Open mike 10/10/2019

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, October 10th, 2019 - 117 comments
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Step up to the mike …

117 comments on “Open mike 10/10/2019 ”

  1. Andre 1

    Oh dear, seems we're getting mixed messages from God. Well, if not actually God, then God's self-proclaimed spokes-hucksters.

    Pat Robertson sez the genital-grabbing golem is “in danger of losing the mandate of heaven.”, while Ralph Reed is all in on “Render to God and Trump”.

    https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pat-robertson-trump-in-danger-of-losing-the-mandate-of-heaven_n_5d9b9082e4b099389804aba9

    https://www.politico.com/news/2019/10/09/ralph-reed-trump-book-040920

  2. Ad 2

    President Trump, when asked yesterday about US troop withdrawal from Syria exposing their core allies the Kurds to further massacres:

    "We shouldn't have been in the Middle East in the first place."

    A sentiment some on both left and right could agree with.

    But a pretty cold sentiment for the homeless, landlocked Kurds facing Turkish artillery and warplanes today.

  3. marty mars 3

    Nice – go the youth!

    Tokata Iron Eyes, an environmental activist, invited Thunberg, a fellow 16-year-old, to her homelands on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota, after befriending her. On Tuesday the duo spoke at the Standing Rock high school about the burgeoning youth-led climate movement that has seen millions of people strike from school and protest against fossil-fuel projects around the world.

    “This is a global fight; this is not just in my home country in Sweden,” Thunberg said. “We as teenagers shouldn’t be the ones taking responsibility. It should be the ones in power.”

    Iron Eyes said that indigenous culture was inherently linked to the health of the environment. “No 16-year-old should have to travel the world in the first place sharing a message about having something as simple as clean water and fresh air to breathe,” she said.

    https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/09/greta-thunberg-standing-rock-north-south-dakota-nobel-peace-prize

  4. cleangreen 4

    Well said;

    This is as silly as the scandal of the immigration Minister allowing Karel Sroubek's entry into NZ on the grounds of his safety was at risk if he returned to the Czech Republic.

    Now we all pay for jis internment for years, when he should not have been allowed in by the national Government in the first place. National are a bloody disgrace.

    Now we see MBIE CEO Carol Tremain on Newshub today spouting that she agrees with Ian Lees Galloway 'Minister of Immigration' saying that he had every right to make his decision independent of the oversight of MBIE, which is also again another shocking event that poor Jacinda needs to rectify.

    Why did Steve Joyce set up this awful agency MBIE to stuff everything up in the first place is beyond me. Jacinda is now being Ham stringed by her idiot ministers sadly.

    Phil Twyford is now working good as he is appropriately attacking the other useless agency 'NZTA' for their erroneous behavior over our lack of road safety which was yet another agency setup to fail by Steven Joyce.

    We knew that National was going to leave grenades inside Government agencies when they lost the election didn't we?

    Lastly over the Governments latest surplus of $7.5Billion and National’s response; –

    Do you love it when National and their media muppets – who don’t give two shits about poor people at any other time of the year – are suddenly full off crocodile tears for those people’s tax when there is a surplus?

    • Jimmy 4.1

      Ian Lees-Galloway stuffed up. Everyone knows it. (only other option is he was told to make that 'unexpected' decision by someone higher up). Any half sensible person would have looked at the info. presented and decided (probably in about two minutes) Sourbek would not make a good citizen and deported him.

      MBIE are now basically saying ILG should leave the decisions up to their officials as he is not competent to make them.

      • OnceWasTim 4.1.1

        "MBIE are now basically saying ILG should leave the decisions up to their officials as he is not competent to make them."

        Which is a bit like a pot calling a kettle black.

        I'm waiting to see what the changes will be – especially with rights of appeal and the sequence that the IPT gets involved.

        For many, the costs of involving the IPT (Fees, advocacy et al) can be beyond the means of some legitimate appellants – and that's even if they're aware of the procedure. I'm prepared to wait and see, although if the record to date is anything to go by, it'll take an eon and it'll be half-hearted improvements. Apparently Rome wasn't built in a day, nothing's ever bleeding bloody obvious and elitism is alive and well in lil 'ole egalitarian NuZull.
        Pass me a cheeky Chardonnay will ya Jimmy

        • Pat 4.1.1.1

          Isnt the point of Ministerial discretion (re immigration) to overcome inappropriate official inflexibility….the same officials who will now question themselves?

          • OnceWasTim 4.1.1.1.1

            That's what I'd have thought, but apparently not. Ministers must be kept "above the fray" – even though they're our elected representatives.

            I worry about what has become of the senior ranks in our public service (I mean quite apart from it being pale and stale and all the rest of it, AND the rise and rise of the generic manager). The "respect my authority!!!! " authoritarian, complacent, self-entitled culture that's evolved. We can see what's just happened with NZTA. It probably doesn't help much either that MBIE is full of ex-cops (some decent enough, others having to be 'managed' out).

            The theory of the way things are supposed to operate, and what actually happens are often miles apart

        • greywarshark 4.1.1.2

          Immigration decisions shouldn't be left up to officials. Nothing should be left entirely to the decisions of the sort of people who get to head entities and meet targets. They get harder and harder with often excuse of 'efficiency', and over time they get precedents that lock them into behaviours that do no credit to their department's standards or that of the country.

          I think of the Hoover USA example. A nasty man it is said, and also staying in place and spying on everyone, with information useful for blackmail through leaks etc. The harder they are, the nastier they are, and more difficult to move on, till the system gets corrupted beyond recognition.

          • OnceWasTim 4.1.1.2.1

            That's the nature of it @grey. The Hoover example will be the inevitable result of what's been in progress over the past 30 years.

            The reforms all came equipped with the corporate culture (totally inappropriate for govt agencies – especially those dealing with social and cultural issues and policy). And with it also came the buzz and excuses that provide an out and preventing proper accountability (unless of course you're a rambunctious bugger with a heap of money prepared to push back). "I can't comment on operational matters" (which are ill-defined and when it suits), which I L-G just did.
            Apparently, the senior ranks of the public service have become so precious that they are unable to suffer any critique (which is one of the reasons, supposedly, they get the big bucks for – going forward)

            l’ll spare you from the rant I'm tempted to start. But quelle surprise there are now allegations of bullying and high staff turnovers. The sad thing is that a lot of it is all a matter of record and SFA changes until it all falls apart (such as with NZTA)

      • Psycho Milt 4.1.2

        Any half sensible person would have looked at the info. presented and decided (probably in about two minutes) Sourbek would not make a good citizen and deported him.

        I agree that any National minister of Immigration would have looked at a report saying the person's life could be in danger if they were deported and without the slightest qualm immediately chosen to deport the person. Fortunately, not everybody is like that, and personally I'm glad that Lees-Galloway isn't, because he's my electorate MP.

        MBIE are now basically saying ILG should leave the decisions up to their officials as he is not competent to make them.

        The same report points to a similarly "unexpected" decision by Woodhouse, so if the concern is ministerial incompetence there's a lot of it to go around.

        • Jimmy 4.1.2.1

          Yes I believe a National immigration minister back in the nineties actually did have a complex case like that (Danny Butler?). I think one of the telling factors here is the polite way they have said ILG's decision was 'unexpected', in other words What the f#@$? We gave you enough ammunition and you still want this POS to be a resident!

          Hopefully once Sourbek appeals and if he wins, he decides to live in your and ILG electorate and not mine.

          • Dukeofurl 4.1.2.1.1

            Why should he win. Surely you are not saying hes POS and has a good case ?

            • Jimmy 4.1.2.1.1.1

              I hope you are correct and he does not win (I did say "if") and is deported as soon as his sentence is finished.

              I just think due to ILG's original unexpected decision he may have a strengthened case….but hopefully not.

              If Helen Clark was prime minister, I think it would be a case of:

              "Ian ……you are the weakest link……goodbye"

              • Dukeofurl

                She wasnt all that ruthless

                • as long as you weren't one of those 'undeserving-families' she so successfully stigmatised/scape-goated…eh..?

                  • The Al1en

                    Yes or no answers. Clark was better than 3 more years of Shipley, English or Brash governments in '02 and '05, and would have been much less damaging to NZ than Key in '08?

                    • aah..!..the old not-as-bad-as excuse…

                      clark left a low-wage/high cost of living environment –

                      she did nothing on climate-change (didn't she know..?)

                      she blocked cannabis-law-reform..

                      she did nothing for the homeless..

                      and her stigmatising of the 'undeserving families'..

                      prepared the ground nicely for the incoming tory gummint and their war on the poor..didn't it..?

                      basically clark was/is a neoliberal-incrementalist –

                      just keeping the seat warm for the next one..

                      meet the new boss – same as the old boss..

                    • The Al1en

                      Okay, question was obviously too tough, so let's ty again.

                      Clark was better than 3 more years of Shipley, English or Brash governments in '02 and '05, and would have been much less damaging to NZ than Key in '08, no?

                    • The Al1en

                      Yeah, nah, evasion, not nearly good enough.

                      Another angle, then. In 2008, you celebrated the end of Clark as pm and welcomed the result which gave us a national government and key?

                • Jimmy

                  She didn't put up with fools.

          • OnceWasTim 4.1.2.1.2

            Yea/nah, be fair Jimmy! A hae ma doots he'd end up anywhere near you, but if that ever came about, you could always lock yourself behind a gated "community". That'd be the most transformational and kind thing to do.

          • Psycho Milt 4.1.2.1.3

            …I think one of the telling factors here is the polite way they have said ILG's decision was 'unexpected'…

            Well, yeah, I expect the empathy void that is a National MP would far better match the officials' experience and expectations.

            Hopefully once Sourbek appeals and if he wins, he decides to live in your and ILG electorate and not mine.

            Yeah, right-wingers used to reply along the same lines when I commented that Ahmed Zaoui should be treated fairly, after which he did move to Palmerston North and lived here for years. Somehow that "POS" managed to restrain himself from carrying out the massacres and suicide bombings that right-wingers scare-mongered about. Likewise, if Sroubek (NB: not Sourbek, or "Shruu-brek" as Simon Bridges would have it) did move here, I don't think the community would be living in dread that he might try to import a few more ecstasy tabs.

            • Jimmy 4.1.2.1.3.1

              Likewise, if Sroubek (NB: not Sourbek, or "Shruu-brek" as Simon Bridges would have it) did move here, I don't think the community would be living in dread that he might try to import a few more ecstasy tabs.

              At least you would have the best parties!

              • In Vino

                Now do you know that from personal experience, Jimmy? Or are you just making another misguided jibe?

              • Jimmy

                Just a jibe that time. I don't mix in the right circles (or want to) to do drugs. Guess I'm boring.

            • phillip ure 4.1.2.1.3.2

              '..I don't think the community would be living in dread that he might try to import a few more ecstasy tabs. .'

              heh..!

  5. Rosemary McDonald 5

    German white supremacist sets out to kill the Jews…posts mission statement on-line before killing two.

    How's that bid to get the tech companies to prevent this kind if shit happening going???

    Talk is cheap and easy.

    On phone, can't provide link.

      • Rosemary McDonald 5.1.1

        Thanks Molly.

        Beggars belief that anyone could think that a few well orchestrated media events making The Christchurch Call was ever, ever going to prevent those who want/need to broadcast their hate from being able to do so.

        ISIS made very good use of the www to broadcast their atrocities….I've been trying to remember which particular faction of violent haters began this live streamed terrorism.

        Words will not stop this.

        • Psycho Milt 5.1.1.1

          Beggars belief that anyone could think that a few well orchestrated media events making The Christchurch Call was ever, ever going to prevent those who want/need to broadcast their hate from being able to do so.

          Basically the same argument the gun lobby is making re tighter firearm regulations, and with the same gaping hole in its logic.

          • Molly 5.1.1.1.1

            For me the argument is for "effective firearm regulations", not just tighter.

            I think that is may be the point Rosemary is trying to make. If it is, I agree with her.

        • Dukeofurl 5.1.1.2

          Rosemary is completely wrong because she doesnt check it out

          "anyone could think that a few well orchestrated media events making The Christchurch Call was ever"

          They have taken real action on their video hosting services

          "Take transparent, specific measures seeking to prevent the upload of terrorist and violent extremist content and to prevent its dissemination on social media and similar content-sharing services, including its immediate and permanent removal, without prejudice to law enforcement and user appeals requirements

          https://www.christchurchcall.com/call.html

          Not all platforms have the huge resources of the giants..

          "Support smaller platforms as they build capacity to remove terrorist and violent extremist content, including through sharing technical solutions and relevant databases of hashes or other relevant material, such as the GIFCT shared database."

          Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism – GIFCT

          And yes Amazon is part of the 'call'

          • Amazon
          • Daily Motion
          • Facebook
          • Google
          • Microsoft
          • Qwant
          • Twitter
          • YouTube

          And no Rosemary it wasnt just some media appearances as thnese countries have 'signed' up

          Founders

          • New ZealandNew Zealand
          • FranceFrance

          Founding supporters announced in Paris, May 15 2019

          • AustraliaAustralia
          • CanadaCanada
          • European CommissionEuropean Commission
          • FranceFrance
          • GermanyGermany
          • IndonesiaIndonesia
          • IndiaIndia
          • IrelandIreland
          • ItalyItaly
          • JapanJapan
          • JordanJordan
          • The NetherlandsThe Netherlands
          • New ZealandNew Zealand
          • NorwayNorway
          • SenegalSenegal
          • SpainSpain
          • SwedenSweden
          • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

          Supporters announced in New York on 23 September 2019

          • ArgentinaArgentina
          • AustriaAustria
          • BelgiumBelgium
          • BulgariaBulgaria
          • ChileChile
          • ColombiaColombia
          • Costa RicaCosta Rica
          • CyprusCyprus
          • DenmarkDenmark
          • FinlandFinland
          • GeorgiaGeorgia
          • GhanaGhana
          • GreeceGreece
          • HungaryHungary
          • IcelandIceland
          • Ivory CoastIvory Coast
          • KenyaKenya
          • LatviaLatvia
          • LithuaniaLithuania
          • LuxembourgLuxembourg
          • MaldivesMaldives
          • MaltaMalta
          • MexicoMexico
          • MongoliaMongolia
          • PolandPoland
          • PortugalPortugal
          • RomaniaRomania
          • South KoreaSouth Korea
          • SloveniaSlovenia
          • Sri LankaSri Lanka
          • SwitzerlandSwitzerland
          • UNESCO
          • Council of Europe

          After looking at some facts, mabe the ‘beggars belief’ claim can be utterly refuted.

          • Molly 5.1.1.2.1

            Isn't there an objectionable material publication approach that already exists that could be utilised and enforced – not just in this case – but in others? Surely it would be better to strengthen and utilise existing laws and guidelines rather than create another for specific material.

            My concern lies with future arguments about which criteria offences occur under, rather than effectively stopping or punishing such offences. Also, countries signing up – means just that – countries signing up. Until actions are created that have teeth and consequences, we should hold off on the celebrations, the work has only just begun.

          • greywarshark 5.1.1.2.2

            I will be surprised if you can get away with that extensive and ultimately not essential list taking up the screen DoU. When i spread myself I am trying to bring forward some joined up thoughts. A link and advice from you to study the list in situ would be quite enough for your purpose.

          • marty mars 5.1.1.2.3

            + 1 duke

    • it streamed on an amazon gaming platform..

      so outside the control of those ardern was talking to..

      • Dukeofurl 5.2.1

        Amazon is part of the call.

        The platform used in Germany was called Twitch which seems to be part opf the Amazon group.
        There will be serious questions of Amazon over this

        • Rosemary McDonald 5.2.1.1

          Ooooh!!!

          "Serious Questions"!!!!

          I bet Amazon are fair shitting themselves.

          To stop this, the internet as we know it will have to be shut down.

          • weka 5.2.1.1.1

            are you saying we should shut the internet down, or that we can't stop white supremacy?

            • Rosemary McDonald 5.2.1.1.1.1

              Picked up a couple of German hitch hikers making their way to the Cape the other day . Talkative one went to some trouble to explain the political and sociological differences between various parts of Germany. Much of the "white supremacy" angst originated back from the days of the Wall. East Germans, some of them feel like they've never caught up with the West. Influx of refugees and the immigrant support structures provided by the German government has enhanced the sense of disconnectedness in those groups.

              As long as the world has populations who feel disenfranchised and excluded there will be these terrorist acts, and those who want to will always find a way of broadcasting their hate.

              What we need is a worldwide, universal crisis that will transcend all these differences and historic grievances and unite us all. Something like the destruction of life on the planet due to climate change….?

              Let's face it….as a species we're very probably doomed.

          • Dukeofurl 5.2.1.1.2

            Unfortunately Rosemary you know even less about the internet than you do about the Christchurch call. (Usually you always give considered views with backup and not wild claims like this)

            Plus terrorist attacks hadnt until recently been live streamed at all. They get massive publicity outside the live stream, so not possible to 'stop them ' even if every main platform did crack down hard.

            Live streaming of users is only a small part of 'the internet' and a small part of the online video world.

            Twitch was a gaming and e sports ( ha!) live streaming site but has moved into 'real event's more recently. Maybe they are a forgotten part of Amazon, they wont be now.

  6. Fire. In a water deprived world it will obliterate infrastructure and natural life and environment, masses of human energy trying to plant forests to ameliorate climate change, and destroy our archives of the past, and our dreams for the future.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/400652/northern-california-hit-by-major-power-cuts-over-wildfire-fears

    • Dukeofurl 6.1

      A number of areas in the world are fire prone because of the climate and vegetation and often hot dry winds which spread smaller fires into larger ones. The electric lines company is just taking precautions because if power lines start a fire they will have to pay for all the damage.

  7. Adrian 7

    Fuck Spark sport. I, along with over 80,000 others in the country have not only lost the rugby, Formula1, World Rally champs but now cricket.

    NZ Cricket have fucked up in a big way, after their best year ever for increasing the games popularity they have run themselves out on the first ball. Fuck you as well.

    • Jimmy 7.1

      Yes I agree. Makes it hardly worth having Sky Sport now.

      • Dukeofurl 7.1.1

        Only Cricket played in NZ. Doesnt include international cricket or Black Caps playing outside NZ

        • Jimmy 7.1.1.1

          Thanks…I didn't know that.

        • Adrian 7.1.1.2

          So?. And how long before Spark falls over?. They are spending far more money than they can realisticly get back, only 80,000 "watched "their word, the first world cup game , is that watchers or subscribers, either way its not a lot of money. I notice Spark has not been crowing about how many are watching even the All Blacks games.I was an avid follower of F1 and WRC, but since Spark took it over I haven''t seen a single race, and I bet thousands of others are the same . It's my bet that they are losing huge amounts on those events alone. The same will happen to cricket, if people can't watch NZ play in NZ without paying a lot of money, projected subscriber numbers will fall a long way short of expectations.

          • Dukeofurl 7.1.1.2.1

            Thats live streams . They dont know how many watchers for each stream, plus they did a tie in with Sky for a popup channel for pubs and clubs who pay commercial rates.

            Isnt streaming a better delivery , as you can start when you like even 15 mins late, and make the half time longer before seeing the second half. The heavy rain doesnt affect the satellite feed.

            I dont have it but isnt that 'more convenient'

            • Adrian 7.1.1.2.1.1

              Not in the country areas, broadband is still sub par. Like watching something in the 60s. Most have Sky just to get the news etc, art, docos, sport etc are an expensive little add-on, now the cost is considerably more, so in the country we are paying a shit load more than free to air in towns.

              • Dukeofurl

                Once Sky was beamed from towers like TV signals but things changed.

                Sky will move all sport to streaming , you can bet on it

              • New view

                Adrian don’t talk shit. You generalise without the facts. I live in the country without cable broadband. I’m served by wireless Vodafone through farmside. It’s not fast. 8- 11 MB’s. The reception through the Spark app although not perfect is perfectly adequate. None of the problems that have hit the headlines that have been poking a stick at spark. A lot of people haven’t done their homework or haven’t bothered to get advice thinking the games might be shown live on sky eventually . Duh. I’m in my sixties and have plenty of mates like that. I know not everyone can get wireless , ‘not to be confused with satellite’ but in some cases could be more reliable than landline. People who think they need ultra fast broadband to stream successfully are mistaken. By the way my phone and internet with plenty of Gigs is just over $100 a month. I would say a lot of the problems are more to do with the home setups

                • Adrian

                  Is it shit to now need up to 6 subscriptions to get half of what one was able to supply.

                  • New view

                    Absolutely is shit to have to pay subs all over the place. I for one won’t be buying the spark cricket even though I like watching it occasionally. It was your opinion of rural internet coverage that was a wide sweeping generalisation in my opinion. From what I can see a lot of people haven’t worked out they don’t need a smart TV to stream. A chrome cast or similar is just fine. I’m picking the next time this happens people will be prepared. Maybe not my 92 year old mum in law.

                    • In Vino

                      Listen, New view. If your Mum-in-law is 92, you are already far too old to claim the pseudonym you use. You stale old thing.

                    • New view []

                      Well “In Vino” What ever that is supposed to mean. If you took the time read my original comment you would see I stated I was in my sixties. Not that old these days In Vino ( what ever that means ). I thought that my comment actually contributed some information so what did yours contribute. Apart from having a pointless poke at me. I would suggest you analyse your own comments a little more instead.

        • gsays 7.1.1.3

          That's great news!

          India, Australia, England and Sth African Women are all tourists in 2020. Best schedule for NZ cricket @ home in a long spell.

          I am a consumer of the spark rugger content.

          All the games are there to watch on demand.

          I love the product.

  8. Ad 8

    Duke

    Check out GreaterAuckland for commentary on the light rail NZSuper ppp and concession.

    • Dukeofurl 8.1

      Thanks . Involving Bombardier, I always thought, was a scam as they are the vehicle builders.

      The PPP structure is never good anyway, as the total costs structure is higher , even worse now that interest rates to build are low.

      The details of Montreal are even more disturbing, as there is no risk for the 8-9% return. None at all. And the Consortium is likely to sell out to an investment bank consortium after 5 years to take their profits early.

  9. weka 9

    Australia upping the authoritarianism ante, again.

    Climate change protesters arrested for obstructing traffic have been given “absurd” bail conditions that ban them from “going near” or contacting members of Extinction Rebellion, which civil liberties groups say infringes on freedom of political communication.

    https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/09/absurd-bail-conditions-prevent-extinction-rebellion-protesters-going-near-other-members

    • Dukeofurl 9.1

      Australian Constitution doesnt seem to have any provisions regarding political expression. It did say ( now repealed) that Aborigines werent to be counted as part of States populations.

      Dont seem to be able to find the Constitution of NSW

    • karol121 9.2

      Australian authorities (federal or state) may be standing on shaky ground when it comes to intervening in demonstrations/protests relating to or pertaining to the environment.

      And they sure don't make a lot of friends by doing so. But they would argue that disruption to commerce in CBD areas doesn't solve or resolve anything, and that peaceful protests can turn ugly very quickly when those disrupted become angered due to the inconvenience.

      While not everyone may share the same belief as many of those involved in or supporting the Extinction Rebellion movement, it must be clearly evident that so many of those attending such events honestly and forthrightly believe that they are making a stand in relation to right of life and well-being. For many, it is a fight for their lives in relation to their future existence. To use government mechanism as a tool to obstruct or dismantle the expression of people who are in survival mode, is most unwise.

      History has shown this to be true so many times.

      Both open debate and education in relation to known scientific fact, and general deliberation on global temperature concerns would be very healthy at this juncture.

      Politicising it and engaging in fervour tactics only goes so far.

      These people will not be going away any time soon, irrespective of how much government is thrown at them. This includes muppets who believe that because a lower court has deemed something as appropriate, (bail conditions for example), that it is a matter of Simon Says.

      Countermeasures in relation to this court imposed circumvention:

      Permitted street demonstrations authorised by various city authorities. Permits in relation to lawful assembly demonstrations at parks and reserves. Rock solid legal representation (more likely requiring money, money and money) for the movement, and both mainstream media and social media scrutinising of all and any decisions made at local authority level which might show evidence of anti Extinction Rebellion sentiment and/or bias in relation to permit decision making.

      So often, at street level, so much of the intricacy of environmental matters relates to local authority decision making, not just political central government rhetoric, narrative or transient mandate.

      I observe that Joel Fitzgibbon, (Australian Labor Party, Hunter, NSW) appears open to at least arriving at something close to climate change policy along the lines of the Paris Accord, which could be fine tuned later.

      Perhaps following his sort of lead could be helpful for Australians to consider.

  10. anyone wondering what citizen thiel has been up to..?

    https://www.mintpressnews.com/cia-israel-mossad-jeffrey-epstein-orwellian-nightmare/261692/

    (it's quite a long read – but an interesting one..)

    • karol121 10.1

      "Upon this rock, they shall build a monolith".

      He most certainly seems to be, a busy bee !

  11. joe90 12

    Sorry I couldn't put the fix in for your money launderer. Here, have some some Kurds.

    https://twitter.com/ColinKahl/status/1182071789737795584

    President Donald Trump pressed then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to help persuade the Justice Department to drop a criminal case against an Iranian-Turkish gold trader who was a client of Rudy Giuliani, according to three people familiar with the 2017 meeting in the Oval Office.

    Tillerson refused, arguing it would constitute interference in an ongoing investigation of the trader, Reza Zarrab, according to the people. They said other participants in the Oval Office were shocked by the request.

    Tillerson immediately repeated his objections to then-Chief of Staff John Kelly in a hallway conversation just outside the Oval Office, emphasizing that the request would be illegal. Neither episode has been previously reported, and all of the people spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the conversations.

    https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-09/trump-urged-top-aide-to-help-giuliani-client-facing-doj-charges

  12. Andre 13

    Interesting. Seems Matt Drudge ain't quite such a Fake-bronze Fuhrer fanboi anymore. Or maybe he's just getting his jollies watching it all erupt.

    Jerome Corsi, a prominent right-wing conspiracy theorist, has repeatedly tweeted about the change in coverage, saying Drudge has "lost his mind," "turned left," and become a "leftist hack beating [the] impeachment drum."

    After suggesting Drudge could be turning on Trump for web traffic, Limbaugh said, "I actually don't know," adding that as a "professional courtesy" he doesn't "ask him."

    It's not clear whether Drudge had a falling out with the White House that prompted his change in coverage. After Trump ascended to the Oval Office, Drudge was known to visit the White House, spending time with the President, Jared Kushner, and Ivanka Trump.

    "Impeachment is where Matt Drudge entered," the person close to Drudge told CNN Business. "This is a great story. And Drudge is breaking out the popcorn."

    Ziegler offered another theory.

    "My basic view on Drudge is that people mistake him as an ideologue," said Ziegler. "Matt Drudge loves chaos. And impeachment is chaos."
    https://edition.cnn.com/2019/10/09/media/matt-drudge-trump-impeachment/index.html

  13. Drowsy M. Kram 14

    Feel the chill – lesser journalists would be frozen solid by now.

    I was relieved to have finished years of trouble after the 2014 police raid on his home”, said Nicky Hager. “I am disappointed to receive more news of more government agencies using intrusive means to try to uncover his confidential sources.”

    “I would rather get on with my work than fight these fights, but this issue needs to be fixed for the future. I want the SIS to introduce clear policies that will prevent them from targeting media organisations and journalists in this way again.

    http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1910/S00115/the-sis-unlawfully-targeted-nicky-hager-on-behalf-of-nzdf.htm

    • karol121 14.1

      In reality, Nicky Hager probably never left the surveillance; "them against the rest of us" chain gang, and may never.

      Certain agency staff may have long memories, but by public account, they appear genuine about moving on, and to kind of forgive and forget.

      But how about the little brothers, big sisters, little sisters and the Sgt Dickheads of all shapes and sizes who believe that, just the same, it is their civic duty to hold a grudge against him for matters probably already considered by higher echelon to be more or less historical, and not needing a re-visited?

      Perhaps it is food for thought.

      I personally believe that he could find further fulfillment (over and above advisory to the IGIS Reference Group), working part time in the field of law practice procedures pertaining to both the secure handling, and the prevention of mishandling of clients' material by law practitioners.

  14. karol121 15

    If your elected representative doesn't appear to be pulling his or her weight, if grabbing them by the horns doesn't work, or if their oratory skills aren't producing sufficient bang for buck, perhaps try this:

    https://golf.swingbyswing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hog.jpg

    Parliamentary and local body salaries are not meant to be hog to get high on.

    Parliamentary session presentations, (via Hansard), not to be used for hog wash either.

    With all due respect.

    • With all due respect karol121 you seem to have deep concerns about security, and whistleblowers and other things, hogs amongst them.

      Incomprehensible to follow. What was your point again. Perhaps list multiple ones with bullet points for the benefit of us all.

      • In Vino 15.1.1

        +1. Unclear, karol121.

        • karol121 15.1.1.1

          Sure, Greywarshark/In Vino

          I accept. Syntax and context can sometimes be an issue for me, especially when presenting my quarter in haste.

          The point is that while so many people express concern (both justified and not) at the extent of surveillance by the state mechanism, and while they also express concern with regard to the powers relating to physical access by the state, fixation on this can distract people from recognizing the many opportunists, well established, who operate as their own form of surveillance mechanism, along with handling of trouble-makers, irrespective of state intent or even political intent.

          The other point is that it is the people who generally both make demands, and set the standard in relation to state observation (or interference).

          It would be reasonable to assume that after the state infrastructure has long since closed it's books on people who were once of interest, there would be others with considerable portfolios and access who, for their own emotional or positional reasons, carry on "the fight".

          So, in context, whilst not necessarily sympathizing with Nicky Hager, the chances are very high that he will never be free from intrusion or loose observation of one sort or another, if not for the sole reason of grudges held by many with regard to his historical behavior.

          Many might advise him to stay as publicly visible as he can.

          If he ceased doing what he has been doing, the state would probably consider that their resources are to be best spent elsewhere.

          Believing that the state infrastructure would keep much of an eye on him once salient operational matters have been laid to rest might be just a little shallow, but believing that others would keep an eye on him is most realistic.

          Which is why, once marked with a particular label, it can be difficult for people to avoid the impact of the association with it.

          For example, if a person punched a star All-Black in the mouth and put him out of action during a test series, that person would likely be convicted of assault. But that would not be the end of the matter for the offender. Others would wish to send him their message.

          The so-called good folk will very often take over (often quietly) where and when they do not feel that the state mechanism has adequately dealt with an issue.

          It is clear that there is a massive amount of surveillance opportunity available to people. Even sophisticated hardware and software can now be managed by a school child.

          The wider community, Hell bent on asserting it's right to security, privacy, justice and freedom, is basically creating it's own surveillance society.

          Even in New Zealander, people are fast adopting a quasi-marae style culture where, aside from episodic engagement in matters of one to one approved intimacy, personal hygiene considerations and business confidentiality, most everything else is running at a fast pace to being public domain, and needing to be scrutinized by others.

          Both state and corporate will usually mimic the masses on such matters.

          Where it goes once it reaches the point where most everything is visible is anybody's guess. It's not my intention to argue whether this is good, bad, right or wrong. It is just a fact.

          Perhaps social credit bureau scoring such as we hear reported throughout the People's Republic of China would be the next step. I wouldn't envisage too many Kiwis getting up on their hind legs and doing much of anything to prevent it, other than to vent dissatisfaction.

  15. UncookedSelachimorpha 16

    Now billionaires in the USA can pay less tax than workers, even before 'optimising' their tax liabilities – the basic tax rates permit them to pay less.

    John Key's wet dream!

    https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-billionaires-low-tax-rate-working-class-cost-a9148746.html

  16. The arrogance of the UK Conservatives is outstanding. One of their strongest traits it seems. Beyond that is an aching void.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPcx3cIlamg Brexit: Saturday parliamentary session to decide UK future confirmed for October – BBC News

    Jeremy Hunt former Foreign Secretary to the Conswervs says with a straight face that the EU are perhaps going to have a catastrophic failure in statecraft or they haven't really understood what is happening in British politics right now. He looks quite exited to be the centre of attention explaining how important Britain is and the rest are mired in bureaucratic circumlocutions. Or words to that effect.

    19th October is a Saturday, and Parliament is sitting that day, an historic event and I think it was said, the last time this occurred was over the Falkland War and Maggie was busy screwing over Britain to start it, and cynics say, to turn the disenchanted public eye from the unpopularity of her and the Conservatives. It is a shame that the Conservatives want to upend Britain every few decades.

    It seems that the EU is trying strenuously to cope with Britain (United Kingdom?) playing fast and loose with their important national agreement and treaty, but Tusk is getting testy, and the others are being deliberately temperate no doubt to balance Johnson's Trump-like presentation.

    Associated press 9 Oct 2019: The Latest: EU's Tusk says Brexit part of brutality….

    …During a speech in Athens on Wednesday, European Council President Donald Tusk encouraged political leaders to heed ancient Athenian general Thucydides’ warning about the dangers of war and confrontation….

    The president of the European Union’s council of national leaders says Brexit results from confrontational politics with “the ability to deal brutally with opponents, competitors, misfits or strangers.”…

    He cited the Trump administration and European countries “where the foundations of liberal democracy and the rule of law are being undermined” as being part of the same trend that is taking the U.K. out of the EU.

    Tusk said: “Violence, lies, hate speech, myths, and resentment: These are the tools of today’s politics.”

    3:55 p.m.

    European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker says he is working with EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier to find a way to end a stalemate with Britain’s government over a Brexit agreement.

    Juncker told the European Parliament on Wednesday: “Personally, I don’t exclude a deal. Michel and myself are working on a deal.”

    He refused to be more specific but made clear that talks between the two sides haven’t come to an irreparable standstill.

  17. Eco maori 19

    I agree we have to take action NOW to minimise and mitigate human cause Global Warming and Sea levels rising. Kia Kaha to all the intelligence tangata that know and can see the effects of Global Warming.

    Ocasio-Cortez tells world's mayors drastic action needed on climate crisis

    In a passionate address to leaders of 94 cities in Copenhagen, the congresswoman called ‘runaway’ pursuit of profit unsustainable

    US congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez warned that tackling the climate crisis will involve making dramatic economic changes in a passionate closing speech at the C40 World Mayors summit in Copenhagen on Friday.

    In her first overseas appearance as an elected politician, the 29-year-old was invited to speak after the C40, which represents the mayors of 94 cities worldwide, and which this week pledged support for a global version of her flagship Green New Deal policy.

    “It is unsustainable to continue to believe [in] our system of runaway, unaccountable, lawbreaking pursuit of profit,” she told the conference.

    Instead, she said, the world needed to adopt “a cooperative, collaborative” system, “whose economy … benefits the middle and lower classes and marginalised people”.

    ‘Inspirational': Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez applauds mayors’ Global Green New Deal

    Read more

    “Our current logic created this mess and operating in the same way will not get us out.”

    This uncompromising message won her a powerful round of applause. But it was when she came to the impact climate change had had on her own life, and on her family in Puerto Rico, that she became emotional.

    “I speak to you as a human being, a woman whose dreams of motherhood now taste bittersweet because of what I know about our children’s future,” she said, her voice breaking as if she was struggling to hold back tears.

    “That our actions are responsible for bringing their most dire possibilities into focus.”

    From the moment she began speaking, the main hall at the summit became completely still, and when she finished, the ovation she received far exceeded that received by the veteran climate campaigner and former vice-president Al Gore, Denmark’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen; or the UN secretary general, António Guterres.

    “She got a rockstar welcome in that audience,” Nicholas Reece, a city councillor from Melbourne, Australia, said. “There’s just something about her which is really mobilising and electrifying people around the world, particularly young people.”

    After her speech, Ocasio-Cortez joined the weekly Fridays for Future rally outside Copenhagen city hall, where she called on the gathered activists to “make sure the politicians sweat a little bit”.

    Ka kite Ano link below.

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/oct/11/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-c40-world-mayors-summit-climate-crisis

  18. Eco maori 20

    Some Eco Maori Music For The Minute.

    https://youtu.be/KSN7Nz4ECQM

  19. Eco maori 21

    Kia Ora 1 News.

    Its great that a quater of Aotearoa Mayors are Wahine.

    Jailhouse witness will say what ever they are told to say times are changing.

    I don't agree our farms need to respect our futures environment and Wai of course they are going to cry foul about the new water laws when I drive around I see Wai ways not fence off and stock in them these are dry stock farms.

    Don't you think its suspicious that all of a sudden there's heaps of data breaches now we have a Left leaning Government.

    Te Wahine will lead Ngapuhi towards the correct route to build a moanga for their Mokopuna.

    I think Wellington Bucket fountain is cool.

    Ka kite Ano

  20. Eco maori 22

    Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.

    Its good to hear that Te Maori party wants to line up with the left Tangata .

    Ka pai to all Te tangata whenua running for Council in Turangi Nui A Kiwa.

    Its great to see that Rotorua has elected a diverse selection of councilors.

    Ka kite Ano

  21. Eco maori 23

    Kia Ora The Breakfast Show.

    I read a article about someone examineing our history he came to a conclusion that it was ballance of the left and right side of man Yin Yang. He was 1/2 correct it is ballance but the correct fact is its a ballance of human leadership between Wahine and Tane 50/50.

    Nice Bubble. It amazing me that tangata have a 1 minute memorie.

    Ha what about the Great statement I will not raise GST he loaded Aotearoa taxes load on the Common Poor people who have to spend all their putea guess what culture has the most poor tangata. The big elephant in the room on Kiwisaver is the way the broke rates went up to %10 to 20 under shonky is it a coincidence that banks prophets went through the roof to I think not.

    Wai is a taonga. Tangata need to learn to give it respect try to use as little as possible so Our other beings creatures on Papatuanuku can live a long healthy life look around Papatuanuku and see what happens when we use it in excess and treat it like a thing that is only created for tangata.

    Its a fact that money rules the Papatuanuku not logic.

    Congratulations on 5 years of being Alcohol free.

    Ka kite Ano

  22. Eco maori 24

    I think the the local tangata of Ethiopia National Wildlife parks should be running the parks this method will solve quite a few problems.

    Last wolves in Africa: the fragile wildlife of Ethiopia's ravaged parks

    Conservationist Getachew Assefa points across the valley. “It started close to the mist over there, by the most spectacular viewpoint,” he says. “Almost all the grassland was burnt. All of that plateau and the steep cliff over there.”

    Six months after wildfires torched this part of Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains, the scars are healing: heather and grass have returned to carpet the hilltop, brightened by the yellow daisies which bloom after the long rains. On the near side of the valley lie barley fields, rippling in the wind.

    The scene is bucolic. But, as Assefa explains, these montane grasslands and the rare wildlife they host are under threat.

    Ethiopian wolf and pups

    The Simien Mountains are home to the highly endangered Ethiopian wolf. Photograph: Claudio Sillero/EWCP

    Two fires broke out earlier this year, ravaging one of the oldest natural Unesco world heritage sites, and destroying, at least temporarily, the habitat of some of the world’s rarest species: the copper-coated Ethiopian wolf and the walia ibex, a goat found nowhere else on earth

    Few doubt the blazes’ cause. The park’s wolf monitors – which include Assefa – saw, through binoculars, two men setting tussocks alight, though they couldn’t confirm their identities.

    For Crane, one answer is to increase the park price for foreign visitors, to try to limit the number coming to the Simien Mountains each year.

    Meanwhile Watkin suggests Ethiopia considers alternative conservation approaches that allow communities to take ownership of the process, moving away from the state-led “fortress conservation” model that prevails. He notes examples in Kenya and Tanzania, where local communities run eco-lodges and tourism ventures while ensuring the landscape is protected. “They’re 20 to 30 years ahead of Ethiopia in this,” he says.

    Such approaches might make it possible for Ethiopia to square the circle between conservation and development.

    “The core of the problem is that tourism is not working for the locals,” says Joshua Amlakse, a Simien Mountains guide. “Nothing ends up in the local community

    Ka kite Ano link below.

    https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/11/last-wolves-in-africa-fragile-wildlife-ethiopia-park

  23. Eco maori 25

    Let hope that European Investment Bank does the correct thing and stops lending to fossil fuel companies. Its a logical step to take considering the facts that Europe is going to be one of the hardest hit by Global Warming and sea level rising. Some countries are already feeling the negative effects of Global Warming Sea levels rising need I say whom.

    Divestment works – and one huge bank can lead the way

    Bill McKibben

    On 15 October, the European Investment Bank meets to decide its policy on fossil fuels. The hand of history is on its shoulder

    Millions of people marched against climate crisis over the past two weeks, in some of the largest demonstrations of the millennium. Most people cheered the students who led the rallies – call them the Greta Generation. But now we’ll start to find out if all their earnest protest actually matters.

    EIB plans to cut all funding for fossil fuel projects by 2020

    Read more

    Perhaps the first real test will come on 15 October, when the board of the EU’s European Investment Bank – the largest public bank in the world – meets to decide whether the time has finally come to stop expanding the fossil fuel sector. This should be a no-brainer decision: the bank’s staff has put forward a cogent proposal, supported by campaigners across the continent, that would end loans to new fossil fuel projects by 2020.

    And if the EIB does act, it will send a strong signal to markets and to other lenders. For almost a decade now, observers have understood that restricting the flow of money to the fossil fuel industry is a key part of the climate fight. That’s why endowments and portfolios worth more than $11tn have begun divesting their fossil fuel stocks; last month the University of California system became the latest big player to join in, scrubbing its $80bn endowment and pension fund of fossil fuel stocks. Heck, even a major American utility announced that it was divesting its pension fund because it could see where the future lay.

    The fifteenth of October is a crucial day in the most important fight the planet has ever faced, and a sign of whether Europe’s governments, particularly those of Germany and Italy, who insiders report have been strongly against a fossil-free EIB policy, will respond with open hearts to the outpouring of hope we have seen in the past weeks.

    • Bill McKibben is the founder of the grassroots climate campaign 350.org and author of Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out?

    Ka kite Ano link below.

    https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/oct/13/divestment-bank-european-investment-fossil-fuels

  24. Eco maori 26

    Kia Ora 1 News.

    Ka pai to the Canadian Rugby team for helping clean up in Japan.

    Congratulations to Japan for making the 1/4 finals in the Rugby Papatuanuku Cup.

    The kane toads a killing Australia native wildlife Australia has had A problem with Kane TOADS for a while – – – – – – – – – – -??????? Ka kite Ano

  25. Eco maori 27

    Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.

    That's awesome a recycling old phones system that cool that some are being reused a lot of phones just need new batteries.

    That's a great idea a public holiday to remember The New Zealand Wars this event needs to be known by all Kiwis Ka pai Ming

    Kia Kaha to the students striking for their future climate the harder you mahi the better future you will have.

    Japan made the 1/4 finals in Te Papatuanuku Rugby Cup it awesome to see Te Tangata Whenua o Aotearoa connections.

    7 week programme to teach tamariki about respecting Wai Awa and Tangaroa ki ora.

    Excellent Ngāti Porou Tane training people about how to hunt and gather Open Places.
    Congratulations on your being honoured for your great Waiata Dennis Mash
    Ka kite Ano

  26. Eco maori 29

    Kia Ora Breakfast.

    Tawhirimate has been going strong and still is I had to reset my satellite dish because it had moved my wind turbine is going to.

    Elton John is a incredibly talented person.

    Kiwi Space radar is a very good idea tracking space rubbish space junk. Keeping a track of the junk so other space vehicles /devices can stay clear of the space junk.

    Its good that Pharmac is going to pay for things that some Wahine need.

    I agree the Big interest in Wahine Sports around the Papatuanuku is not A fad Nicola from the Wahine Sports institute of Minnesota

    Biketober is a great way to get the Tangata of Christchurch out of cars and onto bike that is good for our environment and one's health. We have Ebikes now.

    Condolences to the person who was losted in the Yacht sinking.

    That's the big picture put the bottle of Alcohol down bar fight

    Trampolines are great exasize for Te mokopuna in Tawhirimate like this they have to be weighted down sand bags on the feet. I went to check my cows one morning next minute I got there a neighbour trampoline had blown onto my electric set fence cows had broken out and made a mess.

    Ka kite Ano

  27. Eco maori 30

    It's amazing technology that has made it very easy for the Papatuanuku to change to Green Carbon free Energy. I congratulate the 3 scientists for their Awesome improvements of batteries that are going to power our Futures

    Nobel prize in chemistry awarded for work on lithium-ion batteries

    John B Goodenough, M Stanley Whittingham and Akira Yoshino honoured for sparking a portable technology revolution

    The Nobel prize in chemistry has been awarded to three scientists for their work in developing lithium-ion batteries.

    John B Goodenough of the University of Texas at Austin, M Stanley Whittingham of Binghamton University and Akira Yoshino of Meijo University will receive equal shares of the 9m Swedish kronor (£74o,000) prize, which was announced by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm on Wednesday.

    At 97 years old, Goodenough is the oldest laureate to receive a Nobel prize in any discipline; Whittingham is the second British-born researcher to win a science Nobel this year.

    Ion age: why the future will be battery powered

    Read more

    Lithium-ion batteries have long been tipped for the award, not least since they have proved pivotal in the development of the high-tech world we inhabit.

    “They have laid the foundation of a wireless, fossil fuel-free society, and are of the greatest benefit to humankind,” the academy said.

    Far lighter and more compact than earlier types of rechargeable battery, and able to hold their charge for longer, they are found in everything from mobile phones to laptops and electric cars.

    “The [electric car] batteries no longer weigh two tonnes, but 300kg,” said Prof Sara Snogerup Linse, a member of the Nobel committee for chemistry. “The ability to store energy from renewable sources, the sun, the wind, opens up for sustainable energy consumption,” she added.

    The upshot was a lightweight, compact battery that could be recharged many, many times – the bedrock of modern technology. The battery continues to be developed, not least to improve its environmental impact.

    Prof Dame Carol Robinson, president of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said battery technology remained an exciting field.

    “It’s not the end of the journey, as lithium is a finite resource and many scientists around the world are building on the foundations laid by these three brilliant chemists,” she said Ka kite Ano link below.

    https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/oct/09/nobel-prize-in-chemistry-awarded-for-work-on-lithium-ion-batteries

    • Sabine 30.1

      yeah, right. TUI

      https://www.wired.co.uk/article/lithium-batteries-environment-impact

      n May 2016, hundreds of protestors threw dead fish onto the streets of Tagong, a town on the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau. They had plucked them from the waters of the Liqi river, where a toxic chemical leak from the Ganzizhou Rongda Lithium mine had wreaked havoc with the local ecosystem.

      cause we want our cars, we are deserving of our cars, we shall not be using public transport, we are entitled to our private transport, and the world can get fucked, so as long as i have mine and my comforts. besides you and i shall never see the mess lithium mining makes so it must be green, and good, and such.

      • karol121 30.1.1

        I know Sabine. But few developed nations aren't hooked on them, or well on their way to still becoming hooked? Private motorcars that is.

        But a general rule of thumb is that, aside from the basics pertaining to well being, from a consumption standpoint, as newer generations come along, what they have not had the use of cannot be missed by them. This rule also extends to private motorcars.

        Considering this, it is easy to seriously consider the likelihood that global plans have been on the drawing board for quite some time to fully maximise the use of shared transport to the point where most living in even moderately sized locales will be heavily discouraged from private vehicle ownership, or forbidden outright to do so relatively soon.

        By 2035, a child born in New Zealand today may well be forced to use modernized, high technology public transport infrastructure as their primary or sole means of wheeled of transport, even in little old isolated K1W1.

        However, if New Zealand plays its cards right with regard to what I suspect is a general global understanding based on resource and environmental necessity, it may well end up with a stay of execution, and may well be one of the last countries on the planet to still continue to provide private motor vehicle options for the mainstream public past 2035.

        In part, Ms Collins puts up some reasonable argument in relation to petroleum, carbon emissions and the global warming topic. But she would, wouldn’t she? As many respondents have already indicated, many of her assertions are not so widely accepted. But it is not all anecdotal in support of current energy use.

        Perhaps most New Zealanders may not have considered where things are so likely to be heading to, and soon. Perhaps partly because little has really been done politically to deprive people of the opportunity to acquire private motor cars, petrol, diesel or electric.

        There are a very fearful group of NZ politicians who suspect that their political futures would be curtailed if they voted in favor of any such future policy. Not because of any underhand mechanism backed by the oil industry or motor vehicle manufacturing industry obstructing them or punishing them for being so bold, but as a result of the bitterness of a general public which will always hold long memories on matters pertaining to the removal of their traditional lifestyle "choices".

        I wouldn't blame politicians for adopting this stance, nor damn them for acting on such fears. After all, it's not the same as a plastic bag or tobacco campaign.

        Personally I am grateful for the motor vehicle advantage that I've had over the coarse of my life. Selfish sounding, I guess.

        A well respected and noted American (Robert Lutz) who held senior positions with General Motors, Ford and Chrysler has put forward his stance on the likely path that will be taken in relation to private motor car ownership in the medium term, and he's not the only person with a wealth of automotive industry senior management experience to hold similar views.

        Petroleum fueled private motor cars out, and battery powered in. This wont bring about a cessation in the use of petroleum products as fuel alternative, but will redirect the use of it to industries and mechanisms considered critical. This currently includes passenger airliners and merchant marine, (not just military or industries described as dirty).

        If the current manufacture of such components are an environmental issue for many in the meantime, then it is just the price that is paid for attempting to continue to provide both convenience and lifestyle related mechanism to a very hungry, consumption orientated global market, and with a global population growing at a rate of about 220,000 people a day.

        • Sabine 30.1.1.1

          its ok. don't worry, you are not the only one who is happy to replace fossil fuel with lithium mining. its hard giving up privilege and comfort especially when we are grown accustomed to it. Lifestyle they call it. Right?

          • Karol121 30.1.1.1.1

            Yes Sabine. To use a (sort of) oxymoron; happy, in a sad sort of way.

            So, agreed. New Zealander's are very accustomed to it, rich and poor. And they are so unlikely to break the habit any time soon.

            Wheels, (and perhaps nuts as well)!

  28. Eco maori 31

    I Question these figures to as Cat poo thing YEA RIGHT get off the grass

    Questions remain over Māui threat plan cost

    Ongoing drama surrounds the Māui and Hector's dolphin threat management plan, with worries key information is not being made public promptly

    The way costs were calculated for fishing bans to protect Māui and Hector’s dolphins is under review – but will go to Government ministers before the public is told

    For one year, stopping set-netting in 14,600 square km off the west coast of the North Island, the draft plan estimates a reduction of total economic value of $16.8m.This is based on the lost revenue of what the fish sells for, as well as value from processing and supply.

    Yeoman’s estimation of the value of the fishery is substantially lower, at $1.1m.

    With only 63 Māui dolphins remaining, the stakes are high for the sub-species. The threat management plan proposes human-induced deaths of Māui dolphins need to be reduced to as “near as practicable to zero”.

    It hasn't just been economists querying numbers. Scientists have disagreed with a calculation regarding the impact of toxoplasmosis on Māui dolphins. The plan estimates two Māui dolphin die each year due to the disease, making it more lethal to the species than commercial fishing. This was based on analysis of dead dolphins and interpreting what's found in dead dolphins to what is happening with live dolphins

    Ka kite Ano link below

    https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2019/10/15/859096/hold-maui-dolphin

  29. Eco maori 32

    Kia Ora 1 News.

    That's is cool the Japan Rugby fan painting the rugby Jersey on his skin and becoming a celebrity in the process.

    Minority culture being treated very badly in America no guns Condolences to Miss Jefferson whanau for their loss.

    I seen the launch of that Manuka Honey Branded product that's being sold in Harrods Britain.

    Ka kite Ano

  30. Eco maori 33

    Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.

    Awsome a Maori centred $ 80 million building being built in Rotorua

    Awsome that some schools are getting more putea especially the Maori ones everyone knows we are pohara.

    I''' our netball team is in good form
    Mana Wahine Te Wahine sports stars are shining bright now Kia Kaha

    Ka kite Ano

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    The Detail this morning highlights the police's asset forfeiture case against convicted business criminal Ron Salter, who stands to have his business confiscated for systemic violations of health and safety law. Business are crying foul - but not for the reason you'd think. Instead of opposing the post-conviction punishment and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    8 hours ago
  • Misremembering Justinian’s Taxes.
    Tax Lawyer Barbara Edmonds vs Emperor Justinian I - Nolo Contendere: False historical explanations of pivotal events are very far from being inconsequential.WHEN BARBARA EDMONDS made reference to the Roman Empire, my ears pricked up. It is, lamentably, very rare to hear a politician admit to any kind of familiarity ...
    9 hours ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Scoring 4.6 out of 10, the new Government is struggling in the polls
    It’s been a tumultuous time in politics in recent months, as the new National-led Government has driven through its “First 100 Day programme”. During this period there’s been a handful of opinion polls, which overall just show a minimal amount of flux in public support for the various parties in ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    10 hours ago
  • Bishop scores headlines with crackdown on unwelcome tenants – but Peters scores, too, as tub-thump...
    Buzz from the Beehive Housing Minister Chris Bishop delivered news – packed with the ingredients to enflame political passions – worthy of supplanting Winston Peters in headline writers’ priorities. He popped up at the post-Cabinet press conference to promise a crackdown on unruly and antisocial state housing tenants. His ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    11 hours ago
  • Will it make the boat go faster?
    Ele Ludemann writes – The Reserve Bank is advertising for a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion advisor. The Bank has one mandate – to keep inflation between one and three percent. It has failed in that and is only slowly getting inflation back down to the upper limit. Will it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    14 hours ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Is Simon Bridges’ NZTA appointment a conflict of interest?
    Last week former National Party leader Simon Bridges was appointed by the Government as the new chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). You can read about the appointment in Thomas Coughlan’s article, Simon Bridges to become chair of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi The fact that a ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    14 hours ago
  • Is Simon Bridges’ NZTA appointment a conflict of interest?
    Bryce Edwards writes – Last week former National Party leader Simon Bridges was appointed by the Government as the new chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). You can read about the appointment in Thomas Coughlan’s article, Simon Bridges to become chair of NZ Transport Agency ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    14 hours ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' at 10:10am on Tuesday, March 19
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Gavin Jacobson talks to Thomas Piketty 10 years on from Capital in the 21st Century The SalvoLocal scoop: Green MP’s business being investigated over migrant exploitation claims Stuff Steve KilgallonLocal deep-dive: The commercial contractors making money from School ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    14 hours ago
  • Bernard's six newsy things on Tuesday, March 19
    It’s a home - but Kāinga Ora tenants accused of “abusing the privilege” may lose it. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The Government announced a crackdown on Kāinga Ora tenants who were unruly and/or behind on their rent, with Housing Minister Chris Bishop saying a place in a state ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    15 hours ago
  • New Life for Light Rail
    This is a guest post by Connor Sharp of Surface Light Rail  Light rail in Auckland: A way forward sooner than you think With the coup de grâce of Auckland Light Rail (ALR) earlier this year, and the shift of the government’s priorities to roads, roads, and more roads, it ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    16 hours ago
  • Why Are Bosses Nearly All Buffoons?
    Note: As a paid-up Webworm member, I’ve recorded this Webworm as a mini-podcast for you as well. Some of you said you liked this option - so I aim to provide it when I get a chance to record! Read more ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    19 hours ago
  • Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6.06 pm on March 18
    TL;DR: In my ‘six-stack’ of substacks at 6.06pm on Monday, March 18:IKEA is accused of planting big forests in New Zealand to green-wash; REDD-MonitorA City for People takes a well-deserved victory lap over Wellington’s pro-YIMBY District Plan votes; A City for PeopleSteven Anastasiou takes a close look at the sticky ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Peters holds his ground on co-governance, but Willis wriggles on those tax cuts and SNA suspension l...
    Buzz from the Beehive Here’s hoping for a lively post-cabinet press conference when the PM and – perhaps – some of his ministers tell us what was discussed at their meeting today. Until then, Point of Order has precious little Beehive news to report after its latest monitoring of the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago
  • Labour’s final report card
    David Farrar writes –  We now have almost all 2023 data in, which has allowed me to update my annual table of how  went against its promises. This is basically their final report card. The promise The result Build 100,000 affordable homes over 10 ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • “Drunk Uncle at a Wedding”
    I’m a bit worried that I’ve started a previous newsletter with the words “just when you think they couldn’t get any worse…” Seems lately that I could begin pretty much every issue with that opening. Such is the nature of our coalition government that they seem to be outdoing each ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Wang Yi’s perfectly-timed, Aukus-themed visit to New Zealand
    Geoffrey Miller writes – Timing is everything. And from China’s perspective, this week’s visit by its foreign minister to New Zealand could be coming at just the right moment. The visit by Wang Yi to Wellington will be his first since 2017. Anniversaries are important to Beijing. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on Dune 2, and images of Islam
    Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture ...
    2 days ago
  • New Rail Operations Centre Promises Better Train Services
    Last week Transport Minster Simeon Brown and Mayor Wayne Brown opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre. The new train control centre will see teams from KiwiRail, Auckland Transport and Auckland One Rail working more closely together to improve train services across the city. The Auckland Rail Operations Centre in ...
    2 days ago
  • Bernard's six newsy things at 6.36am on Monday, March 18
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Retiring former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson said in an exit interview with Q+A yesterday the Government can and should sustain more debt to invest in infrastructure for future generations. Elsewhere in the news in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 6:36am: Read more ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: Wang Yi’s perfectly-timed, Aukus-themed visit to New Zealand
    Timing is everything. And from China’s perspective, this week’s visit by its foreign minister to New Zealand could be coming at just the right moment. The visit by Wang Yi to Wellington will be his first since 2017. Anniversaries are important to Beijing. It is more than just a happy ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    2 days ago
  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to March 25 and beyond
    TL;DR: The key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to March 18 include:China’s Foreign Minister visiting Wellington today;A post-cabinet news conference this afternoon; the resumption of Parliament on Tuesday for two weeks before Easter;retiring former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson gives his valedictory speech in Parliament; ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Bitter and angry; Winston First
    New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters’s state-of-the-nation speech on Sunday was really a state-of-Winston-First speech. He barely mentioned any of the Government’s key policies and could not even wholly endorse its signature income tax cuts. Instead, he rehearsed all of his complaints about the Ardern Government, including an extraordinary claim ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11
    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 10, 2024 thru Sat, March 16, 2024. Story of the week This week we'll give you a little glimpse into how we collect links to share and ...
    2 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11
    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 10, 2024 thru Sat, March 16, 2024. Story of the week This week we'll give you a little glimpse into how we collect links to share and ...
    2 days ago
  • Out of Touch.
    “I’ve been internalising a really complicated situation in my head.”When they kept telling us we should wait until we get to know him, were they taking the piss? Was it a case of, if you think this is bad, wait till you get to know the real Christopher, after the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The bewildering world of Chris Luxon – Guns for all, not no lunch for kids
    .“$10 and a target that bleeds” - Bleeding Targets for Under $10!.Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.This government appears hell-bent on either scrapping life-saving legislation or reintroducing things that - frustrated critics insist - will be dangerous and likely ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    3 days ago
  • Expert Opinion: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    It hardly strikes me as fair to criticise a government for doing exactly what it said it was going to do. For actually keeping its promises.”THUNDER WAS PLAYING TAG with lightning flashes amongst the distant peaks. Its rolling cadences interrupted by the here-I-come-here-I-go Doppler effect of the occasional passing car. ...
    3 days ago
  • Manufacturing The Truth.
    Subversive & Disruptive Technologies: Just as happened with that other great regulator of the masses, the Medieval Church, the advent of a new and hard-to-control technology – the Internet –  is weakening the ties that bind. Then, and now, those who enjoy a monopoly on the dissemination of lies, cannot and will ...
    3 days ago
  • A Powerful Sensation of Déjà Vu.
    Been Here Before: To find the precedents for what this Coalition Government is proposing, it is necessary to return to the “glory days” of Muldoonism.THE COALITION GOVERNMENT has celebrated its first 100 days in office by checking-off the last of its listed commitments. It remains, however, an angry government. It ...
    3 days ago
  • Can you guess where world attention is focussed (according to Greenpeace)? It’s focussed on an EPA...
    Bob Edlin writes –  And what is the world watching today…? The email newsletter from Associated Press which landed in our mailbox early this morning advised: In the news today: The father of a school shooter has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter; prosecutors in Trump’s hush-money case ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Further integrity problems for the Greens in suspending MP Darleen Tana
    Bryce Edwards writes – Is another Green MP on their way out? And are the Greens severely tarnished by another integrity scandal? For the second time in three months, the Green Party has secretly suspended an MP over integrity issues. Mystery is surrounding the party’s decision to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Greens’ transparency missing in action
    For the last few years, the Green Party has been the party that has managed to avoid the plague of multiple scandals that have beleaguered other political parties. It appears that their luck has run out with a second scandal which, unfortunately for them, coincided with Golraz Ghahraman, the focus ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s Dawn Chorus with six newsey things at 6:46am for Saturday, March 16
    TL;DR: The six newsey things that stood out to me as of 6:46am on Saturday, March 16.Andy Foster has accidentally allowed a Labour/Green amendment to cut road user chargers for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which the Government might accept; NZ Herald Thomas Coughlan Simeon Brown has rejected a plea from Westport ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • How Did FTX Crash?
    What seemed a booming success a couple of years ago has collapsed into fraud convictions.I looked at the crash of FTX (short for ‘Futures Exchange’) in November 2022 to see whether it would impact on the financial system as a whole. Fortunately there was barely a ripple, probably because it ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago
  • Elections in Russia and Ukraine
    Anybody following the situation in Ukraine and Russia would probably have been amused by a recent Tweet on X NATO seems to be putting in an awful lot of effort to influence what is, at least according to them, a sham election in an autocracy.When do the Ukrainians go to ...
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s six stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15
    TL;DR: Shaun Baker on Wynyard Quarter's transformation. Magdalene Taylor on the problem with smart phones. How private equity are now all over reinsurance. Dylan Cleaver on rugby and CTE. Emily Atkin on ‘Big Meat’ looking like ‘Big Oil’.Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15Photo by Jeppe Hove Jensen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Buzz from the Beehive Finance Minister Nicola Willis had plenty to say when addressing the Auckland Business Chamber on the economic growth that (she tells us) is flagging more than we thought. But the government intends to put new life into it:  We want our country to be a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • National’s clean car tax advances
    The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has reported back on the Road User Charges (Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Amendment Bill, basicly rubberstamping it. While there was widespread support among submitters for the principle that EV and PHEV drivers should pay their fair share for the roads, they also overwhelmingly disagreed with ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Government funding bailouts
    Peter Dunne writes – This week’s government bailout – the fifth in the last eighteen months – of the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts company would have pleased many in the central North Island ski industry. The government’s stated rationale for the $7 million funding was that it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Two offenders, different treatments.
    See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago
  • Treaty references omitted
    Ele Ludemann writes  – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Ghahraman Conflict
    What was that judge thinking? Peter Williams writes –  That Golriz Ghahraman and District Court Judge Maria Pecotic were once lawyer colleagues is incontrovertible. There is published evidence that they took at least one case to the Court of Appeal together. There was a report on ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop: Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
    Wellington’s massively upzoned District Plan adds the opportunity for tens of thousands of new homes not just in the central city (such as these Webb St new builds) but also close to the CBD and public transport links. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Wellington gave itself the chance of ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
    It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    5 days ago
  • That Word.
    Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
    It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
    Open access notables A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society: In the year 2023, we have seen extraordinary extrema in high sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic and in ...
    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
    For forty years, Robert Muldoon has been a dirty word in our politics. His style of government was so repulsive and authoritarian that the backlash to it helped set and entrench our constitutional norms. His pig-headedness over forcing through Think Big eventually gave us the RMA, with its participation and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
    Bryce Edwards writes –  Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
    Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
    Questions need to be asked on both sides of the world Peter Williams writes –   The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
    Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
    Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    6 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
    6 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    6 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
    Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Government moves to quickly ratify the NZ-EU FTA
    "The Government is moving quickly to realise an additional $46 million in tariff savings in the EU market this season for Kiwi exporters,” Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay says. Parliament is set, this week, to complete the final legislative processes required to bring the New Zealand – European ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
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