Open mike 11/03/2024

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, March 11th, 2024 - 59 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:


Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

59 comments on “Open mike 11/03/2024 ”

  1. Gosman 1

    What I find curious about the Hurricane's womens team continuing to use their Haka before the game to make a political point is why noone in the media (that I am aware of) has raised the issue of them as employees abusing their roles. I know I have a contract that states I cannot act in a manner that brings the company I work with in to disrepute and I certainly cannot use my employers resources to make political statements. Doing so would lead to me being fired. Why should the Hurricane's woman team be able to do the same?

    • weka 1.1

      I haven't been following particularly closely, but I've seen this mentioned in the MSM (reporting what the CEO or whatever said).

    • David 1.2

      Probably for a number of reasons; they may not be seen as the average employee in the way that you or I would be seen as, when we work for a big corporation. Also, they are making political points about the government and it’s policies, in general they’re not being abusive or attacking individuals.

      Weather or not they should or shouldn’t be doing what they’re doing is between the players and their bosses.

      At the end of the day they are employed to play rugby and to win games. If they don’t win no one will take any notice.

      • Gosman 1.2.1

        Why are they not an average employee? They are paid to play the sport of Rugby Union. That is their job not to make political statements.

        • gsays 1.2.1.1

          One key employment difference between elite sports folk and the rest of us is they are often told to 'express themselves'.

          Not being a wahine yaself I will leave their actions to them rather than heed your palangi concern.

          • Gosman 1.2.1.1.1

            Seems like the Hurricane management might disagree with that position.

            • Drowsy M. Kram 1.2.1.1.1.1

              And at least one former co-owner of the Hurricanes might agree with you smiley

              Hurricanes director Troy Bowker to exit franchise after firestorm over race comments [14 Aug 2021]
              Bowker this week accused Taylor on LinkedIn of "sucking up to the left Māori agenda" for supporting the name Aotearoa.

              He also sent obscenity-laced responses to people who hit out at his comments.

              Bowker had the ear of Stuart Nash during his time as a Minister in Cabinet.

            • gsays 1.2.1.1.1.2

              Yep, not surprising, more palangi uncomfortable with some bolshie, assertive wahine Maori.

              Edit; if Winston’s getting snickerty then they are probably on the right track.

        • David 1.2.1.2

          What I mean in this case? As part of a sport team they have a public higher profile than you or I, and a lot more people will have an opinion one way or the other which also attracts a lot of media attention. So the team management needs to handle with a lot of consideration.

          But you are right, there job is to play rugby, & to win, as well as associated stuff professional sports players do. For many, many reasons political activism should not be one of them while they are on the rugby field.

        • mikesh 1.2.1.3

          It is not against the law to make political statements. Your employer should pull his bloody head in and mind his own business.

          • Dawn Trenberth 1.2.1.3.1

            I would agree with you here. I make political statements in my own time. When I am on the company time wearing their badge I dont and do my job.

        • Mike the Lefty 1.2.1.4

          Oh yes the old keep politics out of sports argument!

          Sport and politics have been one for many many years Gosman, whether you recognise it or not.

          Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Fifa World Cup just three examples where politics runs the show.

      • aj 1.2.2

        Who says they are acting in a manner that brings the company into disrepute?

    • joe90 1.3

      Folau was instructed by his employer to desist. He didn't, so he was given the arse for failing to obey a lawful instruction by his employer.

      • Gosman 1.3.1

        Kind of like how the Hurricanes had a word with the team to advise them not to do it and they then went ahead and did it again.

    • AB 1.4

      Maybe it's so obvious that their behaviour may run foul of their employment contract, that it doesn't need mentioning? I'm sure the Hurricanes management have been going over that ground right from the start. The difficulty is that their calculation is a bit more complex than if it was you doing the same. Your job (presumably) does not involve entertaining a diverse public, or require the support of sponsors and advertisers.

      In the Hurricanes case, the contract may or may not be enforced based on which better serves the interests of the organisation. It is purely a matter of which option alienates more people and causes (or risks) more financial damage – censuring and shutting the players up, or allowing them to keep doing it. So the usual imperial power of employers over employees (which you appear to relish) is somewhat weakened in this case by the public nature of the work.

      • SPC 1.4.1

        Doing the haka is part of team culture, they each have their own.

        No individual contract is involved, as per the haka.

      • Mikey 1.4.2

        I don't know why they are making a fuss, as I'm sure they give no credence to anything said or written in Maori.

    • SPC 1.5

      Keep up with the story if commenting on it.

      Hurricanes administators have denied the Poua's latest haka is criticising the government and say people have misconstrued the challenge.

      What he means politicians gotta be politicians and misrepresent things to play their culture war games.

      https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2024/03/rugby-hurricanes-poua-say-latest-haka-has-been-misconstrued-as-political-attack.html

    • randal mcmurphy 1.6

      first nd foremost they are a sportspeople and contract schmontract. they are in the public arena and and if they cant strut their stuff then I would tear it up. We supposedly have free speech but when anybody exercises that right then those on the receiving end spit the dummy. good! Go the HUrricanes!

    • Descendant Of Smith 1.7

      Can't see that they are bringing their employer into disrepute.

      Seems to me they are doing exactly the opposite. Enhancing the mana of their employer. Noting of course Hurricanes management approved the second haka.

      This of course has been well-reported but you choose to ignore it.

      Bloody right-wingers and their fascist cancel culture.

  2. Adrian 2

    You are working for the wrong bunch of arseholes. You have your own mind they are not supposed to own it.

    • Gosman 2.1

      They are entitled to have the view (and act on it) that on work time and on work resources they should have a say in what I communicate to the wider public expecially if I am using my position as an employee to get a larger audience and make a bigger impact.

      What were your thoughts on the Australian Rugby Union sacking Israel Folau for posting hist personal religious beliefs around homosexuality on his personal Twitter feed? Did you think they had no right to do so?

      • Adrian 2.1.1

        It wasn't his homosexual beliefs as I recall, but the comments along the lines of them not deserving to live.

        • Gosman 2.1.1.1

          He didn't state that. He merely stated a commonly held view by MANY religious people that Homosexuals will go to Hell. It isn't very nice admittedly but it is his strongly held conviction which he expressed in a personal capacity not while he was doing something in his role as a ARU player.

          • mac1 2.1.1.1.1

            What gets me about 'celebrities' be they film stars, musicians, sports people, media, billionaires or gentry is why us ordinary folk should pay them any attention except acknowledge their work and knowledge in their field of expertise.

            It shouldn't be an issue with the general public as to what Israel Folau believes.

            For me what the issues are why I am actually getting these opinions, that in my view the mistaken belief of such celebrities exists that they can wisely and usefully broadcast their opinions beyond that expertise and thirdly the role of the media in facilitating that.

            • SPC 2.1.1.1.1.1

              We all have opinions and express them, it is just that celebrities get photographed when out and about and have their opinions reported to us.

              This happens whether they are activist about their "causes" or not.

          • SPC 2.1.1.1.2

            After this happened in the past he signed a new contract that made reference to his having obligation to his employer – as to their position on inclusivity in the game.

  3. Descendant Of Smith 3

    Privatisation continues unabated. Not revenue gathering but expected to triple the number of tickets. An oxymoron surely.

    Private operators, instead of police, will run mobile speed cameras on highways nationwide for the first time.

    Waka Kotahi/New Zealand Transport Agency put out a tender a week ago to run the country's 45 mobile cameras from next year.

    It said the provider that won the contract would not issue speeding tickets or get bonuses for pinging more drivers.

    Waka Kotahi would have responsibility for processing the images and issuing fines, as well as deciding where and when the cameras would be placed.

    Bidders must show they can meet future requirements, "which could include point-to-point mobile operations", the tender said."

    The agency has previously estimated the whole system upgrade will triple the number of camera-issued tickets to three million a year by 2030, and increase prosecutions to around 3300.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350207818/private-operators-instead-police-run-mobile-speed-cameras-first-time

    • AB 3.1

      Heh. I can recall a workplace where all the middle-aged mostly conservative dudes who enjoyed a bit of polite speeding now and again (nothing outrageous, just the habitual seeking to gain an advantage over others on the road and everywhere else) complained about speed cameras. They said the Police were guilty of revenue gathering.

      Now they will get to experience what revenue gathering really looks like, all courtesy of a government they almost certainly voted for. Poetic justice perhaps.

  4. weka 4

    GB News special on the WPATH files.

    On tonight’s episode of Free Speech Nation, I’ll be delving into the WPATH files: leaked documents from the world’s leading authority on transgender health. I’ll be speaking to a range of expert guests to discuss the explosive revelations, including:

    Michael Shellenberger and Mia Hughes on the leaked materials

    Helen Joyce on WPATH’s global influence (18m 40)

    Stella O’Malley on the victims of WPATH

    Dr Carrie Mendoza on clinical malpractice

    Robin Moira White on gender-affirming care

    Genevieve Gluck on her previous exposés on WPATH

    Dr Az Hakeem on WPATH’s influence on the NHS

    Ritchie Herron on the experience of detransitioning

    Fiona McAnena on software systems used in NHS trusts originating from WPATH

    Neale Hanvey MP on the political implications of the WPATH Files

    https://twitter.com/andrewdoyle_com/status/1766866028598841467

    Full episode here,

    https://youtu.be/KRMI2UjaIfI?t=195

  5. joe90 5

    Pricks.

    .

    @Adam_Currie_NZ

    Whaikaha (Disability Ministry) is reducing (the already underwhelming) services for wheelchair users, after the government slashed their budget by 7.5%. The Minister is refusing to comment or be accountable for this. Outrageous. Shame on this government.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350205198/disability-ministry-reduces-wheelchair-services-due-cost

    https://twitter.com/Adam_Currie_NZ/status/1766863890485309560

    • Patricia Bremner 5.1

      Yes Joe90, I feel for Rolling on gravel and Kay, this is symptomatic of the coming budget and the disabled will suffer.

  6. Patricia Bremner 6

    If this Government is going to get precious about every piece of fight back, they are going to be busy and mouthy.

    They will burn up any capital with those swing voters as their fast tracking undermines NZ Law and gets many more groups riled. imo.

    Let's change Winstone's moan of "Go Woke Go Broke"

    to "Be Awake for All our sakes."

  7. joe90 7

    Not fit to be lived in…

    /

    Premier House has received more than $95,000 in upgrades since Christopher Luxon came to power, including fresh paint for its bedrooms, new bedding and kitchen appliances, and a Sky television connection.

    […]

    New details of the maintenance work that has been keeping Luxon from relocating show that, since he took office, there has been $9832 spent on readying the property for the new prime minister, and $85,673 spent on “deferred repairs and maintenance work”.

    Among the costs related to the incoming prime minister were $4887.50 for new mattresses for the master bedroom and for a twin room, which also had $690.30 spent on it for new linen.

    In the kitchen, $326.98 was spent on a new toaster, kettle and knife set, $220.50 on replacing a microwave, and $45.98 for tea towels.

    There was $231.99 spent removing a child safety barrier on a staircase ‒ the prior occupant was Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who lived there with her young child, Neve.

    A Sky television connection was reinstated at a cost of $125.

    https://archive.li/tzQ2s (thepress)

    • Nic the NZer 7.1

      Before this story goes away Christopher will be forced to take up residence in premier house. Should probably get started on renting out his existing Wellington residence ASAP in order not to be seen to be maintaining a vacant property when that happens.

      • joe90 7.1.1

        If he folds on this, the chipping is working. And if we keep chipping, I reckon he'll flag it and go back to his nice, rich prick, life.

      • Phillip ure 7.1.2

        I think it calls for a reality show..

        The travails of the luxon brood..as they suffer the indignities and hardships/slumming of living in premier house..

        (..which I will bet is better than the seven rentals he owns..)

        .. it's kinda fascinating how luxon is presenting as such a grifter..

        • Descendant Of Smith 7.1.2.1

          Among the costs related to the incoming prime minister were $4887.50 for new mattresses for the master bedroom

          Must be difficult to sleep on the existing mattress that baby Neve may have been conceived on. Those terrible thoughts that might have haunted his dreams.

    • veutoviper 7.2

      I wonder how much of the $95,000 spent to date since "Christopher Luxon came to power" was to enable Luxon and his 25 family members to use Premier House for several days for their 2023 Christmas bash?

      Although it has been reported that "Luxon covered all the costs of the Christmas Day bash himself" this presumably did not include new mattresses, kitchen appliances, painting of bedrooms etc included in the "$9832 spent on readying the property for the new prime minister, and $85,673 spent on “deferred repairs and maintenance work” making up the $95,000.

      The Press article does not mention this Luxon Christmas "bash" at Premier House but this has been widely reported elsewhere in the media. Other reports of this bash include:

      https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/03/07/luxon-hosted-christmas-at-premier-house/

      https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350203582/premier-house-suitable-big-luxon-family-xmas-bash

      And why use Premier House when the Luxon home in Auckland was obviously well set up for Christmas according to this very detailed (and over the top imho) Now To Love article in Dec 2023:

      https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/celebrity/celeb-news/christmas-with-christopher-luxon-and-family-48048/

      "And Christmas has certainly arrived at the couple’s stunning home, with a beautiful three-metre tall tree taking pride of place in the dining room. Underneath sits a pile of gifts beautifully wrapped in white and gold."

      Rant now over – !!!!

  8. joe90 8

    Well done and congrats on the win, Australia.

    • SPC 8.1

      Tim Paine of Tasmania notes that the Oz captain stole a century from Bishop Carey, hell has a place for keeping those who mess with those of their union.

  9. Reality 9

    A question. If the women rugby players had twice performed a haka that on translation was full of praise for this new government – would Gosman, Winston Peters and whoever else, be objecting? We could see a scenario of Luxon heading to one of their games for a photo and handshake.

  10. SPC 10

    It's becoming clear that Simeon Brown has made Auckland an unsafe place for those on E scooters and bikes.

    First Bishop, then Bridges and now Seymour. Surely it is no coincidence.

    And with an increase in speed allowed and the removal of speed bumps, this is likely to occur again and again. Especially with the increase in PT cost.

    And then with the new roads going through suburbs that the heavy trucks can use (reducing congestion on existing roads allows them to travel at the speed limit), those in cars will also be at greater risk also.

    LA Confidential – appointees neutral or freindly.

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/03/former-national-leader-and-transport-minister-simon-bridges-appointed-top-new-zealand-transport-agency-role.html

    LA All Clear.

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/03/advocates-attack-removal-of-climate-change-from-government-s-draft-transport-policy.html

  11. joe90 11

    But you are a trust fund baby, Dave.

    .

    .

    ACT Party leader David Seymour had a near escape after falling off an electric bike on Sunday.

    On top of the scary moment, Seymour said he received abuse while lying dazed on the road.

    […]

    Seymour said he wasn't injured besides being in shock and a sore wrist, but revealed the abuse he received while sitting on a traffic island.

    "While I'm sitting on the traffic island in a state of shock, some guy comes over and starts filming me. I thought 'that's a bit weird' and then he says in a British accent 'you know what, sometimes you get exactly what you deserve'," Seymour told Newshub.

    "He then said 'look what you're doing to Māori, you're just a trust fund baby who's out of touch with reality'.

    "I thought 'I am Māori, and I don't have a trust fund'."

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/03/act-party-leader-david-seymour-crashes-electric-bike-in-parnell-auckland.html

  12. randal mcmurphy 12

    memo to big Marky Mitchell. when are you going to do something about the latest cohort of little shits with their loud cars passively aggressively assaulting the rest of us with their noise?

    oh that's right. the people who buy noise bombs for their little darlings mostly vote national!