Open mike 10/04/2015

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, April 10th, 2015 - 64 comments
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John-Campbell-1200Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

64 comments on “Open mike 10/04/2015 ”

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  1. Ed 1
    10 April 2015 at 7:21 am

    A few minutes ago, petition collection relating to Campbell Live showed:
    Action Station 22529
    Toko 1104
    change.org 8430

    with all of them changing as people wake and sign

    I like Grant Robertson’s comment that it does show the need for better public broadcasting.

    • AsleepWhileWalking 1.1
      10 April 2015 at 7:35 am

      C’mon now. They aren’t going to cut the show just tweak it.

      I particularly enjoy hearing about people who are struggling and supporting them with a small donation. The feel good sensation is well worth the average ten bucks I pay. Perhaps they will bring in an App that allows viewers to donate to causes : )

  2. Ann Johns 2
    10 April 2015 at 7:26 am

    When Steven Joyce handed over $43 million of OUR taxpayer money to Mediaworks he knew he had a great future in bullying and threatening ahead of him. This has his spiteful hand all over it.

    • Roflcopter 2.1
      10 April 2015 at 9:06 am

      Which they paid back…. with interest… so where’s the leverage again?

      • Colonial Rawshark 2.1.1
        10 April 2015 at 12:25 pm

        A multi-million dollar favour given requires that just as large a favour be returned. Even you should understand that.

        • Skinny 2.1.1.1
          10 April 2015 at 12:43 pm

          He who (Dirty Joyce) pays the piper calls the tune.

          Good to see ya back cobbah!

          • Colonial Rawshark 2.1.1.1.1
            10 April 2015 at 12:53 pm

            Chur for that dude. I felt like I had given Murray Rawshark decent acknowledgement, and look forward to his imminent return to TS.

  3. AsleepWhileWalking 3
    10 April 2015 at 7:26 am

    Hard to believe there are over 100,000 people watching Seven Sharp every night. Guess the dumbing down of the population is working.

    • Paul 3.1
      10 April 2015 at 7:41 am

      George Carlin sums it up perfectly.

      “This is the best we can do folks. This is what we have to offer. It’s what our system produces: Garbage in, garbage out. If you have selfish, ignorant citizens, you’re going to get selfish, ignorant leaders.”

    • scotty 3.2
      10 April 2015 at 8:03 am

      TVNZ is somewhat immune from the general drift away from conventional TV formats.
      Their viewers tend to be older(less likely to source material online) who are very set in their ways –

      Paul Holmes found this out when he moved to Prime.
      Holmes viewer stats were massive -but they didn’t follow him to Prime.

      Hoskings benefits hugely from the fact that these people will not change channels- no matter what.
      The same applies to the ZB network

  4. Lena Fisher 4
    10 April 2015 at 7:34 am

    May be time for everyone to boycott .Seven Sharp

    • Molly 4.1
      10 April 2015 at 9:49 am

      … what is Seven Sharp? 🙂

      • Kevin 4.1.1
        10 April 2015 at 11:06 am

        A vehicle for the continual self promotion of loud-mouth, opinionated and complete tool Mike Hosking.

        I actually sat down and watched it last night so I could at least have an opinion and spent most of my time shaking my head.

        For starters: The set layout – an offset curve with Hosking on the left, nicely positioned so that the camera angle always has him slightly in front of his co-host. Can’t have the midget star on an equal footing with a mere female after all.

        Sound – not sure if it is intentional but Hoskings microphone seems louder than his co-host.

        Content: Not a patch on Campbell Live although the story on the paraplegic motorcyclist was interesting. The only content I could remember seeing this morning.

        • Ffloyd 4.1.1.1
          10 April 2015 at 2:48 pm

          Is he sitting on a cushion? Pippa is quite tall. If she is still the one doing it.

  5. DH 5
    10 April 2015 at 7:48 am

    This David Farrar character must have a second life as a comedian;

    Bryce Edwards: Is the media turning on John Key?

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11430113

    What can you do but laugh at the sheer absurdity of someone claiming John Roughan is 67% against National.

  6. Tautoko Mangō Mata 6
    10 April 2015 at 7:58 am

    Ecoterrorists invited into NZ by the National Government!
    Namely CHEVRON.

    The Government announced 15 new oil and gas permits in its block offer today, with Chevron NZ Exploration being awarded three offshore licences for the Pegasus Basin in a joint venture with Statoil.

    http://www.3news.co.nz/business/chevron-gets-nz-oil-and-gas-exploration-permit-2014120913#ixzz3WqNF46HY

    And here is the evidence that Chevron cannot be trusted.

    “Chevron Whistleblower Leaks ‘Smoking Gun’ in Case of Ecuadorian Oil Spill
    Videos sent to Amazon Watch described as ‘a true treasure trove of Chevron misdeeds and corporate malfeasance”

    In what is being described as “smoking gun evidence” of Chevron’s complete guilt and corruption in the case of an oil spill in the Ecuadorian Amazon, internal videos leaked to an environmental watchdog show company technicians finding and then mocking the extensive oil contamination in areas that the oil giant told courts had been restored.
    http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/04/08/chevron-whistleblower-leaks-smoking-gun-case-ecuadorian-oil-spill

    And here is a link to the Chevron Tapes
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l618BhvWkz4

    So I want to ask Simon Bridges ” What assurances have been given to you by these oil companies regarding consideration for the environment and, in the light of the information just exposed, what possible credence can you give to the integrity and honesty of these assurances?

  7. Whateva next? 7
    10 April 2015 at 8:31 am

    Still wondering if this is Joyce’s revenge for Northland? As with Seven sharp , the opening show of Henry was graced with his majestyJohn Key’s presence. As people saying, one of the last MSM programmes that ENCOURAGES us to think and be conscious of others.(do people of Christchurch ever get a mention on nice, safe, easy, bland, facile, vacuous Seven sharp?)
    Are we now just sheep being herded through a series of opening and closing gates……and Dogs?

    • Puckish Rogue 7.1
      10 April 2015 at 8:46 am

      No its because the viewing figures are going backwards and the show is probably losing money

      • Lanthanide 7.1.1
        10 April 2015 at 9:05 am

        I find all of this conspiracy theorising about the government influencing the removal of CL rather childish.

        • Roflcopter 7.1.1.1
          10 April 2015 at 9:10 am

          Yup, it’s hilarious to watch.

          If people are voting with their remotes, by going elsewhere, it sends a strong message to CL that it no longer has any relevance to the lives of those that switched.

          Campbell Live used to be quite reasonable to watch in the early days.

        • Colonial Rawshark 7.1.1.2
          10 April 2015 at 12:28 pm

          I find all of this conspiracy theorising about the government influencing the removal of CL rather childish.

          Then you are welcome to develop and share more “mature” criticisms that you consider more befitting to your sensibilities. Meanwhile, if it stinks like manure, then there is every chance that it is manure.

        • whateva next? 7.1.1.3
          10 April 2015 at 12:41 pm

          “You might very well think that; I couldn’t possibly comment.”

  8. Pasupial 8
    10 April 2015 at 10:36 am

    2 days remaining until the scheduled return of; the last of the Rawsharkans.

    • Chooky 8.1
      10 April 2015 at 11:40 am

      +100 Parsupal…me old mate…look forward to pu returning and mr…only if they feel so inclined

  9. logie97 9
    10 April 2015 at 10:56 am

    It may have been mentioned elsewhere but it appears as though “Dirty Politics” has arrived as being mainstream “quotable”. The characters identified are going to, at last, perhaps have to do some explaining. The names of Rich/Slater/Graham for starters

    John Drinnan in his piece today … (See section “Overegged”)
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11430252

    • logie97 10.1
      10 April 2015 at 11:39 am

      Richie Benaud, Brian Johnson, John Arlott, Jim Laker, Allan McGilvray. They created images with their well chosen words. When commentators were commentators and had something of value to say. When they were commenting on the television they didn’t describe to the viewer what the viewer could plainly see. They added their analysis of offscreen events and anecdotes. Oh for the return to such class and quality.

    • tinfoilhat 10.2
      10 April 2015 at 11:44 am

      Wonderful cricketer, broadcaster and gentleman, will be sadly missed by those of us who despair and the crass loudmouths we have to suffer on tv broadcasts these days.

      A glimpse of him for those who haven’t come across him commentating before.

      • millsy 10.2.1
        10 April 2015 at 2:23 pm

        He was also a staunch advocate for sports such as cricket to be broadcast on free-to-air TV.

    • Draco T Bastard 10.3
      10 April 2015 at 6:24 pm

      Just saw the tv3 news story on this guy. He was a great example of someone who didn’t do manual labour his entire life and thus didn’t need to retire. He worked until 2013.

      I suspect that MPs are working on the principle that because they can work until they’re 70+ that everyone can and thus that raising the retirement age doesn’t hurt anyone. Those who do do manual labour type work their entire lives are pretty much fucked by the time that they’re 60. That hasn’t changed at all.

      • Scotty 10.3.1
        10 April 2015 at 8:05 pm

        When a man such as Richie Benaud dies, the decent thing to do is acknowledge the great service he has given to his particular field of endeavour and to so many people, without indulging in petty political point scoring on completely unrelated matters. A much loved and respected man has passed away and will be sadly missed throughout the cricketing world and beyond. His contribution in that world is without equal. I have much enjoyed his commentary over many years.

        • Draco T Bastard 10.3.1.1
          11 April 2015 at 6:59 am

          1. Before today I didn’t even know who the fuck he was. I suspect that applies to the majority of people
          2. It’s not petty nor is it unrelated – wouldn’t be a good example if it was
          3. Life is political and not being able to talk about it because it’s ‘indecent’ is what’s causing the degradation of our society
          4. I still don’t give a fuck who he was. I don’t believe in heroes.

          • Scotty 10.3.1.1.1
            11 April 2015 at 8:00 am

            How very sad. A society with nothing and no-one to look up to is a society without hope or aspiration.

            • Draco T Bastard 10.3.1.1.1.1
              11 April 2015 at 8:16 am

              Got plenty to dream about and reach for. The existence or not of particular people, no matter how respected, doesn’t change that.

  11. Scintilla 11
    10 April 2015 at 12:09 pm

    How about Mike Hosking and all those who want to recreate society into a libertarian Nirvana, where they can live as they please and never see a peasant again, go and settle on one of these.

    Seasteading

    What a happy island it would be!

    • Paul 11.1
      10 April 2015 at 12:12 pm

      Somalia would be a nicer placer.
      Let’s see what a success of life Henry, Hosking, Weldon and Key would make if they had no help along the way as in NZ.

    • Scintilla 11.2
      10 April 2015 at 12:22 pm

      How about Mike Hosking and all those who want to recreate society into a libertarian Nirvana, where they can live as they please and never see a peasant again, go and settle on one of these.

      Seasteading

      What a happy island it would be!

      Sorry that link does not work, try this: http://www.seasteading.org/

      • joe90 11.2.1
        10 April 2015 at 12:53 pm

        Ayn Rand, Patri Friedman and Peter Thiel walk into a bar. Because there are no regulations the barman serves them ethanol. They die.

      • Draco T Bastard 11.2.2
        10 April 2015 at 5:05 pm

        Repaired original link

        We should encourage these people who don’t like taxes or government to do this and then, once they’ve gone, ban offshore ownership. I suspect that they’d quickly learn that being ‘special’ doesn’t feed them, clothe them or keep them healthy.

  12. Philip Ferguson 12
    10 April 2015 at 12:52 pm

    James Heartfield is one of Britain’s leading public intellectuals, although not well-known here.

    One of his smaller works is on Postmodernism and the ‘Death of the Subject, which he allowed us to put up on Redline in full a couple of years ago.

    he tide has gone out somewhat on postmodernism, but there may still be people who are interested:
    https://rdln.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/postmodernism-and-the-death-of-the-subject/

    Phil

  13. Paul 13
    10 April 2015 at 1:30 pm

    Hidden in the business section of the Herald online, an admission that our economy is not rock star. That surplus so many fools believed in is not going to happen.

    ‘Weak inflation dims prospects of surplus.
    ‘The Crown accounts turned to a deficit of $269 million, on an operating balance before gains and losses (Obegal) basis, in the eight months ended Feb. 28..’

    Bill English always has an excuse.
    And it is always him that delivers the bad news.
    Key has almost disappeared from sight.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11430648

  14. Paul 14
    10 April 2015 at 1:48 pm

    I know phil would post this.

    ‘Cannabis can help slow cancer growth – research
    Israeli scientists have found that cannabis can help slow the growth of some cancerous tumours, according to the preliminary results of new research.
    Already known for its therapeutic effects on several diseases, researchers at the Technion Institute in Haifa decided to consider whether the plant, in all its forms, could have counteractive properties as well, Haaretz reported on Thursday.
    Initial findings show potential for effectiveness in brain tumours and breast cancer, while scientists are still investigating other types.’

    Another case for decriminalizing it.
    And, at the same time, we should be hammering alcohol…our most damaging drug.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=11430641

  15. Clemgeopin 15
    10 April 2015 at 2:28 pm

    I don’t think I did too badly on my prediction of Winston Peter’s win.

    On the eve of the election on 27 March, I predicted the following result
    here on the Open mike:

    “Now, today, on the eve of the election day, on 27 March at 9:33pm, I am guessing:

    Winston = 59%
    Osborne =32%
    WJ Prime =08%

    Total Valid Votes 28, 000”

    —————–

    The actual final results are as follows:

    * Winston=16,089=54.5%
    * Osborne=11,648=39.4%
    * WJ Prime=1,380=4.7%

    Total Valid Votes 30,047
    ———————–

  16. marty mars 16
    10 April 2015 at 3:23 pm

    Worth a read this

    Studies of Americans’ unconscious beliefs shows that most people — white and black — think black people are dangerous and both average folks and police are quicker to shoot black than white people.

    Where does the cognitive belief that black people are dangerous come from?

    http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2015/04/09/racial-bias-and-media-coverage-of-violent-crime/

  17. Molly 17
    10 April 2015 at 3:44 pm

    Herald editor Tim Murphy steps down. Unlikely to be an improvement on content and standards, but worth watching to see how this changes the spin.

  18. Penny Bright 18
    10 April 2015 at 4:24 pm

    FYI.

    I intend to make some HARD points about ‘Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) at the upcoming Auckland Council Controlled Governance and Monitoring Committee meeting Tuesday 14 April.
    ____________________________________________________________

    10 April 2015

    Request for speaking rights at the Auckland Council CCO Governance and Monitoring Committee to be held on Tuesday 14 April 2015 April 2015:

    My subject matter will be:

    1) A reminder that the underpinning legislation which outlines the aims and objectives of CCOs, is the Local Government Act 2002:

    http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2002/0084/latest/DLM171881.html

    59Principal objective of council-controlled organisation

    (1)The principal objective of a council-controlled organisation is to—
    (a)achieve the objectives of its shareholders, both commercial and non-commercial, as specified in the statement of intent; and
    (b)be a good employer; and

    (c)exhibit a sense of social and environmental responsibility by having regard to the interests of the community in which it operates and by endeavouring to accommodate or encourage these when able to do so; and

    (d)if the council-controlled organisation is a council-controlled trading organisation, conduct its affairs in accordance with sound business practice.

    (2)In subsection (1)(b), good employer has the same meaning as in clause 36 of Schedule 7

    (My underlining)

    2) A formal request for a ‘progress report’ on information about awarded contracts being made available for public scrutiny on the front pages of Auckland Council, and all substantive Auckland Council CCO websites.

    a) For Auckland Transport to include ALL contracts awarded, including those under $50,000.

    https://at.govt.nz/about-us/procurement/awarded-contracts/

    AWARDED CONTRACTS:

    Auckland Transport is committed to ensuring its procurement activities are undertaken in an ethical and transparent manner.

    The attached lists detail all of the contracts awarded in the previous six months that are valued over $50,000.00. Details include:

    the contract number,
    the contract name,
    the supplier, and the
    award value.

    View the latest awarded contracts list (PDF 65KB)
    Disclaimer: we endeavour to list all contracts awarded above the value of $50,000.00 in the previous six months. Whilst all possible care and effort has been taken to ensure accuracy in this list, we accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions. Accordingly, this list should be used for reference only.

    ________________________________________________________

    3) The requirement for Auckland Council CCOs which are ‘Public Benefit Entities’, (including Auckland Council Investments Ltd ( ACIL), to act as such.

    It is my considered opinion that ACIL’s stated ‘commercial focus’ , as outlined in the 2014 – 2017 Statement of Intent, conflicts with its function as a Public Benefit Entity.

    The role of a Public Benefit Entity (PBE) is clearly outlined as follows:

    http://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/guidance/reporting/accounting/pbe

    “reporting entities whose primary objective is to provide goods or services for community or social benefit and where any equity has been provided with a view to supporting that primary objective rather than for a financial return to equity holders”.
    (My bolding)
    _____________________________________________________________

    AUCKLAND COUNCIL INVESTMENTS LTD 2014 – 2017 STATEMENT OF INTENT:

    http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/AboutCouncil/representativesbodies/CCO/Documents/acilstatementofintent20142017.pdf

    1. INTRODUCTION Auckland Council Investments Limited (ACIL) owns Ports of Auckland Limited (POAL), Auckland Film Studios Limited (AFSL), a large equity holding in Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL); and manages the diversified financial assets portfolio (DFAP) on behalf of the Auckland Council (Council).

    The purpose of ACIL is to support the Council’s vision and to bring a strong commercial focus to the ownership and management of the Council’s investments in POAL, AIAL, AFSL and the DFAP and to provide an efficient structure for the ownership of these assets.

    Sound commercial governance of these assets, within the parameters set by the Council (while acknowledging that the Council/ACIL will be in a position of some influence, but not control, of AIAL), is important.

    ACIL’s role is to endeavour to maximise their contribution to the Auckland economy and provide substantial financial returns, which are financially sustainable in the long term, to the Council.
    _______________________________________________

    2. STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND STRUCTURE ACIL holds equity interests in POAL, AIAL, AFSL and manages the DFAP for the longterm benefit of the region.

    These assets contribute to the council’s delivery of Auckland Plan outcomes by:

     Playing an important role in the delivery of the following specific outcomes:

    o An Auckland of prosperity and opportunity (POAL, AFSL and AIAL) o A well-connected and accessible Auckland (POAL and AIAL)

     Influencing the delivery of other Auckland Plan outcomes (such as those associated with transformation of the Auckland Waterfront)

     Providing the Council with a financial return, which is a source of funding for Council activities and investments ACIL acknowledges that it is Auckland Council’s role is to set the overall strategy and determine the outcomes ACIL are to deliver.

    ACIL will strive to deliver the set outcomes effectively and efficiently and provide value for money to the Auckland ratepayers.

    ACIL will continue to focus on working collaboratively across the council group to deliver Council’s strategies.

    ACIL recognizes that working together is particularly important as the group moves from a focus on strategy, policy and plan development, to accelerated implementation and delivery
    _______________________________________________________

    3. NATURE AND SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES This SOI covers ACIL and its subsidiaries. ACIL is a Public Benefit Entity for financial reporting purposes as it manages key strategic assets of the Council for the long term economic benefit of the Auckland region.
    ________________________________________________________

    3) ACIL / Ports of Auckland Ltd (POAL) in my view, the arguable ‘conflict of interest’ of POAL CEO Tony Gibson, effectively working in the best interests of shipping companies, for whom he used to work.

    http://www.poal.co.nz/about_us/management.htm

    Tony Gibson
    Chief Executive Officer

    Tony joined Ports of Auckland as Chief Executive Officer in early 2011.
    He joined the Company with 30 years experience in shipping and logistics, first with Seabridge in Wellington, and then with Nedlloyd and P&O Nedlloyd.
    He has worked in various roles in Africa, Asia and Europe, including as European Director of Customer Operations, Rotterdam, before being appointed Managing Director, New Zealand and Pacific Islands in 2002.
    Following a take-over by Maersk, Tony served as Managing Director of Maersk, New Zealand for three years. Most recently he has pursued his own business interests as a director and then Chairman of ERoad, a road-user charge solution provider. In 2008 he was appointed by the Minister of Transport to the Road User Review Group.

    ___________________________

    Penny Bright

  19. lprent 19
    10 April 2015 at 6:40 pm

    If anyone has been having problems getting pages today, blame it on some concentrated robots..

    It was a bit noisy, so I eliminated two of the three holes they were coming through.