
From where I sit the future for corporates looks grim, they are too growth orientated, and find it hard to add value at a local level plus hold longer term “goodwill” based arrangements. As we become a non growth localised solid state economy small business will become the norm.
Have you considered sharing the relevant information with them (i.e, show them the books) and asking?
+1
I do indeed, funny thing is that most people who ask for a raise get a bit of a shock when their true cost versus profitability is revealed. I can be a bit biased because I prefer all business partners and as many employees as possible to have some skin in the game i.e profit share etc.
Myself I have always pushed my base salary as low as possible and the risk versus reward as high. Certainly keeps you focused on not getting burnt. On the downside some months pickings can be slim and it pays to make sure your valuable staff (which is everybody) get enough to keep them going and focused, which is why retained earnings are vital. Too many employers forget that all businesses need a buffer, and pay themselves out. Then they lose key staff and consequently go bust.
This is interesting from KapiMana (local paper Porirua) by Andrea ONeil
Not on line
“Horses Died on Hobbit Time
John Smythe aFormer horse wrangler formerly working for 3 foot 7 about the death of 3 horses. maintains he has been fired for speaking out.
The first, was a small horse killed by ‘highly strung gelding”
We questioned it but was told to do our jobs.
The second was when a horse was put in a paddock with a sheer bluff down to a stream.
Again the wranglers questioned the decision, but were assured the horses would be OK
Two days latter the horse was found submerged in the creek.
Then it was decided all horses would be stabled because of the 2 deaths. They were fed on grain, and a third horse died because of the grain feed when used to grass.
When Mr Smythe talked to management about the decisions he lost his job.
Mr Smthe formerly owned a horse trekking business and a shepherd
3foot7 did not answer questions but release a statement
we worked closely with American Humane Association and have taken grat care to follow thre guidelines. We also worked closely with a local vet …. ”
Sort of sounds as if we know best by 3foot7. Not a good look.
Also I would have thought there was interest in this BUT i haven’t seen anything on any other new.
Written about here;
http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/08/07/60555-former-hobbit-horse-wrangler-claims-incompetence-caused-several-animal-deaths-during-production/
http://kapimananews.realviewdigital.com/default.aspx?iid=66262&startpage=page0000001
It looks like it was on stuff, but has been removed:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/kapi-mana-news/7426704/Hobbit-horse-deaths-needless-and-avoidable-wrangler
Interesting that stuff has removed it!!
On the surface it looks dodgy, but it would be good to know the real story.
Now the “theonering” online article, links, and comments have been removed… spooky. Perhaps PJackson’s legal team has been sending some “desist” letters around.
Anyhow, the story is still there in black and white in various Wgtn community newspapers, including one right in front of me.
Curious about all these disappearing articles I found this site which has some interesting background history:
http://www.transparency.net.nz/2012/08/08/horses-die-on-the-hobbit-film-set/
Wonder if the horse deaths were ever investigated by MAF.
There is also an article in Citylife Porirua (link is in theonering link above).
Hi there. I also worked as a wrangler for the Hobbit alongside John Smythe and also after he was fired. What he claims is absolutely true. There were also other incidences before and after John left. Two horses had a leg each degloved in seperate incidences where they got caught in fences. There was also cruelty to one of the horses at least that I know of where it was hobbled and left tied on the ground for half a day because it was too “fresh” for the rider and this horse ended up with severe rope burns on it’s legs which had to be covered with make up for filming
From John Armstrong
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10825624
“Faced with plenty of tricky questions during a press conference yesterday, the Minister of Education reverted to her preferred gambit of answering such questions with a bland statement about something which more often than not bore little relation to what was being asked.”
I have a solution for the schools who dont believe the Stds data has any relevance.
Take a lead for the Minister
Schools should such questions with a bland statement about something which bear little relation to what is being asked.
Indeed! 🙂
Oil market volatility is the new norm. So far 2012 is the fourth most volatile year for oil prices since 1982. The other top three years were 2007, 2008 and 2009. Since the production of oil from conventional sources peaked in 2005 we have reached a new paradigm: highly volatile oil prices. My take on the situation: http://www.southernlimitsnz.com/2012/08/the-new-paradigm-volatile-oil-markets.html
Other resources coming to the same conclusions:
http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/01/weve-hit-peak-oil-now-comes-permanent-price-volatility/
http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/energy-futurist/the-future-of-oil-prices/508?tag=search-river
http://thearchdruidreport.blogspot.co.nz/2011/01/onset-of-catabolic-collapse.html
http://www.peakprosperity.com/blog/hard-floor-and-soft-ceiling-oil-prices-part-1/72339
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140988312000060
I wonder why Whanganui does not want the weird guy? They elected Michael Lhaws as Mayor so obviously have a tolerance for ‘different’ people.
As I said yesterday it all started with an “H”……
Wongers is of course right next to the Rangitikei electorate which voted in Bruce Beetham, so there is no accounting for what weirdness might have crossed over. I’m speculating (maybe unfairly I admit) that the Rangitikei Rednecks would have a way of “fixing” the “different” person even Wonganoovians might be alarmed by!
Journalists tweet
https://twitter.com/katieabradford/status/233336652863520769
When I heard the killed soldiers were only Lance corporals I knew Key wouldn’t be attending the funerals.
David Shearer emphatically endorses David Cunliffe here; albeit, typically, he is only quoted at the end of Tracey’s article.
“But Shearer yesterday hit out at the speculation and said Cunliffe had his full backing.
There was no suggestion that Cunliffe would be demoted.
“God no, the guy’s got a huge brain. He’s really across economy policy. Hell no, I want him to be there and want him to keep doing what he’s doing . . . I don’t think there would be anybody else in the caucus who could do it as well as him, to be honest.”
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/7443334/Fresh-ructions-hit-Labour
As I said below:
This is about how Shearer deals with those Labour MPs who BACKSTABBED A COLLEAGUE to the media at the cost of the entire Labour Party.
Shearer hasn’t even begun to address that publicly; it would be nice to know if he is addressing it internally.
What is this new expression “across”? eg He’s really across economy policy
Does that mean he understands it? Is good at it? Where did it come from (NZ or ?)?
Gee i have been supporting the ‘give David Shearer a chance camp’ waiting to see what we could actually expect from Shearer as a Labour Prime Minister,
What a difference a day makes, i had the chance to read a speech Shearer made to Grey Power the other day and a few paragraphs into it Shearer deliberately launches into a bit of beneficiary bashing, and, i have to say that i have never seen the present Slippery little Shyster we have as Prime Minister mount such an open attack,
I havn’t been a member of the Labour Party for at least 20 years and guess what Shearers speech to Grey Power has just about given me the political motivation to sign up as a member,
In all honesty tho, if i do so it will only be for the negative ideal of ridding the Labour Party of a leader(spit) who would fit right at home among the ACT party,(all 2 of them),
http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/david-shearer-speech-to-grey-power/5/131125
The google = Labour leader David Shearer speech to Grey Power…
Don’t get distracted from the issue, peeps. This is not about whether Shearer thinks Cunliffe will be demoted or is not performing.
This is about how Shearer deals with those Labour MPs who BACKSTABBED A COLLEAGUE to the media at the cost of the entire Labour Party.
CV, have you got a link to where Labour MP’s have actually back-stabbed David Cunliffe, other of course than Duncan Garner sez so therefore it is???…
a) You could accuse Garner of having or assisting agendas, but I doubt you can show when he has ever made things up like that.
b) No denial, no clarification, so the story stays as read unchallenged.
c) No unprompted defence or endorsement of Cunliffe.
There’s nothing to suggest the story is false, and there’s nothing to suggest Shearer disapproves of it. That leaves:
a) Shearer backs the story (and could be a source), or
b) Shearer doesn’t have the will or want to stick up for Cunliffe.
F off shit-stirrer… 🙄
Eat poo wankwad
That’s going a bit far bad12. To be a shit stirrer you have to be a tiny bit credible.
I stand corrected, swamp amoeba a fairer descriptive perhaps…
Good point bad12. Duncan Garner was recently removed as head of The Nation program soon after making unfounded statements against Shearer. Of course a bullshit excuse was made up to save face.
Garner has form on this kind of thing, as does Chris Trotter, Cameron Slater, David Farrar and all the other hacks who are working for Keys government. They have nothing constructive to offer, because National is not a constructive party, and so attacking Labour is their preferred option.
PG is showing his political naivety… Anybody recall when Garner told Chris Carter: “I am going to fucking get you, Carter. If it takes me to Christmas I am going to fucking destroy you.” Clearly he’s motivated to do as much damage to Labour and its MPs as he can… Whatever Duncan Garner reports, especially when there’s no corroborating information, should be taken with a grain of salt.
Yeah, Labour people might have their reasons for wanting to believe Garner but allowing the likes of a TV3news reporter to set the political agenda of the left is pretty much the attitude of defeatism,
Whether those reasons are anti-Mallard or anti-Shearer does not to me really matter, allowing the Garner’s of this world a say in the political process simply gives encouragement for them all to be spreading rumor and innuendo as fact…
Supreme Court decides against Right to Life in abortion case.
Helen Kelly will take Rongotai.
Yes please, should Helen Kelly receive the nomination for Rongotai i will definitely be joining the Party and actively working to have Her elected…
The fact that she tried to shut down one the biggest employer and economic powerhouse of Rongotai will make that a bit harder than you think. People there absolutely hate her
link?
🙄 hey this works for other complete wastes of oxygen too!
King Kong: plodding, self indulgent and dullwitted. And Peter Jackson’s remake of the film of the same name wasn’t much better, either.
trp he ended up getting shot to pieces like the pathetic arguments of his names sake.
Joke post of the week don’t you think, i do live there and while not personally having met Helen Kelly from what i have seen of Her published comments She would be able to represent the diverse views of this electorate with aplomb,
What you really mean with your ill thought out comment is that Sir(spit)Peter Jackson and His acolytes,(those that suck at that fat pricks appendage), despise Kelly for standing up for the rights of the average worker in the industry thus making it harder for the likes of Jackson to be able to view another zero on the bank balance,
While Jackson and the few make and stash the bulk of the profits of movie making while denying the average worker is just that,a waged employee, there is very little to be gained by anyone in this electorate from Jackson’s movie making except bragging rights,
Bragging rights do not serve to put food upon the table and while Jackson and His inner circle are busily spending their gains elsewhere there is hardly a huge economic boost to the local industry out here on the island…
What nonsense. The presense of the studios has made a massive difference to local industry in Miramar.
Have a look at the shops for godsake. new cinema, restaraunts, bars etc.
You will find alot of the employee’s who are fiercely loyal to Jackson live in Rongotai as well.
If Kelly stood there you might find Weta acting like a super PAC against her.
Only if they believe the CTU wanted to “shut down” weta, you tool.
And if they’re dumb enough to believe that, they’d not be voting labour anyway – nact all the way.
Finlayson 2008: 10,594
Finlayson 2011 9,132
He went nuts on the Hobbit hating thing. I got at least two flyers in the mail box, and he talked it up on the stump. I think there was even a billboard, but can’t be sure. In an election where National recieved it’s record highest ever blah blah he managed to lose votes running on the Hobbit hating meme.
To paraphrase Palin, I can see Weta from my house ( ie I live in the place you call “there”), my kid’s mates are mostly in weta families. I haven’t heard shit about any hate. Not one peep. The Nats get laughed at a lot though.
If the billboard you are thinking of was among the forest of them at the Miramar cut it got kicked over early in the piece, strangely enough even the ACT one survived…
On a completely seperate note, the Dotcom case has been moderately interesting. Apparently police had blocked all the phone lines, so when Mona Dotcom needed medical attention to do with her pregnancy the police ended up dialling 111 themselves.
Which raises the point: if the police thought there was enough of a risk of violence to use overwhelming force and armed police, two helicopters, and mobilise the STG, why didn’t they have an ambulance at a safe hold point?
Surely if you think violence is enough of a risk to carry automatic weapons, then at least one ambulance in your pocket would be a prudent step – particularly if your target is a “large” man and there is a pregnant woman on site.
Posers for the FBI is the answer.
+1+1 very ,very good point Mc Flock, thanks for raising it.
The Maugeri Oil Report that caused Monbiot’s reversal is complete bunk. Rich Turcotte tears it to shreds: http://awe.sm/j2ZsQ
In news today, Slippery the Prime Minister has said He will not be attending the service for the 2 soldiers killed in Afghanistan,
Apparently our Prime Minister finds that attending a baseball game in which His son is playing is Far Far more important than actually fronting up and showing due respect to those who have served and died in a war on behalf of the Prime Minister,
Respect for our allies in such a war was also missing in action the other day when the Prime Minister made snide reference to Hungarian soldiers serving next to the Kiwi troops in Afghanistan cracking jokes which insinuated that those Hungarian soldiers were cowardly in their service in that country,
The sooner New Zealand troops are home from that country the better, and, the sooner that disrespectful Slippery little shyster is removed from the office of Prime Minister the sooner we all might gain a small modicum of hope that as a country we do have a brighter future…
Oh dear
Talk about flogging a dead horse.
Another web page with this story removed?
It is the United Nations’ International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples today.
The Mana Movement have produced a scorecard. Needless to say the Government has scored zero – which I consider optimistic.
http://news.tangatawhenua.com/archives/18687
Metiria Turei has also issued a very strong statement
http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/govt-must-honour-declaration-rights-indigenous-peoples/5/131288
One of the best qualities of The Greens for me is their commitment to tino rangatiratanga.
http://mars2earth.blogspot.co.nz/2012/08/united-nations-international-day-of.html
Nice one from John CLarke:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10825782
So in first public servants are under-performing workers in a bloated public sector so need to be gotten rid of, the next thing you know they’re highly skilled, knowledgeable people who can be sold to other countries for their expertise.
Exporting environmental standards would have to be some sort of joke surely!
And just who’s supposed to do their work while they’re off doing other peoples?
Remember that time before the election when the Prime Minister left a trade mission to the Middle-East at great cost because he was “personally devastated” at the loss of RNZAF personal in a helicopter crash:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10640901
Apparently he is not so devastated that two young men were shot dead in Afghanistan in the service of New Zealand. His son’s baseball is more important apparently:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/7448686/Key-to-miss-soldiers-funeral
How low can you go?
The main reason Key is going to the US is to meet with top tier banks and financial insitutions there. It is partly a sales trip and preparations for asset sales will be discussed.
That’s why he can’t cancel the trip to attend our soldiers’ funerals.
Still it is grotesque. I’m sick of the left in New Zealand being accused of being weak on defence and armed services issues. The right may wrap themselves in the flag but that doesn’t hide their indifference and cynicism. They are willing to send young men and woman into harms way but not willing to pay for it (National can whine about skyhawks all the want. Every major defence purchase has been made by labour since the sixties)
Oh I’m not making any excuses for him, quite the opposite: his talk about attending his son’s baseball game as the main reason for going is a ruse.
No troubles CV. I just cannot get over the cynicism when it comes to the live of young people in uniform.
Interesting, i would have thought that Slippery the Prime Minister would have fallen all over Himself to be seen attending the funeral of the Kiwi Soldiers killed in action,
Perhaps after all but accusing the Hungarian troops serving next to the Kiwi’s in Afghanistan of being cowards He has had a sudden case of ‘shyness’ at being close to military matters,
Perhaps i connect matters of seemingly totally differing nature far to easily but the 2 incidents of military matters simply draws me back to a 3rd one earlier in the piece,
I cannot for the life of me ‘see’ why it is that after cancelling the upgrade to the surrounds of the National War Memorial soon after coming into office in 2009 He is now dead keen for this now to go ahead, its as if our Slippery Prime Minister, one who cannot be said to have ever entertained a close relationship with the truth, is expecting the war memorial to have a far greater use in the future than the annual pilgrimages to the 2 world war ceremonies thus far,
Could our Prime Ministers wee trip back to ‘ the masters’ country be purely educational so as to appraise Him of what is expected of us in the next one…
“Grotesque” is the word I was looking for when I blogged on this issue here; http://fmacskasy.wordpress.com/2012/08/09/john-key-and-his-priorities/
By tomorrow morning, thast link will be with most of the country’s media.
Whatever our feelings on our involvement in Afghanistan, if the government is going to send our men and women into harms way in another country, the least that the PM of the day can do is attend their funerals.
Who knows, it may make our leaders more wary before deciding to kow-tow to Washington.