This is scary scary stuff.
And this is the reason why it is SO important for the media not to be under corporate control.
With lies about spies, a lot of rushing to judgement and now a false flag in Syria, we find ourselves at the brink of WW3 – thanks to a media that supports the interests of the military industrial complex – not us.
Donald Trump says ‘nothing is off the table’ for US response to alleged Syria chemical attack
Donald Trump has said he will soon make a decision, “probably by the end of today”, on how the US will respond to the latest alleged chemical attack by the Syrian government, adding that ”nothing is off the table” in terms of military action.
He condemned the reported poison gas attack in Douma, a rebel-held town in Syria, and said he was talking to military leaders and would decide who was responsible.
“I’d like to begin by condemning the heinous attack on innocent Syrians with banned chemical weapons,” the president said at a cabinet meeting. “This is about humanity and it can’t be allowed to happen. If it’s the Russians, if it’s Syria, if it’s Iran, if it’s all of them together, we’ll figure it out.”
So the head-chopping Jihadis of Al Nusra and ISIS are not even to be considered as suspects.
Ed
In his unbalanced and bigoted manner Ed asks us to consider, (and as is usual with Ed, without any evidence at all), that the rebels are gassing their own people to make the Assad regime look bad.
The “rebels” have a history of chopping the heads off of their”own people” exactly as Ed says and documenting it on video. So yes quite easy to believe that they have done this
It seems that the air strike on the Assad regime’s airbase was carried out by the Israeli Airforce, and not the Americans as the regime have claimed.
A simple error?
Or something else?
If indeed this strike on the regime airbase was carried out by the Israelis, similar to past Israeli airstrikes, it will only serve to fulfil Israel’s limited strategic interest, which is; the targeting of arms shipments, especially missiles, from the regime to regime ally Hezbollah.
Previously before the civil war, the Assad regime was a close ally of Israel just as the regime of El Sisi and before him Mubarak still are.
It is likely that some regime insiders still maintain covert links with Israel and help provide the Israeli airforce with the intelligence of these weapons movements to allow their precise targetting.
Just like previously, for similar limited and targeted Israeli airstrikes, there will be no response or reprisal raids carried out on the Israeli airforce assets by the regime to deter these attacks.
A fact that no doubt rankles with Hezbollah.
Which is possibly why the regime is pointing the finger at the US rather than the Israelis.
But what about the Americans?
Currently President Trump is making noises about the gassing of civilians, especially children in the Douma attack, similar to those he made after the Khan Shaykhun gas attack a year ago. Words that Trump followed up with a cruise missile attack on the Ash-Shayrat airbase.
However that attack may have had more to do with Trump trying to intimidate the Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, than any real concern for the Syrian people. At the time Trump was hosting the Chinese Premier at his Key Largo resort. Trump had ordered the air strike before he sat down for dinner with Xi, it was only during desert, when he Trump was in the act of offering Xi a piece of chocolate cake, that Trump reportedly casually remarked to Xi, “Oh by the way, I have just launched 59 cruise missiles into Syria.”
So even if Trump does make some sort of military strike on the regime in response to the chemical weapons massacre in Douma, it will be purely theatrical and not likely to intimidate the regime.
After Khan Shaykhun gassing, Trump hit a very small part of the Ash-Shayrat airbase and only after giving the Russian ally of Assad prior warning of the attack. Predictably it had little effect. Apart from killing 6 civilians in a community near the airbase no regime troops were hurt, and the airbase was up and running again within days.
The US nor anyone else is intent on aiding Syrians. It the US does strike the Regime, it will be another limited one off. It won’t save lives. It won’t the stop genocide, it is not intending to. The intention is to show that Trump is a hard man, and give a demonstration of US firepower for the benefit of the Russians.
“Russia says Israel was behind Syria airstrike; 14 reported dead”
Washington Post, April 9, 2018
Since 2012, Israel has struck inside Syria more than 100 times, mostly targeting suspected weapons’ convoys destined for the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which has been fighting alongside Syrian government forces.
Jenny your comment ” (and as is usual with Ed, without any evidence at all),”, is, dare I say, a blatant lie.
Ed often backs his reports with links.
Could you provide links from a credible source that shows the head-chopping Jihadis of Al Nusra and ISIS have been considered as suspects?
They’d be the prime suspects because like, you know, it was they who controlled the area. So there should be no dearth of publications questioning their involvement.
Wondering if there has been a lull in arms sales in the USA after the outcry re school shootings. War will boost their coffers.
Bolton…. Game of Thrones springs to mind, nasty bunch they were.
Agent orange aka Trump, his longtime personal lawyer has just had his office searched by the FBI re Stormy Daniels. All this war talk, makes for a media distraction from that circus.
And while people are pointing the finger in all directions as to the gas attack, more are dying. Money, power, and greed are killing humanity.
What is often overlooked in the kettling of over 1.5million Palestinians in Gaza by the Israelis, is that this only possible with the active support and involvement of the counter revolutionary dictatorship in Egypt.
“Blood Brothers”
“Our solidarity with the children of beloved Syria against an oppressive regime that has lost its legitimacy is a moral duty as much as a political and strategic necessity that stems from our belief in a coming future for the free proud Syria.
“And we must all offer our complete, undiminished support for the struggle for freedom and justice in Syria, and to translate our sympathy into a clear political vision that supports [a]… transition to a democratic government reflecting the desires of the Syrian people for freedom, justice and equality.”
No Arab state has much interest in the Palestinian Arabs now.
Sure they all stay on record supporting the cause, but after 70 years backing them and several very unsuccessful wars to seek to wipe israel off the map by joining their armies together, and no results for the Palestinians, the Arab countries are shifting their focus more and more away.
They are beginning to appreciate the idea that it is better to have Israel there, that not. They make the equation about the Palestinians from there.
‘God heard the embattled nations sing and shout
“Gott strafe England” and “God save the King!”
God this, God that, and God the other thing –
“Good God!” said God, “I’ve got my work cut out!”
Sir John Collings Squire.’
NB – not from RT so lots of commenters can view it without contaminating their principles!
Agreed, Ed. I was, perhaps over-, reacting to Jenny’s “In his unbalanced and bigoted manner Ed” comment – anything about the Middle East tends to polarise people!
The rational middle ground would be for all foreigners to pack up their armies, their pet dictators and their artificial puppet-states, get the fuck out of the Middle East and stay the fuck out for at least two generations until the people who actually live there have reached some sort of equilibrium again.
Syria is a sacrifice to great power and regional ambitions. If Assad gains an advantage, the US pumps up the support of it’s rag tag alliance and eases off the squeeze on ISIS. If ISIS shows signs of recovery, everyone pummels it again. Shia militias from Iran alongside Russians fight Shiite Militias from Iraq backed by the USA. The United States funds the Kurds, the Iraqis and the Turks even though those three groups are locked into a three way war. Israel wants to keep Syria in perpetual war, to keep it’s opponents weak. Israel tolerates Russian forces in Syria as a brake on Iranian help for Assad, while the Russians in turn seek to use the conflict to further their prestige and power in the region.
The only solution to the agony of Syria is to let Assad win. Half a million people have died so far in Syria. 20-25% of the population has fled the country. Another 25% are refugees in their own land. Someone needs to end it, no matter how brutal the vengeance of the post war regime it isn’t going to match the starvation of millions and deaths of hundreds of thousands this dragging on war has produced. Just give the vast majority of Syrians peace and order with an Assad victory. He is going to eventually win anyway.
With both candidates for the Green Party co-leadership expressing doubts about signing up to the Budget Responsibility Rules, do you think the Greens will now pressure Labour to loosen them?
Just seen Jacinda on the telly saying Labour will cut spending in other areas to cover the extra cost of repairing Middlemore, etc. Hence, it doesn’t sound like Labour is willing to loosen them.
Robertson told reporters “It’s always a balance … New Zealanders want us to strike that balance and I believe we’ve done that.”
You’re behind the eight ball, which is surprising for someone who follows politics and particularly the Greens like a blowfly. As far as I know the co-leader has been selected and as far as I know the Greens were always sceptical about BRR. Obviously, Labour is not going to give up the ‘balance the books’ mantra any time soon because TINA. What do you want to them, the Greens, to do, specifically? Grandstanding and arm-waving your concerns around don’t count for much; constructive criticism does IMHO.
Should be irrelevant anyway. DHB possibly knew about the relatively minor building maintenance issues, sounds like Coleman wasn’t informed. Possibly Labour were and decided to play politics with peoples health. DHB had been underspending budget anyway so why wouldn’t they just get it fixed – again perhaps playing politics. Looks like an excuse anyway – Govt should have kept some in the kitty for issues such as this instead of blowing it on wealthy students and PI Countries. Tweet from Patrick Smellie
“Is pedantic to question the narrative about under-investment at Middlemore when today’s DHB stats show the capital budget is significantly underspent? I.e., under-funding can’t be the issue if money for capital upgrades is going unspent.
— Pattrick Smellie (@pjsmellie) April 9, 2018
This will blow up in JA’s face, maybe she is being white – anted (again)??
And it’s far more than relatively minor building maintenance issues. Again on March 27, the DHB said it may be easier to demolish than fix its buildings.
Labour can’t have it both ways. Blame National for everything, then say their fiscal responsibility rules prevent them from really fixing it. Labour is the government, they have choices.
If there really is a gross crisis (which I don’t really believe, a lot of it is shroud waving) then they should fix it. Run a small deficit, borrow some more. After all they are not the National Party, no-one expects them to run as tight a ship as National.
Much of Labour’s problem is that their promises around the size of the public sector, plus their intent to substantially raise public sector salaries, especially for teachers and nurses, which will have flow on effects, makes everything else unaffordable. Increasing public sector wages by 5% or more will have virtually zero effect on actually increasing outputs. Then add in say a 5 to 10% increase in the total size of the public sector (another 25,000 people) then Labour’s promises around fiscal responsibility simply don’t work.
But Labour can’t raise taxes, that really was a cast iron promise to the electorate.
I know people here will use the example of increasing GST to 15% shows you can increase taxes without political difficulty, but that increase was fully offset by income tax reductions, across all the rates plus increases in working for families. There was no net change.
In contrast Labour would need a real increase in taxes to afford everything they promised. All of this is the reason why Steven Joyce referred to the $11 billion fiscal hole. Labour (Jacinda Ardern and Grant Robertson) are affirming the truth of it every time they speak about fiscal issues.
“All of this is the reason why Steven Joyce referred to the $11 billion fiscal hole”
He referred to it, because National were the architects of creating the hole and hiding within it necessary maintenance and investment in public services.
The murderer always knows where the body is buried.
But strangely enough, agree with you on the tax promise. But disagree on the solution.
I think they need to be upfront and say that taxes for those that have the ability to pay will have to be raised. For a start, that includes corporations, those juggling businesses, trusts and accounts to reduce taxable income, and those landbanking or holding residential houses empty in the middle of a housing crisis.
After all, how much is going to be enough for those comfortably off, before they will start addressing the cost of failing to keep investment going in our public services and social communities?
I’m guessing, there is never enough for many of those who are doing very well. So the government needs to provide that balance.
Yeah, pretty happy with the idea of a progressive company tax. Small family businesses struggle with 28% while big business has a culture of dodging tax entirely!
A well run business should generate it’s own profit, pay some tax on it, and keep cash reserves for emergencies, investment opportunities, working capital etc. Shareholders (ie the people, generally working in the business who get the profits) are required to pay tax, and often this is PAYE via a shareholder salary.
“We need to question why they’re not”
Aren’t they?
As we have seen, your knowledge of business is minimal, and comments regarding business generally ignorant (to be charitable) or just dishonest.
I guess the reason you spend so much time here is that you don’t have the clues to operate a business, or that no business will take you on.
Lift your game.
A well run business should generate it’s own profit, pay some tax on it, and keep cash reserves for emergencies, investment opportunities, working capital etc.
Nope. A well run business will generate an income. Some of that income will be spent maintaining and running the business which is all tax deductible.
What’s left after that is the profits which should go out to shareholders. The business won’t pay tax on those either as the shareholders will be paying at PAYE rates.
Or, perhaps, I should say should be. Unfortunately we have a corrupt system designed to minimise taxes paid by the rich while maximising taxes paid by the poor. But I’m not surprised to find you defending that corrupt system.
There is direction, and there is misdirection in management.
Creating a culture where there is never enough money to effectively provide services to your patients, and ensure a high-level of care, will ensure that money not immediately required will be held onto with tight fists. A false economy in the long run, but understandable.
The Ministry creates that culture, and reinforces it.
But of course with National – the buck stops… there.
However in this case, unless someone can point to evidence that CMDHB informed National of the issue (last year when in Government), then its what my leftie friends call dirty politics 🙂
The Auckland DHB chair was recently down in Wellington at a select committee hearing. Why did he not raise the issue then?
If the issues were known, do you not think for one second that when Labour was in opposition they would not have screamed blue murder?
Anette King would have jumped all over it.
Ardern has taken a gamble on this, caught with no spare change in her piggy bank.
Southern DHB showed all the others what happens when you inform National of inconvenient facts like funding being inadequate to keep people alive: you get replaced by people who will ship down frozen meals from auckland.
Between friendly DHB board members and the health sector unions (receiving complaints re – moldy buildings from its members), Labour would have been given the heads up so to attack National in parliament (when National was governing).
Would have been great ammo for Ardern in the debates during the election.
“because National were the architects of creating and hiding necessary maintenance and investment in public services.”
Molly, can you point to evidence of National “hiding maintenance and investment” If you can then that will be a big deal…heads will roll.
This current Government has spent all the spare $ on election promises does leave the cupboard bare. And as Joyce pointed out nothing for a rainy day or pay increases etc.
“Molly, can you point to evidence of National “hiding maintenance and investment” If you can then that will be a big deal…heads will roll. “
Chuck, given my lack of access to Government accounts, and the ability of National MP’s to prevaricate, I cannot provide you with the forensic accounts necessary to take to whatever court you seem to think this would apply. But thanks for the laugh, implying that the previous government was so invested in public services that all that was necessary to ensure their high performance was being done. (Can you provide evidence of that, Chuck? Apart from the political press releases I mean.)
However, the values culture of the National party and the legislative changes they made over the years, gives an indication of the level of underinvestment they give to public services and infrastructure. (Unless of course, there is a by-election in Northland.)
If you have followed the spending and cuts to funding over the last three terms, then you will have ample evidence of services being run down to the ground by culture as well as underinvesting. If not, get reading.
Also note: increase in budget does not necessarily mean investment in essentials. An increase that pays for consultants, and dismantling current good practices is not an “investment” – whether it is in health, ACC, or social welfare.
You don’t need forensic accountants…you can’t “hide maintenance and investment”.
“then you will have ample evidence of services being run down to the ground by culture as well as underinvesting”
Have a look at the DHB’s performance target measurements over the last 10 years. And then try to link “underinvesting” to the results that most DHB’s have been achieving in patient care.
‘They are five weeks before budget and should be neck-deep rolling out announcements by now, not making excuses.’
Or maybe they are softening the electorate up for a stretching of the fiscal cap…a sensible solution IMO,though one i note that has had some luke warm water applied….we shall see.
National couldn’t have it both ways but they sure as hell tried. Remember the tax cuts for the wealthy? They paid for it by cutting back on the public sector. Now, we are all paying the price.
If there really is a gross crisis… then they should fix it. Run a small deficit, borrow some more.
According to Shamubeel Eaqub (an economist who can think outside the square and not afraid to say so) now is the exact right time to borrow when international lending rates are apparently at an all time low. So, hopefully this government will have the nous to take advantage of it.
Increasing public sector wages by 5% or more will have virtually zero effect on actually increasing outputs.
Pay a worker well, and that worker will repay his/her employer double time by way of loyalty and hard work. It applies equally to public and private sectors.
people here will use the example of increasing GST to 15% shows you can increase taxes without political difficulty, but that increase was fully offset by income tax reductions, across all the rates plus increases in working for families.
The Nat govt. deductions favoured all those who earned above the average wage and next to nothing for those below it. The Lab govt. plans to do the opposite. Higher excise and fuel taxes will be offset by significant increases in the average hourly rate plus big income rises for families and beneficiaries (including pensioners). Fair? I think so.
… Steven Joyce referred to the $11 billion fiscal hole. Labour (Jacinda Ardern and Grant Robertson) are affirming the truth of it every time they speak about fiscal issues.
Oh, pull the other one. He told a whopping lie and thought he could get away with it. He didn’t.
Well said. Coleman is a liar a bully or incompetent.
Middlemore is a hufe part of the Health portfolio. It is not a shack in westport masquerading as a clinic.
Dunedin hospital promised for 9 years…
Christchurch hospital built of low numbers to keep costs down but the DHBs figures turn out to be correct. That hospital will open unable to supply sufficient beds for its community.
Imagine if this were a legacy of a 9 year Labour government Wayne. Would you have come here and defended them and blamed their underlings or would you just not have posted?
Middlemore is a substantial asset in the Health portfolio. Kind of like you not knowing the Waiuru camp was falling apart.
If it has merit (which I believe it does) there is nothing wrong with Labour blaming National’s shortcomings while highlighting their inability to fix it (without making cuts elsewhere) due to their self imposed fiscal constraint.
I agree it gives them scope (by providing a valid argument) to loosen their self imposed fiscal constraint.
I disagree with your assertion their intent to raise public sector salaries makes everything else unaffordable. While increasing salaries is a cost they will have to contend with, what’s pressuring the budget is the unexpected repair costs.
All Government spending fell as a share of GDP under National and Labour are having to come to terms with the fiscal impact of that.
With their self imposed fiscal constraint, it’s clear Labour can’t afford to address it all in one budget. As a result, it will be interesting to see who will miss out and have to wait. That will test their assertion they have the balance right.
Nationals party operative Gluon Espinner was very busy this morning on Radio New Zealand reading out swingeing texts from nationals toadys slagging off Jacinda Adern.
This is politicing pure and simple and espinner must go.
Hmmmm I see the tin-foil hat brigade are out in force again this morning.
Is this what LPrent had in mind when he created The Standard? That it would become a mouth-piece for Russian propaganda fostered by RT and Sputnik, and alt-right memes promulgated by 21st Century Wire*?
I shall not be replying to any responses to this comment as I have far more better things to do than engage in mindless argument about what is, and isn’t, fact wrt the continuing atrocities around the globe, in which the Kremlin obviously has a hand.
I have enjoyed reading and participating in the debate here on The Standard for a long time – longer than I care to remember – but over recent months there has been a growing element of commentating and moderating by one which show a clear bias to Russian influence, and now it as a stage where one is very hesitant to express any view whatsoever, wrt world events without fear of banishment.
*Patrick Henningsen, the founder, is a former editor of Infowars.
And yes Alex Jones has also taken up the conspiracy theory that the White Helmets are an “al-Qaida affiliated group funded by George Soros”. But this is the sort of nonsense that some commentators are prone to repeat here.
The White Helmets have never received funding from George Soros or any of his foundations.
Have to agree with your notion about a reluctance to comment on certain subjects.
Part of this reluctance is because of terms like ‘tin foil hat brigade’.
There is a tendency to ignore and belittle any opinion that either cites RT or doesn’t regurgitate The Guardian’s angle.
What is also common recently, is the attacking of the opinion writer rather than discussing (debating, arguing) the issues. Willy waving in other words.
We are also keen to throw a blanket over folk and all sorts of subtleties are willfully swept under the carpet. E.g. I get called a right winger for questioning the ‘official narrative’ around 9/11.
I would like to add in regards to moderation I have found it to be reasonable, tolerant and even handed,
I’ve been reading an Iliad-based book lately, and the intervention of divine and diabolical beings on the battlefield reminded me a bit of recent moderation – often sudden and terrible to behold, laying waste to both sides in great numbers… 🙂
And, of course, the flipside to the tinfoil hat allegation is the suggestion that the only alternatives available are to say nothing against Russia or to be eagerly provoking WW3.
I’ll do my best at doing a fair assessment of Henningsen’s work. I’ve seen a bit of his work over time and two of the major subject areas he covers are geo-politics and critiquing the media.
I’m not sure if I’ve seen him do racist rants, support the NRA or whatever else the worst of the right do. But you appear to have put him in the same category as the ‘raving right wing loons’ who can’t find a space in the same-stream mediaz.
Something I’ve found is that people appearing in alternate media are not always 100% wrong, and it’s worth being open minded when listening to them. Particularly someone like Henningsen who provides a very detailed picture of what’s going on around the world. His detailed picture makes more sense to me than what comes from the other side.
Nice comment. I don’t know Henningsen, and am not particularly following the Russia/US etc debates apart from as a moderator. More comments like yours, evenhanded and explanatory, would do much to improve the debate.
Thanks weka, although I probably changed tack because I thought I could win the argument that way 🙂 It certainly is difficult to leave your bias at the door though. Everyone’s got an opinion. I think this debate could be going on for some time…
Can you please be careful in how you frame comments about moderators and moderation? There are very good reasons why Lynn established that one can ask about moderation but when one starts challenging how the site is run or criticising moderators we tend to crack down on it. I’ve spent a fair amount of time explaining that this year and will go into it again if needed, but it’s important to understand that there are ways to raise these issues that are useful and ways that cause problems.
I tend to agree with gsays about the use of the term tinfoil hat. There is a lot of aggravation in these convos and reducing it to sides where one are framed as loonies just entrenches the aggro imo.
I do agree there are issues. One thing that has come up a few times now is whether we should have a dedicated thread for these discussions so they’re not taking up Open Mike (we did this during the US election). An issue there is what would the boundaries be for topics. US/Russia? Syria? Foreign wars? All international comments?
I’m in two minds about it, but am wondering if it is worth trialling. Probably not daily, but maybe a bi-weekly thread that gets bumped up each morning. Am weighing up the value vs the amount of work in that.
I don’t agree a separate thread is needed – improved commentary with less abuse would solve the problem. It is Open Mike and these are important current issues. Anybody should be able to post contentious, but polite, views. Impolite and abusive comments should result in a ban. No warning. Scan comments for inflammatory words like ‘tinfoil hat’ and implement automatic bans. Your moderation is accompanied by polite reason Weka, make that the norm for all moderation.
Please do find a way to quarantine the incessant focus by a handful of commenters on a couple of narrow topics that are peripheral to the kaupapa of this site.
I encourage those folk to go set up their own site if that is all they want to talk about. Or maybe they can start and moderate their own whole posts here dedicated to those topics.
Still requesting that others be reprimanded or worse…can you understand that taking a dive the way you repeatedly do…is no way to carry on…you get that , right…
How is the setup of your own blog site coming along by the way…
At a press conference about Syria tRump’s had a glorious melt down, on camera. He’s all folded arms and tucked chin, squealing about break ins, blaming Sessions, crying witch hunt, ranting about Hillary, repeating himself, etc, etc.
The Republican National Committee’s finance chair Steve Wynn was forced out over #MeToo allegations.
RNC sure has shady AF characters looking after the books.
Michael Cohen, National Deputy Finance Chair of the @GOP, has disappeared in the last five minutes from their website. pic.twitter.com/yuvGpM1tX7— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) April 9, 2018
For 9 years National claimed that it built Blenheim’s new hospital which was opened a little while after they came to power in 2008.
It was designed , substantially built, and paid for under the Clark Government.
National are, and always have been dirty lying fuckers.
As a small hospital the Wairau Hospital in Blenheim is brilliant. Efficient. Friendly. Easy to navigate. Friendly staff. Great work the Clark Government.
(Wasn’t it the Waterview tunnel being claimed by Bridges yesterday, actually another project designed by Labour?)
Close the bloody gate on all of them, this Govt has too much to do to repair the half million the Gnats let in.
I’m over the lazy attitude of this So called coalition, it’s a joke, let’s hope the baby hormones disappear asap. And she can make a Nuclear free decision, or whatever she said.
I’m voting green come 2020. Yes it may be a wasted vote, but I have lost faith in both major parties.
[TheStandard: A moderator moved this comment to Open Mike as being off topic or irrelevant in the post it was made in. Be more careful in future.]
I don’t think it will be a wasted vote Bob-the Greens have a solid 7-8% because no other party matches them on clear visionary environmental and social justice thinking.
The meme being put forward by people like Hooton-that they are bound to fall below 5% because of their association with the coalition-is complete self-serving bollocks.
As you note, the 2017 general election percentage was 6.3% and then it rose in the first poll (Roy Morgan) after the election back up to 11% in the period 2 – 10 Oct 2017 before the coalition negotiations had been completed.
Since the coalition government was established, however, the GP vote percentages has steadily declined in the four subsequent polls taken – 10%, 7%, 6% and then 5% in the last poll, the One News Colmar Brunton Poll in the first half of Feb 2018.
So while the average of the election result plus the five polls taken to date averages out at 7.5%, the downward trend is not looking good, but we don’t know what the non-public polls are showing.
But the Green “brand”, to use that horrible word, is very strong and clear.
The 6.3% election result was majorly influenced by all the ordure flying around after the MT affair, and Bill English and Jacinda’s attempts to paint the election as a 2 horse race. Labour did the Greens no favours in the campaign.
I know people who tactically voted Green and people who realised this was a good idea but ended up tribally voting Labour.
The key point here is that as things stand Labour is unlikely to be ever able to form a government without the Greens. A new Left-wing party might change that equation.
Penny doesn’t see how much peril she is she is just as stuck in her Dogmatic windmill tilting as you James.
Her house is worth more than $1.5million.
So she will have plenty of cash.
But James I thought it would be right up your street to pay no tax
Penny seems he’ll bent on cutting off her nose to spite her face.
The self sabotage is not a mentally healthy thing.
Journalist Marie Colvin’s family allege the Syrian government hunted her down, murdered her and cried false flag.
The Colvin family filed the video and nearly 2,000 pages of documents, including military intelligence memoranda and testimony from Syrian defectors, as part of a federal civil lawsuit against the Syrian government. The documents provide detailed and unprecedented evidence to support the claim that Colvin was deliberately hunted and killed as part of a policy by the Assad regime to eliminate journalists. They also offer an insider account of the death of French journalist Gilles Jacquier, who, according to one regime defector, was assassinated in a government attack staged to look like a rebel assault while Jacquier was reporting in Syria under official approvals. The Syrian government declined to comment on the allegations, according to a spokesperson for the Syrian Mission to the United Nations.
Marie Colvin was many journalists' hero. She risked her life countless times, over decades, to expose war crimes and abuses of power by forces of every political stripe, from Sri Lanka to Gaza to Iraq to Syria, where she was killed. /1 https://t.co/MvkDL1L91q— Anne Barnard (@ABarnardNYT) April 9, 2018
Syria’s citizen journalists: ‘We expect to be killed’
23 Feb 2012
Rami al-Sayed dies documenting the genocide committed by the regime in Homs, the city called the “Capital of the Revolution”
The 26-year-old, one of Syria‘s many citizen journalists, was killed on Tuesday in Baba Amr, a suburb of Homs. It is believed he died from shrapnel wounds when the building he was in was shelled. His last report spoke of airstrikes on Babr Amr.
He said: “We woke up in the morning to the sound of indiscriminate bombs, mortars, rockets and aerial bombardment. This was especially in heavily-populated areas.
It is the documenting of this genocide and other crimes against humanity committed by the Assad regime, that regime apologists try to deny and want silenced.
Every single one of them has refused to answer this question
Penny doesn’t see how much peril she is in, she is just as stuck in her Dogmatic windmill tilting as you James.
Her house is worth more than $1.5million.
So she will have plenty of cash.
But James I thought it would be right up your street to pay no tax
Penny seems he’ll bent on cutting off her nose to spite her face.
The self sabotage is not a mentally healthy thing.
I have only come into this in the last ten minutes, but this is currently on Nine to Noon on RNZ National – and is an excellent discussion, well worth listening to.
“10.05 (to 10.35) The leadership of change: Mary Robinson and Jacinda Ardern
Former President of Ireland and human rights campaigner Mary Robinson in conversation with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Kathryn Ryan.
[Photo – Former President of Ireland and human rights campaigner Mary Robinson in conversation with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Kathryn Ryan Photo: Ray Tiddy]
The former President of Ireland, and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern discuss working for change at local, national and international levels. Some changes come easily and quickly, and an act of Parliament can formalise a major shift in people’s thinking. Other changes can be glacially slow, for instance achieving peace in Northen Ireland or reaching a global solution on climate change. The conversation was facilitated by Kathryn Ryan at the Aspiring Conversations event in Wanaka.”
I will post the recording as soon as it is up on the RNZ website.
Here is the recording for the above discussion – I highly recommend it as one of the best, most open insights into Ardern’s values and thinking I have heard.
Robinson was also excellent, as was Ryan (and I am not a great Ryan fan usually).
I would rate this as one of the best discussions I have heard on Nine to Noon – alongside some of the best lectures/discussions usually reserved for Sunday’s 4pm slot, The Sunday Feature – a lost slot probably with little patronage, which has some excellent ” documentaries, discussions and lectures of note from New Zealand and beyond.”
Very good article in the ODT on freshwater issues particularly in Otago but some damning statistics on Nationals environmental destruction, over intensification, degradation, farmers using archaic sluicing rights to irrigate.
Let’s hear what labour are going to do- in same publication David Parker says fresh water is number 1 priority as environment minister- let’s see some action! https://www.odt.co.nz/lifestyle/magazine/stream-conscience
Well wonders will never cease. Hoskings has just crashed his Alpha Romeo at Hampton Downs Raceway – the car isn’t insured – way to go Mike – the article says he has crashed into his garage a few times – what the hell – the man shouldn’t get a licence for a wheel barrow.
Boy will there be some comments on this – the guy is just a bloody twit of the first order.
According to a quote I saw on Twitter, Hosking said previously car crashes are not caused by idiot roads, or idiot rules, or something similar, but they are due to idiot drivers.
Mike Hosking: Road crashes aren’t speed-related or tourist-related. It’s idiot-related
…
but it’s idiots and speed that’s the combination, not speed by itself. Any experienced, professional operator behind the wheel will tell you speed in isolation is not an issue.
…
Since joining Hampton Downs and taking my car round a track at 220km/h I have not crashed, will not crash, and have concluded I am vastly less likely to be in trouble on a track than I am on a road. Why? Because there are no idiots. There is respect and concentration and rules are adhered to, and – oh the irony – ever safer cars.
Yes the moralising hypocrite deserves all the shit he gets.
As far as everybody thinking everybody else is the problem, there is only a small subset of truly dangerous drivers most full license holders are not those causing fatal high speed crashes.
There are many inconsiderate drivers however – slow and not pulling left or the converse, fast and pushy and a lot of frustration because of it.
Removing driver frustration would be money better spent than the failing strategy of speed targets – more passing lanes less trucks better control of foreign drivers.
Personally I’d push for the death penalty for anyone texting of speaking on their phone while driving and don’t get me started on woman putting their makeup on while driving to work in the morning….
Just checking – since its a subjective insult (ie you believe that they are a noisome cunt) – are you OK with people using it for Grant Robertson or Jacinda?
Anyone involved in tracking cars faces this risk- its all part of the package.
Its popular with a ton of people – go any weekend and you will see people there. Not all in expensive sports cars – plenty of track days open to all sorts.
A lot smarter than driving like an idiot on the road.
I find car racing incredibly dull. But I know lots of others who love it and as you say have cars that they race. They can’t get crash insurance just fire and theft due to the type of car and how it’s modified. They accept that and the risk.
I am not a fan of Hosking but I agree with your above comment re making fun of his misfortune. His crashing into the garage wouldn’t be news if he was t in the public eye.
Do cars have to be scrutineered like drag cars prior to racing, unless one has a special certificate?
Awesome that people have a track up there that the public can use, car racing is super boring to watch, but a hell of a lot of fun when you’re behind the wheel.
Thanks James, for explaining, appreciate that. I know with the drags it is highly recommended to have a secondary braking system.
Brakes failing, change gears. No gears, I would have yanked on the handbrake if I was the only one on the track, possibly resulting in a mean as donut at the least, lololololz 🙂
Sweet, I haven’t been up that way in years. Mental note….. if driving to Auckland have some fun in the car on the track; that would be epic.
Gravel run off, good safety feature.
James, the drags here in Motueka are at the local airport on one of the runways, it’s a real hard case, skydivers falling back to earth in the background. Worth a visit if you enjoy drags, just for the small town novelty factor 🙂
Shit yeah, all those skills Hosking has developed so long as there are no corners or braking involved.
What a toolbag.
Don’t get me wrong , I love him, he’s so representative. Also when I picture him, it’s his election night face.
Thank you.
‘Normal brake pads’, have a little metal nipple which starts grinding / squealing when your brakes are getting low …. it’s a warning feature. …. and plain to hear if this was happening…. and the car still has brakes / braking at this point
So Hosking is saying a catastrophic failure …. which in non maintained vehicles usually means a blown brake hose …. followed by more rare O ring failures.
I suspect Hoskings mouth was simply to fast for his ability … or brakes
They do, but on the Track you can get insurance for your cars and your bikes. I volunteered enough as a marshall (usually for bikes) and you can get insurance.
Track day insurance they call it. And while the type of car he drives is a super car and a fast one, i would not call it a ‘race car. Its a car someone with too much money and a profound lack of life.
Mind the insurance might be a bit costly, and who knows maybe he was our of pin money?
They should profile all the Asian & Russian money launderers, who were allowed to enter this country because of their wealth, them bring in the whole tribe (whanau) who have never paid tax in NZ & get free medical care and the rest.
Bad move which she is doing nothing about for fear of being called a racist.
Coming from a 3rd world country to a soft touch like NZ is, the Asians and the Indians know how to manipulate the system in NZ.
TOUGHEN UP LABOUR. !!!!
[TheStandard: A moderator moved this comment to Open Mike as being off topic or irrelevant in the post it was made in. Be more careful in future.]
Tori Sullivan: Taxman’s robots to hunt out cash jobs
Taxpayers beware! The roll-out of Inland Revenue’s new $1.9 billion transformation project will significantly increase the risk of detecting cash jobs, under-reporting income or over-claiming deductions.
But it could also see significantly increase compliance costs for small and medium-sized businesses, which comprise a large chunk of New Zealand’s economy.
OMG, people may actually have to pay the taxes that they owe. OMG, THE Humanity.
Or something like that. Imagine NZ business managers and owners actually having to become good enough just to obey the law.
And if businesses find that their record keeping costs goes up that actually means that there weren’t doing it right in the first place.
Second, innocent taxpayers will often lack the records to explain any departure from what IR says is the industry norm.
If they don’t have the records then they’re not innocent as they’re breaking the law.
And in tax disputes, the taxpayer must disprove an IR allegation. That means increased record-keeping is required, creating an increased compliance cost for all businesses if they are to prove their innocence.
Keeping accurate records is a requirement of law. If they don’t have accurate records then they’re breaking the law.
But hey, it appears this prick thinks that breaking the law is AOK if you’re a business.
Is it possible that Mike Hosking was not able to get insurance on his fancy car from any Insurance company ‘cos No company thought that his driving skills were up to the standard that they require for driving at speed on a track?
No evidence, just saying.
No Insurance on expensive car ,maybe the insurance industry thinks that the owner is not a good risk driving at speed on a race track.
No evidence, just saying.
Now that the former Minister of Health (blunderer-plunderer Coleman) has buggered off to the private healthcare sector, who in the National party will take responsibility for the Middlemore hospital debacle?
So much wrecked during National’s eyes wide shut ‘management’ of health, education, the environment, housing etc.
Aimless Adams is off-target with her ‘crying wolf’ comment.
Ms Adams said rather than crying wolf the government should be thanking National for inheriting such a strong economy.
Prime News it gives me a smile that the Auckland council has closed 75 % of the walking tracks that are affected by the Kauri die back virus.
It will be great music from fleetwood mac and Neil Finn I enjoy the music from both.
Ka kite ano P.S tawhiti has been going hard today
Newshub I wonder if this weather is going to convince the money men that man made Global warming is a reality .
There you go a young brown man wins a gold medal ka pai David Liti for your great effort and winning your gold medal.
The Wahine disaster was a sad occasion 53 people died what a waste of lives I have had a bit of fun when I ended up in the drink lucky it was a fine day it was my crew-mate fault he let something go and there you go I’m in the drink I spat my false teeth out swearing at him strait to the bottom of the sea the teeth went LOL .
I believe what Mark Zuckerberg is saying Face Book does a lot of good for the community most TV company’s that have live streaming TV on the Internet use Facebooks soft ware to complete that feat thats a fact and many more use there platform for live streaming.I say that because of this fact the powers that be are trying to undermine Facebooks credibility can not have live stream videos getting out to the Papatuanuku world with the money men editing it KNOW. Ana to kai Ka kite ano P.S its good the neighbour has stop stuffing with sky i can watch The Crowd Goes Wild on Prime TV
Mulls about time I seen you on The Crowd Goes Wild on Prime TV e hoa.
We have had a good nite and day of sports OUR Wahine have been stepping up to the mark Mana Wahine.
Thats a good name for Blake Green from the Warriors balaka I say use Kakariki ka pai .
Thats the way Mulls tell it like it is lets just enjoy the success of The Warriors and cut out all the bull—–.
Ka kite ano . P,S good show to-nite James I can remember
when Danny Morrison first started his international Cricket career now he looks like me long in the tooth
Good morning Newshub Tawhiti Mataaho Whaitiri were mahi last nite in Auckland . Good on OUR Queen for letting her English humor shine Ka pai.
I would have preferred the Auckland Council to close off all the walking tracks around OUR precious ancient Kauri till they find a cure to that Kauri die back virus.
Amanda I have changed many CV joints on vehicles I taught my self before the internet I would go and ask a mechanic what was wrong and how to fix it.
Now one has youtube well its all on there how to fix most things I like working on Nissan’s and Toyota’s as they are built with the mechanic in mind easy to work on. Dancan that’s one way to tow a car not for me thought .
Kia Kaha sports stars Ka kite ano P.S Gut cancer is a major problem we have about a kilo of waste sitting in our boules one time I used a jack hammer for to days going hard I lost about a kilo of waste it got vibrated out it was disgusting lucky I figured out the cause .
Here a link to the video on my Pa having the Carving unvailed
Watch “Ngāti Porou hapūb celebrate completion of carving restorations” on YouTube https://youtu.be/mxg1bEJ5VEA
Kia kaha Ka kite ano
The Cafe yes its a pheromone you should avoid favoritism of children I observed it while I was growing up and still do now .
I have one but I make sure to override it and sheer my attention with the others as they will let me know when they grow up also its bad for the children’s wairua that miss out on your attention . I have been on both sides of that pheromone enough said . Ka kite ano
Newshub there need to be more archaeology going on in New Zealand theres a lot of our history being covered over with roads ECT.
trump will start a war and people will be killed just to hold on to his job what a idiot .
Good on OUR Queen for acknowledging man made Climate Change publicly
and her common wealth forest she is getting planted the trees are OUR lungs and they can live for hundreds of years it sad that our Kauri is suffering a virus at the minute . Kia kaha Katrina Grant captain of the Silver Ferns Netball team Mana Wahine. Ka kite ano P.S someone has stuffed with my computa idiots . Ha I know when the ECO MAORI effect has happened they start advertising because te Kumara never tells how sweet it is Ana to kai
The Crowd Goes Wild James we have simler taste in sports teams .
Yep Jenny May is cool One sports person tryed to bait me it bit him on the ass he ended up in the principals office she the new CEO of that organisation I have alread thanked the powers that be for her appointment . Funny WAI Josh was a machine in his day hope his head does not get to big for you guys . Ka kite ano P.S O your are a hard case Mulls with the reff comment
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The Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
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. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
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. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
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 ...
Council members voted 21 to 4 in favour of Ahluwalia returning to the Laucala campus following a much-awaited meeting in Vanuatu this week. It comes as USP and its two unions — the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff (AUSPS) and the Administration and Support Staff Union ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicola Henry, Professor & Australian Research Council Future Fellow, Social and Global Studies Centre, RMIT University Shutterstock Following an emergency meeting of the National Cabinet this week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a raft of measures to tackle the problem ...
Analysis - A poll showing the opposition is more popular than the government raises questions, politicians go through their 'trial by pay rise' and a Green MP loses her cool in the debating chamber. ...
The entire stretch of Tokomaru Bay on the East Coast will be subject to a joint customary marine title for two hapū, and extending up to four miles out to sea. A High Court judge has found the two groups, who during the case settled a dispute over boundaries for ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Hall, Lecturer, Media & Cultural Studies, Edith Cowan University A longstanding feud between TikTok and Universal Music Group seems to have finally reached an end, with both parties signing a deal that will see Universal-backed music returned to the social media ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Siobhan O’Dean, Postdoctoral Research Associate, The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney After several highly publicised alleged murders of women in Australia, the Albanese government this week pledged more than A$925 million over five years ...
Political parties have now fully disclosed the donations they received last year - with National getting more than double the cash of any other party. ...
A Pacific regionalism expert has called out New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters for withholding information from the public on AUKUS military pact. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard de Grijs, Professor of Astrophysics, Macquarie University Bruno Scramgnon/Pexels All systems are “go” for tonight’s launch of China’s next step in a carefully planned lunar exploration program. Placed on top of a powerful Long March 5 rocket, the Chang’e 6 ...
National returned a massive donation the day after a Newsroom story linked the donors to a property being investigated for operating unlawfully as a migrant workers’ hostel. The party’s 2023 donation filings, released on Friday, show it returned a $200,000 donation from Buen Holdings on August 23. That was the ...
Pacific Media Watch New Zealand has slumped to an unprecedented 19th place in the annual Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index survey released today on World Press Freedom Day — May 3. This was a drop of six places from 13th last year when it slipped out of its ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Black, Political Historian and Administrator Officer, Australian Historical Association, Australian National University Australia has had its fair share of public record-keeping controversies in recent years. Some have been mere farce, as in the case of two formerly government-owned filing cabinets (containing ...
Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a United Nations-affiliated organization dedicated to fostering peace through civilian-led initiatives, has issued a statement in response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. ...
A poem by Tessa Keenan, from AUP New Poets 10. Mātou These days we are a photograph; one of a farm strewn with cows that used to be bright harakeke or swamp. The kids point at it and say the sun sits behind a smudge (left by someone at Christmas); ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (Faber & Faber, $25)The masterful Irish writer ...
Marriage and civil union statistics record the number of marriages and civil unions registered in New Zealand each year, and divorce statistics record the number of divorces granted in New Zealand each year. Key facts Marriages and civil unions In ...
Marriage and civil union statistics record the number of marriages and civil unions registered in New Zealand each year, and divorce statistics record the number of divorces granted in New Zealand each year. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lennon Y.C. Chang, Associate Professor of Cyber Risk and Policy, Deakin University Taiwan stands out as a beacon of democracy, innovation and resilience in an increasingly autocratic region. But this is under growing threat. In recent years, China has used a variety ...
In this excerpt from her new memoir, Dame Susan Devoy remembers her turn as star contestant on the 2022 season of Celebrity Treasure Island. The most anxious time of every day was pre-elimination, when you knew this could be your final day on the show. I felt such contradictory emotions, ...
A week that began in triumph ended in an all-too-familiar disaster for the Green Party. Duncan Greive asks if there’s something in the mission that breaks its best and brightest. A long, strange week for the Green party began with a fantastic poll result. On one level this is hardly ...
By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist Vanuatu’s former prime minister and opposition MP Ishmael Kalsakau has stepped down — just two days after he confirmed he was the rightful opposition leader. Kalsakau, MP for Port Vila, confirmed to ABC’s Pacific Beat, and the Vanuatu Daily Post on Thursday that he ...
What’s to blame for the coalition’s choppy start? Six months in, and the mojo meter is in the doldrums. A new poll would put National out of power and sees its leader, Chris Luxon, sliding in popularity. How much is it about policy, how much coalition management and a perception ...
The striking report goes far beyond the proposed repeal of the Oranga Tamariki Act’s Treaty of Waitangi provision, and its impact should be felt far beyond the unique circumstances of the claim it addresses. Earlier this week, the Waitangi Tribunal released an interim report on the government’s proposed repeal of ...
The world has been experiencing a productivity slowdown, from which New Zealand has not been exempt. COVID-19 temporarily boosted labour productivity, but more recently, productivity has retreated. The overall trend since 2007 has been one of slow productivity ...
What’s more wasteful than spending $315k on syrup and machine maintenance? Trying to drum up a controversy about it.Cast your mind back to the pre-pandemic idylls of 2019. A “rat” was a disgusting rodent and not a self-administered plague test; the sixth Labour government was in power; and the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Professor of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Monash University, Monash University Ken stocker/Shutterstock In the wake of numerous killings of women allegedly by men’s violence in 2024, thousands of Australians have joined rallies across the country to demand action ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Henry Cutler, Professor and Director, Macquarie University Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University Oleg Ivanov IL/Shutterstock Waiting times for public hospital elective surgery have been in the news ahead of this year’s federal budget. That’s the type of non-emergency surgery ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellow, Historical and Philosophical Studies, The University of Melbourne Amna Artist/Shutterstock One of the earliest descriptions of someone with cancer comes from the fourth century BC. Satyrus, tyrant of the city of Heracleia on the Black Sea, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Rose, Professor of Sustainable Future Transport, University of Sydney LanaElcova/Shutterstock Electric vehicles are often seen as the panacea to cutting emissions – and air pollution – from transport. Is this view correct? Yes – but only once uptake accelerates. Despite the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Giselle Natassia Woodley, Researcher and Phd Candidate, Edith Cowan University There is widespread agreement Australia needs to do better when it comes to gender-based violence. Anger and frustration at the numbers of women being killed saw national rallies over the weekend and ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Graham, Lecturer in Economics, University of Sydney Mark and Anna Photography/Shutterstock As home ownership moves further out of reach for many Australians, “rentvesting” is being touted as a lifesaver. Rentvesting is the practice of renting one property to live ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sukhmani Khorana, Associate Professor, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, UNSW Sydney Netflix The new season of Heartbreak High is garnering mixed reviews. Critics are writing about the racy story lines, comparing it to other coming-of-age series about teenage relationships and ...
Bob Carr intends to launch legal action against Winston Peters and Julie Anne Genter is facing a second allegation of bullying. Both sucked the air out of an announcement on education, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in ...
In 1995, Sally Clark went out on her own in a bold and unorthodox attempt to join an illustrious group of equestrian riders conquering the world. In the days of glovebox road maps, brick cell phones, and the hit song How Bizarre, Clark refused to follow Sir Mark Todd, Blyth ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Beaglehole, Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago niphon/Getty Images The number of people accessing medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Aotearoa New Zealand increased significantly between 2006 and 2022. But the disorder is still under-diagnosed and ...
To celebrate the start of New Zealand music month, we look back at the best local tuneage that managed to weasel its way into Hollywood productions. There’s nothing quite like the thrilling zap of recognition when New Zealand weasels its way into a glamorous Hollywood production. Crack open a Tui ...
People trust other people more than institutions. So how can the media gain that trust through journalists without losing what’s important about the institution? Anna Rawhiti-Connell reflects on two years of curating the news for The Bulletin.Amonth ago, armed cops descended on my neighbourhood as calls to “lock your ...
Opinion: PFAS – per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – are a class of thousands of man-made chemicals used widely in everyday consumer items such as textiles, packaging, and cookware, popular for their water, grease and stain-repellent properties. However, the very properties that make PFAS so attractive to manufacturers are also what ...
NONFICTION 1 The Last Secret Agent by Pippa Latour & Jude Dobson (Allen & Unwin, $37.99)’ This is the hottest book in New Zealand, number one with a bullet in its first week, selling more than any overseas title, and demand is so huge that it’s already been reprinted. A ...
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A warning – suicide is discussed in this podcast New Zealand’s own long-running soap Shortland Street doesn’t hesitate to kill off its much-loved characters. But would TVNZ dare to kill off our favourite soap? That’s the fear as times get tough in television – even though it’s been pointed out ...
Essay: If the Crown harms children, how do you hold it accountable? Analysis by Aaron Smale in light of the Waitangi Tribunal court decision. The post The Crown versus Māori Children appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Asia Pacific Report A West Papuan resistance leader has condemned the United Nations role in allowing Indonesia to “integrate” the Melanesian Pacific region in what is claimed to be an “egregious act of inhumanity” on 1 May 1963. In an open letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Organisasi Papua Merdeka-OPM ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra A key part of the Albanese government’s political strategy is to fill the news cycle with its presence and messaging. Ministers are deployed to the maximum, even when they’ve little to say. This week ...
Recent extreme weather events showed the importance of a well-functioning insurance system, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs minister Andrew Bayly. ...
By Jo Moir, RNZ News political editor, and Craig McCulloch, deputy political editor New Zealand’s Labour Party is demanding Winston Peters be stood down as Foreign Minister for opening up the government to legal action over his “totally unacceptable” attack on a prominent AUKUS critic. In an interview on RNZ’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christian Brakenridge, Postdoctoral research fellow at Swinburne University, Centre for Urban Transitions, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute The Conversation, Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock People have a pretty intuitive sense of what is healthy – standing is better than sitting, exercise is great for overall ...
The Wellington-based Reserve Force soldier is now almost three years into his New Zealand Army career with 5th/7th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. ...
This is scary scary stuff.
And this is the reason why it is SO important for the media not to be under corporate control.
With lies about spies, a lot of rushing to judgement and now a false flag in Syria, we find ourselves at the brink of WW3 – thanks to a media that supports the interests of the military industrial complex – not us.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/donald-trump-syria-chemical-weapons-attack-latest-assad-regime-douma-a8296581.html
So the head-chopping Jihadis of Al Nusra and ISIS are not even to be considered as suspects.
Just Syria, Russia and Iran.
A kangaroo court.
Instigated by two madmen.
Trump and Bolton.
And with a media gunning for war.
What could possibly go wrong?
In his unbalanced and bigoted manner Ed asks us to consider, (and as is usual with Ed, without any evidence at all), that the rebels are gassing their own people to make the Assad regime look bad.
The “rebels” have a history of chopping the heads off of their”own people” exactly as Ed says and documenting it on video. So yes quite easy to believe that they have done this
It seems that the air strike on the Assad regime’s airbase was carried out by the Israeli Airforce, and not the Americans as the regime have claimed.
A simple error?
Or something else?
If indeed this strike on the regime airbase was carried out by the Israelis, similar to past Israeli airstrikes, it will only serve to fulfil Israel’s limited strategic interest, which is; the targeting of arms shipments, especially missiles, from the regime to regime ally Hezbollah.
Previously before the civil war, the Assad regime was a close ally of Israel just as the regime of El Sisi and before him Mubarak still are.
It is likely that some regime insiders still maintain covert links with Israel and help provide the Israeli airforce with the intelligence of these weapons movements to allow their precise targetting.
Just like previously, for similar limited and targeted Israeli airstrikes, there will be no response or reprisal raids carried out on the Israeli airforce assets by the regime to deter these attacks.
A fact that no doubt rankles with Hezbollah.
Which is possibly why the regime is pointing the finger at the US rather than the Israelis.
But what about the Americans?
Currently President Trump is making noises about the gassing of civilians, especially children in the Douma attack, similar to those he made after the Khan Shaykhun gas attack a year ago. Words that Trump followed up with a cruise missile attack on the Ash-Shayrat airbase.
However that attack may have had more to do with Trump trying to intimidate the Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, than any real concern for the Syrian people. At the time Trump was hosting the Chinese Premier at his Key Largo resort. Trump had ordered the air strike before he sat down for dinner with Xi, it was only during desert, when he Trump was in the act of offering Xi a piece of chocolate cake, that Trump reportedly casually remarked to Xi, “Oh by the way, I have just launched 59 cruise missiles into Syria.”
So even if Trump does make some sort of military strike on the regime in response to the chemical weapons massacre in Douma, it will be purely theatrical and not likely to intimidate the regime.
After Khan Shaykhun gassing, Trump hit a very small part of the Ash-Shayrat airbase and only after giving the Russian ally of Assad prior warning of the attack. Predictably it had little effect. Apart from killing 6 civilians in a community near the airbase no regime troops were hurt, and the airbase was up and running again within days.
The US nor anyone else is intent on aiding Syrians. It the US does strike the Regime, it will be another limited one off. It won’t save lives. It won’t the stop genocide, it is not intending to. The intention is to show that Trump is a hard man, and give a demonstration of US firepower for the benefit of the Russians.
“Russia says Israel was behind Syria airstrike; 14 reported dead”
Washington Post, April 9, 2018
Israel bombs Syria,
Syria bombs Syria,
America bombs Syria,
Russia bombs Syria,
Turkey bombs Syria.
None of those doing the bombing can tolerate a free Syria.
Or indeed a free Middle East.
None of those doing the bombing can tolerate a free Syria.
Or indeed a free Middle East.
US armed mercenary “rebels”, some from far flung parts of the world have little to do with Syrian civilians however.
Jenny your comment ” (and as is usual with Ed, without any evidence at all),”, is, dare I say, a blatant lie.
Ed often backs his reports with links.
Could you provide links from a credible source that shows the head-chopping Jihadis of Al Nusra and ISIS have been considered as suspects?
They’d be the prime suspects because like, you know, it was they who controlled the area. So there should be no dearth of publications questioning their involvement.
Yid think
Wondering if there has been a lull in arms sales in the USA after the outcry re school shootings. War will boost their coffers.
Bolton…. Game of Thrones springs to mind, nasty bunch they were.
Agent orange aka Trump, his longtime personal lawyer has just had his office searched by the FBI re Stormy Daniels. All this war talk, makes for a media distraction from that circus.
And while people are pointing the finger in all directions as to the gas attack, more are dying. Money, power, and greed are killing humanity.
What is often overlooked in the kettling of over 1.5million Palestinians in Gaza by the Israelis, is that this only possible with the active support and involvement of the counter revolutionary dictatorship in Egypt.
“Blood Brothers”
https://www.timesofisrael.com/army-blows-up-houses-egyptians-evacuate-near-gaza/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/egypt/11196738/Thousands-forced-from-homes-as-Egypt-clears-Gaza-border-area-after-bombing.html
https://hummusforthought.com/2016/10/12/on-the-allies-were-not-proud-of-a-palestinian-response-to-troubling-discourse-on-syria/
No Arab state has much interest in the Palestinian Arabs now.
Sure they all stay on record supporting the cause, but after 70 years backing them and several very unsuccessful wars to seek to wipe israel off the map by joining their armies together, and no results for the Palestinians, the Arab countries are shifting their focus more and more away.
They are beginning to appreciate the idea that it is better to have Israel there, that not. They make the equation about the Palestinians from there.
Wow! Ed on one side and Jenny on the other?
Is there a middle? Can people be rational about Syria and Gaza and . . . the Skripal case?
A Labour MP urging caution and an evidence based foreign policy:
https://www.thecanary.co/trending/2018/04/09/a-labour-mps-blistering-video-sums-up-the-conservative-hot-heads-running-the-skripal-affair/
‘God heard the embattled nations sing and shout
“Gott strafe England” and “God save the King!”
God this, God that, and God the other thing –
“Good God!” said God, “I’ve got my work cut out!”
Sir John Collings Squire.’
NB – not from RT so lots of commenters can view it without contaminating their principles!
The middle ground would look like a nasty Skripal-Syria-Palestine-Yemen-Ukraine-Putin-Trump soup.
For which there will be plenty of tasters, and not a lot of nutrition.
What did I type that was not reasoned?
Like the Labour MP you quote, I am ‘urging caution and an evidence based foreign policy.’
Agreed, Ed. I was, perhaps over-, reacting to Jenny’s “In his unbalanced and bigoted manner Ed” comment – anything about the Middle East tends to polarise people!
Ed is right. Jenny is wrong. Apologies Jenny.
The rational middle ground would be for all foreigners to pack up their armies, their pet dictators and their artificial puppet-states, get the fuck out of the Middle East and stay the fuck out for at least two generations until the people who actually live there have reached some sort of equilibrium again.
Syria is a sacrifice to great power and regional ambitions. If Assad gains an advantage, the US pumps up the support of it’s rag tag alliance and eases off the squeeze on ISIS. If ISIS shows signs of recovery, everyone pummels it again. Shia militias from Iran alongside Russians fight Shiite Militias from Iraq backed by the USA. The United States funds the Kurds, the Iraqis and the Turks even though those three groups are locked into a three way war. Israel wants to keep Syria in perpetual war, to keep it’s opponents weak. Israel tolerates Russian forces in Syria as a brake on Iranian help for Assad, while the Russians in turn seek to use the conflict to further their prestige and power in the region.
The only solution to the agony of Syria is to let Assad win. Half a million people have died so far in Syria. 20-25% of the population has fled the country. Another 25% are refugees in their own land. Someone needs to end it, no matter how brutal the vengeance of the post war regime it isn’t going to match the starvation of millions and deaths of hundreds of thousands this dragging on war has produced. Just give the vast majority of Syrians peace and order with an Assad victory. He is going to eventually win anyway.
Bosnia gives an alternative. Stabilise, then federalise.
With both candidates for the Green Party co-leadership expressing doubts about signing up to the Budget Responsibility Rules, do you think the Greens will now pressure Labour to loosen them?
Just seen Jacinda on the telly saying Labour will cut spending in other areas to cover the extra cost of repairing Middlemore, etc. Hence, it doesn’t sound like Labour is willing to loosen them.
Robertson told reporters “It’s always a balance … New Zealanders want us to strike that balance and I believe we’ve done that.”
You’re behind the eight ball, which is surprising for someone who follows politics and particularly the Greens like a blowfly. As far as I know the co-leader has been selected and as far as I know the Greens were always sceptical about BRR. Obviously, Labour is not going to give up the ‘balance the books’ mantra any time soon because TINA. What do you want to them, the Greens, to do, specifically? Grandstanding and arm-waving your concerns around don’t count for much; constructive criticism does IMHO.
I’m aware Marama has won. I was merely stating both candidates running for co-leader openly expressed doubts.
After hearing them openly expressing their doubts, it’s not unreasonable for supporters to now have an expectation they may act on these doubts.
I think they should at least have a discussion with Labour (putting their best arguments forward) and see if there is any willingness to loosen them.
Should be irrelevant anyway. DHB possibly knew about the relatively minor building maintenance issues, sounds like Coleman wasn’t informed. Possibly Labour were and decided to play politics with peoples health. DHB had been underspending budget anyway so why wouldn’t they just get it fixed – again perhaps playing politics. Looks like an excuse anyway – Govt should have kept some in the kitty for issues such as this instead of blowing it on wealthy students and PI Countries. Tweet from Patrick Smellie
“Is pedantic to question the narrative about under-investment at Middlemore when today’s DHB stats show the capital budget is significantly underspent? I.e., under-funding can’t be the issue if money for capital upgrades is going unspent.
— Pattrick Smellie (@pjsmellie) April 9, 2018
This will blow up in JA’s face, maybe she is being white – anted (again)??
So wtf is wrong with that board and the ceo dudie? Had the money but like you thought shitty walls was no drama?
@faroutdude
On March 27, the DHB told RNZ it did not do repairs because Minister Coleman wanted it to stay in surplus.
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/354681/middlemore-hospital-a-timeline-of-building-issues
And it’s far more than relatively minor building maintenance issues. Again on March 27, the DHB said it may be easier to demolish than fix its buildings.
Labour can’t have it both ways. Blame National for everything, then say their fiscal responsibility rules prevent them from really fixing it. Labour is the government, they have choices.
If there really is a gross crisis (which I don’t really believe, a lot of it is shroud waving) then they should fix it. Run a small deficit, borrow some more. After all they are not the National Party, no-one expects them to run as tight a ship as National.
Much of Labour’s problem is that their promises around the size of the public sector, plus their intent to substantially raise public sector salaries, especially for teachers and nurses, which will have flow on effects, makes everything else unaffordable. Increasing public sector wages by 5% or more will have virtually zero effect on actually increasing outputs. Then add in say a 5 to 10% increase in the total size of the public sector (another 25,000 people) then Labour’s promises around fiscal responsibility simply don’t work.
But Labour can’t raise taxes, that really was a cast iron promise to the electorate.
I know people here will use the example of increasing GST to 15% shows you can increase taxes without political difficulty, but that increase was fully offset by income tax reductions, across all the rates plus increases in working for families. There was no net change.
In contrast Labour would need a real increase in taxes to afford everything they promised. All of this is the reason why Steven Joyce referred to the $11 billion fiscal hole. Labour (Jacinda Ardern and Grant Robertson) are affirming the truth of it every time they speak about fiscal issues.
“All of this is the reason why Steven Joyce referred to the $11 billion fiscal hole”
He referred to it, because National were the architects of creating the hole and hiding within it necessary maintenance and investment in public services.
The murderer always knows where the body is buried.
But strangely enough, agree with you on the tax promise. But disagree on the solution.
I think they need to be upfront and say that taxes for those that have the ability to pay will have to be raised. For a start, that includes corporations, those juggling businesses, trusts and accounts to reduce taxable income, and those landbanking or holding residential houses empty in the middle of a housing crisis.
After all, how much is going to be enough for those comfortably off, before they will start addressing the cost of failing to keep investment going in our public services and social communities?
I’m guessing, there is never enough for many of those who are doing very well. So the government needs to provide that balance.
Yeah, pretty happy with the idea of a progressive company tax. Small family businesses struggle with 28% while big business has a culture of dodging tax entirely!
A well run business doesn’t pay any tax and shouldn’t do. So, if a small business is having trouble with the tax it’s paying then it’s doing it wrong.
The people who get the profits from the business should be paying personal tax on the PAYE scale. We need to question why they’re not.
A well run business should generate it’s own profit, pay some tax on it, and keep cash reserves for emergencies, investment opportunities, working capital etc. Shareholders (ie the people, generally working in the business who get the profits) are required to pay tax, and often this is PAYE via a shareholder salary.
“We need to question why they’re not”
Aren’t they?
As we have seen, your knowledge of business is minimal, and comments regarding business generally ignorant (to be charitable) or just dishonest.
I guess the reason you spend so much time here is that you don’t have the clues to operate a business, or that no business will take you on.
Lift your game.
Nope. A well run business will generate an income. Some of that income will be spent maintaining and running the business which is all tax deductible.
What’s left after that is the profits which should go out to shareholders. The business won’t pay tax on those either as the shareholders will be paying at PAYE rates.
Or, perhaps, I should say should be. Unfortunately we have a corrupt system designed to minimise taxes paid by the rich while maximising taxes paid by the poor. But I’m not surprised to find you defending that corrupt system.
Middlemore didn’t even spend its capital budget. Seems like the blame lies with the Board and CEO.
There is direction, and there is misdirection in management.
Creating a culture where there is never enough money to effectively provide services to your patients, and ensure a high-level of care, will ensure that money not immediately required will be held onto with tight fists. A false economy in the long run, but understandable.
The Ministry creates that culture, and reinforces it.
But of course with National – the buck stops… there.
Lester Levy did put a temporary freeze on all new capital expenditure when he took over as chairman across all three Auckland DHB’s.
This was to coordinate planning across the three DHB’s.
However I agree, the CMDHB board is at fault here.
Of course you do – you’ll never accept that National is wrong.
National get things wrong plenty of times.
However in this case, unless someone can point to evidence that CMDHB informed National of the issue (last year when in Government), then its what my leftie friends call dirty politics 🙂
The Auckland DHB chair was recently down in Wellington at a select committee hearing. Why did he not raise the issue then?
If the issues were known, do you not think for one second that when Labour was in opposition they would not have screamed blue murder?
Anette King would have jumped all over it.
Ardern has taken a gamble on this, caught with no spare change in her piggy bank.
Southern DHB showed all the others what happens when you inform National of inconvenient facts like funding being inadequate to keep people alive: you get replaced by people who will ship down frozen meals from auckland.
Between friendly DHB board members and the health sector unions (receiving complaints re – moldy buildings from its members), Labour would have been given the heads up so to attack National in parliament (when National was governing).
Would have been great ammo for Ardern in the debates during the election.
The National government’s underfunding of public services is legendary. They prided themselves on it.
The public know this and that’s exactly what lost them the election.
For the Nats PR machine to now claim they didn’t underfund public services is simply not going to wash with voters.
“because National were the architects of creating and hiding necessary maintenance and investment in public services.”
Molly, can you point to evidence of National “hiding maintenance and investment” If you can then that will be a big deal…heads will roll.
This current Government has spent all the spare $ on election promises does leave the cupboard bare. And as Joyce pointed out nothing for a rainy day or pay increases etc.
“Molly, can you point to evidence of National “hiding maintenance and investment” If you can then that will be a big deal…heads will roll. “
Chuck, given my lack of access to Government accounts, and the ability of National MP’s to prevaricate, I cannot provide you with the forensic accounts necessary to take to whatever court you seem to think this would apply. But thanks for the laugh, implying that the previous government was so invested in public services that all that was necessary to ensure their high performance was being done. (Can you provide evidence of that, Chuck? Apart from the political press releases I mean.)
However, the values culture of the National party and the legislative changes they made over the years, gives an indication of the level of underinvestment they give to public services and infrastructure. (Unless of course, there is a by-election in Northland.)
If you have followed the spending and cuts to funding over the last three terms, then you will have ample evidence of services being run down to the ground by culture as well as underinvesting. If not, get reading.
Also note: increase in budget does not necessarily mean investment in essentials. An increase that pays for consultants, and dismantling current good practices is not an “investment” – whether it is in health, ACC, or social welfare.
You don’t need forensic accountants…you can’t “hide maintenance and investment”.
“then you will have ample evidence of services being run down to the ground by culture as well as underinvesting”
Have a look at the DHB’s performance target measurements over the last 10 years. And then try to link “underinvesting” to the results that most DHB’s have been achieving in patient care.
National has run down our health system to “pay” for its election promises…
National’s shit wasn’t all that tight wayney, they just kept the loo door shut and said I’d give that 3-6 years if I were you.
It’s looking pretty directionless from this government in finance at the moment.
They had the PREFU. They did their mini-budget in December.
Blaming the previous team has the hallmark of Key’s timid managerial order .
The aww-shucks routine is such a terrible approach.
They are five weeks before budget and should be neck-deep rolling out announcements by now, not making excuses.
‘They are five weeks before budget and should be neck-deep rolling out announcements by now, not making excuses.’
Or maybe they are softening the electorate up for a stretching of the fiscal cap…a sensible solution IMO,though one i note that has had some luke warm water applied….we shall see.
Labour can’t have it both ways…
National couldn’t have it both ways but they sure as hell tried. Remember the tax cuts for the wealthy? They paid for it by cutting back on the public sector. Now, we are all paying the price.
If there really is a gross crisis… then they should fix it. Run a small deficit, borrow some more.
According to Shamubeel Eaqub (an economist who can think outside the square and not afraid to say so) now is the exact right time to borrow when international lending rates are apparently at an all time low. So, hopefully this government will have the nous to take advantage of it.
Increasing public sector wages by 5% or more will have virtually zero effect on actually increasing outputs.
Pay a worker well, and that worker will repay his/her employer double time by way of loyalty and hard work. It applies equally to public and private sectors.
people here will use the example of increasing GST to 15% shows you can increase taxes without political difficulty, but that increase was fully offset by income tax reductions, across all the rates plus increases in working for families.
The Nat govt. deductions favoured all those who earned above the average wage and next to nothing for those below it. The Lab govt. plans to do the opposite. Higher excise and fuel taxes will be offset by significant increases in the average hourly rate plus big income rises for families and beneficiaries (including pensioners). Fair? I think so.
… Steven Joyce referred to the $11 billion fiscal hole. Labour (Jacinda Ardern and Grant Robertson) are affirming the truth of it every time they speak about fiscal issues.
Oh, pull the other one. He told a whopping lie and thought he could get away with it. He didn’t.
Well said. Coleman is a liar a bully or incompetent.
Middlemore is a hufe part of the Health portfolio. It is not a shack in westport masquerading as a clinic.
Dunedin hospital promised for 9 years…
Christchurch hospital built of low numbers to keep costs down but the DHBs figures turn out to be correct. That hospital will open unable to supply sufficient beds for its community.
Coleman didnt know about those as well?
Imagine if this were a legacy of a 9 year Labour government Wayne. Would you have come here and defended them and blamed their underlings or would you just not have posted?
Middlemore is a substantial asset in the Health portfolio. Kind of like you not knowing the Waiuru camp was falling apart.
@Wayne
If it has merit (which I believe it does) there is nothing wrong with Labour blaming National’s shortcomings while highlighting their inability to fix it (without making cuts elsewhere) due to their self imposed fiscal constraint.
I agree it gives them scope (by providing a valid argument) to loosen their self imposed fiscal constraint.
I disagree with your assertion their intent to raise public sector salaries makes everything else unaffordable. While increasing salaries is a cost they will have to contend with, what’s pressuring the budget is the unexpected repair costs.
All Government spending fell as a share of GDP under National and Labour are having to come to terms with the fiscal impact of that.
With their self imposed fiscal constraint, it’s clear Labour can’t afford to address it all in one budget. As a result, it will be interesting to see who will miss out and have to wait. That will test their assertion they have the balance right.
Nationals party operative Gluon Espinner was very busy this morning on Radio New Zealand reading out swingeing texts from nationals toadys slagging off Jacinda Adern.
This is politicing pure and simple and espinner must go.
I do not regard him as a right wing sympathiser. Didnt John Key start bypassing RNZ for pop radio?
Hmmmm I see the tin-foil hat brigade are out in force again this morning.
Is this what LPrent had in mind when he created The Standard? That it would become a mouth-piece for Russian propaganda fostered by RT and Sputnik, and alt-right memes promulgated by 21st Century Wire*?
I shall not be replying to any responses to this comment as I have far more better things to do than engage in mindless argument about what is, and isn’t, fact wrt the continuing atrocities around the globe, in which the Kremlin obviously has a hand.
I have enjoyed reading and participating in the debate here on The Standard for a long time – longer than I care to remember – but over recent months there has been a growing element of commentating and moderating by one which show a clear bias to Russian influence, and now it as a stage where one is very hesitant to express any view whatsoever, wrt world events without fear of banishment.
*Patrick Henningsen, the founder, is a former editor of Infowars.
And yes Alex Jones has also taken up the conspiracy theory that the White Helmets are an “al-Qaida affiliated group funded by George Soros”. But this is the sort of nonsense that some commentators are prone to repeat here.
The White Helmets have never received funding from George Soros or any of his foundations.
Have to agree with your notion about a reluctance to comment on certain subjects.
Part of this reluctance is because of terms like ‘tin foil hat brigade’.
There is a tendency to ignore and belittle any opinion that either cites RT or doesn’t regurgitate The Guardian’s angle.
What is also common recently, is the attacking of the opinion writer rather than discussing (debating, arguing) the issues. Willy waving in other words.
We are also keen to throw a blanket over folk and all sorts of subtleties are willfully swept under the carpet. E.g. I get called a right winger for questioning the ‘official narrative’ around 9/11.
I would like to add in regards to moderation I have found it to be reasonable, tolerant and even handed,
heh
I’ve been reading an Iliad-based book lately, and the intervention of divine and diabolical beings on the battlefield reminded me a bit of recent moderation – often sudden and terrible to behold, laying waste to both sides in great numbers… 🙂
And, of course, the flipside to the tinfoil hat allegation is the suggestion that the only alternatives available are to say nothing against Russia or to be eagerly provoking WW3.
“I shall not be replying to any responses to this comment”
So if you’re not willing to enter into a debate, I’m wondering why you wrote anything.
I’ll do my best at doing a fair assessment of Henningsen’s work. I’ve seen a bit of his work over time and two of the major subject areas he covers are geo-politics and critiquing the media.
I’m not sure if I’ve seen him do racist rants, support the NRA or whatever else the worst of the right do. But you appear to have put him in the same category as the ‘raving right wing loons’ who can’t find a space in the same-stream mediaz.
Something I’ve found is that people appearing in alternate media are not always 100% wrong, and it’s worth being open minded when listening to them. Particularly someone like Henningsen who provides a very detailed picture of what’s going on around the world. His detailed picture makes more sense to me than what comes from the other side.
Nice comment. I don’t know Henningsen, and am not particularly following the Russia/US etc debates apart from as a moderator. More comments like yours, evenhanded and explanatory, would do much to improve the debate.
Thanks weka, although I probably changed tack because I thought I could win the argument that way 🙂 It certainly is difficult to leave your bias at the door though. Everyone’s got an opinion. I think this debate could be going on for some time…
Can you please be careful in how you frame comments about moderators and moderation? There are very good reasons why Lynn established that one can ask about moderation but when one starts challenging how the site is run or criticising moderators we tend to crack down on it. I’ve spent a fair amount of time explaining that this year and will go into it again if needed, but it’s important to understand that there are ways to raise these issues that are useful and ways that cause problems.
I tend to agree with gsays about the use of the term tinfoil hat. There is a lot of aggravation in these convos and reducing it to sides where one are framed as loonies just entrenches the aggro imo.
I do agree there are issues. One thing that has come up a few times now is whether we should have a dedicated thread for these discussions so they’re not taking up Open Mike (we did this during the US election). An issue there is what would the boundaries be for topics. US/Russia? Syria? Foreign wars? All international comments?
I’m in two minds about it, but am wondering if it is worth trialling. Probably not daily, but maybe a bi-weekly thread that gets bumped up each morning. Am weighing up the value vs the amount of work in that.
I don’t agree a separate thread is needed – improved commentary with less abuse would solve the problem. It is Open Mike and these are important current issues. Anybody should be able to post contentious, but polite, views. Impolite and abusive comments should result in a ban. No warning. Scan comments for inflammatory words like ‘tinfoil hat’ and implement automatic bans. Your moderation is accompanied by polite reason Weka, make that the norm for all moderation.
Please do find a way to quarantine the incessant focus by a handful of commenters on a couple of narrow topics that are peripheral to the kaupapa of this site.
I encourage those folk to go set up their own site if that is all they want to talk about. Or maybe they can start and moderate their own whole posts here dedicated to those topics.
Still here Sacha…
Still requesting that others be reprimanded or worse…can you understand that taking a dive the way you repeatedly do…is no way to carry on…you get that , right…
How is the setup of your own blog site coming along by the way…
Redflagrusskies.com is going just fine, comrade.
Macro, in case you’ve not self assessed your form…here it what it reads like…consistently…
* Throw disparaging and dismissive clichés around…
* Stumble around while another dump by calling out sites which you don’t like because they carry a narrative and information you find confronting…
* Pick up ball…go home…
And you say that others are lowering the bar…
Senior Manager material, that is…
FBI raids Trumps main lawyer Cohen.
Sweet work Muller.
Keep at it.
Looks like the ball is not only rolling but gaining speed
At a press conference about Syria tRump’s had a glorious melt down, on camera. He’s all folded arms and tucked chin, squealing about break ins, blaming Sessions, crying witch hunt, ranting about Hillary, repeating himself, etc, etc.
The Republican National Committee’s finance chair Steve Wynn was forced out over #MeToo allegations.
RNC sure has shady AF characters looking after the books.
-Tracey Watkins
Lol.
Well Tracey nailed it this time Muttonbird. In so few words too.
For 9 years National claimed that it built Blenheim’s new hospital which was opened a little while after they came to power in 2008.
It was designed , substantially built, and paid for under the Clark Government.
National are, and always have been dirty lying fuckers.
As a small hospital the Wairau Hospital in Blenheim is brilliant. Efficient. Friendly. Easy to navigate. Friendly staff. Great work the Clark Government.
(Wasn’t it the Waterview tunnel being claimed by Bridges yesterday, actually another project designed by Labour?)
Yes. By the time the Nats took office the project was pretty much ready to go.
The world’s most moral army.
/
https://twitter.com/benabyad/status/983429404805263362
The world’s most moral army.
/
(mods – machine ate my first attempt to post, please delete any double)
https://twitter.com/benabyad/status/983429404805263362
Close the bloody gate on all of them, this Govt has too much to do to repair the half million the Gnats let in.
I’m over the lazy attitude of this So called coalition, it’s a joke, let’s hope the baby hormones disappear asap. And she can make a Nuclear free decision, or whatever she said.
I’m voting green come 2020. Yes it may be a wasted vote, but I have lost faith in both major parties.
[TheStandard: A moderator moved this comment to Open Mike as being off topic or irrelevant in the post it was made in. Be more careful in future.]
I don’t think it will be a wasted vote Bob-the Greens have a solid 7-8% because no other party matches them on clear visionary environmental and social justice thinking.
The meme being put forward by people like Hooton-that they are bound to fall below 5% because of their association with the coalition-is complete self-serving bollocks.
“I don’t think it will be a wasted vote Bob-the Greens have a solid 7-8% ….”
Except on election night – when they were only 6.3.
Below 5% isnt impossible.
being the majority party isn’t impossible either 🙂
Of course.
As you note, the 2017 general election percentage was 6.3% and then it rose in the first poll (Roy Morgan) after the election back up to 11% in the period 2 – 10 Oct 2017 before the coalition negotiations had been completed.
Since the coalition government was established, however, the GP vote percentages has steadily declined in the four subsequent polls taken – 10%, 7%, 6% and then 5% in the last poll, the One News Colmar Brunton Poll in the first half of Feb 2018.
So while the average of the election result plus the five polls taken to date averages out at 7.5%, the downward trend is not looking good, but we don’t know what the non-public polls are showing.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion_polling_for_the_next_New_Zealand_general_election
But the Green “brand”, to use that horrible word, is very strong and clear.
The 6.3% election result was majorly influenced by all the ordure flying around after the MT affair, and Bill English and Jacinda’s attempts to paint the election as a 2 horse race. Labour did the Greens no favours in the campaign.
I know people who tactically voted Green and people who realised this was a good idea but ended up tribally voting Labour.
The key point here is that as things stand Labour is unlikely to be ever able to form a government without the Greens. A new Left-wing party might change that equation.
Halt the forced sale of Penny Bright’s house. | TOKO
Petition to Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.
Please SIGN and SHARE?
Thanks!
Penny Bright 🙂
https://www.toko.org.nz/petitions/halt-the-forced-sale-of-penny-bright-s-house
I think you are on a losing battle Penny.
Just pay your rates and then you can keep your house.
Penny doesn’t see how much peril she is she is just as stuck in her Dogmatic windmill tilting as you James.
Her house is worth more than $1.5million.
So she will have plenty of cash.
But James I thought it would be right up your street to pay no tax
Penny seems he’ll bent on cutting off her nose to spite her face.
The self sabotage is not a mentally healthy thing.
“Her house is worth more than $1.5million.
So she will have plenty of cash.”
No – she may have lots of equity – that’s different to cash.
“But James I thought it would be right up your street to pay no tax”
Really ? because I pay tons of it.
Agreed James.
OK now I have to have a sit down after saying that.
Journalist Marie Colvin’s family allege the Syrian government hunted her down, murdered her and cried false flag.
The Colvin family filed the video and nearly 2,000 pages of documents, including military intelligence memoranda and testimony from Syrian defectors, as part of a federal civil lawsuit against the Syrian government. The documents provide detailed and unprecedented evidence to support the claim that Colvin was deliberately hunted and killed as part of a policy by the Assad regime to eliminate journalists. They also offer an insider account of the death of French journalist Gilles Jacquier, who, according to one regime defector, was assassinated in a government attack staged to look like a rebel assault while Jacquier was reporting in Syria under official approvals. The Syrian government declined to comment on the allegations, according to a spokesperson for the Syrian Mission to the United Nations.
https://theintercept.com/2018/04/09/marie-colvin-syria-assad/
It’s never safe being a journalist in a war zone but how much of a chance is there that a Washington court will provide justice for Yasser Murtaja.
Thread.
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https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
https://twitter.com/ABarnardNYT/status/983426518838861825
Unrolled https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/983426518838861825.html
Context.
https://twitter.com/SaaSpro/status/983471345550815232
Syria’s citizen journalists: ‘We expect to be killed’
23 Feb 2012
Rami al-Sayed dies documenting the genocide committed by the regime in Homs, the city called the “Capital of the Revolution”
It is the documenting of this genocide and other crimes against humanity committed by the Assad regime, that regime apologists try to deny and want silenced.
Every single one of them has refused to answer this question
Who did this?
And is it not evidence of genocide?
https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2016/feb/04/drone-footage-homs-syria-utter-devastation-video
Penny doesn’t see how much peril she is in, she is just as stuck in her Dogmatic windmill tilting as you James.
Her house is worth more than $1.5million.
So she will have plenty of cash.
But James I thought it would be right up your street to pay no tax
Penny seems he’ll bent on cutting off her nose to spite her face.
The self sabotage is not a mentally healthy thing.
RADIO ALERT
I have only come into this in the last ten minutes, but this is currently on Nine to Noon on RNZ National – and is an excellent discussion, well worth listening to.
“10.05 (to 10.35) The leadership of change: Mary Robinson and Jacinda Ardern
Former President of Ireland and human rights campaigner Mary Robinson in conversation with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Kathryn Ryan.
[Photo – Former President of Ireland and human rights campaigner Mary Robinson in conversation with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Kathryn Ryan Photo: Ray Tiddy]
The former President of Ireland, and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern discuss working for change at local, national and international levels. Some changes come easily and quickly, and an act of Parliament can formalise a major shift in people’s thinking. Other changes can be glacially slow, for instance achieving peace in Northen Ireland or reaching a global solution on climate change. The conversation was facilitated by Kathryn Ryan at the Aspiring Conversations event in Wanaka.”
I will post the recording as soon as it is up on the RNZ website.
Here is the recording for the above discussion – I highly recommend it as one of the best, most open insights into Ardern’s values and thinking I have heard.
Robinson was also excellent, as was Ryan (and I am not a great Ryan fan usually).
I would rate this as one of the best discussions I have heard on Nine to Noon – alongside some of the best lectures/discussions usually reserved for Sunday’s 4pm slot, The Sunday Feature – a lost slot probably with little patronage, which has some excellent ” documentaries, discussions and lectures of note from New Zealand and beyond.”
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018639887/the-leadership-of-change-mary-robinson-and-jacinda-ardern
(33 minutes)
Thanks for posting this.
Very good article in the ODT on freshwater issues particularly in Otago but some damning statistics on Nationals environmental destruction, over intensification, degradation, farmers using archaic sluicing rights to irrigate.
Let’s hear what labour are going to do- in same publication David Parker says fresh water is number 1 priority as environment minister- let’s see some action!
https://www.odt.co.nz/lifestyle/magazine/stream-conscience
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/shocking-how-bad-waterways-have-become
Well wonders will never cease. Hoskings has just crashed his Alpha Romeo at Hampton Downs Raceway – the car isn’t insured – way to go Mike – the article says he has crashed into his garage a few times – what the hell – the man shouldn’t get a licence for a wheel barrow.
Boy will there be some comments on this – the guy is just a bloody twit of the first order.
http://spy.nzherald.co.nz/spy-news/mike-hosking-crashes-80-000-sports-car/
In the famous words of Nelson Muntz…Ha ha !
What were the odds of the first comment being laughing at someones misfortune simply because you dont like their political views.
According to a quote I saw on Twitter, Hosking said previously car crashes are not caused by idiot roads, or idiot rules, or something similar, but they are due to idiot drivers.
Edit: ah, here’s the article:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12025579
Yes the moralising hypocrite deserves all the shit he gets.
As far as everybody thinking everybody else is the problem, there is only a small subset of truly dangerous drivers most full license holders are not those causing fatal high speed crashes.
There are many inconsiderate drivers however – slow and not pulling left or the converse, fast and pushy and a lot of frustration because of it.
Removing driver frustration would be money better spent than the failing strategy of speed targets – more passing lanes less trucks better control of foreign drivers.
Personally I’d push for the death penalty for anyone texting of speaking on their phone while driving and don’t get me started on woman putting their makeup on while driving to work in the morning….
Political views.
Personality.
Face.
His car doesn’t make me laugh so much as his blubbing about the change in government.
Karma is especially delightful when it befalls an egomaniac. The only bruises are to his ego and his thumb.
Come on James – he crashes (plural) into his garage – the man shouldn’t have permission to be behind the wheel.
Nothing to do with his political views, more the fact he’s a noisome cunt.
Classy as always Stunned Mullet.
Always a pleasure.
Just checking – since its a subjective insult (ie you believe that they are a noisome cunt) – are you OK with people using it for Grant Robertson or Jacinda?
But they aren’t. Hosking is.
you struggle with the concept of people disagreeing with you dont you?
Um, it’s actually a fact. People don’t like Hosking because he’s a jumped up prat without the remotest sense of compassion nor empathy.
Even most of the mild rabid right think he’s a dick. They’ll quietly nod at his racist and antisocial reckons but they still think he’s a dick.
Muttonbird – self appointed expert on what other people think since ages ago.
yep – I’m sure they’d give as much of a damn as Hosking would in regards to an anonymous poster on a little blog giving them a gobful.
Crashing a car isn’t ‘misfortune’ – it’s usually either poor driving or poor maintenance.
Yeah. That’s what happens in formula 1 also.
Ffs it was a track day. It happens. A lot.
It does in Hoskings garage by the sound of it.
Most people it happens to don’t go and have a good cry in public about it.
Should have maintained his brakes better.
I was going to say he drives cars like Paul Holmes used to flys planes … mind the bump
Anyone involved in tracking cars faces this risk- its all part of the package.
Its popular with a ton of people – go any weekend and you will see people there. Not all in expensive sports cars – plenty of track days open to all sorts.
A lot smarter than driving like an idiot on the road.
I find car racing incredibly dull. But I know lots of others who love it and as you say have cars that they race. They can’t get crash insurance just fire and theft due to the type of car and how it’s modified. They accept that and the risk.
I am not a fan of Hosking but I agree with your above comment re making fun of his misfortune. His crashing into the garage wouldn’t be news if he was t in the public eye.
Do cars have to be scrutineered like drag cars prior to racing, unless one has a special certificate?
Awesome that people have a track up there that the public can use, car racing is super boring to watch, but a hell of a lot of fun when you’re behind the wheel.
It was a track day – so they are not racing.
the cars are checked over – but its just a basic check – not like motorsports requirements – thats why you can use a normal road car.
Same with the “run what you brung” drag days.
Thanks James, for explaining, appreciate that. I know with the drags it is highly recommended to have a secondary braking system.
Brakes failing, change gears. No gears, I would have yanked on the handbrake if I was the only one on the track, possibly resulting in a mean as donut at the least, lololololz 🙂
Probably not the idea to go with – good way to end up on your roof 😉 Still hard to think when things go wrong fast.
Best option is to just use the gravel run off – that’s what it is there for.
Hampton’s is just down the road from the drags – its well worth checking out.
Sweet, I haven’t been up that way in years. Mental note….. if driving to Auckland have some fun in the car on the track; that would be epic.
Gravel run off, good safety feature.
James, the drags here in Motueka are at the local airport on one of the runways, it’s a real hard case, skydivers falling back to earth in the background. Worth a visit if you enjoy drags, just for the small town novelty factor 🙂
Shit yeah, all those skills Hosking has developed so long as there are no corners or braking involved.
What a toolbag.
Don’t get me wrong , I love him, he’s so representative. Also when I picture him, it’s his election night face.
Thank you.
“No brakes”. What a liar.
of course you must know more than him.
but his comment makes sense if he was using standard brake pads – they simply dont hold up on track days.
plenty of others have made the same mistake – or lied according to Muttonbird – expert on everything (backed up with nothing)
“if he was using standard brake pads”
well-deserved, if so.
Maybe someone tampered with them?
I’d buy them a beer if so 🙂
Disgusting comment. But hey – this days more about you than anything.
Oh dear. Someone’s had a sense of humour failure.
It just wasn’t funny.
‘Normal brake pads’, have a little metal nipple which starts grinding / squealing when your brakes are getting low …. it’s a warning feature. …. and plain to hear if this was happening…. and the car still has brakes / braking at this point
So Hosking is saying a catastrophic failure …. which in non maintained vehicles usually means a blown brake hose …. followed by more rare O ring failures.
I suspect Hoskings mouth was simply to fast for his ability … or brakes
I’m drowning in schadenfreude…… send help, immediately!.
Some nice news from Pack and Save.
Pak’nSave has taken its $2 deals to a whole new level — providing a community centre for Kaitaia’s youth for a single gold coin.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12029503
How sad. Mike Hosking damaged his Alfa Romeo 4C car on the race track and no insured.
http://spy.nzherald.co.nz/spy-news/mike-hosking-crashes-80-000-sports-car/
yesterday someone asked the question when is someone too rich,
i guess when someone has a spare car worth an annual wage and a half and does not see it fit to insure it before going on the track.
Cheap, useless, dumbarse, fuckwit, thy name is Mike Hoskings.
You may find Insurance coys are not interested in insuring race cars.Apparently they crash quite often.
They do, but on the Track you can get insurance for your cars and your bikes. I volunteered enough as a marshall (usually for bikes) and you can get insurance.
Track day insurance they call it. And while the type of car he drives is a super car and a fast one, i would not call it a ‘race car. Its a car someone with too much money and a profound lack of life.
Mind the insurance might be a bit costly, and who knows maybe he was our of pin money?
http://www.platinumautoinsurance.co.nz/wawcs0144583/Track-and-Training-Days.html
Watch this truckie drive through a tornado and be scared:
https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/102964499/live-an-april-storm-hits
Confluence of a northwester and a southeaster.
https://www.windy.com/?-38.690,176.539,7,i:pressure
They should profile all the Asian & Russian money launderers, who were allowed to enter this country because of their wealth, them bring in the whole tribe (whanau) who have never paid tax in NZ & get free medical care and the rest.
Bad move which she is doing nothing about for fear of being called a racist.
Coming from a 3rd world country to a soft touch like NZ is, the Asians and the Indians know how to manipulate the system in NZ.
TOUGHEN UP LABOUR. !!!!
[TheStandard: A moderator moved this comment to Open Mike as being off topic or irrelevant in the post it was made in. Be more careful in future.]
Tori Sullivan: Taxman’s robots to hunt out cash jobs
Taxpayers beware! The roll-out of Inland Revenue’s new $1.9 billion transformation project will significantly increase the risk of detecting cash jobs, under-reporting income or over-claiming deductions.
But it could also see significantly increase compliance costs for small and medium-sized businesses, which comprise a large chunk of New Zealand’s economy.
OMG, people may actually have to pay the taxes that they owe. OMG, THE Humanity.
Or something like that. Imagine NZ business managers and owners actually having to become good enough just to obey the law.
And if businesses find that their record keeping costs goes up that actually means that there weren’t doing it right in the first place.
If they don’t have the records then they’re not innocent as they’re breaking the law.
Keeping accurate records is a requirement of law. If they don’t have accurate records then they’re breaking the law.
But hey, it appears this prick thinks that breaking the law is AOK if you’re a business.
A little Grace Jones:
https://www.thedailybeast.com/grace-jones-on-her-one-big-regret-if-you-give-up-your-power-you-have-no-one-to-blame-but-yourself?source=TDB&via=FB_Page
Wow, this is cool:
They’ve basically admitted that the public and iwi are pissed off about the wastefulnes of bottled water.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/354674/company-at-centre-of-poroti-water-dispute-sells-to-crown
THAT IS FANTASTIC!
Thanks so much for bringing this to attention. Fine they did well out of the sale, but what a great outcome.
Totally, hopefully many more will fall – water sent offshore in plastic, but “no one owns it”. The absurdity alone hurts my brain.
Just brilliant, and the land surrounding the springs is SO important to their health.
http://www.newshub.co.nz/…/kanoa-lloyd-taika-waititi-isn-t-sabotaging-new-zealand-he-s-tr..
Well said, Kanoa !
Idiot drivers cause car crashes, according to the oh so wise Mike Hosking.
Well and truly proved his point at Hampton Down didn’t he?
Congratulations Mikey. Correct for once. However not so smart Mikey … no insurance for his big bucks Alfa Romeo … tsk tsk.
Is it possible that Mike Hosking was not able to get insurance on his fancy car from any Insurance company ‘cos No company thought that his driving skills were up to the standard that they require for driving at speed on a track?
No evidence, just saying.
All that hot air must add risk, eh.
No Insurance on expensive car ,maybe the insurance industry thinks that the owner is not a good risk driving at speed on a race track.
No evidence, just saying.
Now that the former Minister of Health (blunderer-plunderer Coleman) has buggered off to the private healthcare sector, who in the National party will take responsibility for the Middlemore hospital debacle?
So much wrecked during National’s eyes wide shut ‘management’ of health, education, the environment, housing etc.
Aimless Adams is off-target with her ‘crying wolf’ comment.
Winter’s coming.
Prime News it gives me a smile that the Auckland council has closed 75 % of the walking tracks that are affected by the Kauri die back virus.
It will be great music from fleetwood mac and Neil Finn I enjoy the music from both.
Ka kite ano P.S tawhiti has been going hard today
Newshub I wonder if this weather is going to convince the money men that man made Global warming is a reality .
There you go a young brown man wins a gold medal ka pai David Liti for your great effort and winning your gold medal.
The Wahine disaster was a sad occasion 53 people died what a waste of lives I have had a bit of fun when I ended up in the drink lucky it was a fine day it was my crew-mate fault he let something go and there you go I’m in the drink I spat my false teeth out swearing at him strait to the bottom of the sea the teeth went LOL .
I believe what Mark Zuckerberg is saying Face Book does a lot of good for the community most TV company’s that have live streaming TV on the Internet use Facebooks soft ware to complete that feat thats a fact and many more use there platform for live streaming.I say that because of this fact the powers that be are trying to undermine Facebooks credibility can not have live stream videos getting out to the Papatuanuku world with the money men editing it KNOW. Ana to kai Ka kite ano P.S its good the neighbour has stop stuffing with sky i can watch The Crowd Goes Wild on Prime TV
Mulls about time I seen you on The Crowd Goes Wild on Prime TV e hoa.
We have had a good nite and day of sports OUR Wahine have been stepping up to the mark Mana Wahine.
Thats a good name for Blake Green from the Warriors balaka I say use Kakariki ka pai .
Thats the way Mulls tell it like it is lets just enjoy the success of The Warriors and cut out all the bull—–.
Ka kite ano . P,S good show to-nite James I can remember
when Danny Morrison first started his international Cricket career now he looks like me long in the tooth
Good morning Newshub Tawhiti Mataaho Whaitiri were mahi last nite in Auckland . Good on OUR Queen for letting her English humor shine Ka pai.
I would have preferred the Auckland Council to close off all the walking tracks around OUR precious ancient Kauri till they find a cure to that Kauri die back virus.
Amanda I have changed many CV joints on vehicles I taught my self before the internet I would go and ask a mechanic what was wrong and how to fix it.
Now one has youtube well its all on there how to fix most things I like working on Nissan’s and Toyota’s as they are built with the mechanic in mind easy to work on. Dancan that’s one way to tow a car not for me thought .
Kia Kaha sports stars Ka kite ano P.S Gut cancer is a major problem we have about a kilo of waste sitting in our boules one time I used a jack hammer for to days going hard I lost about a kilo of waste it got vibrated out it was disgusting lucky I figured out the cause .
Here a link to the video on my Pa having the Carving unvailed
Watch “Ngāti Porou hapūb celebrate completion of carving restorations” on YouTube
https://youtu.be/mxg1bEJ5VEA
Kia kaha Ka kite ano
The Cafe yes its a pheromone you should avoid favoritism of children I observed it while I was growing up and still do now .
I have one but I make sure to override it and sheer my attention with the others as they will let me know when they grow up also its bad for the children’s wairua that miss out on your attention . I have been on both sides of that pheromone enough said . Ka kite ano
Newshub there need to be more archaeology going on in New Zealand theres a lot of our history being covered over with roads ECT.
trump will start a war and people will be killed just to hold on to his job what a idiot .
Good on OUR Queen for acknowledging man made Climate Change publicly
and her common wealth forest she is getting planted the trees are OUR lungs and they can live for hundreds of years it sad that our Kauri is suffering a virus at the minute . Kia kaha Katrina Grant captain of the Silver Ferns Netball team Mana Wahine. Ka kite ano P.S someone has stuffed with my computa idiots . Ha I know when the ECO MAORI effect has happened they start advertising because te Kumara never tells how sweet it is Ana to kai
Ingrid there is snow on te maunga in Rotorua ka kite ano
P.S I will watch The Crowd Goes Wild on Prime TV now Ana to kai
The Crowd Goes Wild James we have simler taste in sports teams .
Yep Jenny May is cool One sports person tryed to bait me it bit him on the ass he ended up in the principals office she the new CEO of that organisation I have alread thanked the powers that be for her appointment . Funny WAI Josh was a machine in his day hope his head does not get to big for you guys . Ka kite ano P.S O your are a hard case Mulls with the reff comment
YEP Mulls and James ECO MAORI will always be grinding for his causes
to much Portia Woodman Mana Wahine ka kite ano.
P.S you guys gave me a sore face