A government doing its job would never have allowed these practices to occur.
Our housing system is being played to launder dirty foreign money and to satisfy reckless speculation.
1. Property laundering
someone elses text
Police research concludes a loophole is seeing lawyers, accountants and real estate agents being increasingly used to launder $1.6 billion in dirty money annually – including into New Zealand’s booming property markets.Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents being increasingly used to launder $1.6 billion in dirty money annually – including into New Zealand’s booming property markets.
“Recent police investigations have exposed the fact that professional services and the real estate sector are closely linked to organised crime and drug offending,” officials said.
That research, sampling freezing orders obtained to seize the proceeds of crime, found 26 per cent of cases involved unpicking the work of accountants and lawyers, and more than half (56 per cent of cases) involved property deals where “offenders were ultimately successful in integrating criminal proceeds by purchasing real estate”.
Reports released under the Official Information Act – and only provided to the Weekend Herald following a complaint to the Ombudsman – show Justice Minister Amy Adams was briefed last June about police concerns but substantive policy work to close the loophole was only begun a year later.
2. Auckland speculators flipping homes on same day of purchase.
With the average Auckland house price now tipping $1 million, frenzied property speculation is helping drive up prices and locking thousands of Auckland families out of home ownership.
But one investor who buys and sells Auckland properties – sometimes on the same day – has defended the practice, labelling it “easy money” in a rising market.
“If you can swing a property deal once a week and make 20 or 30 grand, why would you not do that?” said seasoned Tauranga-based investor Ian Stevenson.
“Big money is chasing good profit here but it’s the market’s rise that’s driving it because they’re not fixing the Auckland problem.”
“If you can swing a property deal once a week and make 20 or 30 grand, why would you not do that?” said seasoned Tauranga-based investor Ian Stevenson.
Because it’s detrimental to society which is why such speculators used to be hung. After all, they’re not actually doing anything for that money (as he said) which essentially makes it theft.
Personally, I’d got 110% tax on anything that’s turned over that fast, makes a profit that big and does nothing to develop the economy.
And it ignores resources and development which means to say that it’s not even remotely economic no matter what the economists and politicians say. Which, of course, means that it actually does need to be banned/regulated out of existence.
We get it we don’t need a to be reminded of your views day in day out, capitalism bad, Neo liberalism bad, fiat money bad it’s all going to end in tears, Revolution good, Stalinist reckoning good, we got it, ok
Leftie i got what i didnt want thanks to those selfish arses who voted for these morons ! three times in a row and will vote for them again in a years time.
Thats dictatorship with a smile and an easy going manner.
Then mosa I assume you are going to volunteer your time next year for which ever party you want to support, so to maximize that parties vote? its called democracy.
Win the hearts and minds of the voters, and you will have your wish…its that simple.
Forget trying to blame so called dirty politics…they all do it left or right.
Why do you think the attack line of Labour for so long has been to try and dig up dirt on John Key?
Hager timed his book for the last election, thinking it would cause a massive landslide against National. The public looked and then voted, giving Hager the middle finger.
Obviously not that simple at all Chuck. There is nothing “so called” about the dirty politics National rely on to stay in power. Maybe you should stop using the false meme of “they all do it too” since no party has used dirty Americanized politics like its puppet John key.
There is plenty of dirt on the compulsive liar & traitor John key, whose only interests are to abuse his prime ministerial position, build tax havens for the off shore elites, to launder dirty money by making our own people homeless, and to harass and abuse a young waitress at her place of employment. Key has been fortunate to have such a gutless, compliant and complicit msm on board.
History will not look kindly on John key, who will go down as the worst self serving PM this country has had the misfortune to have.
National et al has never proved Nicky Hager wrong, and I think the public are taking more notice now, it’s getting harder for the arrogant Nats to hide it’s obvious disdain for this country and its people.
Leftie properly the only thing we can agree on is that is disagree!
“There is plenty of dirt on the compulsive liar & traitor John key, whose only interests are to abuse his prime ministerial position, build tax havens for the off shore elites, to launder dirty money by making our own people homeless, and to harass and abuse a young waitress at her place of employment. Key has been fortunate to have such a gutless, compliant and complicit msm on board.”
How then can you explain the wall to wall coverage given by the MSM on “ponytail gate” or when they brought in the “big gun” Hager to lead a team of MSM journos on the Panama papers?…every voter in NZ was exposed to these stories…and still National is polling around the vote they received in the 2014 election.
Its easy to blame others…the left need to look in the mirror and realise they need to lift there game big time.
”and still National is polling around the vote they received in the 2014 election.”
that doesn’t actually prove that the nats aren’t scum , it just proves that people either don’t care , don’t believe it or think it’s ok to climb into the gutter to win,.
I just don’t get it, politics is all about selling concepts and ideas, yet the left makes no effort to actually sell or convince the voter that what they’re offering is good.
It’s all “This is what is good for you silly voter person, do what we say”, then look all confused when the voter tells them to fuck off.
None of which was in the headlines for long before National’s attack bloggers and msm kicked into gear with excuses and victim blaming. Since you obviously believe in opinion polling, I guess John key’s most preferred/popularity plummeting from the unrealistic heady heights of 63% down to 36.7% in such a very short space of time pretty much shows he’s on the way out.
@BM All John Key has sold NZ was lies and deceit. You have actually described John key and his supporters like yourself. Remember, John key said he was right and the Law Society, Privacy Commissioner and the Human Rights Commissioner were all wrong.
so when exactly were labour running a secret hit squad out of the leaders office?
getting sick of this repetitive deliberate ignorance that tries to pretend that openly digging for dirt like every party has done forever is the same as running a secret campaign, that sailed pretty close to illegality, out of the leaders office
“so when exactly were labour running a secret hit squad out of the leaders office?”
Since long ago…if they want to do a “hit” on say a Nat MP they can tap a journo on the shoulder and feed them the story.
“getting sick of this repetitive deliberate ignorance that tries to pretend that openly digging for dirt like every party has done forever is the same as running a secret campaign”
Not much will be done in the “open”. It defeats the purpose to a large extent.
“that sailed pretty close to illegality, out of the leaders office”
Nothing illegal was done end of story. However that’s not the case for whoever stole Slaters emails…
The voting public gave their verdict on the day of the election…end of story.
A government doing its job would never have allowed this to occur.
Kiwi mother of five shares struggle with homelessness after addressing MPs.
A Wellington mother of five spoke to MPs this week about her family’s years-long struggle to find a home. SAM SACHDEVA spoke to Sarah about going back and forward between cars, friends’ houses and “squished into one bed”.
The family’s unstable living conditions have taken a toll in many different ways.
Sarah’s family have all had pneumonia – one son nearly died and had to be hospitalised – along with constant colds and other illnesses.
They’ve suffered emotionally too: all but her youngest son have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress and anxiety disorders.
Yest, that too. But lots of cash from all over the place. Say “boo” to it in the form of actual policing of our markets (har, har with FJK in charge) and it’ll all scamper off to to other banana republics!
@Paul
In the first article I love Bill English’s “Oh well, it’s quite possible.”
Translation: we know dirty overseas money is being laundered through the NZ property market but we certainly won’t do anything about it (until we are caught out by a fine reporter like Matt Nippert) because my boss is a currency dealer/speculator.
BTW is anyone else out there getting fed up with Amy Adams’ weasel words?
National has allowed dirty money funneled through Jk’s shiny new tax avoidance and secrecy vehicles to prop up their speculators dream which citizens know as New Zealands housing crisis ………….
This laundry service for rich criminals is delevering record profits to National donars and property owning mp’s ……. while making New Zealand children and families homeless …. “contentious exemption of professional services firms – mostly lawyers, accountants and real estate agents – from being covered by anti-money laundering laws passed in 2009.” ….
“Police Association president Greg O’Connor yesterday said the exemption was unsatisfactory and the revelations in briefings to the Ministers should be no surprise………”O’Connor agreed opposition from the sector was the most likely cause: “Naturally enough, they’ll fight this tooth and nail.” http://m.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11706741
Sky city with its strong national party ties is also getting its cut with hundreds of millions of dirty money being washed clean through its gambling services …. “A wealthy businessman caught up in a money-laundering investigation gambled nearly $300 million in the VIP lounge of SkyCity casino. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11592619
Andrew Geddis has done a fine job (OIA needed again) working out how the ridiculous Airport Authorities (Publicising Lost Property Sales) Amendment Bill. came to be in the members ballot.
It turns out Simon Bridges was behind it, and it is clear the bill was included in the ballot to help keep the opposition from getting a bill in the ballot that might actually do something.
Geddis notes the reaction of a Ministry of Transport Official:
“What the hell is going on here? This is a completely stupid thing to do! If we’re going to the trouble of having an entire review of the legislation with an Amendment Act to follow, why on earth wouldn’t we include this incredibly trivial, easily made change in it? Honest to God – sometimes I despair of the morons who run this place and the petty political games that they are always playing. If this ever comes out in public, they are going to look like a bunch of right royal nitwits who deserve all the ridicule that will follow.”
So Bridges is a moron who plays petty political games. But we knew that.
This while young New Zealanders struggle to get their drivers licenses ….the fees are exorbitant for a young person or a working class family….and the testing is very very rigorous
…three levels of competency for a NZ drivers license
( which many young New Zealanders can’t complete for lack of money or for failing the tests which are nit-picking in the extreme)
1) theoretical knowledge of driver safety and road rules
2) learner licence..practical skills 6 months only driving with a licensed adult
3.) restricted license…can only drive by oneself or with a passenger with a license
4.) final full license ( very hard for a young New Zealander to get and many don’t)
….and to be without a licence is often to be without work and education opportunities in many cases
….condemning young New Zealanders to desperation, alcohol and drugs …the scrap heap Jonkey kindly talks about
(Bus driving in New Zealand should only be by New Zealanders…We should not be exporting our tourism jobs to Chinese or other foreigners who are unqualified…especially when New Zealanders are unemployed)
If you bring in Third Worlders, they bring the Third World with them. That’s inevitable, because we’re all products of our cultures. Call these scams “deliberate government policy,” because that’s what it amounts to.
Just come into Auckland for a few days after another work trip into SE Asia. Absolutely true.
While Ak still retains a layer of pre-colonial European heritage, it’s rapidly being overlaid by the exactly the architectures and behaviours I recognise from before I got on the plane in Asia.
Especially those driving the top of the range Audis and Porsche Cayennes.
We are being colonised by an uber rich elite from China.
There are also big US and European tycoons buying up NZ at an alarming speed.
We are being colonised.
It is more likely you’ll hear the words neo-liberalism ( and its condemnation) from NZ First than the Greens or Labour.
Why?
60% Of Migrants Not On Skill-Shortages List – Why John Key REALLY Wants More Immigration
The twin obvious justifications for why National continues to allow in thousands of migrant labourers who aren’t on the long-term skill shortages list thus ought to be plainly obvious.
It’s because our Government are working hand-in-glove with their economically exploitative employment-offering mates to attempt to artificially depress both pay and conditions in the broader New Zealand labour market – for everyone, not just migrant workers.
Ever since the roll-out of the Rogernomics economic “reforms” in the 1980s, take-home pay in real terms has been declining for workers in New Zealand. We have also witnessed ongoing attempts by successive Governments to corral and constrain Union power. But while they have evidently accomplished oh so much economic devastation for the ordinary person through direct legislative instruments, since the halting of the ‘mainstream’ Neoliberal ‘revolution’ in the mid-late 1990s following the running out of steam of Ruthanasia etc, more insidious means to further the same broad objectives have had to be pursued.
Paul anyone who watched Nigel latta, the hard stuff from last tuesday
on immigration, will know that you are telling porkies, but you probably know that too.
I saw a lot of it and Nigel asking someone high up from Immigration New Zealand to see if we have got immigration policy settings right isn’t exactly investigative journalism.
And it will be just as bad as the last colonisation that occurred here. Need to stop it before it gets that far.
You’d think we, of all people, would be able to figure that out. But I guess that, as the beneficiaries of that last colonisation, many White NZers struggle with the concept that it was a bad thing. At least most Maori get it, for obvious reasons.
and the police don’t think it is an isolated incident
“Police prosecutor Sergeant Grant Neal said: “These residents of China have come over without driver’s licences.
“They are operating as tour operators, driving without New Zealand driver’s licences and producing other residents’ driver’s licences. There are several prosecutions in relation to the one company.”
Given global warming and traffic congestion isn’t it about time we as a nation reintroduced carless days? It would encourage more use of public transport and there would be fewer cars on the road.
Come on, comrades! We simply can’t rely on the general public to voluntarily give up their cars!
Diesel and petrol powered road transport volumes do need to be slashed. There are different ways of doing this.
I had the pleasure of commuting across Auckland by car in peak traffic recently. That hundreds of thousands of vehicles do this every day, over and over again, is mindboggling.
That hundreds of thousands of vehicles do this every day, over and over again, is mindboggling.?
Yep. Just walked through Henderson at a greater pace than the traffic going through it.
Really can’t understand why these people can’t see just how idiotic that they’re being. Public transport for going to work and getting stuff delivered instead of going shopping is a much better option.
Carless days (as it was done in the 70s) not the way to reduce fossil fuel use. People with more than 1 car were able to get round it. Also led to stupid things happening, like a friend in a V8 driving to collect my mum because she wasn’t allowed to use her little car 1100cc. There was no public transport alternative she could use.
Better public transport has to be in place to encourage people to use it.
That and a carbon tax and dividend scheme.
And maybe rationing fossil fuels.
And where ever there is a rail alternative already, get those huge trucks off the road and get their cargo onto electric trains.
Carless days are an extremely effective means of bashing the poor without really affecting the better off in any way at all.
If your family owns one car you are going to have to walk or take public transport on your carless day. If you own several cars it becomes only a very minor inconvenience. There is always another car you can use.
It also means that older cars are kept on the road. They are usually less safe and pollute more than modern vehicles. It would be nice if they could be scrapped but people will keep them around as a spare vehicle. Because they are there they will probably continue to be used by other people so that fuel consumption will rise.
I know several people who bought a second car when they introduced carless days in 1979. They could afford it and it was a real pain for some of them not to have a car available every day.
Trump campaign spokeswoman says that they thought Larry King interview was going to be on King's podcast — not RT.— Kevin Cirilli (@kevcirilli) September 9, 2016
Auckland speculators flipping homes on same day of purchase
“New data released exclusively to the Weekend Herald by free property valuation website homes.co.nz identifies about 30 properties that were re-sold on the same day of purchase in the last 17 months – often by ruthless investors chasing quick bucks.”
“However the Weekend Herald has identified other same-day transactions and the actual number is likely to be higher.”
[Quotation shortened and block quote added. Something being in the public domain doesn’t mean there is no copyright. The link clearly has the copyright established at the bottom of the page. Even for websites that given permission e.g. Creative Commons licences, on The Standard it is generally expected that people will quote a section rather than the whole thing, provide a link, and usually say why they are posting it. It is also better to use tags or other marks to show that the words are not yours – weka]
Being in the public domain doesn’t mean there is no copyright. Otherwise anyone who published a book would have no copyright rights. Please see my moderation note above.
The article, in a subtly recursive and mise-en-abîme fashion, suggests, I think, that not only the media but we all are complicit in this drivel being made in the first place and forced upon us, as if we are innocent bystanders or victims.
The same could be said about the NZ National Party and how’s this for a title: NZ National Party: We all share in the shame? It sounds pretty accurate, doesn’t it?
The question has to be asked as to why this is even happening and there are many possible answers that address the complexities of human behaviour. However, one answer might be that there seems to be no viable alternative, at least in the eyes of the people who make these decisions. Put differently, if there was a different ‘market’ out there it would lead to a different ‘product’ or vice versa the ‘market’ would respond and be attracted to a different ‘product’. [please note that “different” does not imply “better”]
So, why do so many (apparently) watch Real Housewives? Partly because there is nothing better to watch. I think this is also one of the reasons why politicians such as Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn get as much ‘attention’ as they do; they do offer and represent something new and different to the people. Ironically, both men are not the youngest and the values and ideas they stand for and advocate are by no means ‘new’ either!
If we want a change of Government in New Zealand – and there’s no doubt that we need a change – then there has to be an alternative worth getting interested in and voting for. It is here where we individually and collectively have to speak up and take control of our own lives and destiny and become the people and nation we want to be and the society we want to live in and share with others. As van Beynen puts it:
None of us should pretend we are not complicit in preparing the ground for the invasion.
The logical consequence of this is:
We all have a role to play in preparing the ground for a change. [my words]
The problem with having a few rich people choose what’s available for the populace rather than having the populace decide what should be available.
The problem is far worse! In general, some sections of the populace are trying to compete with and even shut out other sections. In fact, I have a comment ready for submission that also touches on this but given the late time and the AB game I will try to post on OM tomorrow.
There are far better reasons why both Real Housewives of Auckland and the National Party are so attractive. And they aren’t for comfortable reading, because the left have no idea how to counter them so far.
– People like aspiring to be rich. Because it’s liberating. And more interesting than the quotidian life of the proletariat. There’s a certain thrill in thoughtless waste and vain squabbles.
– People like aspiring to be powerful, especially when it is made easy through being rich. Getting to power through the left is ugly and fraught with unnecessary and distasteful micro-coalitions.
– The self-reinforcement and replication of class is actually fun as well as fraught for the rich. The right schools, right partners from the right families, riding and fencing lessons, right holidays – it takes quite a bit of work to orchestrate and plan. Good drama.
– People like aspiring. Society is geared to wanting, and wanting so easily slides into aspiring for more and better.
– Desire itself is seductive. For glamour, for beauty, for the thrill of getting into the image economy where you might get close to a power-couple. The new and powerful cars, the clothes, the suits, the champaign. It’s just one Party fundraiser after another.
The two are popular because of the nature of modern desire itself. If the left want to try and get elected just through the negative campaigns of more crises, and more hopelessness, they are going to struggle to get there.
I didn’t go into the reasons why Real Housewives or the National Party are “so attractive”. Rather, I argued the opposite that they are unattractive and pondered one reason why they are (still) around like a bad smell that one doesn’t try to or cannot shake off.
You made very sensible points but I’d like to provide a counter-view nonetheless – I believe you and I are actually closely aligned but let’s just see.
People like aspiring to be rich. Because it’s liberating.
No, materialism and consumerism are not liberating; on the contrary, they are trappings.
People like aspiring to be powerful, especially when it is made easy through being rich.
Power comes from (internal & personal) strength; buying ‘power’ and (political) influence are neo-liberal and capitalist (proverbial?) wet dreams.
The self-reinforcement and replication of class is actually fun as well as fraught for the rich.
Myopic and incestuous vicious circle; runs counter to Natural Selection.
People like aspiring. Society is geared to wanting, and wanting so easily slides into aspiring for more and better.
I think you have this back-to-front. We all need to aspire to something, and that something needs to be ‘higher’ and always (!) just out of reach or else we become self-indulgent, lazy, and complacent. To “want” something is like handcuffing your ego to it; it seems that many are into this kind of S&M.
Desire itself is seductive.
Yes, external desire is seductive and leads to wanting and the associated pain and suffering. On the other hand, intrinsic desire or purposeful motivation leads to ‘enlightenment’ or Maslow’s self-actualisation and self-transcendence – take your pick.
If the left want to try and get elected just through the negative campaigns of more crises, and more hopelessness, they are going to struggle to get there.
I couldn’t agree more here! To campaign on a negative, on the absence of something, is not a viable strategy!
A brutal Russian verdict on Syrian army: unable to reform, gets others to win its battles, unworthy of further help https://t.co/IfTGhoCJ58— Mark Urban (@MarkUrban01) September 9, 2016
The Colonel may very well be right; having said that the Colonel has not stated what will happen to the security of Russia’s ‘soft southern underbelly’ when Islamist flags get run up over Damascus.
“Reports released under the Official Information Act – and only provided to the Weekend Herald following a complaint to the Ombudsman . . .”
EVERY government tries to conceal its misdeeds by blocking public access under the Official Information Act.
One of the essential demands of overseas anti-neoliberal movements is transparency: the government MUST NOT be allowed hide official information from its rightful owners . . . the people.
This putrid stream of parliamentary corruption will never end until we take away parliament’s power to conceal our information from us. Electing a different party will NOT solve the problem.
Transparency: the people’s right which parliament cannot block.
“We thought it might never happen. But in the last few days, leaders in France and Germany have said that TTIP — the European equivalent of TPP — is over.
The French trade minister said “France is demanding the pure, simple and definitive halt of these negotiations.” In Germany — the biggest backer of TTIP — the Vice-Chancellor said “TTIP has failed, but nobody wants to admit it.”
For three years now, SumOfUs members have been a part of a huge, worldwide push to keep dangerous trade deals like TTIP at bay.
It was a truly global effort — and it worked. We can be pretty confident TTIP won’t come back.
Together, the SumOfUs community all around the world bought ads in Brussels, signed petitions, lobbied the European Commission, and spoke up to our leaders. Members in the USA sent messages halfway around the world for members in Germany to carry at one of the biggest protests against TTIP ever.
It’s great to have a breakthrough on a campaign this important, and we should take a moment to celebrate.
Now, we’re riding off this amazing breakthrough and stepping up the fight to defeat TPP, as well the things that make global trade deals so dangerous.
Just last week, the media exposed the terrible consequences of secret courts that corporations use to sue governments for laws that protect people and the environment, but hurt profits. This is allowed under a clause in many trade deals called Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS).
Check out our plans so far — we’re already working to:
Push big corporations to tell the truth about where they stand on trade negotiations, instead of hiding behind their lobbyists;
Support communities fighting the worst impacts of trade deals that have already been signed;
Back organisations in countries all over the world that challenge the trade agenda;
Make sure SumOfUs members know the facts about other dangerous trade deals, like TISA, CETA, and TPP, and find ways to stop those deals from happening where we can.”
TTIP has failed – but no one is admitting it, says German Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel
The discourse must be guided now to make a critical distinction between agreement-facilitated international corporatisation, and international democratic strengthening of a rule-based order rather than a military-force based order.
We’ve got to stop mashing together all kinds of globalization as bad.
And I still think, as long as Corporations like Apple are made to feel at home in places like Ireland…who REFUSE to accept Tax money owed for goodness sakes….then ‘we’ the people are on the losing side as our services, housing and employment status slides into disarray.
“Donald Trump is one of the most unorthodox presidential nominees in American electoral history. He is unpolished and very brash. But some of his foreign policy ideas are intriguing, even common sense. This terrifies and enrages the establishment.
CrossTalking with Nomi Prins, Stephen Yates and Alex Newman.”
“The Hillary Doctrine: If elected, what kind of foreign policy agenda can we expect? Does Clinton hold an extreme view of American exceptionalism? And is she now a neoconservative?
CrossTalking with Harlan Hill, Michael Maloof, and Matt Mackowiak.”
I went to the big Art and Object art auction this week. That’s the one where the McCahon work went for $1.35m + GST + Buyers Premium i.e. about $1.6m or so.
If you ever want to get in a room with a very specific brand of white people and inhale a really rarefied vibe, check it out. They are in professional classes e.g. judges or accountancy partners, they think hard about national identity and have a few degrees between them, they have really well decorated houses with big walls, and they aren’t necessarily National supporters. There’s a core as far as I could tell that still go with Labour (or at least donate), but plenty that float around considering elsewhere beyond National.
There’s a few lowly lecturers and ratty-looking Masters students getting a freebie art history expose, and of course the vendors and their family and friends, and the auction-house staff. Quite some evening when the bidding goes into full frenzy.
The record price of this piece, reminded me of a story I read in the NY Times…
The $179 Million Picasso That Explains Global Inequality
…The astronomical rise in prices for the most-sought-after works of art over the last generation is in large part the story of rising global inequality. At its core, this is the simplest of economic math. The supply of Picasso paintings or Giacometti sculptures (one of which sold for $141 million in the same auction this week) is fixed. But the number of people with the will and the resources to buy top-end art is rising, thanks to the distribution of extreme wealth….
lol…that guy looks like a real pill !…a fat ginger with glasses…if he thinks he is attractive and has sex appeal to most women (feminist or not ) he is deluded …most women would prefer to stay home with their cats rather than date him! (he is about as attractive as a Slater or Farrer )
“Men’s Rights Activists have taken flight with a new philosophy called “RED PILL” which aims to point out how derogatory, hypocritical and vindictive third-wave feminists can be.”
I can’t decide whether that was hilariously funny or just gross. I love this bit:
Men’s Rights Activists have taken flight with a new philosophy called “RED PILL” which aims to point out how derogatory, hypocritical and vindictive third-wave feminists can be.
That’s what it aims to do, huh? I guess that aim must have been too subtly expressed for me when I went there and read “HumanSockPuppet’s Guide to Teasing Bitches,” and learned I should “Talk to women as though they were children, because emotionally they are.”
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What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
“You talking about me?”The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
Roger Partridge writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
The Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
Asia Pacific Report Students and activist staff at Australia’s University of Sydney (USyd) have set up a Gaza solidarity encampment in support of Palestinians and similar student-led protests in the United States. The camp was pitched as mass graves, crippled hospitals, thousands of civilian deaths and the near-total destruction of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James B. Dorey, Lecturer in Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong Australian teddy bear bees are cute and fluffy, but get a look at that massive (unbarbed) stinger! James Dorey Photography Most of us have been stung by a bee and we ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jen Roberts, Senior Lecturer, School of Humanities and Social Inquiry, University of Wollongong Aussie~mobs/FlickrVictor Farr, a private in the 1st Infantry Battalion, was among the first to land at Anzac Cove just before dawn on April 25 1915. Victor Farr ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Gregory Moore I had the good fortune to care for the sugar gum at The University of Melbourne’s Burnley Gardens in Victoria where I worked for ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, ARC Future Fellow & Professor of Economics, Curtin University Just when we think the price of rentals could not get any worse, this week’s Rental Affordability Snapshot by Anglicare has revealed low-income Australians are facing a housing crisis like ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tracey Holmes, Professorial Fellow in Sport, University of Canberra When the news broke last weekend that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive to a banned drug in early 2021 and were allowed to compete at the Tokyo Olympic Games six months later ...
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A government doing its job would never have allowed these practices to occur.
Our housing system is being played to launder dirty foreign money and to satisfy reckless speculation.
1. Property laundering
Police research concludes a loophole is seeing lawyers, accountants and real estate agents being increasingly used to launder $1.6 billion in dirty money annually – including into New Zealand’s booming property markets.Lawyers, accountants and real estate agents being increasingly used to launder $1.6 billion in dirty money annually – including into New Zealand’s booming property markets.
“Recent police investigations have exposed the fact that professional services and the real estate sector are closely linked to organised crime and drug offending,” officials said.
That research, sampling freezing orders obtained to seize the proceeds of crime, found 26 per cent of cases involved unpicking the work of accountants and lawyers, and more than half (56 per cent of cases) involved property deals where “offenders were ultimately successful in integrating criminal proceeds by purchasing real estate”.
Reports released under the Official Information Act – and only provided to the Weekend Herald following a complaint to the Ombudsman – show Justice Minister Amy Adams was briefed last June about police concerns but substantive policy work to close the loophole was only begun a year later.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11706741
2. Auckland speculators flipping homes on same day of purchase.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/property/news/article.cfm?c_id=8&objectid=11706163
Because it’s detrimental to society which is why such speculators used to be hung. After all, they’re not actually doing anything for that money (as he said) which essentially makes it theft.
Personally, I’d got 110% tax on anything that’s turned over that fast, makes a profit that big and does nothing to develop the economy.
Stevenson symptomatic of what is wrong with capitalism and its virulent strain neoliberalism.
The system is based on money, not people.
And it ignores resources and development which means to say that it’s not even remotely economic no matter what the economists and politicians say. Which, of course, means that it actually does need to be banned/regulated out of existence.
And the perpetrators and facilitators need to be tried.
We get it we don’t need a to be reminded of your views day in day out, capitalism bad, Neo liberalism bad, fiat money bad it’s all going to end in tears, Revolution good, Stalinist reckoning good, we got it, ok
I think the specific example was about damaging fraud and hyper-speculation in the Auckland property market.
Which I am sure you agree needs to be stamped out.
Unfortunately no political party is taking this issue seriously.
I sense you do need to be reminded.
If you elect a currency dealer (speculator) as PM what do you expect?
Exactly right Bearded Git. New Zealand most certainly got what it voted for, didn’t it?
Leftie i got what i didnt want thanks to those selfish arses who voted for these morons ! three times in a row and will vote for them again in a years time.
Thats dictatorship with a smile and an easy going manner.
Then mosa I assume you are going to volunteer your time next year for which ever party you want to support, so to maximize that parties vote? its called democracy.
Win the hearts and minds of the voters, and you will have your wish…its that simple.
yep Chuck i will give it my time and energy.
Is it that simple Chuck, when National use dirty politics and an equally dirty msm to cling to power?
Yes its that simple Leftie.
Forget trying to blame so called dirty politics…they all do it left or right.
Why do you think the attack line of Labour for so long has been to try and dig up dirt on John Key?
Hager timed his book for the last election, thinking it would cause a massive landslide against National. The public looked and then voted, giving Hager the middle finger.
Obviously not that simple at all Chuck. There is nothing “so called” about the dirty politics National rely on to stay in power. Maybe you should stop using the false meme of “they all do it too” since no party has used dirty Americanized politics like its puppet John key.
There is plenty of dirt on the compulsive liar & traitor John key, whose only interests are to abuse his prime ministerial position, build tax havens for the off shore elites, to launder dirty money by making our own people homeless, and to harass and abuse a young waitress at her place of employment. Key has been fortunate to have such a gutless, compliant and complicit msm on board.
History will not look kindly on John key, who will go down as the worst self serving PM this country has had the misfortune to have.
National et al has never proved Nicky Hager wrong, and I think the public are taking more notice now, it’s getting harder for the arrogant Nats to hide it’s obvious disdain for this country and its people.
Leftie properly the only thing we can agree on is that is disagree!
“There is plenty of dirt on the compulsive liar & traitor John key, whose only interests are to abuse his prime ministerial position, build tax havens for the off shore elites, to launder dirty money by making our own people homeless, and to harass and abuse a young waitress at her place of employment. Key has been fortunate to have such a gutless, compliant and complicit msm on board.”
How then can you explain the wall to wall coverage given by the MSM on “ponytail gate” or when they brought in the “big gun” Hager to lead a team of MSM journos on the Panama papers?…every voter in NZ was exposed to these stories…and still National is polling around the vote they received in the 2014 election.
Its easy to blame others…the left need to look in the mirror and realise they need to lift there game big time.
They can’t because they believe they’re right and every one else is wrong.
Not just that everyone is simply “wrong” but that they are ignorant, uneducated, greedy, self-centred, cruel, racist, woman hating, red necks, etc.
It’s a real effort to win friends and influence people.
”and still National is polling around the vote they received in the 2014 election.”
that doesn’t actually prove that the nats aren’t scum , it just proves that people either don’t care , don’t believe it or think it’s ok to climb into the gutter to win,.
@ CV
And that attitude sticks out like dog nuts.
I just don’t get it, politics is all about selling concepts and ideas, yet the left makes no effort to actually sell or convince the voter that what they’re offering is good.
It’s all “This is what is good for you silly voter person, do what we say”, then look all confused when the voter tells them to fuck off.
None of which was in the headlines for long before National’s attack bloggers and msm kicked into gear with excuses and victim blaming. Since you obviously believe in opinion polling, I guess John key’s most preferred/popularity plummeting from the unrealistic heady heights of 63% down to 36.7% in such a very short space of time pretty much shows he’s on the way out.
@BM All John Key has sold NZ was lies and deceit. You have actually described John key and his supporters like yourself. Remember, John key said he was right and the Law Society, Privacy Commissioner and the Human Rights Commissioner were all wrong.
“I just don’t get it, politics is all about selling concepts and ideas,”
then why did national feel the need to resort to running a secret hit squad?
i mean if their ideas are sooo amazing why did they need to engage in deceit of that level?
the fact is national arent really that honest about their ideas
so when exactly were labour running a secret hit squad out of the leaders office?
getting sick of this repetitive deliberate ignorance that tries to pretend that openly digging for dirt like every party has done forever is the same as running a secret campaign, that sailed pretty close to illegality, out of the leaders office
its bullshit chuck
+1’s on both of your comments Framu.
“the fact is national arent really that honest about their ideas”
That’s right, National are so dishonest and secretive, that they don’t tell the public what they really intend to do at all.
“so when exactly were labour running a secret hit squad out of the leaders office?”
Since long ago…if they want to do a “hit” on say a Nat MP they can tap a journo on the shoulder and feed them the story.
“getting sick of this repetitive deliberate ignorance that tries to pretend that openly digging for dirt like every party has done forever is the same as running a secret campaign”
Not much will be done in the “open”. It defeats the purpose to a large extent.
“that sailed pretty close to illegality, out of the leaders office”
Nothing illegal was done end of story. However that’s not the case for whoever stole Slaters emails…
The voting public gave their verdict on the day of the election…end of story.
A government doing its job would never have allowed this to occur.
Kiwi mother of five shares struggle with homelessness after addressing MPs.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/83941349/kiwi-mother-of-five-shares-struggle-with-homelessness-after-addressing-mps
More proof the Auckland market is a dumping ground for illicit cash.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11706741
The tiniest bit of enforcement will chase this source of buyers away in a second.
And then this tidbit about flipping properties in a day:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/property/news/article.cfm?c_id=8&objectid=11706163
When the bubble goes pop it’s going to be spectacular.
Illicit foreign Chinese money.
Let’s be plain about this.
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/stolen-chinese-money-likely-spent-on-auckland-property-little-6198588
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11603201
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11586403
http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2015/06/24/just-what-nz-needs-billions-more-in-chinese-property-speculation/
Yest, that too. But lots of cash from all over the place. Say “boo” to it in the form of actual policing of our markets (har, har with FJK in charge) and it’ll all scamper off to to other banana republics!
@Paul
In the first article I love Bill English’s “Oh well, it’s quite possible.”
Translation: we know dirty overseas money is being laundered through the NZ property market but we certainly won’t do anything about it (until we are caught out by a fine reporter like Matt Nippert) because my boss is a currency dealer/speculator.
BTW is anyone else out there getting fed up with Amy Adams’ weasel words?
National has allowed dirty money funneled through Jk’s shiny new tax avoidance and secrecy vehicles to prop up their speculators dream which citizens know as New Zealands housing crisis ………….
This laundry service for rich criminals is delevering record profits to National donars and property owning mp’s ……. while making New Zealand children and families homeless …. “contentious exemption of professional services firms – mostly lawyers, accountants and real estate agents – from being covered by anti-money laundering laws passed in 2009.” ….
“Police Association president Greg O’Connor yesterday said the exemption was unsatisfactory and the revelations in briefings to the Ministers should be no surprise………”O’Connor agreed opposition from the sector was the most likely cause: “Naturally enough, they’ll fight this tooth and nail.” http://m.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11706741
Sky city with its strong national party ties is also getting its cut with hundreds of millions of dirty money being washed clean through its gambling services …. “A wealthy businessman caught up in a money-laundering investigation gambled nearly $300 million in the VIP lounge of SkyCity casino. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11592619
http://i.stuff.co.nz/business/money/83450345/Court-orders-forfeiture-of-42-85-million-in-alleged-money-laundering-case
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11405494 “the fundraiser was actually a private dinner at Mr Liu’s $4.75 million home in Remuera, where a smiling Mr Key and Jami-Lee Ross, the MP for Botany, were photographed alongside Mr Liu and his young family.”
+100
Andrew Geddis has done a fine job (OIA needed again) working out how the ridiculous Airport Authorities (Publicising Lost Property Sales) Amendment Bill. came to be in the members ballot.
It turns out Simon Bridges was behind it, and it is clear the bill was included in the ballot to help keep the opposition from getting a bill in the ballot that might actually do something.
Geddis notes the reaction of a Ministry of Transport Official:
“What the hell is going on here? This is a completely stupid thing to do! If we’re going to the trouble of having an entire review of the legislation with an Amendment Act to follow, why on earth wouldn’t we include this incredibly trivial, easily made change in it? Honest to God – sometimes I despair of the morons who run this place and the petty political games that they are always playing. If this ever comes out in public, they are going to look like a bunch of right royal nitwits who deserve all the ridicule that will follow.”
So Bridges is a moron who plays petty political games. But we knew that.
It’s all here:
http://www.pundit.co.nz/content/worser-and-worser
Ha classic!
More corruption associated with this John Key Nactional Government
‘Chinese tour drivers had no licences, police allege’
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/84044806/chinese-tour-drivers-had-no-licences-police-allege
‘A 50 tonne bomb on the road fully loaded’ – alleged licence scam extends to truck drivers’
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/50-tonne-bomb-road-fully-loaded-alleged-licence-scam-extends-truck-drivers
This while young New Zealanders struggle to get their drivers licenses ….the fees are exorbitant for a young person or a working class family….and the testing is very very rigorous
…three levels of competency for a NZ drivers license
( which many young New Zealanders can’t complete for lack of money or for failing the tests which are nit-picking in the extreme)
1) theoretical knowledge of driver safety and road rules
2) learner licence..practical skills 6 months only driving with a licensed adult
3.) restricted license…can only drive by oneself or with a passenger with a license
4.) final full license ( very hard for a young New Zealander to get and many don’t)
….and to be without a licence is often to be without work and education opportunities in many cases
….condemning young New Zealanders to desperation, alcohol and drugs …the scrap heap Jonkey kindly talks about
(Bus driving in New Zealand should only be by New Zealanders…We should not be exporting our tourism jobs to Chinese or other foreigners who are unqualified…especially when New Zealanders are unemployed)
+100
If you bring in Third Worlders, they bring the Third World with them. That’s inevitable, because we’re all products of our cultures. Call these scams “deliberate government policy,” because that’s what it amounts to.
@PM
Just come into Auckland for a few days after another work trip into SE Asia. Absolutely true.
While Ak still retains a layer of pre-colonial European heritage, it’s rapidly being overlaid by the exactly the architectures and behaviours I recognise from before I got on the plane in Asia.
Especially the driving.
Especially those driving the top of the range Audis and Porsche Cayennes.
We are being colonised by an uber rich elite from China.
There are also big US and European tycoons buying up NZ at an alarming speed.
We are being colonised.
+1
And it will be just as bad as the last colonisation that occurred here. Need to stop it before it gets that far.
One upside.
Pakeha may gain some empathy and start to understand Maori grievances.
Actually, I think this colonisation may be worse.
Maybe they should anyway Paul. There is no better or worse just devastation if colonisation is occurring which imo it’s not.
It is more likely you’ll hear the words neo-liberalism ( and its condemnation) from NZ First than the Greens or Labour.
Why?
http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2016/09/09/60-of-migrants-not-on-skill-shortages-list-why-john-key-really-wants-more-immigration/
Paul anyone who watched Nigel latta, the hard stuff from last tuesday
on immigration, will know that you are telling porkies, but you probably know that too.
I didn’t watch it.
Well you should watch it, it was a surprise to me, we are being fed a lot of B/S about immigration and you are helping spread the B/S.
I saw a lot of it and Nigel asking someone high up from Immigration New Zealand to see if we have got immigration policy settings right isn’t exactly investigative journalism.
The only BS about immigration that we’re seeing is from the RWNJs.
he was actually making some pretty major errors. It wasnt all it was cracked up to be
(though that doesnt mean i disagree with SOME of what he had to say)
And it will be just as bad as the last colonisation that occurred here. Need to stop it before it gets that far.
You’d think we, of all people, would be able to figure that out. But I guess that, as the beneficiaries of that last colonisation, many White NZers struggle with the concept that it was a bad thing. At least most Maori get it, for obvious reasons.
where is the Maori Party in all this?
Good question Chooky.
+ 1 pm
No, it won’t be an isolated incident. There will be several such places around the country.
and the police don’t think it is an isolated incident
“Police prosecutor Sergeant Grant Neal said: “These residents of China have come over without driver’s licences.
“They are operating as tour operators, driving without New Zealand driver’s licences and producing other residents’ driver’s licences. There are several prosecutions in relation to the one company.”
Given global warming and traffic congestion isn’t it about time we as a nation reintroduced carless days? It would encourage more use of public transport and there would be fewer cars on the road.
Come on, comrades! We simply can’t rely on the general public to voluntarily give up their cars!
Diesel and petrol powered road transport volumes do need to be slashed. There are different ways of doing this.
I had the pleasure of commuting across Auckland by car in peak traffic recently. That hundreds of thousands of vehicles do this every day, over and over again, is mindboggling.
Hi CV.
I, too, have spent a bit of time in aucks traffic recently.
1 person per car seems to be the norm.
I agree with the carless day idea with a subtle difference; us choosing to have a carless day, or other such sacrifice.
Far more powerful and effective than any legislation.
Yep. Just walked through Henderson at a greater pace than the traffic going through it.
Really can’t understand why these people can’t see just how idiotic that they’re being. Public transport for going to work and getting stuff delivered instead of going shopping is a much better option.
Agreed.
We should make all public transport free, make bus lanes on all motorways and place a pollution and climate tax on fuel.
For certain folk on this site who may roll their eyes at that idea….It’s a thing already in these cities…https://farefreepublictransport.com/city/
“We should make all public transport free”
Ahh the sure sign of a hardcore left minded person!!
It’s not “free” someone has to pay for it!! I will give you a glue…anyone on PAYE or that pays tax foots the bill.
Nothing is FREE
Sure it is, you jump onboard and you get to use it without paying. That’s what “free” means.
Before Vino or OAB has a go at me…
I misspelled clue (used glue).
Chuck – you could have said,”Before Vino or OAB get stuck in to me…”
that will of gone so far of chucks head he won’t even be able to see the con trail
“will of” ??? Please – will’ve. No such thing as ‘will of’ !!
(Short for “will have”.)
Just cannot help myself…
I will have to work on it, and it will have ruined my point making such a grammatical error.
Not so sure about that – Chuck is the one with the terrible history… You generally shine forth like a beacon in the darkness for all to behold.
Wrong.
Or, to be more precise, it’s a question of available resources against the peoples priorities.
Public transport uses up less of those scarce resources, including personal time, than private transport does.
And yet the RWNJs still think that it’s possible to make a profit.
If we had an economic system connected to reality there’d be no profit and no private transport.
You should note that lots of successful cities have free public transport.
So we pay for free buses and trains by changing our whole financial system.
Carless days (as it was done in the 70s) not the way to reduce fossil fuel use. People with more than 1 car were able to get round it. Also led to stupid things happening, like a friend in a V8 driving to collect my mum because she wasn’t allowed to use her little car 1100cc. There was no public transport alternative she could use.
Better public transport has to be in place to encourage people to use it.
That and a carbon tax and dividend scheme.
And maybe rationing fossil fuels.
And where ever there is a rail alternative already, get those huge trucks off the road and get their cargo onto electric trains.
Carless days are an extremely effective means of bashing the poor without really affecting the better off in any way at all.
If your family owns one car you are going to have to walk or take public transport on your carless day. If you own several cars it becomes only a very minor inconvenience. There is always another car you can use.
It also means that older cars are kept on the road. They are usually less safe and pollute more than modern vehicles. It would be nice if they could be scrapped but people will keep them around as a spare vehicle. Because they are there they will probably continue to be used by other people so that fuel consumption will rise.
I know several people who bought a second car when they introduced carless days in 1979. They could afford it and it was a real pain for some of them not to have a car available every day.
wasnt carless days the catalyst for the two car family?
We wuz tricked!
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11706831
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/property/news/article.cfm?c_id=8&objectid=11706163
[Quotation shortened and block quote added. Something being in the public domain doesn’t mean there is no copyright. The link clearly has the copyright established at the bottom of the page. Even for websites that given permission e.g. Creative Commons licences, on The Standard it is generally expected that people will quote a section rather than the whole thing, provide a link, and usually say why they are posting it. It is also better to use tags or other marks to show that the words are not yours – weka]
…and the rot is spreading to Christchurch
‘Ray White Real Estate’ has Chinese cold calling very elderly Christchurch residents asking if they want to sell their homes
New Zealanders should boycott Ray White Real Estate
Elderly New Zealanders need protection from them
We are being colonised.
+1’s Chooky and Paul.
please do not paste entire articles. it breaches copyright, for one thing.
It’s in the public domain and links have been provided.
Being in the public domain doesn’t mean there is no copyright. Otherwise anyone who published a book would have no copyright rights. Please see my moderation note above.
OK. Have already done what you have requested in another comment.
Cheers Leftie.
The NZ National Party and The Real Housewives of Auckland have something in common IMO.
No, it is not the money or the egocentric characters showing sociopathic and narcisitistic traits.
Martin van Beynen wrote a rather insightful piece on the TV show Real Housewives: We all share in the shame.
The article, in a subtly recursive and mise-en-abîme fashion, suggests, I think, that not only the media but we all are complicit in this drivel being made in the first place and forced upon us, as if we are innocent bystanders or victims.
The same could be said about the NZ National Party and how’s this for a title: NZ National Party: We all share in the shame? It sounds pretty accurate, doesn’t it?
The question has to be asked as to why this is even happening and there are many possible answers that address the complexities of human behaviour. However, one answer might be that there seems to be no viable alternative, at least in the eyes of the people who make these decisions. Put differently, if there was a different ‘market’ out there it would lead to a different ‘product’ or vice versa the ‘market’ would respond and be attracted to a different ‘product’. [please note that “different” does not imply “better”]
So, why do so many (apparently) watch Real Housewives? Partly because there is nothing better to watch. I think this is also one of the reasons why politicians such as Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn get as much ‘attention’ as they do; they do offer and represent something new and different to the people. Ironically, both men are not the youngest and the values and ideas they stand for and advocate are by no means ‘new’ either!
If we want a change of Government in New Zealand – and there’s no doubt that we need a change – then there has to be an alternative worth getting interested in and voting for. It is here where we individually and collectively have to speak up and take control of our own lives and destiny and become the people and nation we want to be and the society we want to live in and share with others. As van Beynen puts it:
The logical consequence of this is:
It is quite simple really …
^^ Guest post
The problem with having a few rich people choose what’s available for the populace rather than having the populace decide what should be available.
Thanks and be my ‘guest’!
The problem is far worse! In general, some sections of the populace are trying to compete with and even shut out other sections. In fact, I have a comment ready for submission that also touches on this but given the late time and the AB game I will try to post on OM tomorrow.
There are far better reasons why both Real Housewives of Auckland and the National Party are so attractive. And they aren’t for comfortable reading, because the left have no idea how to counter them so far.
– People like aspiring to be rich. Because it’s liberating. And more interesting than the quotidian life of the proletariat. There’s a certain thrill in thoughtless waste and vain squabbles.
– People like aspiring to be powerful, especially when it is made easy through being rich. Getting to power through the left is ugly and fraught with unnecessary and distasteful micro-coalitions.
– The self-reinforcement and replication of class is actually fun as well as fraught for the rich. The right schools, right partners from the right families, riding and fencing lessons, right holidays – it takes quite a bit of work to orchestrate and plan. Good drama.
– People like aspiring. Society is geared to wanting, and wanting so easily slides into aspiring for more and better.
– Desire itself is seductive. For glamour, for beauty, for the thrill of getting into the image economy where you might get close to a power-couple. The new and powerful cars, the clothes, the suits, the champaign. It’s just one Party fundraiser after another.
The two are popular because of the nature of modern desire itself. If the left want to try and get elected just through the negative campaigns of more crises, and more hopelessness, they are going to struggle to get there.
Hi Ad,
I didn’t go into the reasons why Real Housewives or the National Party are “so attractive”. Rather, I argued the opposite that they are unattractive and pondered one reason why they are (still) around like a bad smell that one doesn’t try to or cannot shake off.
You made very sensible points but I’d like to provide a counter-view nonetheless – I believe you and I are actually closely aligned but let’s just see.
No, materialism and consumerism are not liberating; on the contrary, they are trappings.
Power comes from (internal & personal) strength; buying ‘power’ and (political) influence are neo-liberal and capitalist (proverbial?) wet dreams.
Myopic and incestuous vicious circle; runs counter to Natural Selection.
I think you have this back-to-front. We all need to aspire to something, and that something needs to be ‘higher’ and always (!) just out of reach or else we become self-indulgent, lazy, and complacent. To “want” something is like handcuffing your ego to it; it seems that many are into this kind of S&M.
Yes, external desire is seductive and leads to wanting and the associated pain and suffering. On the other hand, intrinsic desire or purposeful motivation leads to ‘enlightenment’ or Maslow’s self-actualisation and self-transcendence – take your pick.
I couldn’t agree more here! To campaign on a negative, on the absence of something, is not a viable strategy!
Interesting read.
https://citeam.org/here-s-why-assad-s-army-can-t-win-the-war-in-syria/
The Colonel may very well be right; having said that the Colonel has not stated what will happen to the security of Russia’s ‘soft southern underbelly’ when Islamist flags get run up over Damascus.
I rather think that the Russians fear their neighbours, and their neighbour’s neighbours, to the south.
Hence the desire to keep the action in Syria going for as long as possible. And to export it even further, to Libya, possibly Nigeria.
@ Paul
“Reports released under the Official Information Act – and only provided to the Weekend Herald following a complaint to the Ombudsman . . .”
EVERY government tries to conceal its misdeeds by blocking public access under the Official Information Act.
One of the essential demands of overseas anti-neoliberal movements is transparency: the government MUST NOT be allowed hide official information from its rightful owners . . . the people.
This putrid stream of parliamentary corruption will never end until we take away parliament’s power to conceal our information from us. Electing a different party will NOT solve the problem.
Transparency: the people’s right which parliament cannot block.
+1
TTIP: have we won?
“We thought it might never happen. But in the last few days, leaders in France and Germany have said that TTIP — the European equivalent of TPP — is over.
The French trade minister said “France is demanding the pure, simple and definitive halt of these negotiations.” In Germany — the biggest backer of TTIP — the Vice-Chancellor said “TTIP has failed, but nobody wants to admit it.”
For three years now, SumOfUs members have been a part of a huge, worldwide push to keep dangerous trade deals like TTIP at bay.
It was a truly global effort — and it worked. We can be pretty confident TTIP won’t come back.
Together, the SumOfUs community all around the world bought ads in Brussels, signed petitions, lobbied the European Commission, and spoke up to our leaders. Members in the USA sent messages halfway around the world for members in Germany to carry at one of the biggest protests against TTIP ever.
It’s great to have a breakthrough on a campaign this important, and we should take a moment to celebrate.
Now, we’re riding off this amazing breakthrough and stepping up the fight to defeat TPP, as well the things that make global trade deals so dangerous.
Just last week, the media exposed the terrible consequences of secret courts that corporations use to sue governments for laws that protect people and the environment, but hurt profits. This is allowed under a clause in many trade deals called Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS).
Check out our plans so far — we’re already working to:
Push big corporations to tell the truth about where they stand on trade negotiations, instead of hiding behind their lobbyists;
Support communities fighting the worst impacts of trade deals that have already been signed;
Back organisations in countries all over the world that challenge the trade agenda;
Make sure SumOfUs members know the facts about other dangerous trade deals, like TISA, CETA, and TPP, and find ways to stop those deals from happening where we can.”
TTIP has failed – but no one is admitting it, says German Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel
<a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ttip-trade-deal-agreement-failed-brexit-latest-news-eu-us-germany-vice-chancellor-a7213876.html
France to call for an end to EU-US free trade talks
<a href="http://www.dw.com/en/france-to-call-for-an-end-to-eu-us-free-trade-talks/a-19512025
US to blame for trade talks failure: French minister
<a href="http://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/29/us-to-blame-for-trade-talks-failure-french-minister.html
Yes I did a post on this a week back.
The discourse must be guided now to make a critical distinction between agreement-facilitated international corporatisation, and international democratic strengthening of a rule-based order rather than a military-force based order.
We’ve got to stop mashing together all kinds of globalization as bad.
Sorry Ad, I missed that. For some reason I can’t do a search.
Good work Leftie.
Thanks Mosa.
This was an interesting if somewhat depressing read in The Guardian, in regards to CETA
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/30/ttip-trade-deal-agreements-ceta-eu-canada
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/sep/06/transatlantic-trade-partnership-ttip-canada-eu
And I still think, as long as Corporations like Apple are made to feel at home in places like Ireland…who REFUSE to accept Tax money owed for goodness sakes….then ‘we’ the people are on the losing side as our services, housing and employment status slides into disarray.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/americas/84125721/judge-could-lose-job-for-berating-rape-victim-why-couldnt-you-just-keep-your-knees-together
Wow…just wow
heh
http://stupidpartymathvmyth.com/1/post/2016/08/yes-back-kansas-dorothy-can-kansas-lead-way-home.html
And coincidentally Trump has a massive lead in Kansas
I don’t envy the choice of voters in the good old USA…
“Hillary is either criminal, or criminally incompetent. Or maybe both.”
http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2016/09/06/emails-fbi-hillary-crooked-blackberry-lost-phones-laptop-server-classified-glenn-reynolds/89881664/
re choice:
‘The Trump doctrine’
https://www.rt.com/shows/crosstalk/358759-trump-most-unorthodox-nominee/
“Donald Trump is one of the most unorthodox presidential nominees in American electoral history. He is unpolished and very brash. But some of his foreign policy ideas are intriguing, even common sense. This terrifies and enrages the establishment.
CrossTalking with Nomi Prins, Stephen Yates and Alex Newman.”
…and
‘The Hillary doctrine’
https://www.rt.com/shows/crosstalk/358498-clinton-foreign-policy-exeptionalism/
“The Hillary Doctrine: If elected, what kind of foreign policy agenda can we expect? Does Clinton hold an extreme view of American exceptionalism? And is she now a neoconservative?
CrossTalking with Harlan Hill, Michael Maloof, and Matt Mackowiak.”
I went to the big Art and Object art auction this week. That’s the one where the McCahon work went for $1.35m + GST + Buyers Premium i.e. about $1.6m or so.
If you ever want to get in a room with a very specific brand of white people and inhale a really rarefied vibe, check it out. They are in professional classes e.g. judges or accountancy partners, they think hard about national identity and have a few degrees between them, they have really well decorated houses with big walls, and they aren’t necessarily National supporters. There’s a core as far as I could tell that still go with Labour (or at least donate), but plenty that float around considering elsewhere beyond National.
There’s a few lowly lecturers and ratty-looking Masters students getting a freebie art history expose, and of course the vendors and their family and friends, and the auction-house staff. Quite some evening when the bidding goes into full frenzy.
…and Colin McCahon led the humble life of a New Zealand artist…never very rich
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_McCahon
Not well rewarded until he was well on the way to being a real alcoholic.
They are Global Women. National identity is a career-enhancing freebee.
Great word picture Ad.
The record price of this piece, reminded me of a story I read in the NY Times…
The $179 Million Picasso That Explains Global Inequality
…The astronomical rise in prices for the most-sought-after works of art over the last generation is in large part the story of rising global inequality. At its core, this is the simplest of economic math. The supply of Picasso paintings or Giacometti sculptures (one of which sold for $141 million in the same auction this week) is fixed. But the number of people with the will and the resources to buy top-end art is rising, thanks to the distribution of extreme wealth….
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/14/upshot/the-179-million-picasso-that-explains-global-inequality.html?_r=0
Knob end writes about why he’ll never date a feminist. Wonkette pulls his wings off.
http://wonkette.com/606394/women-abandoning-feminism-in-droves-in-hopes-of-winning-heart-of-this-guy
Seems like both parties are going to be perfectly happy staying the fuck away from each other. Win-win.
lol…that guy looks like a real pill !…a fat ginger with glasses…if he thinks he is attractive and has sex appeal to most women (feminist or not ) he is deluded …most women would prefer to stay home with their cats rather than date him! (he is about as attractive as a Slater or Farrer )
“Men’s Rights Activists have taken flight with a new philosophy called “RED PILL” which aims to point out how derogatory, hypocritical and vindictive third-wave feminists can be.”
oblivious and excellent snark, I reckon
I can’t decide whether that was hilariously funny or just gross. I love this bit:
Men’s Rights Activists have taken flight with a new philosophy called “RED PILL” which aims to point out how derogatory, hypocritical and vindictive third-wave feminists can be.
That’s what it aims to do, huh? I guess that aim must have been too subtly expressed for me when I went there and read “HumanSockPuppet’s Guide to Teasing Bitches,” and learned I should “Talk to women as though they were children, because emotionally they are.”
I wonder which pseudonym on there is Hon’s…
What’s the connection between Paul Foster-Bell and the Len Brown scandal?