Open mike 10/05/2012

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, May 10th, 2012 - 199 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the link to Policy in the banner).

Step right up to the mike…

199 comments on “Open mike 10/05/2012 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. mickysavage 1
    10 May 2012 at 6:47 am

    Can someone tell me where the name “Alistair Bell” appears on the leaked National Board minutes?  I cannot see it anywhere and I think their claim the papers were stolen is spin.

    And before Pete George comments receiving requires someone to have control of a stolen item and not a photocopy of an (allegedly) stolen item. 

    • Pete George 1.1
      10 May 2012 at 6:57 am

      I thought you were a lawyer.

      What is a breach of confidence?
      1. the information is not in the public domain; and
      2. it is confidential – that is, it was passed on in circumstances that made it clear it was to be treated confidentially; and
      3. it was disclosed (or is about to be disclosed) without authorisation.

      When is information “not in the public domain”?
      This essentially means that it’s inaccessible to the public. If it’s known to a limited
      group of people for a limited purpose, that doesn’t mean it’s in the public domain.

      What if a source leaks confidential information
      If a recipient – including a journalist – knows, or ought to know, that the information is confidential and its disclosure is unauthorised, then the courts will probably hold the recipient bound by the confidence, too.

      What if the journalist simply receives information “off the back of a truck”?
      If information is obviously confidential, that obligation of confidence is likely to be held to apply to anyone into whose hands it falls. For example, if you were given a copy of Colonel Sanders’ 11 secret herbs and spices, or you found on a park bench a business plan labelled “CONFIDENTIAL”, it would almost certainly be a breach of confidence to publish it.

      http://www.medialawjournal.co.nz/?page_id=276

      Do you disagree with this?

      • mickysavage 1.1.1
        10 May 2012 at 7:10 am

        Petey my comment clearly referred to “receiving”.  Your definition is of “breach of confidence”.

        They are two different things.  One is a crime, one is not.

        Mallard has been accused by you and others of committing a crime.

        Now you are saying that I do not understand something when clearly it is you that is either:

        1.  Confused
        2.  Deliberately misleading and confusing the issue.

        I would invite everyone to have another Petey free day and I am interested in someone commenting on where Bell’s name is on the documents to signify that they are indeed his copy of the minutes.

        • Pete George 1.1.1.1
          10 May 2012 at 7:16 am

          I haven’t accused Mallard of committing a crime. It has been reported that someone may have stolen the documents, that is unlikely to have been Mallard.

          I have accused you and Mallard of very poor political ethics. And it appears there could be possible breaches of confidence.

          I’ll accuse you and Mallard of something else too – bringing the Labour Party into disrepute. What you are promoting seems completely at odds with David Shearer’s clearly expresseed ideals.

          Shearer said:
          “I’m not the kind of leader who believes in rival tribes playing ‘gotcha’, where bickering and partisanship are prized. Of course that’s what a lot of people look for. They want to score the game, give points for the best smart remark in Parliament. But that’s not what most New Zealanders want.”

          I agree with him on this. You’re acting like you disagree or don’t care what he thinks.

          • lprent 1.1.1.1.1
            10 May 2012 at 8:30 am

            Pete is so full of shit today that it is getting cloying.

            I can feel a post coming on called “The hypocrisy of Pete ‘ethics'”. But I’d better head to work and do something productive.

        • Kotahi Tane Huna 1.1.1.2
          10 May 2012 at 7:31 am

          Bell’s name isn’t on these documents.

          +1 for a Petey free day.

          • Frida 1.1.1.2.1
            10 May 2012 at 9:09 am

            +1 Can we all just agree to ignore him and then he might get bored and go away. I note no one bothers responding to him at the Sewer (where, incidentally, he likes to boast about stirring things up at the Standard) which negates his repeated denials that he is nothing but a rightwing troll.

    • Pete George 1.2
      10 May 2012 at 7:01 am

      And it’s worth noting public interest defence:

      How does the public interest defence work?

      This defence applies only to matters of legitimate public concern: things that may affect the public or a decent slice of it, and not things that merely titillate the public.

      The courts look for proportionality: the greater the harm that’s done by the invasive story, the greater needs to be its genuine usefulness in telling the public something important to their lives. Judges may ask what other steps the media took to verify the information they are claiming is in the public interest.

      The fact that the story as a whole might be in the public interest does not provide an excuse to throw in confidential details that are merely juicy.

      There’s as much juice (and substance) in this story as there is in a watermelon.

      • deuto 1.2.1
        10 May 2012 at 7:21 am

        Warning – as I refuse to reply directly to PG himself, be aware that he has selectively cherry-picked from Steven Price’s notes on the link. you need to read the actual link to get the full picture of Price’s full opinion.

        For example PG has omitted the following (and other bits/qualifiers etc in the bits he has quoted )

        Are all leaks breaches of confidence?
        Potentially, most of them are. Leaks will almost always concern the unauthorised disclosure of confidential information that is not in the public domain. Still, lots of stories contain leaked or otherwise confidential information, and lawsuits for breach of confidence are rare.

        Why’s that?
        There may be many reasons: plaintiff s figure the cat’s out of the bag; they don’t want to draw attention to it; they don’t understand their rights; they can’t afford a lawsuit; or don’t want to run the risk of losing; they don’t want to appear to be attacking free speech. Even successful attempts to suppress confidential information often end in PR disasters.

        Note: bold is mine, not Price’s.

        And

        Do the same rules apply to the revelation of government documents?
        No. The publisher doesn’t have to prove that the disclosure is in the public interest. Instead, the government will have to prove that it’s in the public interest for them to be kept secret – that is, that revealing them will actually cause harm. This is because it’s generally in the public interest to be able to discuss, review and criticise government action.

        This can become a balancing act: will the harm caused to the conduct of the government by allowing disclosure outweigh the benefit to the public in knowing it? Courts are fairly ready to find that disclosures by intelligence agents or diplomatic
        staff will impair the functioning of government and therefore hurt the public interest. Similarly, they are likely to be sympathetic to arguments that revelations that impair trust in key government staff , or hamper commercial or policy-making activities will cause public harm.

        I see MS has now responded but suggests another Petey free day – I agree.

        • Pete George 1.2.1.1
          10 May 2012 at 7:30 am

          I posted part of the linked information becasue it was too large to post if full here – but I provided a link to it so you could read the whole thing. Which you have. That’s how it usually works.

          I don’t care if “lawsuits for breach of confidence are rare”, I’m not suggesting or considering a lawsuit.

          “Even successful attempts to suppress confidential information often end in PR disasters.”
          – I’m not trying to suppress anything, it’s not my information, and I don’rt care about PR. It’s possible National may want this to fade quickly, but I’m not National.

          I’m questioning the political behaviour of some people. That they may not get slapped with a lawsuit isn of no consequence to me. How they are gutterising politics, and how they are acting agaiinst the clear views of their party leader, are important to me.

          I want better political behaviour (as I believe many of the public and David Shearer want).

          And I want a better Labour Party.

          • tc 1.2.1.1.1
            10 May 2012 at 7:40 am

            Wah wah wah wah……..carry on to an engaged audience of one Petey.

          • Pascal's bookie 1.2.1.1.2
            10 May 2012 at 7:43 am

            so you’re just playing gotcha then. Fir enough.

            What do you think about the fact that Lusk is running campiagns, described as negative by senior National party figures?

            Does that concern you at all?

            How does it fit with the PMs stated political approach?

            Are you at all consistent?

            • Pete George 1.2.1.1.2.1
              10 May 2012 at 8:45 am

              If it’s a fact – if it’s negative for National, that’s not my concern. If Lusk promotes negative political tactics that is my concern and I’d be strongly against it, as I have been against some of Whale’s (and some Standard poster’s) tactics.

              • Pascal's bookie …
                10 May 2012 at 8:50 am

                You are aware that he literally wrote a book about Negative campaigning? And that he works closely with Whale?

                It’s certainly a fact that he is organising and promoting people within National, and that the leadership told MPs not to associate with him, and yet they do.

                How os this different from your oft stated issues with mallard/Shearer?

                How is what Mallrd is doing in bringing this to light, any different from what you are doing?

                Because he’s Mallard perhaps?

                Are you certain, in your heart, that you are not letting your feelings cloud your judgement?

                • rosy …
                  10 May 2012 at 9:06 am

                  You are aware that he literally wrote a book about Negative campaigning?

                  That’s something I’ve found highly amusing while trying to avoid PGs attempts to smear. Supporting an acolyte of Karl Rove against negative campaigning! Funny.

                • Pete George …
                  10 May 2012 at 9:25 am

                  You could have a point, but…

                  Mallard campaigning against negative tactics to try and improve political behaviour? It’s not like this is an isolated incident that happeend to fall into his mailbox. He appears to be running a sustained negative campaign.

                  It’s not just me that thinks this. Garner said “Mallard is on a dirty mission though isn’t he? ”

                  Do you think Mallard is campaiging for the good of the National Party, and for the good of democratric proccess, and for the good of Government? He said recently something like he hopes Banks stays on to keep showing National in a bad light which will help Labour’s chances.

                  mickysavage and Eddie (and Mallard) have been trying to promote “civil war” within National, that doesn’t sound like their primary motivation is to sort out someone promoting negative politics. Does it?

                  • deuto …
                    10 May 2012 at 9:40 am

                    Please DNFPG

                  • Pascal's bookie …
                    10 May 2012 at 9:46 am

                    No Pete, Mallard et al are not running a campaign saying that negative politics must be stamped out.

                    That’s precisely why they are not hypocrits.

                    Mallard thinks that this government is bad for NZ, so he is trying to hobble it.

                    That is what oppositions do. Always. Garner said so too, as it happens. It takes time, but it works.

                    You think this is awful, and that’s fair enough.

                    But you won’t be taken seriously unless you stop doing exactly the same things they are doing. Especially if you just ignore one team.

                    But even if you were even handed about it, playing gotcha politics will not defeat gotcha politics.

                    If it’s so terrible, why are you using it?

                    If you can’t think of a better way, why criticise others for using the very tactics to effect the changes they want to see, that you use to effect the changes you want to see?

                    If you can see a better way, use it.

                    • Pete George …
                      10 May 2012 at 9:56 am

                      Mallard thinks that this government is bad for NZ, so he is trying to hobble it.

                      I agree that it looks like he’s trying to hobble the current Goverment, but I question his main motivation. I suggest it may be closer to “power by any means”.

                      Should an elected MP be actively trying to hobble our Government, by running a negative campaign using any means possible to disrupt parliament, any means possible to try and end the careers of fellow MPs, and ignore the expressed preference of his leader?

                      I think many people will see that as throwing shit hoping a bit will stick, plus shitting in his own nest.

                    • Pascal's bookie …
                      10 May 2012 at 10:21 am

                      Pete. I’ve been pretty nice to you today. I’ve assumed that you have been acting in good faith. I’ll continue to do so for at lest this last comment.

                      I agree that it looks like he’s trying to hobble the current Goverment, but I question his main motivation. I suggest it may be closer to “power by any means”.

                      What basis do you have for ‘suggesting’ that? I asked before if your feelings about mallard might be clouding your judgement. This is what I’m talking about. If you assume that very worst about people, then naturally enough, it will look like they are bad eggs.

                      Should an elected MP be actively trying to hobble our Government, by running a negative campaign using any means possible to disrupt parliament, any means possible to try and end the careers of fellow MPs, and ignore the expressed preference of his leader?

                      An elected MP should try and represent and bring into reality the things they campaigned on and that people voted for. For an opposition MP this means trying to bring down the government. Otherwise, the nearly half of the voters who don’t like what the govt is doing, are not represented.

                      Your overwrought description of this is ridiculous. No one is being shot. No bombs are going off. Mallard is just asking questions, and not doing things that government mps ( and yourself, I'll add) are not doing with regard to Labour. How many times have we seen Labour's leadership questioned? Is this not an issue?

                      I think many people will see that as throwing shit hoping a bit will stick, plus shitting in his own nest.

                      Kind of like how people see you here you mean? Oh yes, but you are trying to affect the non commenters aren’t you? See how that works?

                    • Anne …
                      10 May 2012 at 10:55 am

                      It could also be pointed out when it comes to negative politics that the National Party reign supreme. With the help of ACT, they embarked on a programme of denigrating every Labour decision/action – every mortal word spoken – and it continued without let-up for the nine years of the Labour govt.

                      They lied, cheated, misrepresented, defamed in a particularly obnoxious way (think Helen Clark) and they got away with it. They indulged in some of the worst dirty tactics seen in this country since the days of Rob Muldoon. Now the boot is on the other foot (without the lying, cheating and extreme tactics of course), tory boy Pete George cries foul.

                      Well, I can’t speak for other long term readers on this site but I’ve had enough of Pete G. I come here to read intelligent views from the many very intelligent people who frequent this site. I’ve learnt a great deal from them. I may not always agree, but their views are invariably worthy of respect. But it’s getting harder and harder wading through screeds of shallow, mish-mash from P.G.

                      How about granting him a nice long holiday? Say two to three months? He may even discover there’s also life beyond blog-sites, and mend his nefarious ways.

                    • Pete George …
                      10 May 2012 at 11:20 am

                      Anne, I’ve also argued against dirty tactics used by National and Act and their supporters, going back a decade.

                      Do you realise that most of the “screeds of shallow, mish-mash” associated with my comments are moanfests from other people, make pointless comments, personal and unrelated criticisms?

                      Can you suggest how MP and party behaviour could be improved?

  2. Paul 2
    10 May 2012 at 7:18 am

    Radio New Zealand: “We asked the Tourism Minister to comment, but he declined.” How many times does John Key decline serious interviews?

    • Lanthanide 2.1
      10 May 2012 at 8:45 am

      Approx 8-9 times out of 10.

      • felix 2.1.1
        10 May 2012 at 9:08 am

        I think it would be a LOT higher than that. RNZ have been consistently inviting him to discuss important topics since he became PM.

    • Frida 2.2
      10 May 2012 at 9:14 am

      I actually can’t remember the last time I heard him on National Radio. You can actually hear the smirk these days in Geoff’s and Simon’s voices when they say “we asked the PM to come on the programme but he declined.”

      He has no qualms about appearing on TVNZ or RadioLive however where he knows he is preaching to his converted.

      • Vicky32 2.2.1
        10 May 2012 at 5:55 pm

        He has no qualms about appearing on TVNZ or RadioLive however where he knows he is preaching to his converted.

        Oh and 3News too!

        • Frida 2.2.1.1
          10 May 2012 at 9:54 pm

          True Vicky. Although John Campbell was more probing of him last week than the fawning I see on TV1

    • prism 2.3
      10 May 2012 at 9:52 am

      On Key not fronting up, he apparently does to school children, the rest of us just see his back. Perhaps somebody with time should keep count and could run a monthly performance (or rather non performance score) and then annually convey something like the Roger award to the worst at this practice, with runners up so we know who the other time servers are.

      • Paul 2.3.1
        10 May 2012 at 5:45 pm

        Maybe RNZ cold keep a count …or Campbell Live…or maybe the Standard could run a story on this?

  3. rosy 3
    10 May 2012 at 7:24 am

    Desperate times…

    Prime Minister John Key said yesterday National would review its ban on working with New Zealand First before the next election…

    But New Zealand First leader Winston Peters scoffed at the notion saying the Government was dysfunctional and he did not think it would would make it through to the 2014 election.

    Way to go Winnie – and don’t forget what happens when a small party betrays the voters (although National seem immune to that effect, for now).

    • deuto 3.1
      10 May 2012 at 7:38 am

      Tracey Watkins on Stuff also refers to this in her article on whether Key has the second term blues.

      http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/6891991/John-Keys-midterm-blues

      Now Mr Key may be contemplating the previously unthinkable and yesterday refused to close the door to a deal with NZ First leader Winston Peters.

      If that wasn’t already enough to leave a bitter taste in Mr Key’s mouth, the sight of Mr Peters later crowing at Mr Key’s plight would have been.

      “They, in two elections, ruled NZ First out on the most specious of grounds … and he can live with it now,” the NZ First leader triumphantly proclaimed.

      Hope Peters sticks to that… In the House, he certainly seems to be enjoying going for Key whenever he can, at the moment.

  4. Pete George 4
    10 May 2012 at 7:46 am

    Duncan Garner on Labour’s gotcha…

    7:36
    Comment From Pete George
    What do you think of the contrast between Shearer’s views on better politics, eg ““I’m not the kind of leader who believes in rival tribes playing ‘gotcha’, where bickering and partisanship are prized.”, and Mallard’s campaign of gotchas?

    7:38
    Duncan Garner:
    Gidday Pete,

    Gotcha politics has been part of opposition politics as long as I have been there and well before that. Shearer in my view may have wanted to be a different kind of leader – but they all get dragged into it. Mallard is on a dirty mission though isn’t he? Does he know this is the end – so he’s going out with a mission to be as dirty as ever? Who knows but Shearer certainly isn’t pulling him back.

    http://www.3news.co.nz/Politics/LiveChatwithDuncanGarner.aspx

    Because it’s been a part of politics for yonks doesn’t mean we should just sit back and keep accepting it.

    • Tigger 4.1
      10 May 2012 at 7:49 am

      Where are these quotes even from? My god, enough PG, go get a fucking life.

      • tc 4.1.1
        10 May 2012 at 10:28 am

        This is his life, the myopic view, the spirited defence of the coiffured one, the endless pointless verbal jousts. Then there’s that site of his which I think the design is nice pity about the content.

    • Pascal's bookie 4.2
      10 May 2012 at 7:52 am

      So you’re carrying on a huge gotcha campaign against Labour and mallard and Shearer, to hopefully end ‘gotcha politics’ once and for all.

      Gather everyone, and sign up for the gotcha campaign to end all gotcha campaigns! Your Country needs you!! Huzzah!

      Moron.

      • Pete George 4.2.1
        10 May 2012 at 7:59 am

        There’s a major difference between practicing politics at gutter level and speaking up against it.

        Are you suggesting everyone should just leave them to fight like children? According to Shhearer, ” that’s not what most New Zealanders want.” I agree, and I’m prepared to have a go at doing something about it. And have the support of MPs (Green, NZF, UF).

      • Te Reo Putake 4.2.2
        10 May 2012 at 7:59 am

        The bore to end all bores?

      • Pascal's bookie 4.2.3
        10 May 2012 at 8:11 am

        I’m saying you should be the change you want to see Pete.

        All I’m seeing from you, is a long running gotcha campaign against gotcha campaigning.

        The essence of gotcha campaigning is saying:

        ‘OMG, You said this, but now you’re doing that! Gotcha!!’

        Is this what you are for, or against?

        Is it bad?

        Do you have any self awareness at all?

        • Pete George 4.2.3.1
          10 May 2012 at 8:19 am

          Do you have any understanding at all? Lobbying and pressuring for change is not initiating crap politics, it’s acting against it.

          Do you eliminate crime by doing nothing?
          Do you eliminate disease by doing nothing?

          Or does someone actually have to do something about it?

          • Armchair Critic 4.2.3.1.1
            10 May 2012 at 8:36 am

            That’s the best argument for banning you I’ve seen yet.

          • Pascal's bookie 4.2.3.1.2
            10 May 2012 at 8:44 am

            ” Lobbying and pressuring for change is not initiating crap politics, it’s acting against it.”

            But if your means of lobbying against gotcha politics, is to use gotcha politics, then what have you gained?

            You haven’t adressed this point all. You are advocating against a tactic, by using the very same tactic. I am saying that if you really don’t like the tactic, and think it is unethical, then you shouldn’t be using it. If you merely think it is an ineffective tactc, then again, why use it?

            Do you eliminate crime by doing nothing?

            No. But it’s a bad analogy in many respects. Firstly, the police do not just go out and punch people in the head to deal with assaults. Secondly, gotcha politics is not a crime. Do you think it should be one?

            Do you eliminate disease by doing nothing?

            A better analogy, but you don’t fight desease by spreading pathogens aabout the place. You seem to be trying to fight syphilis, with syphilis. I am asking why are you doing that?

            Or does someone actually have to do something about it?

            Of course, like I said, be the change you want to see.

            • Lanthanide 4.2.3.1.2.1
              10 May 2012 at 8:58 am

              “A better analogy, but you don’t fight desease by spreading pathogens aabout the place. You seem to be trying to fight syphilis, with syphilis. I am asking why are doing that?”

              I know I know! I’ve got the answer! Pete George is a political homeopathist!

              He waters his politics down so far that it can mean whatever he wants whenever he wants, even though really it’s just the same as what he derides and claims it’ll solve everything.

              • felix …
                10 May 2012 at 9:13 am

                😀

              • Pete George …
                10 May 2012 at 9:30 am

                Yep, that’s funny (genuinely) – and in other ways too.

                I get criticised for being very vague and “watered down” – funny why the attacks swarm when I raise touchy subjects. If what I said was that unimportant it would be ignored, wouldn’t it?

                • Colonial Viper …
                  10 May 2012 at 9:42 am

                  It’s not the touchy subjects which get you the swarm attacks. It’s the blatant insincerity in your positions.

                  • Pete George …
                    10 May 2012 at 10:00 am

                    If that’s what you honestly think then you totally misjudge me.

                    Perhaps it’s my sincerity and determination that some of you find it hard to deal with in a normally shady political world.

                    Sure I make a few mistakes, sure I waffle a bit much at times, but I’m deadly serious, three years in to a deliberate campaign. It’s slow, but progressing.

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      10 May 2012 at 10:18 am

                      I don’t know about any of that. I’m just enjoying watching you back away from the political party you stood for and espoused the values of.

                    • Pete George …
                      10 May 2012 at 10:45 am

                      I’m not backing away from anything. UF and I decided to work together last election to see if we could get some mutual benefit, that will continue as we see fit. I’ve been asked about UF stuff here and have done my best to respond, including asking Peter Dunne for clarifications (I don’t think I was very popular with one of those).

                      But I think some here have substantially overestimated my level of involvement with UF. I’ll probably keep things ticking away there but until 2014 that’s all I see a need for.

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      10 May 2012 at 11:11 am

                      You see, this is what I am enjoying. I’m waiting to see whose political arms you do decide to lurch into.

                    • Pete George …
                      10 May 2012 at 11:23 am

                      Do you want to help set up a party based on sound democratic process and quality of input, and where independence is valued?

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      10 May 2012 at 3:18 pm

                      What makes you think that you have the credibility and sincerity to be involved in anything like that?

    • ianmac 5.1
      10 May 2012 at 9:45 am

      I visited it BLip. Wonder why PG did not get elected? Inspiring?

      • ropata 5.1.1
        10 May 2012 at 11:30 pm

        At least PG is giving it a go, and making a decent effort to argue his POV. It takes guts to do that.

        • Colonial Viper 5.1.1.1
          10 May 2012 at 11:55 pm

          So +10 points for persistence, but minus several million for likability, sincerity and credibility

        • lprent 5.1.1.2
          11 May 2012 at 1:38 am

          Yep, and despite my often caustic tone* to him, that is why we tend to ignore the frequent cries for Pete George holidays.

          * Actually I’m pretty bloody caustic to most people periodically. Of course with some people you have to go back years to find it, while others discover it in Oscar sized doses. It is just part of my charming personality 😉

  6. Colonial Viper 6
    10 May 2012 at 9:01 am

    DNFPG

  7. Carol 7
    10 May 2012 at 9:14 am

    How to misrepresent a crucial petition and possibly influence public opinion in doing so! Stuff has an article about Shearer taking to the streets with the anti-asset sales petition.
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/6893861/Labour-hits-road-against-partial-asset-sales

    It has an accompanying online poll, asking “Would you sign Labour’s petition against partial asset sales? ”

    And yet, the article beside it attributes the petition to selection of groups.

    The petition – which will need at least 310,000 signatures – is being promoted by Grey Power and is supported by the Council of Trade Unions, a coalition of community groups and opposition parties.

    • Carol 7.1
      10 May 2012 at 9:54 am

      Ha! I posted a comment complaining, and now the poll has been changed from calling it a “Labour” petition to calling it a “Grey Power” petition.

      • deuto 7.1.1
        10 May 2012 at 10:02 am

        Good on you, Carol. Pity they just shifted the title to on other of the many groups behind the petition!

        • Draco T Bastard 7.1.1.1
          10 May 2012 at 10:38 am

          It’s the MSM – they get confused if there’s more than one group supporting something.

        • Carol 7.1.1.2
          10 May 2012 at 10:49 am

          Indeed. And it’s incorrect to call it a petition against asset sales, rather than a petition for a referendum on asset sales.

          I’ve posted a further comment on the poll in the comment box.

    • Pete George 7.2
      10 May 2012 at 10:48 am

      The petition uses an oddly worded question – quite clear and concise, but asking if you “support National selling…” – if you don’t support any sales should you not sign? Weird.

      • Pascal's bookie 7.2.1
        10 May 2012 at 11:37 am

        Pete, the petition is asking whether or not we should have a referendum on the stated question.

        its’ not difficult mate.

  8. Uturn 8
    10 May 2012 at 9:47 am

    A disclaimer, first. Unions are necessary. Everyone should join one, but there is a problem, illustrated last night on The Union Report.

    Both of Bomber’s guests uttered the same sentiment about receiving tax cuts under National, “I don’t need it… I didn’t want it…”

    Something wrong with that. It’s too close to “let them eat cake”. It sounds like, “they could have some of my cake.”. Of course, no one can take up the gesture, genuine or not. How can they, it just signals intent under best-case scenario. The cake crumbs are too few, and if humans picked them up it wouldn’t be much of a meal.

    If the cake maker is unrestricted in his cake making and only handing it out to select customers; and some of those customers are concerned about the dirty faces pressed on the window of the cake shop; then wouldn’t it be better for those customers to refuse to frequent the cake shop, rather than believe they are compelled to patronise the cake maker?

    Even if, during a particularly cold winter, the concerned customers gave all their surplus cake to their friends outside the shop, there wouldn’t be enough. And what about those who were in a different town, or those who were not friends, but engaged in a worse struggle for existence?

    The comment of “I didn’t need or want it” as a stand-alone explanation, when said in regards to a tax cut that increases a union member’s already comfortable income, risks negation of the concept of solidarity that unions generally observe.

    So, future Union Report guests, please take note that some people are listening closely and the message you’re sending – while well-intentioned, welcomed and long overdue in the format of the Union Report – needs careful definition. It must be as sharp, precise and poignant as it ever was. Do not assume that idioms and colloquialisms are sufficient. Be aware that the fright or thrill of TV cameras, the rush of organised televised camaraderie, when left unchecked, could blunt the message you have chosen to uphold.

  9. Reagan Cline 9
    10 May 2012 at 10:14 am

    NZ Government is reviewing the future role of government backed insurance against natural disasters.

    Homeowners will probably end up with higher insurance costs long term.

    Adding to the premium paid to live in NZ, on top of cost of transporting imported goods, international travel costs, less than ideal internal transport routes (two long narrow islands), supporting a large poorly educated, low skilled group of people, having to find capital from overseas to finance new firms and to grow existing firms.

    Staring to look like a revisit of the open invitation to join the Australian states in a wider Australasian Federation might be in order.

    • Campbell Larsen 9.1
      10 May 2012 at 12:41 pm

      Reagan Cline: ‘Star[t]ing to look like a revisit of the open invitation to join the Australian states in a wider Australasian Federation might be in order.’

      Are you serious? Yuck, just Yuck.

  10. John72 10
    10 May 2012 at 10:24 am

    May I revive views on moral standards and the importance of a Father in a child’s life?
    I was taught, constantly, to accept responsibility for life. My life and others. Be careful when swimming, riding a bike, driving the car, etc. Always there was the risk of taking a life. Eventually I was going to take a girl to the school dance and a new risk appeared.
    In it’s own way, creating a life is just as important as destroying a life. Any child you create will always be part of your life, it is not something we can walk away from, so when we create a new life it is not something to be done casually. It is not an unfortunate side-effect of self satisfaction. This observation is not new but individual youths needs to have to have it spelt out to them. An increasing number are reluctant to accept it or believe it because they do not want to forsake the pleasures of sexual intercourse. They have not been taught self-discipline and respect for others.
    Creating a life is just as serious as destroying a life, but in a different way.
    We are all going to die so we all have to face it one day. However, we did not ask to be brought into this life and so much of the life we get depends on the first 10 years that our parents give us. They choose to bring us into the world and in choosing to give us a good childhood, they too will mature. Something they will only understand after they have experienced it.
    The youth are not qualified to debate the issue. It is only when they have agreed to battle with the hardships of bringing up children that they are qualified to try and start. Only then are they ready to mature from the exercise. TV does not explain this.
    Bringing up children is a learning experience for the children and the parents. It is not just free sex, as portrayed on TV
    Abstinence is the only solution to birth control and while it is far from perfect, it has many advantages, including a respect for all parties involved. Life is difficult, and in acknowledging this we are another step on the road to maturing and enjoying life. There is a lot of fun in life but not everything is fun. Not like TV.
    Being a child’s father can be deeply satisfying, even after 50 years. Note, the conception of a child is only satisfying for 50 minutes.
    Each generation comes to realise that it is continually learning as it matures. Even afer 72 years. You never “know it all”. Many famous people were still humble to some degree. Budda preached humbleness and has millions of followers.
    Creating a life is just as serious as destroying a life,but in a diferent way.

    • millsy 10.1
      10 May 2012 at 10:34 am

      Piss off you filthy god botherer. People like you have inflicted untold misery on this world because you wish to kick down the bedrooms of consenting adults in the name of a fairy tale book.

      Sex is awsome. I dont know why bible bashing bigots want to make out that its disgusting and filthy.

      PS: “God” doesnt exist. Nor does magic.

      • muzza 10.1.1
        10 May 2012 at 1:28 pm

        “PS: “God” doesnt exist. Nor does magic”

        — I always get a good laugh out of both sides of this debate. Its not easy to prove either way, so its a dead end topic, facinating though!

        Always better to err on the side of humility when making such sweeping statements, because I would be disappointed to find out we are the top of the food chain. What that might mean is up for discussion, but what we have in this world, to me is the rather distasteful!

    • Reagan Cline 10.2
      10 May 2012 at 10:47 am

      “we did not ask to be brought into this life”

      So what ?

      • ianmac 10.2.1
        10 May 2012 at 11:25 am

        I did. I did. I distinctly remember……

      • John72 10.2.2
        10 May 2012 at 12:55 pm

        I have a confession to make. You have been baited.
        You have risen to the bait. Note, you stooped to personal abuse because you could not defend the main point. Creating a life is just as important as destroying one.

        • McFlock 10.2.2.1
          10 May 2012 at 1:18 pm

          Creating a life is just as important as destroying one.

          meh.
               
          Philosophically I dunno. If you kill someone you can never bring that person back to life. But on average you’ve got maybe 50 years to get rid of your offspring. Or as my mother said “I brought you into this world, kid, so I can take you out” 🙂
                
          Secondly, (to quote Eastwood) if you kill a man “you take away everything he’s ever had, and everything he’s ever gonna have”. A kid, on the other hand, has the net bonus of existence even for a limited time.
               
             
          And then of course the net growth in global population suggests that procreation is much easier to do than elimination.
                   

        • ropata 10.2.2.2
          10 May 2012 at 11:53 pm

          What do you think Jesus would do? Condemn the person who slept around? Let her children starve?

          FFS man I dont know where some people get their morals from

    • ianmac 10.3
      10 May 2012 at 11:24 am

      Denial denial denial.
      Denial will make you stronger.
      Deny those sexy urges.
      Deny the curves as she walks on by.
      Deny the images that haunt your daily and nightly dreams.
      Deny your wicked wicked thoughts.
      Deny the flush as she accidentally brushes past you.
      Read the Bible hourly and your Denials will be rewarded.

      There you are John72. I have done god’s work and yours for you. OK?

      • prism 10.3.1
        10 May 2012 at 1:30 pm

        There was an interesting interview on animals and the sex life of monkeys in particular this morning on Nine to Noon. They are very social, like us, but they regard sex as part of life and regularly participate not as we do separating it from everyday stuff. Can’t see that suiting us but why can’t we regard it as part of life too and not turn it into a name and shame ritual?

        They have one interesting way of choosing their leader, the alpha male. One way is for a lesser male to quietly get to know the females, groom, hold the children and get into a favoured standing amongst them. Then its easy peasy to slide into the top guy seat.

        • KJT 10.3.1.1
          10 May 2012 at 1:36 pm

          🙂 Sounds like Key.

        • deuto 10.3.1.2
          10 May 2012 at 1:39 pm

          I also heard that at the same time as I was cleaning my Parrot Room. My pair of sun conures were “at it” the whole time in front of me and the other parrots. Having not produced any eggs all summer (despite a lot of sex), they have produced two eggs so far this week, so there goes the heating bill over the next few months!

          • John72 10.3.1.2.1
            10 May 2012 at 2:13 pm

            No one will address the point made in post 10.2.2
            Therefore I assume I am correct.
            Thankyou.

            • Draco T Bastard 10.3.1.2.1.1
              10 May 2012 at 2:36 pm

              What point was that? Because all I got out of it was that you’re an ignoramus.

              • McFlock …
                10 May 2012 at 6:34 pm

                the point I’d responded to in 10.2.2.1 an hour before he reckoned nobody had even tried to address it – apparently creating kids is just as serious as killing people.
                            
                I think he was saying nothing while trying to appear profound, but whatever gets him off, I guess.

          • prism 10.3.1.2.2
            10 May 2012 at 4:11 pm

            Deuto What colour and what are sun conures? Are they a bit like budgies or some bigger Oz bird? When will the eggs hatch and you become a godfather/mother?

            • deuto 10.3.1.2.2.1
              10 May 2012 at 9:42 pm

              As this is a political, not a parrot. website, will reply on the weekend page tomorrow.

              • prism …
                11 May 2012 at 10:08 pm

                Hi deuto – On open mike you could probably give a brief parrot report. It does say that the subjects are ‘open’.

        • Reagan Cline 10.3.1.3
          10 May 2012 at 2:10 pm

          Centrepoint

      • muzza 10.3.2
        10 May 2012 at 2:42 pm

        @ Ianmac. Actually denial makes makes everybody collectively weaker, but it depends if people are being honest with themselves or not. Most are not even capable of telling the time with integrity, as as such being able to self asses in order to keep ones “urges” in check is simply out of the question!

        How we view eachother, as opposed to how we view “objects” which are there as a service mechanism only, is part of the puzzle leading to overall weakness. Overloading of stimulation is a key ingredient to breaking down communities etc, via controlling the mind. The casino expansion is an example of another piece of the puzzle, there are so many!

        Integrity and internal honesty are the only ways to self respect, and therefore the respect of others. Without a sudden turn around in self respect, the steady decline will continue, while people believe they are “experiencing life”, they are in fact experiencing the life, that others want you to believe its all about!

        You can’t lie to yourself for long, and getting on top of any denial/bad habits etc is very empowering, and will be the way to turn the downward slide around!

        • prism 10.3.2.1
          10 May 2012 at 4:19 pm

          muzza I think alcohol and drugs help to mitigate against any deep and meaningful thoughts about life and how profound and wonderful and awful it can be. No it’s drink up and hysterical laughter and shouts emerge from bars into the street. Later on to be followed by people who are primed ready for sex or whatever. Hey we’re having a good time here.

          • prism 10.3.2.1.1
            10 May 2012 at 4:22 pm

            My 4.19pm piece went into moderation. What was it that prompted the scrutiny. Was it the words sex, alcohol and drugs, hysterical laughter and shouts, bars. Meaningful thoughts about life? I know those are dangerous and have led to depression and suicide. What? Is this going into moderation too?
            [Bunji: I don’t know what the moderation words are, but repeating suspected ones was always likely to result in the next message ending in moderation…]

            • prism 10.3.2.1.1.1
              10 May 2012 at 4:43 pm

              Bunji I might test the words individually when I have time as a matter of interest. I’ll start with ‘sex’.
              edit – Not it.

          • John72 10.3.2.1.2
            10 May 2012 at 6:20 pm

            The people who were Alcoholics but have conquered it, (with the help of AA?) are on a new level of spiritual growth. A higher level. Something somany readers will not believe or understand until they experience it. Life is difficult. There is a Welsh saying “It is the fire that tempers the steel.” It is often in hardship that people grow. So often you are not helping youth by pandering to them. I am sorry if this sounds sanctimonious but I am talking about other people.

        • ianmac 10.3.2.2
          10 May 2012 at 5:21 pm

          If we have a choice choose one who has Integrity for he can be reasoned with.
          To choose one who has only Faith cannot be reasoned with.
          (Up for debate my wife says! :))

    • Vicky32 10.4
      10 May 2012 at 6:09 pm

      Abstinence is the only solution to birth control and while it is far from perfect, it has many advantages, including a respect for all parties involved.

      Agreed, at the risk of a flaming! 🙂

      • Descendant Of Smith 10.4.1
        10 May 2012 at 9:51 pm

        Oral and anal sex works quite well, as does homosexuality.

        Abstinence is not always a solution however – Mary found that out.

        Being impregnated by a holy goat / ghost ( I get the tonal nuances between the two confused sometimes) must be quite disturbing.

        Thankfully it’s only happened once that we know of.

  11. Dave Kennedy 11
    10 May 2012 at 11:54 am

    They’ve marched in huge numbers in Auckland, Wellington and this Saturday, in Invercargill. There is no mandate to sell our assets Mr Key!
    http://localbodies-bsprout.blogspot.co.nz/2012/05/it-is-official-launch-of-keep-our.html

  12. Jackal 12
    10 May 2012 at 12:15 pm

    John Key international embarrassment

    Somebody needs to ask whether the Prime Minister is playing with a full deck of cards?

    • ianmac 12.1
      10 May 2012 at 2:55 pm

      Could Mr Key really believe his spin about record numbers of job seekers? Weird. Again.

  13. Brett Dale 13
    10 May 2012 at 12:28 pm

    So no posts about President Obama, supporting gay marriage today? The first US president in history to do so, this is a historical day, thought you guys would’ve put the chip off your shoulder about the usa down for one moment, and mention this.

    Has any labour party leader ever come out and supported gay rights? Lange?

    • muzza 13.1
      10 May 2012 at 1:19 pm

      Possibly because it is not a surprise Brett.. BO’s orientation is obvious, as are many others!

      Its all about creating an environment of confusion, where nobody actually understands whats what anymore, nor where they fit into society, and the continued dissolvement of nuclear family.

      The people running the show are not what they appear to be, and this also serves as an attack against the church, its multi faceted!

      The real trick is to get people to think that they are the way they are because, “thats how nature intended it”

      Note: Not in any way an attack on orientation, I take no position on that! People just need to understand there is an underlying agenda!

      • Te Reo Putake 13.1.1
        10 May 2012 at 1:27 pm

        Er, are you saying your finely tuned gaydar has identified Barack Obama as homosexual, Muzza?

        • Colonial Viper 13.1.1.1
          10 May 2012 at 1:31 pm

          Gay marriage is beside the point, is the point. Gay couples are going to be just as jobless and impoverished as everyone else in the new economic kleptocracy.

          • Vicky32 13.1.1.1.1
            10 May 2012 at 6:32 pm

            Gay couples are going to be just as jobless and impoverished as everyone else in the new economic kleptocracy.

            Sadly true…

        • muzza 13.1.1.2
          10 May 2012 at 1:33 pm

          Voice I’m saying that there are many people in various positions of “authority” around the world who are in fact, not at all what they are sold as!

          Media embargos are great at supporting/controlling people, lets put it that way!

          Keeping people running around in a state of individualism is simply more divide and conquer, among other things!

          • John72 13.1.1.2.1
            10 May 2012 at 8:10 pm

            Spot on. At a University meeting AFTER the last election, the speaker pointed out that the Prime Minister was only there because of his public appeal. His ability to win votes. When the speaker was asked “Who is the power behind the throne?” the questioner was told to sit down and shutup.

        • Pascal's bookie 13.1.1.3
          10 May 2012 at 1:36 pm

          A homosexualist lizard, is what I heard.

        • yeshe 13.1.1.4
          10 May 2012 at 11:35 pm

          and does Michelle know ??

      • Draco T Bastard 13.1.2
        10 May 2012 at 2:42 pm

        …and the continued dissolvement of nuclear family.

        I’d be quite happy to see the end of the nuclear family. Humans aren’t supposed to be that isolated as we evolved in extended family groups and communities. As far as I can make out, the nuclear family is a fabrication made to break community spirit so that the capitalists have an easier time exploiting people.

        Other than that, I agree with what you said.

        • muzza 13.1.2.1
          10 May 2012 at 3:00 pm

          Hey B, I hear what you’re saying, and that could be a conclusion to draw..

          The “nuclear family” , and really it could be the “extended family or community”, was were the foundations for the stability and solidarity of used to be bred, and since then, outright attacks on it via the feminist movement as the most recent obvious start point, there has been a breaking down effect.

          The “nuclear family”, was what had to be broken because it had too much ability to positively influence, and nurture without the reliance of state interference. I do agree that it could have been a contruct, but none the less, it had to be broken down, one could argue that the state doubled its capture, and the capitalists doubled their consumer capabilities in unison. My assertion is that these two happenings were not mutually exclusive, but worked together for the same aims, breaking down “society”. What the ultimate outcome of it is, is up for debate, safe to say , the direction its heading is bad news for us all.

          • Draco T Bastard 13.1.2.1.1
            10 May 2012 at 3:18 pm

            outright attacks on it via the feminist movement as the most recent obvious start point

            I’m pretty sure you’ll find that feminists have neither attacked the nuclear family nor the community.

            The “nuclear family”, was what had to be broken because it had too much ability to positively influence, and nurture without the reliance of state interference.

            Wrong, it was the community that had to be broken and thus we first got the nuclear family (initial family against family competition) and then individualism (all against all). And you’re doing the same thing as the libertarians and viewing the state as always bad when it could be a force for good once we get it out of the hands of the capitalists (We actually do need that level of administration).

            • muzza 13.1.2.1.1.1
              10 May 2012 at 4:01 pm

              “I’m pretty sure you’ll find that feminists have neither attacked the nuclear family nor the community.”

              — I said via the feminist movement..which was the “arab spring” of its time!

              “The “nuclear family”, was what had to be broken because it had too much ability to positively influence, and nurture without the reliance of state interference.

              Wrong, it was the community that had to be broken and thus we first got the nuclear family (initial family against family competition) and then individualism (all against all).

              —As I said, I hear what you’re saying. See my expansion of nuclear family, to extended family/community!

              And you’re doing the same thing as the libertarians and viewing the state as always bad when it could be a force for good once we get it out of the hands of the capitalists (We actually do need that level of administration).”

              —The state first had to be captured in order to serve its purpose. take the “trusted democratic system”, co-opt it, corrupt it in various ways, then use it to enforce objectives under the guise of “democracy”
              I agree the state can be a force for good, as you put it…we have not had that for quite some time as you know, and we are a very long way from that every happening again!

              The more that people become entraulled with technology, the further we get from any chance of returning to the “level of administration” , that would be the “force for good”!

      • prism 13.1.3
        10 May 2012 at 4:52 pm

        Muzza
        the continued dissolvement of nuclear family.

        I don’t think homosexuals and gay marriage can be blamed for that. Actually many homosexuals want to be in a committed and legal relationship. What’s wrong with people recognising their sexuality and finding a way to manage it legally, without some porno person getting promotion for finding bad sex (because Paul said something about it in the Bible)?

        • muzza 13.1.3.1
          10 May 2012 at 5:20 pm

          No blame, they are being used as much as any other group!

          Probably should not haves used the term, “nuclear family”

    • Te Reo Putake 13.2
      10 May 2012 at 1:24 pm

      Its such a normal position to take these days, Brett, its hardly worth commenting on. Even in the States its the majority view nowadays. And, re Labour, I think you’ll find all the leaders in recent decades have been in favour of gay rights and, importantly, so have the membership.

      • Colonial Viper 13.2.1
        10 May 2012 at 1:32 pm

        I think you’ll find all the leaders in recent decades have been in favour of gay rights and, importantly, so have what remains of the membership.

        Just a point of clarification.

        • Te Reo Putake 13.2.1.1
          10 May 2012 at 2:51 pm

          On behalf of the membership, can I just say that each and every one of them contributes more to our society just by being a member of the Labour Party than you ever will in your splendid, and splendidly bourgeois, isolation, CV.
           
          Every contribution you make here is tainted and diminished by the fact that you are a sad, spineless poseur, bought and sold by your partner’s parents’ wealth. You could be volunteering at a food bank. You could be helping on a picket line. You could be doing a host of things that would give your comments meaning and substance, but instead you bludge off others and demean the efforts of others who do give a damn.
           
          Wake up, Brick. It’s not too late to redeem your worthless life.

          • Colonial Viper 13.2.1.1.1
            10 May 2012 at 3:40 pm

            every one of them contributes more to our society just by being a member of the Labour Party than you ever will in your splendid, and splendidly bourgeois, isolation, CV.

            *Shrug*

            I happen to know, in rough terms, how many financial members the Labour Party had in 2011, and the trend over the last ten years including changes to current day.

            Nothing to get on your high horse about, is it. Which is why I remarked on what remains of the membership.

      • Brett Dale 13.2.2
        10 May 2012 at 2:14 pm

        Goff was asked before the election, was he for gay marriage and he didnt say yes, Helen Clarke never said yes either.

        • millsy 13.2.2.1
          10 May 2012 at 2:29 pm

          Thats because they were too worried about the god-botherers. Especially in the Labour South Auckland electorates.

        • Pascal's bookie 13.2.2.2
          10 May 2012 at 2:50 pm

          Hi Brett, it’s been a while. Good to see you.

          Here’s the latest answers on this from NZ political leaders;

          http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10804903

          Russel Norman (Co leader, Greens) :

          “If gay people want to get married then they should be allowed to.

          “Seriously, it’s pretty straightforward. I don’t see why your sexual preference should be any barrier to marriage. It’s no big deal.”

          David Shearer (Leader, Labour party):

          “I fully support marriage equality in principle but would like to see the detail of any legislation before giving formal support”

          John Key (PM, Leader, National Party)

          “I’m leaving it until my book. I know the answer, but just wait until my book”

    • felix 13.3
      10 May 2012 at 1:54 pm

      Hi Brett.

      Why are you comparing the Labour Party to the U.S. President?

      John Key, John Banks & Peter Dunne are the leaders of the governing parties of the day. Ask them.

  14. prism 14
    10 May 2012 at 1:46 pm

    A song for our times sung to the chorus of Vaya con dios (which means go with God) whom we do need at this point in time.

    Bio security NZedders
    Bio security has gone
    Economy all is in tatters
    Democracy now is the same.

    Our high risk import procedures
    Trash our natural land
    Infect our growing crops
    And profit trickles from our hands.

  15. r0b 15
    10 May 2012 at 2:07 pm

    Calling Pete George…

    The requests from other commenters here to give you a holiday from The Standard are reaching critical mass. I’m reluctant, because you don’t obviously violate the policy here, but on the other hand I can’t ignore the sheer number of people who are expressing annoyance.

    With my moderators hat on, can I ask you to be careful to restrict your general comments to Open Mike, and to stay very strictly on topic if you comment in other posts. I’ll be watching your comments from now on, and will move those that look off topic to Open Mike.

    Thanks
    Anthony / r0b

    • Carol 15.1
      10 May 2012 at 2:27 pm

      Thanks.  It’s no so much the (insubstantial) content, as the sheer number of comments cluttering up discussions.

      • Pete George 15.1.1
        10 May 2012 at 4:53 pm

        Most of those comments aren’t mine, and I wouldn’t comment anywhere near as much if I didn’t respond to highly questionable comments directed at me. As it is I ignore a lot of crap directed at me to keep the numbers down.

        • dd 15.1.1.1
          10 May 2012 at 4:59 pm

          Do you work at all? Not that I’d hold it against you if you were unemployed but then I’d question what you do with your benefit money. I’d hope you don’t take it given your stance on such things.

          I’m just curious because you seem to spend an excessive amount of time posting nonsense.

    • fatty 15.2
      10 May 2012 at 2:43 pm

      I don’t see what the problem with Pete George is…this is a site for discussion and people are wrong to dismiss him as a troll. Pete George exemplifies NACT logic…nothing more and nothing less. When he tries to subvert the conversation, this is nothing more than neoliberal ideology in its purest form.

      Long live Pete George and his wisdom…because every time his fingers touch his keyboard, we all become more sure of ourselves.

      • TheContrarian 15.2.1
        10 May 2012 at 4:56 pm

        “I don’t see what the problem with Pete George is…this is a site for discussion and people are wrong to dismiss him as a troll.”

        Agree with Fatty – just because you don’t like what he says doesn’t make him a troll 

      • Campbell Larsen 15.2.2
        10 May 2012 at 10:25 pm

        Fatty: “Long live Pete George and his wisdom…because every time his fingers touch his keyboard, we all become more sure of ourselves.”

        *gag*

        That just comes across so wrong I need to go scrub myself clean

    • Pete George 15.3
      10 May 2012 at 4:50 pm

      No problem Anthony. I appreciate that you’re willing to discuss it so things are open and clear.

      I accept that I push the boundaries at times. I note your comments. I also try to “encourage” thought and discussion outside the square here, some people don’t seem to like that, I can’t help that, I can’t model all comments so they piss no one off, some complain regardless of what I say..

      I presume you notice that it’s often not my comments that cause the problems, it’s the frequent off topic attacks and moans that fill the threads with often far more dross than what I’m doing. Except for the occasional reaction I’m mostly attempting to contribute to discussions, and others some here actually manage to discuss with me civilly.

      One example that raised considerable consternation today was in fact me making an insert from another blog directly related to someone else’s comment, it wasn’t my comment at all. Go figure.

      I’ll do what I can to contribute on topic without disruption or personal abuse – and I hope others who may react are held to the same sort of standards.

      • r0b 15.3.1
        10 May 2012 at 7:39 pm

        Yes I think the reaction to your comments is out of proportion sometimes, but I can also understand why people get frustrated at your debating “style”, and you do comment here a lot.

        So, you’ve agreed to try and stay on topic, hopefully that will help to calm down the responses. Let’s all get back to “robust debate” between consenting adults, and play the topic not the person.

    • Armchair Critic 15.4
      10 May 2012 at 10:36 pm

      Please don’t count my comment as asking for PG to be banned.
      While it’s not my place to make the rules I think (blatant linkwhoring) he should be dealt with in other ways, not banned.

  16. muzza 16
    10 May 2012 at 2:24 pm

    What assets does Dunedin have that it can flog off?

    McFlock you would be impressed with this wouldn’t you!

    • McFlock 16.1
      10 May 2012 at 3:18 pm

      Every time I think of that fucking stadium I want to drink myself into oblivion so yeah – it’s had a significant impression on me.
           
      The only good thing about it was that last council elections something like 3 of the 4 major backers for this vanity purchase were kicked from office (including the struck off lawyer). They don’t even know how much it cost yet – the newish council have paid consultants to tell us costs will be in the region of $400million. To support a dwindling sport that has been managed more by a sense of entitlement than fiscal common sense.
             
      It ties my nuts in a bow, it really does. 

  17. Carol 17
    10 May 2012 at 2:29 pm

    OH MY GOODNESS!  I usually don’t comment on politicians appearance, but, who is that leopard lady assaulting my eyeballs in the House today, and can she ever change her spots?
    PS:  The content of her comments is pretty offensive to believers in social justice as well.

    • Jackal 17.1
      10 May 2012 at 2:41 pm

      Yeah! State of it! She looks like she’s been murdering animals on safari. What a fashion disaster!

    • Anne 17.2
      10 May 2012 at 2:47 pm

      Was that green nail polish she had on her clip-on finger nails?

      She responded to Jacinda Ardern’s question with the claim that the member’s questions don’t make sense.

      Jacinda should have included in her supplementary the words… I understand why the Minister is not making sense of my questions because it does take a degree of intelligence which she clearly doesn’t possess.

      She would have had to withdraw and apologise of course but the truth would be out there for all to see. 🙂

      • Carol 17.2.1
        10 May 2012 at 3:27 pm

        Yes. leopard Lady should be arrested for an (inadequate) attempt to impersonate a Westie, at the same time as undermining the lives of many low income Westies, and Kiwis everywhere.

  18. Jackal 18
    10 May 2012 at 4:13 pm

    Twitter defends subscriber rights

    Twitter has asked a judge to block a subpoena that would force the company to turn over the data of an Occupy Wall Street protester. It’s good to see that Twitter is willing to go into bat for its users and try to uphold its agreement with them. They have a strong case, being that Twitter’s terms of service unequivocally state that its users retain their rights to any content submitted, posted or displayed…

  19. TheContrarian 19
    10 May 2012 at 4:50 pm

    Will Colin Craig amount to anything in a socially liberal NZ?

    Or does Social conservatism not stand a shot in these Isles? 

  20. weka 20
    10 May 2012 at 5:08 pm

    Re adventure tourism and drug use.
    Am I missing something, but since when was a positive THC blood test proof that someone was stoned when an accident happened? Is the media being pig ignorant on this issue, or did the coroner suggest that people were actually affected by cannabis at the time of the accidents?

    • TheContrarian 20.1
      10 May 2012 at 5:10 pm

      Not sure myself – but there must be a way of telling how fresh the ingestion of THC was. 

      • McFlock 20.1.1
        10 May 2012 at 5:33 pm

        Bit like alcohol, really. 
             
        On another note, the family of another British tourist who died is calling NZ “unsafe“.  
                
        To be honest, the fact that they were paying to jump out of a perfectly good aircraft somewhat moderates my concern that the aircraft wasn’t actually all that good. 

        • weka 20.1.1.1
          10 May 2012 at 5:56 pm

          While there are blood, urine and hair tests that can track marijuana’s main ingredient in the body, the fact remains that marijuana lingers around for too long a period in order for one of these tests to determine the actual intake time. Also, the variation between different metabolisms makes an objective cannabis intoxication test very difficult.

           

          http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_drug_testing
           
          I’d like to see something more reliable than wiki, but I’m not convinced that it’s possible for a post-mortem to determine that someone was stoned at a certain time.
           
          I’m finding the perjorative use of ‘drug users’ by the media hypocritical. What they need to determine is if the people involved were abusing drugs in the sense that they were actually high or impaired while doing their job. That they had a joint the week before is fairly irrelevant.

          • McFlock 20.1.1.1.1
            10 May 2012 at 6:28 pm

            Well, it would be like alcohol in that there should be a blood volume median level above which most people are impaired – if it’s in the blood it’s getting to the brain, because the primary purpose of blood is to get to the brain.
                    
            Whether anyone has bothered to calculate such a level is another thing – it’s too easy for employers and prosecutors to come back with a basic “present” test which can be used to impugn the character of the defendant/employee. Getting into the debate as to whether it was at a level to be at all relevant would be too much opportunity for the defense. 

            • weka 20.1.1.1.1.1
              10 May 2012 at 10:13 pm

              Alcohol clears the system pretty fast (within 24 hours I think). THC doesn’t (it takes days or weeks depending on how often one smokes). I think this is the reason you can get a reasonable idea of intoxication from alcohol testing but you can’t for cannabis – the alcohol in your blood is the thing making you drunk and once it’s gone you’re not drunk any more. With cannabis, they’re measuring metabolites that stay in the system long after you’ve stopped being high.
               

          • Te Reo Putake 20.1.1.1.2
            10 May 2012 at 6:39 pm

            Fair Work Australia has recently ruled that the presence of THC in the blood is not sufficient evidence to prove impairment and therefore a dismissal based on a failed drug test would not be lawful. A pretty common sense decision, I reckon.
             
            ps 31st anniversary of Bob Marley’s death tomorrow. The colly weed didn’t seem to stop him doing his job effectively, seen?

        • Draco T Bastard 20.1.1.2
          10 May 2012 at 6:49 pm

          On another note, the family of another British tourist who died is calling NZ “unsafe“.

          Interesting article. It appears that self-regulation was to blame.

          TAIC found the engineering company that modified the plane did not follow proper processes required by civil aviation rules, but due to a “flaw in the regulatory system” were able to use an internal inspector to oversee and sign off the work.

          Every time I hear about self-regulation it’s usually in association with something that wouldn’t have been allowed to happen under correctly enforced government regulation and yet we keep hearing from the faithful (Act, Libertarians, National etc, etc) that regulation and oversight needs to be removed.

  21. vto 21
    10 May 2012 at 5:31 pm

    The wildfire continues to spread with more buildings in other parts of the country being condemned as being subject to massive failure in an earthquake. Which they are of course. Stay away from them. Think about where this will end, or rather how much further it has to go in order to consider every building in the country. The leaky homes cost is getting dwarfed in comparison.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/6897604/Unsafe-flats-Tenants-told-to-leave-within-week

    • McFlock 21.1
      10 May 2012 at 5:36 pm

      While I am concerned that it’s simply an opportunity for developers to replace protected buildings, in this case I reckon it’s fair that a building should be able to withstand strong winds without killing anyone.

      • vto 21.1.1
        10 May 2012 at 6:00 pm

        mr mcflock, if you are concerned that one particular sector is trying to create a business opportunity then I am surprised.

        Put it this way – at some point in a significant proportion of people’s lives in NZ they will experience a large earthquake resulting in things above falling down on them. Do the stats.

        We might be running scared down here, but from the other angle we are simply recognising that the most simple of things will, when that large earthquake arrives, save lives. Such as staying away from dangerous buildings or making them safe. As I say, this is going to dwarf the leaky homes cost.

        Perhaps we could place a wager.

        • McFlock 21.1.1.1
          10 May 2012 at 6:23 pm

          I’ll wager neither of us will die in an earthquake – we’re probably 70 times more likely to be killed in a car crash (figure 2-400/yr for 70 years, as opposed to a few hundred every seventy-80 years).
                   
               
          The fact is that many older buildings use space less efficiently than developers would like, both inside the structure and within the plot of land. Having seen many 6-8 bedroom villas condemned because of “structural integrity” (i.e. a lack of maintenance over the previous 10 years) well before the earthquake, only to be replaced by tilt-slab mouldy apartment blocks of thirty or more rooms for students, forgive me for thinking that some developers are keen to destroy our heritage buildings simply to increase their bank account rather than any real concern for safety.
               
          Besides, reinforced concrete balconies need to be replaced/refaced every few decades anyway – lumps start falling off, even without earthquakes or wind. The rebar in the concrete rusts expands and cracks tennis-ball sized lumps of concrete off – which then falls five or ten stories.

  22. prism 22
    10 May 2012 at 5:41 pm

    Having cannabis in your blood is not a good look for someone who is piloting or driving people. Tourists come for adventure that is managed by so-called experienced people, they take the risk of broken bones but don’t expect they might die. And they expect that care and controls will be taken by professionals.

    Joky Hen is being forced into action on regulations, monitoring, even licensing perhaps by the British chap Coker who has started a negative campaign. Great. But nothing gets done until someone makes a fuss. People have been dying but it is far fewer than the figure in the thousands that Coker has tossed around, it is more like 80 in five years, Joky Hen says. Only 80 which is small compared to the road statistics, miniscule compared to the dead of WW2. But it is eighty people we have killed here with adventure tourism – a disgrace. To paraphrase Lady Bracknell “To lose one outdoor adventurer, Mr Key, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose nearly a hundred looks like carelessness.”

    I remember a NZ schoolchild and his/her mother on a school camping trip being overridden about getting some river kayak experience and then being pinned under it and dying. That epitomises to me the casual way that some outdoors/adventure people think about danger and making sure that all precautions are taken. There is a dangerous group-think that can develop in any coterie which takes the attitude that dodgy behaviour is acceptable if no-one has been badly injured or killed. Corners are cut, protocols are fudged or ignored.

    • vto 22.1
      10 May 2012 at 6:04 pm

      I agree prism. It is the same as the attitude around water.

      If there is a body of water around and young toddlers around then a certain level of care is exercised.

      If there is a mine shaft with a 200 foot vertical drop to death around and adults around then an extreme level of care is exercised.

      But to a toddler, a body of water is a 200 foot drop to death.

      go figure ….

      leads to death all the time …

    • weka 22.2
      10 May 2012 at 6:07 pm

      Prism, many people who work in adventure tourism are also recreational cannabis users (it’s part of the lifestyle). This doesn’t mean they are stoned at work. See my comments above.
       
      I’m not surprised by the news that adventure tourism is dangerous in NZ (we’ve always had alot of people dying in the great outdoors). I’d like to see some intelligent analysis about whether this is part of kiwi macho outdoors culture, the she’ll be right culture, or if it’s a more recent thing of people getting into the industry without the necessary common sense and experience.
       

      • prism 22.2.1
        10 May 2012 at 7:52 pm

        weka I didn’t say they were stoned – you are inflating a sober statement that it isn’t a good look that marijuana showed up in samples. And I know that marijuana still registers many hours, a day? after using it.

        I’m not surprised by the news that adventure tourism is dangerous in NZ (we’ve always had alot of people dying in the great outdoors)

        This sounds suspiciously like the sort of she’ll-be-right attitude that worries me about NZ and taking care with the safety of adventure tourists.

        • John72 22.2.1.1
          10 May 2012 at 8:59 pm

          You are on the right track prism. When involved in any activity with an element of risk, some outside supervision is needed. It is so easy, after surviving a few near-misses to start to think “I am fire proof”.
          You might even stop thinking about the near- misses. Eventually you become compacent and start to cut corners. After a while one does not realise how much safety has been sacrificed. Every now and then we need a fresh look, a voice in the wilderness.

        • weka 22.2.1.2
          10 May 2012 at 10:27 pm

          “weka I didn’t say they were stoned”
           
          that’s true, you didn’t. But you mentioned THC tests in a paragraph about risk and it seems reasonable to assume you are making a connection between positive THC tests and accidents (certainly the media are making those connections). I don’t see the connection unless the person was actually stoned at work i.e. the THC test is not relevant or useful.
           
           
          “.And I know that marijuana still registers many hours, a day? after using it.”
           
          More like days or weeks i.e. it may have absolutely no bearing on the person’s ability to do their job.
           
          All other things aside, if Key introduced mandatory testing (which I seriously doubt he will, it’s all just bluster to detract from the real problems in adventure tourism), lots of people are going to lose their jobs 😉

          • prism 22.2.1.2.1
            11 May 2012 at 9:39 pm

            weka I think you were replying to another comment and thinking it was mine. I didn’t say anything about THC tests. Perhaps your thinking is a bit muddled for some reason. I’m sorry my comments do tend to be long as I try to give reasons for my concerns and possible lines of action. But they do take a bit of reading I know and probably don’t get digested well.

      • millsy 22.2.2
        11 May 2012 at 10:00 am

        “Prism, many people who work in adventure tourism are also recreational cannabis users (it’s part of the lifestyle).”

        If I ever go bungy jumping I will feel so much safer knowing that the instructor is some wanna-be California ‘surfer dude’ who was probably up all night making love to his bong.

        • weka 22.2.2.1
          12 May 2012 at 10:25 am

          That’s stupid. I take it you don’t know much about who works in the industry. I’m sure there are people who are irresponsible, and we should definitely look at changing that. But the people I know who work in the industry are generally careful, conscientious, and fully aware of risk and safety issues. Most of them do outdoor adventure in their non-work time and have developed alot of skills around assessing risk and managing safety, often because their own lives depend on it. 
           
          I also think it’s unlikely that many adventure tourism employers would keep on staff that consistently turned up for work the worse for wear from partying too hard.
           
          You also seem to have pretty retarded ideas about who smokes cannabis, how it affects them and what that means. Yes, there are plenty of pot heads in the world who smoke enough to have negative effects on their lives, but there are also plenty of recreational users who smoke responsibly. Just like not everyone that drinks alcohol is a binge drinker or abuses alcohol, there are people that use other drugs in moderate and low risk ways.

          It’s the latter people that will be unfairly penalised by mandatory drug testing.

  23. Jen 23
    10 May 2012 at 6:58 pm

    I want to understand why all the left parties voted against the unions secret ballot bill today. I can understand that a lot of unions already do it but what is the problem with formalising democracy? I don’t get it.

    • Te Reo Putake 23.1
      10 May 2012 at 7:27 pm

      Perhaps if it wasn’t a brain dead and irrelevant attack on modern unions by a former union official they might have been more sympathetic, Jen. Still, I’m sure they’ll vote for the part of the bill where employers are required to subject themselves to democracy before they lock workers out. That is in the bill, isn’t it?

      • Jen 23.1.1
        10 May 2012 at 7:34 pm

        whatever we think of the Nats there does seem to be a fairly big principle at stake here that I thought Labour as a pro worker party would support. The unions are the workers servants. Surely those workers deserve to cast their vote on their own situation?

        • Te Reo Putake 23.1.1.1
          10 May 2012 at 7:37 pm

          “Surely those workers deserve to cast their vote on their own situation?”
           
          Exactly! This bill takes away that right.

          • Jen 23.1.1.1.1
            10 May 2012 at 7:51 pm

            Sorry, I’m not with you…. I confess I haven’t looked closely at the legislation but I thought it was about each worker deciding for themselves whether to strike and voting on that and the union following the vote of the members. How does it take away the right?

            • Te Reo Putake 23.1.1.1.1.1
              10 May 2012 at 8:03 pm

              Sorry, Jen, I was assuming you knew how unions operate when you commented, I shouldn’t have jumped to that conclusion.
               
              As the largest democratic organisations in NZ, unions have more than a century of deciding for themselves how to ballot their members. These decisions are enshrined in each union’s rules. However, this bill forces unions to only have one form of ballot, removing the choice the union members previously had.
               
              Most unions do have the secret ballot option when industrial action is being considered, and in some its compulsory. But it should be the democratic right of union members to choose their own path. Tau Henare’s bill removes that democratic option.

              • Jen …
                10 May 2012 at 8:16 pm

                Ok, understood your point about taking away the unions right to decide how to ballot. And since unions are no longer compulsory you don’t have to join if you don’t want to join and abide by those rules. Nevertheless I am still a bit suprised that this bill isn’t seen as an ‘enhancement’ of the law though. It references an extreme situation that hits every worker in the hip pocket so to speak and it does seem there are a lot of workers hurting at the moment. I can’t help feeling that some of the union decisions are cutting against the members and at the very least should test that they are in touch?

                • felix …
                  10 May 2012 at 8:20 pm

                  “I can’t help feeling that some of the union decisions are cutting against the members”

                  The unions are the members. That’s what a union is.

                  • Jen …
                    10 May 2012 at 8:26 pm

                    Maybe I need to understand more about unions. I thought unions were a group of workers in a particular industry who paid people paid to represent them. If those representatives get out of touch with the people (still at the coal face who are paying their wages), and there is no secret ballot, then how can they be sure that they are representing the members?

                    • felix …
                      10 May 2012 at 8:29 pm

                      You said: “I can’t help feeling that some of the union decisions are cutting against the members”

                      That’s not possible. A union is a group of workers, i.e. “the members”. A “union decision” is by definition a decision made by a union, i.e. “the members”.

                      You’re talking about “unions” and “members” as if they were separate entities.

                • Descendant Of Smith …
                  10 May 2012 at 8:26 pm

                  In all the unions I was involved in only one person had to ask for a secret ballot and it was held.

                  As a union delegate we were always prepared beforehand with ballot papers in case someone requested this.

                  In my experience the closer the vote was likely to be the greater the likelihood of someone asking for a secret ballot.

                  On average I would say about 70% of the time secret ballots were asked for.

                  Not once, and still today, I have ever seen anyone criticised for asking for a secret ballot or asked why they did this. All union members understood it was any members right and no one else’s business why they might want one.

                  Union members understand democracy much much better than this government ever did.

                  Also note that when these members are on strike they are being supported financially by other union members as much as they can can be within the constraints of funding and resource.

                  It’s a united effort and all do share the pain.

                  Seen your next query:

                  No industrial action is taken without members voting on it and having a majority vote yes.

                  No contract changes or pay increase are accepted without the members voting yes.

                  No union delegates are elected without members nominating and then voting for them.

                  The members make these decisions.

                • Te Reo Putake …
                  10 May 2012 at 8:33 pm

                  Cheers, Jen. I think you’re probably labouring under the common misapprehension that union officials just tell their members that they are on strike. Doesn’t happen. The members decide these things, not the officials. 
                   

                  And as you noted, if a worker disagrees, nowadays they have the option of walking away from the union.

                  • Jen …
                    10 May 2012 at 8:39 pm

                    OK, thanks for your explanations. Getting the picture now.

                  • Descendant Of Smith …
                    10 May 2012 at 8:49 pm

                    Also worth noting that motions and voting follow and conform to standard democratic procedures.

                    All motions are positive, voting results are by a simple majority, constitutional changes are by a 75% vote or thereabouts.

                    Funnily enough exactly how councils and parliament are supposed to work.

        • Pete George 23.1.1.2
          10 May 2012 at 7:56 pm

          I’m interested in hearing what the oppsitionn is to it too. Secret ballots are are basic democratic principle.

          I juest had a look:

          Labour’s labour spokeswoman Darien Fenton said the legislation change was frivolous because most unions allowed secret ballots: “[Union members] have freedom to strike or not strike, they are not

          marched out the door with their arm behind their back and told to strike.”

          Mr Henare said even if his bill was for the 5 per cent of workers who didn’t have a secret ballot, it was important.

          Green Party MP Denise Roche felt the bill meddled with a process that did not need to be fixed. “This is a solution looking for a problem.”

          She argued that Mr Henare’s bill intervened on the way unions functioned and was therefore undemocratic.

          http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10804703

          • Te Reo Putake 23.1.1.2.1
            10 May 2012 at 8:10 pm

            Half right, new improved Pete! Ballots are a basic democratic principle. But their form should be up to the people involved to decide, not the Gummint.
             
            And I’ve already mentioned the lack of balance elsewhere. I don’t see this being extended to shareholders meetings, do you?

          • felix 23.1.1.2.2
            10 May 2012 at 8:26 pm

            Do you think there should be legislation to require all political parties to conduct secret ballots?

            What about Parliament?

            What about cabinet?

            What about juries?

            What about boards of directors?

            What about shareholders?

            What about councils?

            • Pete George 23.1.1.2.2.1
              10 May 2012 at 8:29 pm

              I’ve been asked not to comment so much here 🙂

            • mickysavage 23.1.1.2.2.2
              10 May 2012 at 8:34 pm

              Hehe felix

              The basic problem with these debates is that some who are so insistent on change have no idea of the history of trade union activity or the stuff that has been thrown at the trade union movement in the past.  For those with an understanding of history current proposals are a further attack using the same techniques that were used in the past.

              Of course when you argue with someone who has no comprehension of history their lack of comprehension means that you cannot persuade them.  This is especially so if they indignantly believe that their point of view, ill informed that it may be, is just as relevant as yours … 

  24. Jen 24
    10 May 2012 at 6:59 pm

    Moderation? Crikey! I haven’t come to this site before but you moderate open mike????????

    [Everyone goes in to moderation on their first comment – it lets us cull spam bots. Now your comments should go straight through. — r0b]

  25. Jackal 25
    10 May 2012 at 7:15 pm

    Bomber hits another home run:

    So what is the Lusk/Whaleoil ideology? If you look at the manner in which Whaleoil now posts daily proverbs and appears on hard right Christian talkback to muck rake against Unions, the strategy isn’t difficult to divine. They want to Republicanize National with populist right wing raw meat rhetoric. God, guns, climate denial, anti-Maori, anti-union, bennie bashing right wing morality will be served up with all the righteousness of a Fox News broadcast. Expect pro Police, death penalty type of law and order sentiments mixed with work for dole old testament posturing.

    Can’t think of any rightwing blogger who can write with such eloquence.

  26. felix 26
    10 May 2012 at 9:38 pm

    Just watching Backbenches from last night. The new Nat MP, drawling bogan Mark Mitchel, was asked by a (possibly hypothetical) viewer when the (definitely hypothetical) brighter future would be arriving.

    He replied, and I quote:

    We’re well on our way to it. She’s gonna see some benefits by the end of the year for sure

    Oh dear.

    • Descendant Of Smith 26.1
      10 May 2012 at 9:57 pm

      Never a truer word spoken.

      Yep we’ll some some benefits – it’s a pity they’ll be more unemployment benefits.

      • Descendant Of Smith 26.1.1
        10 May 2012 at 10:07 pm

        That of course should say:

        Yep we’ll see some benefits – it’s a pity they’ll be more unemployment benefits.

        Purring cats on keyboards are not helping my typing and editing.

    • Anne 26.2
      10 May 2012 at 10:00 pm

      One of Simon Lusk’s former pupils?

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Stories of varying weight

    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on anything you may have missed. Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 hours ago
  • Balancing External Security and the Economy

    New Zealand is again having to reconcile conflicting pressures from its military and its trade interests. Should we join Pillar Two of AUKUS and risk compromising our markets in China? For a century after New Zealand was founded in 1840, its external security arrangements and external economics arrangements were aligned. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    17 hours ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: The unravelling of the offsets

    The ‘50 Shades of Green’ farmers’ protest in 2019 was heavy on climate change denial, but five years on, scepticism and criticism about the idea that pine forests can save us is growing across the board. File photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top six news items of note in climate ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    22 hours ago
  • What makes us tick

    This morning the sky was bright.The birds, in their usual joyous bliss. Nature doesn’t seem to feel the heat of what might angst humans.Their calls are clear and beautiful.Just some random thoughts:MāoriPaul Goldsmith has announced his government will roll back the judiciary’s rulings on Māori Customary Marine Title, which recognises ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    23 hours ago
  • Foreshore and seabed 2.0

    In 2003, the Court of Appeal delivered its decision in Ngati Apa v Attorney-General, ruling that Māori customary title over the foreshore and seabed had not been universally extinguished, and that the Māori Land Court could determine claims and confirm title if the facts supported it. This kicked off the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the Royal Commission report into abuse in care

    Earlier this week at Parliament, Labour leader Chris Hipkins was applauded for saying that the response to the final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care had to be “bigger than politics.” True, but the fine words, apologies and “we hear you” messages will soon ring ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: In news breaking this morning:The Ministry of Education is cutting $2 billion from its school building programme so the National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government has enough money to deliver tax cuts; The Government has quietly lowered its child poverty reduction targets to make them easier to achieve;Te Whatu Ora-Health NZ’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Weekly Roundup 26-July-2024

    Kia ora. These are some stories that caught our eye this week – as always, feel free to share yours in the comments. Our header image this week (via Eke Panuku) shows the planned upgrade for the Karanga Plaza Tidal Swimming Steps. The week in Greater Auckland On ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 day ago
  • God what a relief

    1. What's not to love about the way the Harris campaign is turning things around?a. Nothingb. Love all of itc. God what a reliefd. Not that it will be by any means easye. All of the above 2. Documents released by the Ministry of Health show Associate Health Minister Casey ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Trust In Me

    Trust in me in all you doHave the faith I have in youLove will see us through, if only you trust in meWhy don't you, you trust me?In a week that saw the release of the 3,000 page Abuse in Care report Christopher Luxon was being asked about Boot Camps. ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 26

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking about the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Care report released this week, and with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on a UN push to not recognise carbon offset markets and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 26, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Transport: Simeon Brown announced $802.9 million in funding for 18 new trains on the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines, which ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Radical law changes needed to build road

    The northern expressway extension from Warkworth to Whangarei is likely to require radical changes to legislation if it is going to be built within the foreseeable future. The Government’s powers to purchase land, the planning process and current restrictions on road tolling are all going to need to be changed ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #30 2024

    Open access notables Could an extremely cold central European winter such as 1963 happen again despite climate change?, Sippel et al., Weather and Climate Dynamics: Here, we first show based on multiple attribution methods that a winter of similar circulation conditions to 1963 would still lead to an extreme seasonal ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • First they came for the Māori

    Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedFirst they came for the doctors But I was confused by the numbers and costs So I didn't speak up Then they came for our police and nurses And I didn't think we could afford those costs anyway So I ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Join us for the weekly Hoon on YouTube Live

    Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on UnsplashWe’re back again after our mid-winter break. We’re still with the ‘new’ day of the week (Thursday rather than Friday) when we have our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Will the real PM Luxon please stand up?

    Notes: This is a free article. Abuse in Care themes are mentioned. Video is at the bottom.BackgroundYesterday’s report into Abuse in Care revealed that at least 1 in 3 of all who went through state and faith based care were abused - often horrifically. At least, because not all survivors ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Will debt reduction trump abuse in care redress?

    Luxon speaks in Parliament yesterday about the Abuse in Care report. Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:PM Christopher Luxon said yesterday in tabling the Abuse in Care report in Parliament he wanted to ‘do the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Olywhites and Time Bandits

    About a decade ago I worked with a bloke called Steve. He was the grizzled veteran coder, a few years older than me, who knew where the bodies were buried - code wise. Despite his best efforts to be approachable and friendly he could be kind of gruff, through to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Why were the 1930s so hot in North America?

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Jeff Masters and Bob Henson Those who’ve trawled social media during heat waves have likely encountered a tidbit frequently used to brush aside human-caused climate change: Many U.S. states and cities had their single hottest temperature on record during the 1930s, setting incredible heat marks ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • Throwback Thursday – Thinking about Expressways

    Some of the recent announcements from the government have reminded us of posts we’ve written in the past. Here’s one from early 2020. There were plenty of reactions to the government’s infrastructure announcement a few weeks ago which saw them fund a bunch of big roading projects. One of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Thursday, July 25 are:News: Why Electric Kiwi is closing to new customers - and why it matters RNZ’s Susan EdmundsScoop: Government drops ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • The Possum: Demon or Friend?

    Hi,I felt a small wet tongue snaking through one of the holes in my Crocs. It explored my big toe, darting down one side, then the other. “He’s looking for some toe cheese,” said the woman next to me, words that still haunt me to this day.Growing up in New ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • Not a story

    Yesterday I happily quoted the Prime Minister without fact-checking him and sure enough, it turns out his numbers were all to hell. It’s not four kg of Royal Commission report, it’s fourteen.My friend and one-time colleague-in-comms Hazel Phillips gently alerted me to my error almost as soon as I’d hit ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Thursday, July 25, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day were:The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry published its final report yesterday.PM Christopher Luxon and The Minister responsible for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • A tougher line on “proactive release”?

    The Official Information Act has always been a battle between requesters seeking information, and governments seeking to control it. Information is power, so Ministers and government agencies want to manage what is released and when, for their own convenience, and legality and democracy be damned. Their most recent tactic for ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • 'Let's build a motorway costing $100 million per km, before emissions costs'

    TL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:Transport and Energy Minister Simeon Brown is accelerating plans to spend at least $10 billion through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to extend State Highway One as a four-lane ‘Expressway’ from Warkworth to Whangarei ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Lester's Prescription – Positive Bleeding.

    I live my life (woo-ooh-ooh)With no control in my destinyYea-yeah, yea-yeah (woo-ooh-ooh)I can bleed when I want to bleedSo come on, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)You can bleed when you want to bleedYea-yeah, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)Everybody bleed when they want to bleedCome on and bleedGovernments face tough challenges. Selling unpopular decisions to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Casey Costello gaslights Labour in the House

    Please note:To skip directly to the- parliamentary footage in the video, scroll to 1:21 To skip to audio please click on the headphone icon on the left hand side of the screenThis video / audio section is under development. ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    3 days ago
  • Why is the Texas grid in such bad shape?

    This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler Headline from 2021 The Texas grid, run by ERCOT, has had a rough few years. In 2021, winter storm Uri blacked out much of the state for several days. About a week ago, Hurricane Beryl knocked out ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on a textbook case of spending waste by the Luxon government

    Given the crackdown on wasteful government spending, it behooves me to point to a high profile example of spending by the Luxon government that looks like a big, fat waste of time and money. I’m talking about the deployment of NZDF personnel to support the US-led coalition in the Red ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:40 am on Wednesday, July 24 are:Deep Dive: Chipping away at the housing crisis, including my comments RNZ/Newsroom’s The DetailNews: Government softens on asset sales, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • LXR Takaanini

    As I reported about the city centre, Auckland’s rail network is also going through a difficult and disruptive period which is rapidly approaching a culmination, this will result in a significant upgrade to the whole network. Hallelujah. Also like the city centre this is an upgrade predicated on the City ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    3 days ago
  • Four kilograms of pain

    Today, a 4 kilogram report will be delivered to Parliament. We know this is what the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care weighs, because our Prime Minister told us so.Some reporter had blindsided him by asking a question about something done by ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, July 24, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Beehive: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to use PPPs to fund, build and run a four-lane expressway between Auckland ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Luxon gets caught out

    NewstalkZB host Mike Hosking, who can usually be relied on to give Prime Minister Christopher Luxon an easy run, did not do so yesterday when he interviewed him about the HealthNZ deficit. Luxon is trying to use a deficit reported last year by HealthNZ as yet another example of the ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • A worrying sign

    Back in January a StatsNZ employee gave a speech at Rātana on behalf of tangata whenua in which he insulted and criticised the government. The speech clearly violated the principle of a neutral public service, and StatsNZ started an investigation. Part of that was getting an external consultant to examine ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Are we fine with 47.9% home-ownership by 2048?

    Renting for life: Shared ownership initiatives are unlikely to slow the slide in home ownership by much. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:A Deloitte report for Westpac has projected Aotearoa’s home-ownership rate will ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Let's Win This

    You're broken down and tiredOf living life on a merry go roundAnd you can't find the fighterBut I see it in you so we gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsWe gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsAnd I'll rise upI'll rise like the dayI'll rise upI'll rise unafraidI'll rise upAnd I'll ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Waimahara: The Singing Spirit of Water

    There’s been a change in Myers Park. Down the steps from St. Kevin’s Arcade, past the grassy slopes, the children’s playground, the benches and that goat statue, there has been a transformation. The underpass for Mayoral Drive has gone from a barren, grey, concrete tunnel, to a place that thrums ...
    Greater AucklandBy Connor Sharp
    4 days ago
  • A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Tuesday, July 23 are:Deep Dive: Penlink: where tolling rhetoric meets reality BusinessDesk-$$$’s Oliver LewisScoop: Te Pūkenga plans for regional polytechs leak out ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Health: Shane Reti announced the Board of Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand was being replaced with Commissioner Lester Levy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • HealthNZ and Luxon at cross purposes over budget blowout

    Health NZ warned the Government at the end of March that it was running over Budget. But the reasons it gave were very different to those offered by the Prime Minister yesterday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed the “botched merger” of the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) to create Health ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2500-3000 more healthcare staff expected to be fired, as Shane Reti blames Labour for a budget defic...

    Long ReadKey Summary: Although National increased the health budget by $1.4 billion in May, they used an old funding model to project health system costs, and never bothered to update their pre-election numbers. They were told during the Health Select Committees earlier in the year their budget amount was deficient, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Might Kamala Harris be about to get a 'stardust' moment like Jacinda Ardern?

    As a momentous, historic weekend in US politics unfolded, analysts and commentators grasped for precedents and comparisons to help explain the significance and power of the choice Joe Biden had made. The 46th president had swept the Democratic party’s primaries but just over 100 days from the election had chosen ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    5 days ago
  • Solutions Interview: Steven Hail on MMT & ecological economics

    TL;DR: I’m casting around for new ideas and ways of thinking about Aotearoa’s political economy to find a few solutions to our cascading and self-reinforcing housing, poverty and climate crises.Associate Professor runs an online masters degree in the economics of sustainability at Torrens University in Australia and is organising ...
    The KakaBy Steven Hail
    5 days ago
  • Reported back

    The Finance and Expenditure Committee has reported back on National's Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill. The bill sets up water for privatisation, and was introduced under urgency, then rammed through select committee with no time even for local councils to make a proper submission. Naturally, national's select committee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Vandrad the Viking, Christopher Coombes, and Literary Archaeology

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

    History is not on the side of the centre-left, when Democratic presidents fall behind in the polls and choose not to run for re-election. On both previous occasions in the past 75 years (Harry Truman in 1952, Lyndon Johnson in 1968) the Democrats proceeded to then lose the White House ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    5 days ago
  • Joe Biden's withdrawal puts the spotlight back on Kamala and the USA's complicated relatio...

    This is a free articleCoverageThis morning, US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race. And that is genuinely newsworthy. Thanks for your service, President Biden, and all the best to you and yours.However, the media in New Zealand, particularly the 1News nightly bulletin, has been breathlessly covering ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    5 days ago
  • Why we have to challenge our national fiscal assumptions

    A homeless person’s camp beside a blocked-off slipped damage walkway in Freeman’s Bay: we are chasing our tail on our worsening and inter-related housing, poverty and climate crises. Photo: Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Existential Crisis and Damaged Brains

    What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognise?(Gone away)But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have to findAnd as I try to make my wayTo the ordinary worldYesterday morning began as many others - what to write about today? I began ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • A speed limit is not a target, and yet…

    This is a guest post from longtime supporter Mr Plod, whose previous contributions include a proposal that Hamilton become New Zealand’s capital city, and that we should switch which side of the road we drive on. A recent Newsroom article, “Back to school for the Govt’s new speed limit policy“, ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Monday, July 22 are:Today’s Must Read: Father and son live in a tent, and have done for four years, in a million ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #29

    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago
  • I'd like to share what I did this weekend

    This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • For the children – Why mere sentiment can be a misleading force in our lives, and lead to unex...

    National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Order image, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • A friend in uncertain times

    Day one of the solo leg of my long journey home begins with my favourite sound: footfalls in an empty street. 5.00 am and it’s already light and already too warm, almost.If I can make the train that leaves Budapest later this hour I could be in Belgrade by nightfall; ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

    Hi,We’ll get to the horrific world of male diet influencers (AKA Beefy Boys) shortly, but first you will be glad to know that since I sent out the Webworm explaining why the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was not a false flag operation, I’ve heard from a load of people ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

    Do you remember Y2K, the threat that hung over humanity in the closing days of the twentieth century? Horror scenarios of planes falling from the sky, electronic payments failing and ATMs refusing to dispense cash. As for your VCR following instructions and recording your favourite show - forget about it.All ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 20

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts being questioned by The Kākā’s Bernard Hickey.TL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 20 were:1. A strategy that fails Zero Carbon Act & Paris targetsThe National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government finally unveiled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Flooding Housing Policy

    The Minister of Housing’s ambition is to reduce markedly the ratio of house prices to household incomes. If his strategy works it would transform the housing market, dramatically changing the prospects of housing as an investment.Leaving aside the Minister’s metaphor of ‘flooding the market’ I do not see how the ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

    An employee of tobacco company Philip Morris International demonstrates a heated tobacco device. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy on Friday, July 19 are:At a time when the Coalition Government is cutting spending on health, infrastructure, education, housing ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 19

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent talking about the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s release of its first Emissions Reduction Plan;University of Otago Foreign Relations Professor and special guest Dr Karin von ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #29 2024

    Open access notables Improving global temperature datasets to better account for non-uniform warming, Calvert, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society: To better account for spatial non-uniform trends in warming, a new GITD [global instrumental temperature dataset] was created that used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to combine the land surface ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

    The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

    New developments in the heart of North Island forestry country will reinvigorate their communities and boost economic development, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones visited Kaingaroa and Kawerau in Bay of Plenty today to open a landmark community centre in the former and a new connecting road in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 'Pacific Futures'

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-07-26T23:25:40+00:00