‘The Immigration Minister previously told us he agonised over the decision. He told us it was “right up there… probably one of the most difficult decisions” he’s had to make.
Now he’s admitted he didn’t even read the full file. And the decision took him less than an hour.’
Even the most one-eyed Labour supporter would have to admit, at the very least, its not a good look
Why should he stand down? Do you know how busy he is? How many files he has to review? How much other work he has?
Honest this is such a big beat up. And out there in voter land it is not resonating. It is giving you righties something to jump up and down but we all know you are trying to divert attention.
For me I would like to know why National partitioned the $100k donation from the guy who then received a Government honour. And who is going to be charged.
Not a good look is okay. The “oh it’s so shocking” rightwing lines are just so overblown – all sounding like simple simon now but desperation does that lol.
No he hasn’t really but whatever floats your boat – with the gnats dropping like a stone it makes sense that you righties will scratch around for anything – fill ya boots mate lol
Both have supported him, Winston in particular. Sorry PR, won’t wash!!
Hooten has it right, “Slow steady decline in the polls is hard to reverse National will be in trouble.”
That from their biggest fan, says it all LOLz.
Puckish Rogue. The answer. (Welcome back btw. I hope your new job won’t require too many files at several hundred pages to be read….)
“Immigration New Zealand (INZ) general manager Stephen Dunstan confirmed on Friday the Sroubek file was “several hundred” pages long, with sentencing judges’ notes appended to it.
The “really good summary” in the case file was was about 12 pages long, he said.
The construction of files going to the minister had been done the same way for 15 years, he said.
The standard practice included reasons why the person was liable, the person’s immigration history, details about any convictions, the client’s personal circumstances and any comments they wanted to make, which were sometimes quite extensive, he said.”
How long to read a file of several hundred pages?
A quick query of google gives this. “For an average reader that reads about 200 words per minute, the reading time of 100 such pages would be about 2 hours at least. Still, this is way too theoretical, as reading is also impacted by other factors such as motivation, concentration, distractions, vocabulary, structure and difficulty of text, etc.”
Over a day, then, to read a file of several hundred pages at 50 pages per hour.
Just how much is ‘reading a file’? Is it every word, fully considered, taking notes and following all footnotes and references to other material? Because anything less is not ‘reading the file”. Anyone who says it is less than this, is then arguing that less would be OK.
It then becomes an argument over what is acceptable in order to make an informed decision.
The dude gets paid to read loads of things in order to make loads of decisions that affect the lives of loads of people. To be able to do his job well and efficiently the dude relies on loads of public servants and the likes who often get paid loads of dosh.
It never seems to have crossed your mind that Ministers are bound by NZ Law to make certain decisions? They may not even agree or like it, just ask Eugenie Sage.
Didn’t say a word about the report and only (!) responded to your comment @ 2.1.3.1.1 about the Minister’s job description and workload and his remuneration.
However, feel free to elaborate about the report, what’s in it and what’s not, what ILG read and what he didn’t read but should have. Even better, provide a link to the full report and I’ll take a few weeks off to read it – I’m a slow reader too – all unpaid and at no direct cost to the Taxpayer.
We probably never will as this govt seems to be rather un-transparent when it comes to releasing information and reports.
I think if it was a bet I would go for the multiple experts working for him probably being in the right, and the one bloke who admitted he didn’t actually read the whole report and made the decision within an hour probably being in the wrong
Speed reading is any of several techniques used to improve one’s ability to read quickly. Speed reading methods include chunking and minimizing subvocalization. The many available speed reading training programs include books, videos, software, and seminars. Wikipedia
Some people are good at it. ILG may well be one of them. David Lange’s ability to speed read was said to be brilliant.
I was being facetious, Anne. I can read & research a fair amount of info in a given time when not distracted or (too) tired. See also mac1’s comment @ 2.1.3.1.
“like an intern trying to explain why he got the stationery order wrong.”
Fair call and did she also wonder aloud at how frothed-up, hysterical even, National and her “dags” (such as yourself, James 🙂 have got themselves over ordering the wrong stationery?
The only thing HDPA has ever nailed is the extraordinary privilege of getting a platform in the Herald. From that position she can inflict her ugly prose style and shabby thinking on the rest of us, if we are foolish enough not to ignore her.
Everything she writes looks like a steaming pile of lazy, disconnected snippets chucked onto the page with the only concern being that the cheque arrives afterwards.
Economist Shamubeel Eaqub said low ballot figures did not point to any likelihood of loss on unsold homes. At worst, the Government would on sell a home at the price it paid for it, and to buyers who may not have originally qualified for Kiwibuild.
Again why is Kiwibuild run like a lottery in stead of needs based applicants going to the top of the queue?
People who qualify for permanent residency also can apply, so no doubt people like the drug smuggler if he was a first home buyer and the sex offender to name a few can qualify once they are permanent residents. (Can only take 2 years to gain permanent residency according to NZ immigration site).
Also the 3 year timeframe is obviously an issue, would be better to have the house returned for the same amount they paid plus interest rather than allowing the sale or rent within 3 years.
There is better uses of new housing to help those renting with cheaper rents, who can then can save enough, to buy on the open market and the house stays helping NZer who need it more, not goes off into private hands for subsequent speculation.
Remember this is what was presented by labour for last year selection https://www.labour.org.nz/kiwibuild
“KiwiBuild homes will only be sold to first home buyers. To avoid buyers reaping windfall gains, a condition of sale will require them to hand back any capital gain if sold on within 5 years.”
– I will refrain from making any commentary on election pledges ….
AND https://www.labour.org.nz/housing
Tax property speculators who flick houses within five years
Labour will extend the bright line test from the current two years to five years. This will target speculators who buy houses with the aim of making a quick capital gain. Current exemptions from the bright line test will continue.
My comment was directed to the 3 year limit on sale – When Labour in their policy manifesto refers to 5 year stand down. If we cannot trust what Labour went to the polls over. Many here attached (IMO correctly) Nats for not keeping election promises. Now we see Labour being as “honest” in breaking their promises.- ” a condition of sale” so was this condition place on the initial 18 buyers ? If it wasn’t then the election pledge was just a Lie to get us to vote for labour ?? https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/108157197/first-kiwibuild-families-welcomed-to-new-homes-by-prime-minister
Note the behaviour of Labour is fast merging to be indistinguishable to the last regime 🤬But some are blind to anyone pointing this out to them
For some possibly but don’t underestimate the willing grandparents or similar who are happy to step up. Many of us do it across the year holidays etc and if in this instance, though there wil be those not fortunate to have that happy option, there are one or two others that need someone to superivise for the day I’m sure most will manage.
James, lead us through the logic which takes right wing anti-Labour, anti-union commentators from a position where Labour is in the pocket of the unions and is afraid to annoy them to one where Labour won’t do their bidding and cave into them.
I am not the most left wing guy myself, but I think it is a bit lame to come onto a left wing blog and saturate the open mike with anti left posts. You and PR have two thirds of the comments on here. ..
We feel sorry for parrots that accidentally stray in our ‘echo chamber’ and can’t find their way out. We usually feed them sound soundbites to sustain them through their ordeal and let them find their way. Some keep flying into the walls despite being well lit and signposted; it is so sad and it breaks our hearts, but shit happens and we don’t want to take away their freedom or personal choice and responsibility. As BM was saying here yesterday “[t]he stong will adapt and survive, the weak will perish.” [sic]
Oh, come on, be realistic. No one on the right cares enough about the Standard to spend money undermining it. The right wing commenters here are just misfits who get amusement out of winding you guys up. Really.
You obviously have no idea how these things work, which actually is a plus. TS is free platform that’s read by many so the temptation is strong to (mis)use it. The best scams, the best manipulations are the ones that go unnoticed, like subliminal messages. Those messages are not in the exact words that are written but in the framing, the emotive connections they make.
James your getting like Simon now, barking at every car this morning…..we have yet to see how KiwiBuild will unfold, although I see the reserve bank are saying that in the main KiwiBuild will be additional houses, not just houses that would have been built anyway. Besides, I didn’t think you would mind people turning a profit from housing……….that’s what national allowed
James I think most parents will be thrilled about the 600 extra seniors labour has just announced. Also last survey I read was that the public supported the nurses and teachers striking
It’s a mystery what people expect, including the employers complaining the “lack” of “experienced” staff – did it never occur to them to train them thenselves.
The only way to “fix” all this it seems is for someone to step up with a big, fat magic wand.
Isn’t that when you fight the hardest?
All those people that are supposedly in labours territory (the low income workers on shitty contracts) will pay the price for the teacher strikes . Not the wealthy middle and upper classes who have stay at home parents and on tape day care.
Its not even catchup from the last 9 years, and aspects of this do not come into effect until 2020. And if the NZEI don’t standup now it will be another 3 years, until the next opportunity rolls around.
Full time teaching on $59k pa and 10years service is not raking it in
I try to be sympathetic . But my kids school took Friday as a teachers only day on the first week back this term . It’s not the first time they’ve done that . Taking the piss a bit I reckon
Well. You had best talk to the education department about the compliance and paperwork load on teachers. most of it to give office staff something to do, rather than helping education.
NZ Human Rights is shockingly “not legally bound to recognise legally any ‘human rights’ of any person who applies for anything”, we found out last week from an immigration Lawyer!!!!!!!.
My Son as a born NZ citizen was refused hisn human right to put in an application with the NZ Immigration department a few weeks ago.
My Son advised me that two days ago asked for a review to have his application to allow his Germen Fiancee come from Germany for a short work visa while they await a permanent resident and get married but was told Immigration ‘does not recognise or is controlled by any ‘human rights provisions’
My son then approached a legal consultant, ; – quote “An Immigration lawyer stated the NZ Human Rights do not apply to NZ Immigration”.
So they confirmed they cannot intervene or consider even my son’s case to have his fiancee come in with a ‘temporary work visa’.
Labour has a screwed up case with the drug dealer, Sroubek case but to refuse entry for a short term work visa for a member of a german born woman is also very suspect when he is still here after years?
You cannot quote drug dealer, Sroubek should be given “human rights” when my son’s fiancee a legally bonafide citizen of Germany is not given “Human rights” to come here to get married and get a short term work visa!!!!! – where is the logic in that?
If the German isn’t allowed here under the current rules – then they are doing their job. Sounds like she doesn’t meet the requirements for a short term work visa.
Just because you son likes her it’s not his human right to have here here.
That’s just a bullshit cry from someone who doesn’t want to follow the law.
Cleangreen, maybe if she is a drug smuggler ‘at risk of her life’ and been in prison for years and happy to give real or false information to somebody, she might have more ‘human rights’ in NZ.
The take home for migrants is that criminal activity is ok here and helps you, fake all the info on your immigration application because once here it does not matter if you lied, while having any sort of honesty or ethics of getting into NZ will generally stop you coming here.
+1
And they’re not the ONLY reasons for that ‘take home’.
And @btw Cleangreen, how long did it take to process that little gem, and how much did it cost in fees? And do we know how long it took them to consider the file?
As @ James puts it …. “sounds like” the rules, and many of the processes might be a bit silly and overdue for review.
“The take home for migrants is that criminal activity is ok here and helps you, fake all the info on your immigration application because once here it does not matter if you lied, while having any sort of honesty or ethics of getting into NZ will generally stop you coming here.”
Agree with you also @ Marty – the key being the bit about “once here”. And of course SaveNZ is making comparisons using a completely different set of circumstances.
There are countless examples of dishonest and unethical behaviour among migrants ( usually aided and abetted by citizens, new citizens or PRs, and not just by people on the non-racist spreadsheet).
@Marty Mars, looking at the headlines it certainly looks like NZ seems to be attracting criminal and scam migrants with our immigration policies, but of course we can just bury out heads in the sand, and wonder why educated people can’t migrate or stay in NZ but scams and illegal activity involving migrants is spiralling out of control..
We even have a Natz MP who lied on his immigration and guess what, still here and no inquiry!
Peter Thiel apparently promised the world on his application, but apart from buying a house here and making a killing on Xero on a taxpayer funded mates for cash deal. not everything that was promised in his application has come to pass but he still gets to keep citizenship here.
Then there is the blossoming fake work, education and marriage scams…
This is just a search of a few minutes, weird how people think that this sort of behaviour is normal if apparently we are attracting people of ‘good character’ here – sounds like the opposite to me and not only that making money for people who live here who are also not of good character and happy to exploit for a $$$$.
Can find the links of hand but apparently immigration know that much of the financial data used to support visa applications is just fake loans but again nothing is done when people who have zero income are coming to NZ on educational and work visas but can’t support themselves.
Confirmation bias, also called confirmatory bias or myside bias,[Note 1] is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms one’s preexisting beliefs or hypotheses.[1] It is a type of cognitive bias and a systematic error of inductive reasoning. People display this bias when they gather or remember information selectively, or when they interpret it in a biased way. The effect is stronger for emotionally charged issues and for deeply entrenched beliefs. Confirmation bias is a variation of the more general tendency of apophenia.
People also tend to interpret ambiguous evidence as supporting their existing position. Biased search, interpretation and memory have been invoked to explain attitude polarization (when a disagreement becomes more extreme even though the different parties are exposed to the same evidence), belief perseverance (when beliefs persist after the evidence for them is shown to be false), the irrational primacy effect (a greater reliance on information encountered early in a series) and illusory correlation (when people falsely perceive an association between two events or situations).
They have done the crime, so pretending it doesn’t exist is not helping. Not only that, practically every article claims (from migrants themselves) it is the tip of the iceberg. The migrants seem to be begging the government to intervene but I think the ones who are doing the scams seem to have the voice of government because apparently they are known donors to politicians and are saying we need the cheap labour and consumerism.
Apparently if you ‘meet’ an abusive Kiwi or kiwi residency holder you can then use that abuse to get your own visa here… since apparently 1 in 4 people in NZ apparently suffer from some sort of violent abuse in NZ, the world is the oyster to capitalise on this and let the domestic abusers make a bit of money on the side!
“I wonder if cleangreen would have made comment if she was a citizen of a “less white” country.”
Now we know you REALLY ARE getting desperate, because it just so happens that criteria coincides with what was dreamed up in that non-racist demographic profiling spreadsheet.
………. sounds like
………. I wonder
………. perhaps
………. maybe
………. possibly she could try maybe the UK, or the US, or Australia first and get a passport, then reapply. Or maybe she could get together $million and come in as an entrepreneur making all sorts of promises ………. maybe …….perhaps
My son sam was on the National TV network Newhub two weeks ago and was straight up about his issue about his job, and his fiancee and his shock that his fiancee and i will not lower our level of self respect responding to your crassness you are simply a troll.
Son got hundreds of positive support for his case on his social blog site you are to be ignored.
I think it is the bonafide part that cleangreen is underlining, and of course
Germany is a nation that we have no quarrels with. Why wouldn’t this woman have the right to come here on a short-term visa? Immigration needs to be transparent. I’m thinking that these so-called government agencies march to their own drum; while governments come and go, the pollies need to be able to get some traction.
I still don’t get it. Would it be different if she was a bona fide Indian citizen? How many applicants for visas would be not be of the nationality they claim to be?
Thanks greyshark, I have met Jasmine my about to be daughter in law and she has a high list of university qualifications and would be a benefit to NZ and is currently employed in a German government agency and simply wants to come here to reside as she plans to get married to my son who is working overtime as a master electrician wiring NZ housing properties and his company went to the national MP for TukiKi (HB) asking him to help keep him here as he was born in Napier in 1986.
The german woman (Jasmine) needs to be ‘productive’ as she has principals! – as she would not want to ‘live on the dole here or anywhere’ , so he now will now be forced to leave NZ for Germany on 8th december to live with jasmine until she is allowed a residency and immigration have told my son that they cannot say for certain then when she would be allowed in then.
So we loose a highly sought skilled electrician and what are we going to get to replace him?
cleangreen
My head goes round too! Just ridiculous. As I say there has to be transparency in immigration, and I think some culling of staff. I wonder how the administration-civil servant system can be better organised? In the USA each administration employs their own new people I think. That seems unwise, and we had the tradition of apolitical, experienced public servants serving the public,
and working for and with each political party as their term came.
But immigration has been doing dodgy things over the decades. Everyone who wants to come can’t, but some who seem to offer much get sent away or have a hard time getting in. Perhaps the woman is over-educated for us, we are settling into being a nation of serfs run by an elite from overseas.
How much money can she raise and bank here? Apparently it doesn’t have to stay here for long? It’s the look of things that count here, not the substance.
From what i can understand the issues is not whether or not she can come here but rather if she can work from the very first day and before she is married to cleangreen’s son. Somehow cleangreen seems to think this violates the woman’s human rights.
Personally I’m all for people born in Germany coming to NZ if they have the skills and good character, no matter what ethnicity and actually not all germans are ‘white’ for those woke lefties/far righties. People from Germany would be good to attract because they have a decent education system, free health care and free university over there and reciprocal super as well (I think). It is also a liberal and democratic country that has one of the strongest economies in the world in particular for manufacturing while also having decent labour laws.
It is also a democratic country where it’s citizens have certain expectations of it’s government. Someone was telling me that even if you are in the trades as a carpet layer then you must guarantee your workmanship for 10 years. Industry train tradies over there and if you do a bad job and don’t fix it, they send you to jail as the expectation is quality over there for construction.
Tenants are expected to return their properties back to the original state and jobs over there are permanent in most cases. German workers are not going to be made redundant at the drop of a hat so therefore can put down roots and that is their expectation (rather than gig economy). .
They are also often very green conscious and have good civic codes.
I’m sure like all countries there are plenty of criminals over there, but you have a better chance there of someone benefiting NZ and not turning to crime from there, than where it is going now in NZ aka down the toilet with fake workers, fake educational degrees, very low level of skills like fruit picking and petrol attending and fast food work and relationships based on benefits. As well as Drug smugglers and child molesters getting residency approval from MP’s.
“Originally from northern China, Vivian — not her real name — meets her sugar daddies on various websites including English-language sites like The SugarBook and SeekingArrangement, as well as Hong Kong-based sites.
“Overall, I think I have entered into relationship arrangements about eight times … it is like being in an open relationship,” Vivian says.
The youngest of her three sugar daddies is a 40-year-old businessman from Hong Kong. The oldest is a retired 66-year-old grandfather from Malaysia. The third man is from Taiwan.
She says they are aware of each other’s existence and all have families back home but she’s not sure if they are all still married — they ask her more questions than she asks them.”
“When I first came to New Zealand, I was envious of all the branded goods that my other international student friends had,” she says.
“I tried looking for part-time work and even worked in a massage parlour, but I was earning nowhere near the money I needed to buy all the things that my friends had.”
The sugar daddies she met have also lavished her with gifts, including a Xiaomi Mi 8 mobile phone and a MacBook Pro.
Vivian is one of many young women in New Zealand shunning traditional student jobs and the minimum wage to pair up with men who can buy them what they need.
“Lifestyle choices and payment of university fees in an era of heightened competition in tandem with diminishing financial scholarships often catapult students into the outstretched arms of sugared relationship,” says Edwina Pio, Auckland University of Technology professor of diversity.”
“She lives alone in a posh two-bedroom apartment on Lorne St in central Auckland. She has no idea how much her rent is because its paid for before she gets bill.
While many of her mates at university work part time on minimum wage, Vivian gets thousands of dollars transferred into her bank account every month which help her pay her school fees.”
Keep building those apartments Kiwibuild with taxpayer land, sounds like you are going to need them! sarcasm.
My kiwi husband and i lived and got married in Germany to avoid that precise scenario. It helped that he liked Germany enough to live there, and as my husband he was immediatly ‘tolerated’ i.e. had a permit to stay and work in the country, and he was put on my medical insurance. So essentially he was covered for all eventualities.
The same happened when we moved to Holland once i got a job there. No issues.
I would suggest to maybe trying it the other way around.
NZ has an issue with so called ‘white weddings’ marriages of convenience, and is quite happy to not allow fiances or girlfriends/boyfriends in on visas. Happened to my brother in law a few years ago. They overcame the issue exactly the same way. He moved to her country and they got married there, lived there for a few years and then he moved with her back to NZ.
It is fairly easy to get married in Germany, i might add.
* What is ‘NZ’
* What is ‘Immigration NZ’
* What are ‘Human Rights’
* Who are ‘NZ’ and Immigration NZ’ et al bound by and controlled by ?
* What are ‘NZ’ and Immigration NZ’
I am relaying what he told me his “Immigration consultant” told him when he enquired.
My Son originally went to Germany in 2005 as a qualified Chef and took an apprenticeship to become an Electrician as they German Government has a good apprenticeship system so he took it on and after 7yrs after being a chief he came home 10 yrs later in 2015 and had to spend 18 months completing his NZ qualifications to become a master electrician so at a cost of $5000 to become kiwi legal and as a german speaking kiwi he was well placed to return anywhere in the world.
Sadly we are now all the poorer for loosing this skill and young talent due to shortsighted NZ Immigration officials sadly.
My question now is;
” what is the NZ taxpayer forced to pay to upskill another overseas person to cover another “master electrician” as my Son has become?
As for his fiancee Jasmine, she is english speaking reasonably fluent and with a very pleasant manner and holds a German University qualification in business management. She currently works in a German Government employment agency. She is 31 yrs old and to old for a student work permit by one year.
Sams press statement was how come the Czech drug criminal is allowed to remain and was working but Jasmine was not allowed even to apply for a short term work permit?
Sam was told by four different NZ Immigration folks; Quote’ “do not waste your time as we will not read the application” unquote.
The representative wasn’t exactly accurate – the Human Rights Act applies, but section 392 of the Immigration Act prevents complaints from being made and prevents the Human Rights Commission from bringing proceedings.
(NZ)BORA is usually the acronym for the NZ Bill of Rights Act, which is a different law, and does apply to immigration cases, but that’s not so applicable here.
i never used an immigration lawyer/service, just went there with my hubby and filled the paperwork out.
We still had to provide proof of partnership, so I brought rental contracts, electricity bills, photos, post cards from him to me and versa, and all sorts of other things. I had a letter of support from my In laws etc. Did get a 6 month work visa initially, which would leave one with enough time to file for a residence permit.
Something seems amiss in your story and the idea that ‘they don’t read’ the application is just wrong. That comment alone would have me send an official letter of complaint to my MP. They may not approve the application, but they sure have to read it.
‘That nest egg, likely worth millions more, comes from a uniquely generous super scheme that sees judges, including Elias, able to contribute up to five per cent of their salaries to a superannuation fund that is then topped up by $7.50 for each dollar they contribute.’
Just shows how coruptable these people are if it takes such huge amounts to keep them on the straight and narrow. It’s not as if they are rewarded for competence after reading the story of the young fellow convicted of rape in yesterday’s Herald.
Wrong. It is for a number of reasons
1) Paying more to ensure Judges cannot get backhanders like in other corruptible societies such as the USA
2) Judges have to retire at 70, and usually have at least 20 years or more in them
3) very rare for a former judge to go back to practice (lawyers have no mandatory retirement age) and as most people would live in the lifestyle of their present income, not unusual to expect a former judge to want to continue that lifestyle
4) knowledge that they won’t have to rub two pieces of cloth together after their mandatory expulsion from the bench means that judges don’t have to look for dubious means to fund their post bench lifestyle
If this is the price to pay to have a funtional and near incorruptible bench, then I’m for it
Agreed not a bad wicked – until you consider the alternatives.
Why would someone want to be a glorified public servant when they would be earning a helluva lot more as a partner in a major law firm?
What exactly would attract someone qualified, experienced, and renowned enough to go for judgeship? And what would then attract them to stay?
And how much remuneration would ensure that absolutely none of them would have their judgement swayed by fat inducements?
Something like the kind of remuneration and reward measures you outline ensures that New Zealand remains in the top 1, 2, or 3 least corrupt countries on earth.
Well to me its a bit like why a lot of people become ministers, the power. How many of Nationals MPs could be earning a lot more outside of parliament, quite a few I’d imagine but theres no where else you’ll have even close to the same amount of power, the ability to change things, to make things happen.
Next reason would that I’d guess it’d be pretty easy to get seduced by the whole deference thing, yeah you can make more as a lawyer but as a judge you pass judgement so you get everyone being nice to you, everyone wants your opinion etc etc
The power of judges is necessary in a civil society. You’re not making an useful point.
There’s no “seduction” there, but top work on the ignorant slur. In reality it’s a shit job in which very tight constraints give you few options, dealing every day with the very very worst in society.
The pay and conditions are just as necessary.
Welcome to law and order.
Why is it the leader of the opposition seems in capable of functioning with out a side-kick or bag man? The visage reported on by Trevett in yesterday’s Herlad of Bennett, Bridges and Mitchell sniggering away in a darkened room raises questions to how long the rest of the National Party MPs will put up with these secret trysts and seedy plans. Mitchell looks to have stepped in the role of the out of favour Ross as the got to person for dirty deals done cheap.
Caesar couldn’t have been stabbed in the rotunda if he had had a reliable bag-man at his back. Bridges might feel the need of one, but better keep him in front.
They later found some popcorn behind a curtain and they tried to follow the trail that led to the toilets but all they could find there was a loaded Glock and a cell phone. They have taken the Glock to forensics, after asking JC whether it was hers, and the phone is with Lost Property.
Well Mitchell should know judging from how he got into parliament into the first place via Slater aka dirty politics against their own Natz candidates.
Whose bodies? Come on really? Bridges was a big mistake whether temporary or otherwise why not cut straight to who ever the “real leader” should be, the mistake prior to that was letting Bridges ego run rampant and getting rid of English. Even Bridges might have stood a better chance had he not been so rash.
There are questions still be asked and the major effort of the National Party to divert attention makes it seem to me they are large questions.
Like: Why was the other MP in the tryst not taken to task re behaviour of a “married person”, what happened to the compaints of “bullying/harassment” to staff, and what really happened re the donations? Is the person being recruited for one of the MPs an aide or a minder? What sort of MP is derided by their leader just sucks it up and lets them take away her phone while they put damage control in place?
Well I have now and obviously to varying degrees there are complications, it is not about naming names as such – though most people have worked it out in regard to the MP, the other face-less allegations do exist and that is according to opposition leadership. Maybe it’s just me but there seems to be double standards at play from the National Party as to which incidents they want to address and which they simply hope will go away. I find them as a political party who want to be re-elected as a government less than genuine in NZ and NZers being their sole focus and priority especially that all the attention they have attracted for the pastseems to be about their re-election and very little else.
It was a silly throw away comment based on the idea that Judith Collins is/will the strong leader National and NZ needs and will lay waste to /labour/Greens/NZfirst and by laying waste I mean the vote and by that I mean National will win under Judith Collins who should have been made leader of National in the first place
Hi Pucky; you’re back, I see. Might I suggest, as a long time co-respondent of yours, that you wind it back a little? Your “body bag” comment is deeply unpleasant and if you plan to keep presenting your heroine as a killer, I imagine others here will express a view like this also.
You’re gleeful at the prospect of Judith Collins “killing off ” the careers of her political opponents? Why would the thought of destroying someone’s career thrill you?
Rapunzel (8) … Bridges, Bennett and the mercenary Mitchell sniggering away in a darkened room … conjures up hideous images of a ménage à trois at play.
Should Kiwibuild not achieve the demand to satisfy the supply (and we have 99,972 left to hit the 100,000 target) – perhaps a failure may help to temporary contribute to a drop in house prices. Then perhaps our govt will then realise its not about helping some fortunates into house ownership, BUT to house the many.
Build state houses, and halt the sale of state assets, i.e. the land.
Our NGO letter sent today after yet another persons dies under a logging truck so we are supporting upgrading rail for freight to rid trucks from our single lane roads because they are a danger now far worse than ever before due to the number using our roads now.
Protecting our environment & health.
In association with other Community Groups, and all Government Agencies since 2001.
• Health and wellbeing.
• East Coast Transport Project.
TO;
Hon Phil Twyford – Minister of Transport.
Hon’ Jacinda Ardern PM.
Hon Winston Peters. Deputy PM.
Hon’ Shane Jones. Minister of Regional Development.
Hon’ Grant Robertson. Minister of Finance.
Hon’ Stuart Nash. MP For Napier Wairoa/ Matawai regions.
Hon’ Megan Woods. Minister of Energy.
URGENT PRESS RELEASE; – ACTION NEEDED HERE BY – Transport Minister Twyford.
11th November 2018.
Dear Ministers, Local civic authorities & rail stakeholders,
Sadly yet again we are reminded of what Julius Vogel planned for us all when he commissioned a NZ Government Surveyors map of routes where to complete the Napier railway from Wellington to carry on around the east Coast to Opotiki and Tauranga to Auckland in 1880.
We have a Government copy of that 1880 surveyors map from the NZ Government surveyors office, and can be obtained from us by request by email to me ; —————– (omitted.)
It is now time that we continue this long overdue plan for all our common interests of our common wealth, health, safety, security and wellbeing while lowering climate change emissions and saving of our environment.
Review this report (below) in the Gisborne Herald to make you aware that road freight is not the answer here; – nor should it be used exclusively in our future.
gisborneherald.co.nz
Woman dies in crash with logging truck on State Highway 35 near Tatapouri
by Murray RobertsonPublished: November 10, 2018 11:55AM
State Highway 35 closed
HIGHWAY CLOSED: SH35 was closed this morning after a fatal crash on the Tatapouri side of Makorori Hill that involved a loaded log truck and car. Police closed the highway here near the Makorori settlement turn-off and further north at Turihaua.
A WOMAN died this morning when the car she was driving came into collision with a loaded logging truck on the Tatapouri side of Makorori Hill.
Emergency services were called to the crash scene at 8.28am.
The crash happened on the bend in the highway near the Tatapouri boat ramp.
The woman was pronounced deceased at the scene.
No other details on the crash were available this morning.
Fire and Emergency NZ sent three appliances and St John Ambulance responded, along with police.
A St John ambulance spokesman said the driver of the truck was not injured.
Police closed the coast highway at the crash location
Police immediately started a serious crash investigation and closed the coast highway at that location.
The car the woman was in, and the truck, remained at the crash scene for some time as part of that inquiry.
At the time The Herald went to print, police were unable to give an indication of how much longer that closure would stay in place.
“The road is closed and motorists are asked to please avoid the area,” police said.
Considerable traffic build-up occurred on both sides of the crash site.
The closure is from Sirrah Street at Okitu north to Turihaua
The highway closure was put in place at Sirrah Street at Okitu and at Turihaua to the north.
It is the third fatal crash involving a truck on that section of the East Coast Highway this year.
A 19-year-old man died in a crash that involved a loaded log truck and a car on SH35 on Makorori headland in mid-June.
A 34-year-old man died when his stationwagon collided with a loaded log truck on the Makorori side of Makorori headland in late September.
Police have not yet released further details on this morning’s trage
End,
I now ask “How much is enough road killing before we consider rail again as we had before”?
Why are trolls not at least spelled for periods instead of being allowed to dominate the discourse daily? Perhaps they could be circulated so there could be some variety. Or do the mods think that the commenters need stimulating –
Itchy and Scratchy?
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOrn6Q_zBfg
Well said. I agree with the article – thanks Kylie Klein Nixon
Most of all, I want to tell them that suicide is never inevitable. Never. Not at the movies, not when you’re at your lowest point, not when you think you can’t go on. Not even when you’re looking over the railings at the river.
“There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires in California except that forest management is so poor. Billions of dollars are given each year, with so many lives lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests. Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!”
Not climate change then.
With a US President who thinks like this, we aren’t going to deal with this crisis.
The tunnelers are excavating a series of underground dugouts, which will be occupied by the headquarters of our infantry. It is a wretched job, as they are working 25 feet below the surface level and most of the time knee deep in mud.
From the roof trickles water and mud, which they jocularly term “Hero Juice” on account of it percolating through tiers and tiers of buried corpses.
Donald Trump‘s visit to a First World War cemetery was called off by the White House because of poor weather.
The US leader was set to visit the Aisne-Marne American cemetery in the French village of Belleau – the site of a 1918 battle in which the Americans and French repelled German forces. More than 1,800 Americans died there
No, in two posts you’ve said zip about the near decade long Green Peace campaign; choosing instead to witter on about how those beastly people banned an ad.
Ok, you can’t read.
I know you troll all my posts because I challenge your point of view on the glorious Ukrainian revolution, but this is getting ridiculous.
You said the fucking ad was banned because you know, truth. But it wasn’t banned because of it’s truth, but because the imagery was part of a near decade long political campaign.
The Standard’s standards slip considerably every time editors choose to engage in the obvious leftie-baiting; rather than do their jobs and remove these ‘non-contributors to discussion.’
Makes it a very unattractive place to visit, a labor rather than pleasure to read. I’ve learned nothing here today except how easily y’all are trolled. Me too, just not today…
Exackerly, Joe90. ILG was given just enough info to make him lean toward mercy, not enough to say taihoa. Woodhouse, of course, was both Immigration Minister and Police Minister. I don’t know what he knew, or when he knew it, but I think we should be told.
After booking a cheap taxi for a trip to the airport that did not turn up,I thought I would try a well known ‘brand’ in what is supposedly a very competitive industry.
Rang 4 companies that put me on muzack for minutes before getting to talk to an operator.
Asked what I thought were basic questions..like what would happen if the taxi did not turn up and I missed my international flight..stumped the panel..
one company said they had a team that ‘looked’ into these situations..how comforting.
Looks like a good business opportunity..=customer service.
Fifty years of oppression and the clown wants them to be nice.
#Trump asked Leaders of Estonia & Latvia & Lithuania to show “More Conciliatory tone Toward #Russia” (their main threat).Per Le Monde article below : https://t.co/yeculZ2UsF— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) November 10, 2018
“The White House announced that Trump and first lady Melania Trump had scuttled plans, due to bad weather, for their first stop in a series of weekend remembrance activities – a visit to the solemn Aisne Marne American Cemetery, marking the ferocious Battle of Belleau Wood.”
I’ve 2000+ hrs flying military assault helicopters. Icing is what stops helicopters flying. I’m in Paris. It’s 12DegC, that means the icing altitude is ~6000ft (lapse rate 2C per/1000ft). The CDG METAR says Cloud Base scattered 1300ft, broken 2600ft. It was totally doable. https://t.co/GP1N7Y6sWF— Mikey Kay (@MikeyKayNYC) November 10, 2018
There has been a lot of things about Trump that share a vibe with key.
Stare at the camera and lie.
Grossly misrepresent what occurs at a meeting (pike river families).
Speaking nonsense sentences.
Failing to honour military deaths.
Knowing what ‘most Americans/New Zealanders’ want…
Also in commonn both their political opponents can’t land a bit on them regardless of the evidence.
These women are haranguing the only black person here, standing on a bench holding a Gillum shirt.“Because he’s black” pic.twitter.com/xgJ1qruoip— Djinn (@ARAEveryDay) November 9, 2018
Kia ora The Am Show the War never stopped they have been battling proxy WAR’S in other country’s and made a big MESS around the world.
Peter Beck Ka pai for you and your team’s launch of the cargo into space the next generation is looking outside the squarebox the old generation try to keep us IN .
Its sad that Jonno & Ben are leaving our screen’s good luck on finding a new job boys.
What did trump say about the fire in California he blamed the people when anyone can see that was Papatuanuku mother nature event.
The Rainbow community can see through to the true color’s of the police and the %00.1 can see / know what they are up to .They are always in the know. I know most of the police have a phobia of the Rainbow community .
This is how they treat a people instead of being Courteous It look’s like they started harassing this person with the Eagle helicopter instead of showing couresty link below.https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/east-bays-courier/105072577/local-board-member-cops-criticism-over-eagle-helicopter-complaint
The neo liberals who have captured the teacher’s union wairua and is using it as a tool to use as a weapon against the new Coalition government.
The neo liberals are big greedy cheats look at the way they have behaved here and over sea’s ask simon what he get up to after hours.
The student’s that were given money some of them had to do thing’s people should not have to do to pay there rent there will also be more of them entering the teacher’s profession in time.
Good on that Australian person who helped the cop’s catch that idiot who was ripped. Ka kite anp .
I enjoy growing vegetables gardening I use to garden with my Great Grand Mother I would water the gardens flowers and vegetables.
I remember her telling me one day mokopuna when you plant a garden you give it care and love and water make sure the the vegtables and flower’s are well grown and before you pick them make sure they are big and strong. if you start picking the silver beat to early it will stunt and could die.
But if you have patience and wait till the silver beat you plant is big strong and healthy before you pick some leave’s just a few at a time than the silver beat will not stunt and die and you will get a good long harvest from your silver beat.
They way I see it the Union’s & the Socialists left people have help plant’ vote the new Coalition Government in to Parliament we need to love and care our new GARDEN water it and when it’s big and strong then pick a few leaves of changes that we want at a time and OUR new Government will grow STRONG and will be able to keep making changes in our society that will be good for all people here and NOW and for our descendant’s .
Eco Maori say what the teacher’s Union is doing at the minute is illogical and what make’s the equation complete is that national is playing the teachers against our new government . Ka kite ano P.S the cops are the biggest bully’s that’s a fact.
You see once the world find’s out how good and safe Kiwi food is the will all want some
ka kite ano link below.
Lots of New Zealand milk and lamb has changed hands on Chinese internet giant Alibaba during that country’s biggest shopping day.
China’s answer to the online Cyber Monday and America’s post-Thanksgiving “Black Friday” generated US$30.8 billion (NZ$45.76b) this year for Alibaba during its Singles Day shopping promotion
Labor is ahead of the Coalition on the two-party-preferred measure 55% to 45% in the Newspoll, meaning Bill Shorten and Labor would easily win any election held today. Labor’s primary vote is 40% compared with the Coalition on 35%. Ka kite ano
The coal alition carbon pro party star is turning the same colour as coal ana to kai.
P.S I want OUR descendants to have a future in paradise not in——- like what will happen if we carry on burning carbon.
The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has warned of the dangers of rising nationalism as he addressed Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and other world leaders at a ceremony in Paris to mark the 100th anniversary of the first world war armistice.
As more than 60 heads of state and dignitaries gathered in the rain near Paris’s tomb of the unknown soldier to mark a century since guns fell silent on the western front, Macron delivered a pointedly political speech, warning that “old demons” were resurfacing and threatened the fragile peace. Ka pai Emmanuel the people who start WAR’s don’t fight them us common poor people fight them
Kia ora Tekaea I made a good point on the teachers strikes this morning I won’t say anymore on this subject as my negtive side will rise up.
Its cool that Ngai Tahu is working with Oranga tamariki to fix there tamariki that are in state care its a crying shame that any tamariki end up there .
The Pacific Aotearoa meeting in Auckland to talk about our future in Aotearoa let make it a happy healthy one .
Bridging the gap is a awesome initiative to get equality for Australian Tangata Whenua they still have a long journey to get some compensation for loss of land an mana kia kaha. Ka kite ano P.S the Kiwis had a good win they are a new team in time they will dominate
Kia ora James and Storm The Crowd Goes Wild.
Its going to be be a good game of Rugby next week number 1 and 2.
Good luck to Danny I say no more.
The Fox is doing fine same to him.
Rain in the desert is unlucky for the Black Caps.
45 Mulls must have drunk a keg at the basketball game and he’s shuffling to so cool Mulls he’s not going to be happy James.
Hartley is get a underarm from his team M8 he got some fast lap time Ka kite ano computer is playing up if this one crashes that will be 2 two the sandflys I will post them a video on the other computer soon
The worms will live in every hostIt's hard to pick which one they eat the mostThe horrible people, the horrible peopleIt's as anatomic as the size of your steepleCapitalism has made it this wayOld-fashioned fascism will take it awaySongwriter: Twiggy Ramirez Read more ...
Hi,It’s almost Christmas Day which means it is almost my birthday, where you will find me whimpering in the corner clutching a warm bottle of Baileys.If you’re out of ideas for presents (and truly desperate) then it is possible to gift a full Webworm subscription to a friend (or enemy) ...
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I don't knowHow to say what's got to be saidI don't know if it's black or whiteThere's others see it redI don't get the answers rightI'll leave that to youIs this love out of fashionOr is it the time of yearAre these words distraction?To the words you want to hearSongwriters: ...
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Open access notables An intensification of surface Earth’s energy imbalance since the late 20th century, Li et al., Communications Earth & Environment:Tracking the energy balance of the Earth system is a key method for studying the contribution of human activities to climate change. However, accurately estimating the surface energy balance ...
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“Like you said, I’m an unreconstructed socialist. Everybody deserves to get something for Christmas.”“ONE OF THOSE had better be for me!” Hannah grinned, fascinated, as Laurie made his way, gingerly, to the bar, his arms full of gift-wrapped packages.“Of course!”, beamed Laurie. Depositing his armful on the bar-top and selecting ...
Data released by Statistics New Zealand today showed a significant slowdown in the economy over the past six months, with GDP falling by 1% in September, and 1.1% in June said CTU Economist Craig Renney. “The data shows that the size of the economy in GDP terms is now smaller ...
One last thing before I quitI never wanted any moreThan I could fit into my headI still remember every single word you saidAnd all the shit that somehow came along with itStill, there's one thing that comforts meSince I was always caged and now I'm freeSongwriters: David Grohl / Georg ...
Sparse offerings outside a Te Kauwhata church. Meanwhile, the Government is cutting spending in ways that make thousands of hungry children even hungrier, while also cutting funding for the charities that help them. It’s also doing that while winding back new building of affordable housing that would allow parents to ...
It is difficult to make sense of the Luxon Coalition Government’s economic management.This end-of-year review about the state of economic management – the state of the economy was last week – is not going to cover the National Party contribution. Frankly, like every other careful observer, I cannot make up ...
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Remember those silent movies where the heroine is tied to the railway tracks or going over the waterfall in a barrel? Finance Minister Nicola Willis seems intent on portraying herself as that damsel in distress. According to Willis, this country’s current economic problems have all been caused by the spending ...
Similar to the cuts and the austerity drive imposed by Ruth Richardson in the 1990’s, an era which to all intents and purposes we’ve largely fiddled around the edges with fixing in the time since – over, to be fair, several administrations – whilst trying our best it seems to ...
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Dear Nicola Willis, thank you for letting us know in so many words that the swingeing austerity hasn't worked.By in so many words I mean the bit where you said, Here is a sea of red ink in which we are drowning after twelve months of savage cost cutting and ...
The Open Government Partnership is a multilateral organisation committed to advancing open government. Countries which join are supposed to co-create regular action plans with civil society, committing to making verifiable improvements in transparency, accountability, participation, or technology and innovation for the above. And they're held to account through an Independent ...
Today I tuned into something strange: a press conference that didn’t make my stomach churn or the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Which was strange, because it was about the torture of children. It was the announcement by Erica Stanford — on her own, unusually ...
This is a must watch, and puts on brilliant and practical display the implications and mechanics of fast-track law corruption and weakness.CLICK HERE: LINK TO WATCH VIDEOOur news media as it is set up is simply not equipped to deal with the brazen disinformation and corruption under this right wing ...
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The decision to unilaterally repudiate the contract for new Cook Strait ferries is beginning to look like one of the stupidest decisions a New Zealand government ever made. While cancelling the ferries and their associated port infrastructure may have made this year's books look good, it means higher costs later, ...
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Today is a special member's morning, scheduled to make up for the government's theft of member's days throughout the year. First up was the first reading of Greg Fleming's Crimes (Increased Penalties for Slavery Offences) Amendment Bill, which was passed unanimously. Currently the House is debating the third reading of ...
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AUSTERITYText within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedMy spreadsheet insists This pain leads straight to glory (File not found) Read more ...
The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi are saying that the Government should do the right thing and deliver minimum wage increases that don’t see workers fall further behind, in response to today’s announcement that the minimum wage will only be increased by 1.5%, well short of forecast inflation. “With inflation forecast ...
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This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Bob HensonIn this aerial view, fingers of meltwater flow from the melting Isunnguata Sermia glacier descending from the Greenland Ice Sheet on July 11, 2024, near Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. According to the Programme for Monitoring of the Greenland Ice Sheet (PROMICE), the ...
In August, I wrote an article about David Seymour1 with a video of his testimony, to warn that there were grave dangers to his Ministry of Regulation:David Seymour's Ministry of Slush Hides Far Greater RisksWhy Seymour's exorbitant waste of taxpayers' money could be the least of concernThe money for Seymour ...
Willis is expected to have to reveal the bitter fiscal fruits of her austerity strategy in the HYEFU later today. Photo: Lynn Grieveson/TheKakaMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that matter in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Tuesday, December 17 in The Kākā’s Dawn Chorus podcast ...
On Friday the government announced it would double the number of toll roads in New Zealand as well as make a few other changes to how toll roads are used in the country. The real issue though is not that tolling is being used but the suggestion it will make ...
The Prime Minister yesterday engaged in what looked like a pre-emptive strike designed to counter what is likely to be a series of depressing economic statistics expected before the end of the week. He opened his weekly post-Cabinet press conference with a recitation of the Government’s achievements. “It certainly has ...
This whooping cough story from south Auckland is a good example of the coalition government’s approach to social need – spend money on urging people to get vaccinated but only after you’ve cut the funding to where they could get vaccinated. This has been the case all year with public ...
And if there is a GodI know he likes to rockHe likes his loud guitarsHis spiders from MarsAnd if there is a GodI know he's watching meHe likes what he seesBut there's trouble on the breezeSongwriter: William Patrick Corgan Read more ...
Here’s a quick round up of today’s political news:1. MORE FOOD BANKS, CHARITIES, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS AND YOUTH SOCIAL SERVICES SET TO CLOSE OR SCALE BACK AROUND THE COUNTRY AS GOVT CUTS FUNDINGSome of Auckland's largest foodbanks are warning they may need to close or significantly reduce food parcels after ...
Iain Rennie, CNZMSecretary and Chief Executive to the TreasuryDear Secretary, Undue restrictions on restricted briefings This week, the Treasury barred representatives from four organisations, including the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi, from attending the restricted briefing for the Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update. We had been ...
This is a guest post by Tim Adriaansen, a community, climate, and accessibility advocate.I won’t shut up about climate breakdown, and whenever possible I try to shift the focus of a climate conversation towards solutions. But you’ll almost never hear me give more than a passing nod to ...
A grassroots backlash has forced a backdown from Brown, but he is still eyeing up plenty of tolls for other new roads. And the pressure is on Willis to ramp up the Government’s austerity strategy. Photo: Getty ImagesMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that matter in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
Hi all,I'm pretty overwhelmed by all your messages and emails today; thank you so very much.As much as my newsletter this morning was about money, and we all need to earn money, it was mostly about world domination if I'm honest. 😉I really hate what’s happening to our country, and ...
A listing of 23 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, December 8, 2024 thru Sat, December 14, 2024. Listing by Category Like last week's summary this one contains the list of articles twice: based on categories and based on ...
I started writing this morning about Hobson’s Pledge, examining the claims they and their supporters make, basically ripping into them. But I kept getting notifications coming through, and not good ones.Each time I looked up, there was another un-subscription message, and I felt a bit sicker at the thought of ...
Once, long before there was Harry and Meghan and Dodi and all those episodes of The Crown, they came to spend some time with us, Charles and Diana. Was there anyone in the world more glamorous than the Princess of Wales?Dazzled as everyone was by their company, the leader of ...
The collective right have a problem.The entire foundation for their world view is antiscientific. Their preferred economic strategies have been disproven. Their whole neoliberal model faces accusations of corporate corruption and worsening inequality. Climate change not only definitely exists, its rapid progression demands an immediate and expensive response in order ...
Just ten days ago, South Korea's president attempted a self-coup, declaring martial law and attempting to have opposition MPs murdered or arrested in an effort to seize unconstrained power. The attempt was rapidly defeated by the national assembly voting it down and the people flooding the streets to defend democracy. ...
National has only been in power for a year, but everywhere you look, its choices are taking New Zealand a long way backwards. In no particular order, here are the National Government's Top 50 Greatest Misses of its first year in power. ...
The Government is quietly undertaking consultation on the dangerous Regulatory Standards Bill over the Christmas period to avoid too much attention. ...
The Government’s planned changes to the freedom of speech obligations of universities is little more than a front for stoking the political fires of disinformation and fear, placing teachers and students in the crosshairs. ...
The Ministry of Regulation’s report into Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Aotearoa raises serious concerns about the possibility of lowering qualification requirements, undermining quality and risking worse outcomes for tamariki, whānau, and kaiako. ...
A Bill to modernise the role of Justices of the Peace (JP), ensuring they remain active in their communities and connected with other JPs, has been put into the ballot. ...
Labour will continue to fight unsustainable and destructive projects that are able to leap-frog environment protection under National’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. ...
The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Track legislation being passed today. ...
The Green Party says the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows how the Government is failing to address the massive social and infrastructure deficits our country faces. ...
The Government’s latest move to reduce the earnings of migrant workers will not only hurt migrants but it will drive down the wages of Kiwi workers. ...
Te Pāti Māori has this morning issued a stern warning to Fast-Track applicants with interests in mining, pledging to hold them accountable through retrospective liability and to immediately revoke Fast-Track consents under a future Te Pāti Māori government. This warning comes ahead of today’s third reading of the Fast-Track Approvals ...
The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many. ...
All the Government has achieved from its announcement today is to continue to push responsibility back on councils for its own lack of action to help bring down skyrocketing rates. ...
The Government has used its final post-Cabinet press conference of the year to punch down on local government without offering any credible solutions to the issues our councils are facing. ...
The Government has failed to keep its promise to ‘super charge’ the EV network, delivering just 292 chargers - less than half of the 670 chargers needed to meet its target. ...
The Green Party is calling for the Government to stop subsidising the largest user of the country’s gas supplies, Methanex, following a report highlighting the multi-national’s disproportionate influence on energy prices in Aotearoa. ...
The Green Party is appalled with the Government’s new child poverty targets that are based on a new ‘persistent poverty’ measure that could be met even with an increase in child poverty. ...
New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...
The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...
Kiwis planning a swim or heading out on a boat this summer should remember to stop and think about water safety, Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop and ACC and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “New Zealand’s beaches, lakes and rivers are some of the most beautiful in the ...
The Government is urging Kiwis to drive safely this summer and reminding motorists that Police will be out in force to enforce the road rules, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“This time of year can be stressful and result in poor decision-making on our roads. Whether you are travelling to see ...
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...
Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last year’s Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Network’s new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...
The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...
Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has passed through first reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As a growing share of audiences get their news and entertainment from streaming services, these restrictions have become increasingly redundant. New Zealand on ...
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed further progress on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS), with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board approving funding for the detailed design of Stage 1, paving the way for main works construction to begin in late 2025.“The Government is moving at ...
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...
Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...
“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia – if it’s good for the people, get on with it. Enhanced reporting on the public sector’s delivery of Treaty settlement commitments will help improve outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders, Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. Compiled together for the ...
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is proud to announce the first three recipients of the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund which will enable more Kiwis faster access to mental health and addiction support. “This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in ...
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...
Regulation Minister David Seymour has welcomed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulatory review report, the first major report from the Ministry for Regulation. The report makes 15 recommendations to modernise and simplify regulations across ECE so services can get on with what they do best – providing safe, high-quality care ...
The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...
A separate passport, citizenship and membership of the United Nations are only available to fully independent nations, Winston Peters' office says. ...
By Emma Andrews, Henare te Ua Māori Journalism Intern at RNZ News The New Zealand fuel company Z Energy is swapping out street names for “correct” kupu on service stops around the country, with the help of local hapū. When Z took over 226 fuel sites from Shell in 2010, ...
Summer reissue: Was it a false measurement, a full-blown conspiracy or just some mild incompetence? Mad Chapman uncovers the truth of Maddi Wesche’s final throw. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter and ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julie Old, Associate Professor, Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Western Sydney University Dmitry Chulov, Shutterstock At this time of year, images of reindeer are everywhere. I’ve had a soft spot for reindeer ever since I was a little girl. Doesn’t everyone? ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grozdana Manalo, Career Services Manager (Education), University of Sydney hedgehog94/Shutterstock Getting casual work over summer, or a part-time job that you might continue once your tertiary course starts, can be a great way to get workplace experience and earn some extra ...
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The NZ Media Council upheld the complaint under principle four: comment and fact On 5 September 2024, The Spinoff published a brief article titled Made in Palestine, found in 1970s Hastings, which highlighted an upcoming art exhibition featuring photographs of vintage cosmetic products labelled “Made in Palestine.” The piece, described ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kasey Symons, Lecturer of Communication, Sports Media, Deakin University We are well and truly in cricket season. The Australian men’s cricket team is taking centre stage against India in the Border Gavaskar Trophy series while the Big Bash League is underway, as ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Woods, Lecturer, Nursing, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University FTiare/Shutterstock Summer is here and for many that means going to the beach. You grab your swimmers, beach towel and sunscreen then maybe check the weather forecast. Did you think to ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ari Mattes, Lecturer in Communications and Media, University of Notre Dame Australia Late Night With The Devil. Maslow Entertainment Marketing is critical to the success of commercial films, and companies will often spend half as much again on top of the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Francisco Jose Testa, Lecturer in Earth Sciences (Mineralogy, Petrology & Geochemistry), University of Tasmania The Conversation As a kid, it was tough for me to grasp the massive time scale of Earth’s history. Now, with nearly two decades of experience as ...
Te Pāti Māori has had to adopt a new way of debating, operating and even thinking in Parliament in response to the Government’s “onslaught” against te ao Māori, co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says.In an end-of-year interview with Newsroom, the Te Tai Hauauru MP reflected on how 2024 has differed from her ...
Opinion: The latest Trends in International Mathematics and Science report was announced earlier this month, yet it didn’t get the flurry of media attention and political hand-wringing that typically accompanies these announcements. This might be because it presented good news, or you could argue, no news; the results paint a ...
NewsroomBy Dr Lisa Darragh, Dr Raewyn Eden and Dr David Pomeroy
At long last, The Spinoff shells out for a nut ranking. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter and sign up to be a member today.It recently came to The Spinoff’s attention ...
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Summer reissue: Why do those Lange-Douglas years cast such a long shadow 40 years on? The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter and sign up to be a member today. First published June ...
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question?Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 23 December appeared first on Newsroom. ...
The Government’s social housing agency has backed out of a billion-dollar infrastructure alliance that would have built about 6000 new homes in Auckland – less than 18 months after signing a five-year extension.Labour says the decision to rip up the contract and sell off existing state houses could lead to ...
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Asia Pacific Report “It looks like Hiroshima. It looks like Germany at the end of World War Two,” says an Israeli-American historian and professor of holocaust and genocide studies at Brown University about the horrifying reality of Gaza. Professor Omer Bartov, has described Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza as an ...
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Really enjoyable game of rugby.
Well done the mighty All Blacks.
The V.A.R. is destroying football. England should have won it.
On the other hand a whole bunch of South Aficans are probably starting to believe in karma
Good point, my friend!
They were so offside at times, they were literally standing in the ABs backline. Karma.
And the All Blacks don’t do that, do they?
How did they “win” the RWC final in 2011 again?
Why – just because?
He was offside (just).
No try. All Blacks for the win.
Mind you, the AB’s have had their fair share of calls go against them. The 1976 test series against SA stands out as an example.
Swawk!
Heather du Plessis-Allan Nails it this morning:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12157560
Couple of great comments in there.
“Lees-Galloway sounds like an intern trying to explain why he got the stationery order wrong.
That, after blaming officials for the blunder, is close to pathetic. He can stop throwing his officials under the bus. It’s undignified.”
‘The Immigration Minister previously told us he agonised over the decision. He told us it was “right up there… probably one of the most difficult decisions” he’s had to make.
Now he’s admitted he didn’t even read the full file. And the decision took him less than an hour.’
Even the most one-eyed Labour supporter would have to admit, at the very least, its not a good look
He’s looking good for being the third minister being fired.
The tea leaves are certainly being read
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12157388
Why didn’t Bridges stand down over his horrible remarks? Oh that’s right
“He’s moving on” We wish. These attacks against ILG are just deflections.
Why should he stand down? Do you know how busy he is? How many files he has to review? How much other work he has?
Honest this is such a big beat up. And out there in voter land it is not resonating. It is giving you righties something to jump up and down but we all know you are trying to divert attention.
For me I would like to know why National partitioned the $100k donation from the guy who then received a Government honour. And who is going to be charged.
The good thing is that this is the best they’ve got – its a joke and shows how far they are freefalling in their polls.
The head dude of immigration says they have about 80 cases with criminal activity a year.
Speaking of getting fired, Simon is running out of Fridays to announce his ‘retirement’ that will get swept away by an All Blacks win.
It would have to be this Friday, I reckon.
Not a good look is okay. The “oh it’s so shocking” rightwing lines are just so overblown – all sounding like simple simon now but desperation does that lol.
Good point marty, sounds just like simon…..repetitively boring.
We shall see, he’s already made Jacinda and Winston look silly so he better hope theres nothing more to come
No he hasn’t really but whatever floats your boat – with the gnats dropping like a stone it makes sense that you righties will scratch around for anything – fill ya boots mate lol
Everytime ILG now says something the question will askewd if he read it or if he just read between the lines
Of course Winston is very forgiving of being made to look foolish, hes good like that
Punchline bit weak you might need new material.
Yeah… his poems are better than that.
Both have supported him, Winston in particular. Sorry PR, won’t wash!!
Hooten has it right, “Slow steady decline in the polls is hard to reverse National will be in trouble.”
That from their biggest fan, says it all LOLz.
How many pages in the file?
Puckish Rogue. The answer. (Welcome back btw. I hope your new job won’t require too many files at several hundred pages to be read….)
“Immigration New Zealand (INZ) general manager Stephen Dunstan confirmed on Friday the Sroubek file was “several hundred” pages long, with sentencing judges’ notes appended to it.
The “really good summary” in the case file was was about 12 pages long, he said.
The construction of files going to the minister had been done the same way for 15 years, he said.
The standard practice included reasons why the person was liable, the person’s immigration history, details about any convictions, the client’s personal circumstances and any comments they wanted to make, which were sometimes quite extensive, he said.”
How long to read a file of several hundred pages?
A quick query of google gives this. “For an average reader that reads about 200 words per minute, the reading time of 100 such pages would be about 2 hours at least. Still, this is way too theoretical, as reading is also impacted by other factors such as motivation, concentration, distractions, vocabulary, structure and difficulty of text, etc.”
Over a day, then, to read a file of several hundred pages at 50 pages per hour.
Just how much is ‘reading a file’? Is it every word, fully considered, taking notes and following all footnotes and references to other material? Because anything less is not ‘reading the file”. Anyone who says it is less than this, is then arguing that less would be OK.
It then becomes an argument over what is acceptable in order to make an informed decision.
The dude gets paid about 300k a year to do it and there is nothing stopping him taking a couple of weeks to read the fricken thing properly.
I’m sorry, but it being a few hundred pages so it is too much for him is ridculous
The dude gets paid to read loads of things in order to make loads of decisions that affect the lives of loads of people. To be able to do his job well and efficiently the dude relies on loads of public servants and the likes who often get paid loads of dosh.
You seem to have an amazing insight into how wrong the report was he was given.
Care to point out all the things he wasn’t given?
I don’t believe that Lees-Galloway is this incompetent, he must be hating the character assassination he’s coping.
The dude was instructed to grant permanent residency, who told him to do it is the real story here, who’s he taking it up the chook for?
Will the media put aside their left-wing bias and properly investigate this story?
Probably not.
This is a sad regression. You’ve gone full foil hat there.
Do you believe Lees-Galloway is that incompetent, sloppy and cares so little about what he’s doing?
I don’t.
It never seems to have crossed your mind that Ministers are bound by NZ Law to make certain decisions? They may not even agree or like it, just ask Eugenie Sage.
So what law is Lees-Galloway bound by?
Ah good! You’re starting to use your brain.
Didn’t say a word about the report and only (!) responded to your comment @ 2.1.3.1.1 about the Minister’s job description and workload and his remuneration.
However, feel free to elaborate about the report, what’s in it and what’s not, what ILG read and what he didn’t read but should have. Even better, provide a link to the full report and I’ll take a few weeks off to read it – I’m a slow reader too – all unpaid and at no direct cost to the Taxpayer.
Do we have a deal?
Fair point
We don’t know all of what was or wasn’t in it.
We probably never will as this govt seems to be rather un-transparent when it comes to releasing information and reports.
I think if it was a bet I would go for the multiple experts working for him probably being in the right, and the one bloke who admitted he didn’t actually read the whole report and made the decision within an hour probably being in the wrong
Some people are good at it. ILG may well be one of them. David Lange’s ability to speed read was said to be brilliant.
I was being facetious, Anne. I can read & research a fair amount of info in a given time when not distracted or (too) tired. See also mac1’s comment @ 2.1.3.1.
I guessed that Incognito but thought it was a possibility re- ILG that no-one appears to have examined yet.
True and as usual there’s a lot
making up shitspeculation going on, from both ‘sides’, may I add.Well presumably he probably only read between the lines so it would have been even quicker
(If I get the job then I better not be reading too many files 😉 )
“like an intern trying to explain why he got the stationery order wrong.”
Fair call and did she also wonder aloud at how frothed-up, hysterical even, National and her “dags” (such as yourself, James 🙂 have got themselves over ordering the wrong stationery?
The only thing HDPA has ever nailed is the extraordinary privilege of getting a platform in the Herald. From that position she can inflict her ugly prose style and shabby thinking on the rest of us, if we are foolish enough not to ignore her.
Everything she writes looks like a steaming pile of lazy, disconnected snippets chucked onto the page with the only concern being that the cheque arrives afterwards.
Sqwark!
Kiwibuild to go “kiwibust”?
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/108471157/kiwibuild-at-threat-of-going-kiwibust-over-plummeting-popularity
Guess that’s why the are allowing people to flip homes and air b&b them.
Good game…
Echo
Echo
Can you guys work out your lines?
Houses are too expensive but the young people are going to sell them for mega dollars.
They are too small yet too big. They are too close to the cities but too far away.
And asking a developer and Judith Collins for comment …
Who are “you guys”. I speak for myself and own views.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
48 year old man from Coatsville who enjoyes BBQ/Rugby and gladiatorial sports, operates as an agitator on ‘left leaning’ blog site…
Claims to have ‘own opinions’…
Not even you believe that….james, is it ?
One two – I love how you try to use info I have shared and try to use it as an attack – you have done so on other post prev.
I’m all good with who I am.
Yeah, probably not:
Again why is Kiwibuild run like a lottery in stead of needs based applicants going to the top of the queue?
People who qualify for permanent residency also can apply, so no doubt people like the drug smuggler if he was a first home buyer and the sex offender to name a few can qualify once they are permanent residents. (Can only take 2 years to gain permanent residency according to NZ immigration site).
Also the 3 year timeframe is obviously an issue, would be better to have the house returned for the same amount they paid plus interest rather than allowing the sale or rent within 3 years.
There is better uses of new housing to help those renting with cheaper rents, who can then can save enough, to buy on the open market and the house stays helping NZer who need it more, not goes off into private hands for subsequent speculation.
Remember this is what was presented by labour for last year selection
https://www.labour.org.nz/kiwibuild
“KiwiBuild homes will only be sold to first home buyers. To avoid buyers reaping windfall gains, a condition of sale will require them to hand back any capital gain if sold on within 5 years.”
– I will refrain from making any commentary on election pledges ….
AND
https://www.labour.org.nz/housing
Tax property speculators who flick houses within five years
Labour will extend the bright line test from the current two years to five years. This will target speculators who buy houses with the aim of making a quick capital gain. Current exemptions from the bright line test will continue.
You do realise that it was Shamubeel Eaqub’s opinion @ 3.3, don’t you?
My comment was directed to the 3 year limit on sale – When Labour in their policy manifesto refers to 5 year stand down. If we cannot trust what Labour went to the polls over. Many here attached (IMO correctly) Nats for not keeping election promises. Now we see Labour being as “honest” in breaking their promises.- ” a condition of sale” so was this condition place on the initial 18 buyers ? If it wasn’t then the election pledge was just a Lie to get us to vote for labour ??
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/108157197/first-kiwibuild-families-welcomed-to-new-homes-by-prime-minister
Note the behaviour of Labour is fast merging to be indistinguishable to the last regime 🤬But some are blind to anyone pointing this out to them
Fair comment. Please note that I wasn’t commenting on KiwiBuild per se but on the unbalanced commenting on it here. Partisan debate is an oxymoron.
Squark!
Are you a greyish seagull, by any chance? Your squarks interest me.
I think my comment @ 5.3.2.2. might have something to do with it.
DNFTT
Just Another Mindless Empty Shill
Nice – I’d use shit at the end but shill is pretty good. 🙂
It’s tit for tat fun Ed. Don’t take it so seriously.
Must be difficult for parents with labour not being able to solve the disputes with teachers
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/108490625/primary-teachers-confirm-nationwide-strike-after-mediation-fails
Labour seem scared to annoy the unions
For some possibly but don’t underestimate the willing grandparents or similar who are happy to step up. Many of us do it across the year holidays etc and if in this instance, though there wil be those not fortunate to have that happy option, there are one or two others that need someone to superivise for the day I’m sure most will manage.
Last time many businesses allowed their staff to bring the kids in for the day.
Am lucky enough to work from home, makes things easier during times like this.
Guessing will have a few extra’s show up, but that’s nothing new, all the neighbourhood kids tend to show up here after 3pm on a week day anyways.
In a smaller community everyone just helps out and gets on with it.
James, lead us through the logic which takes right wing anti-Labour, anti-union commentators from a position where Labour is in the pocket of the unions and is afraid to annoy them to one where Labour won’t do their bidding and cave into them.
Hey James
I am not the most left wing guy myself, but I think it is a bit lame to come onto a left wing blog and saturate the open mike with anti left posts. You and PR have two thirds of the comments on here. ..
A.
I blame rugby tests starting at 0400hrs
Sorry if you prefer an echo chamber.
Beautiful day out there James, what are you up to ?
I’m taking the kids up the valley to the farm/commune later on, hut building and horse riding on the agenda.
He didn’t get invited to the BBQ – neither did Simon.
Up for the rugby, bbq breakfast with friends.
Probably go out for dinner.
Fake james
It is sad that he keeps bragging about all his friends, yet spends all day trolling on a left wing site.
It’s because I like coming on here and reading your post. I find them (and you) amusing.
Nice, we had a primo day up the farm. Weather was stunning.
Finished it up with homemade pizza’s and a delicious chocolate cake.
We feel sorry for parrots that accidentally stray in our ‘echo chamber’ and can’t find their way out. We usually feed them sound soundbites to sustain them through their ordeal and let them find their way. Some keep flying into the walls despite being well lit and signposted; it is so sad and it breaks our hearts, but shit happens and we don’t want to take away their freedom or personal choice and responsibility. As BM was saying here yesterday “[t]he stong will adapt and survive, the weak will perish.” [sic]
Classic Incognito! Nearly spilled my beer. No BBQ though and what’s rugby?
The polls are appalling so the nats have to get their messaging out. I wonder if James is paid extra to work on Sundays.
Don’t be a knob no one gets paid to comment on here
A.
How can you say that so categorically?
G.
How naive.
Oh, come on, be realistic. No one on the right cares enough about the Standard to spend money undermining it. The right wing commenters here are just misfits who get amusement out of winding you guys up. Really.
A.
You obviously have no idea how these things work, which actually is a plus. TS is free platform that’s read by many so the temptation is strong to (mis)use it. The best scams, the best manipulations are the ones that go unnoticed, like subliminal messages. Those messages are not in the exact words that are written but in the framing, the emotive connections they make.
I..
James your getting like Simon now, barking at every car this morning…..we have yet to see how KiwiBuild will unfold, although I see the reserve bank are saying that in the main KiwiBuild will be additional houses, not just houses that would have been built anyway. Besides, I didn’t think you would mind people turning a profit from housing……….that’s what national allowed
James I think most parents will be thrilled about the 600 extra seniors labour has just announced. Also last survey I read was that the public supported the nurses and teachers striking
Have to say the unions are fucking me of . For 9 years the aged and scraped to the nats and now they are doing their best th o put them back in power.
Yeah they had a boot on their neck and you blame them for not being able to get up.
It’s a mystery what people expect, including the employers complaining the “lack” of “experienced” staff – did it never occur to them to train them thenselves.
The only way to “fix” all this it seems is for someone to step up with a big, fat magic wand.
Isn’t that when you fight the hardest?
All those people that are supposedly in labours territory (the low income workers on shitty contracts) will pay the price for the teacher strikes . Not the wealthy middle and upper classes who have stay at home parents and on tape day care.
Nah pay them and everything is sorted. Sure as hell everyone moans when the kids don’t get educated.
You’re living in cloud cuckoo land if you think unions weren’t fighting their hardest during the gnat years.
The last offer was huge!!
Yeah they’re only teaching our precious children. They should pay us for the priviledge.
Its not even catchup from the last 9 years, and aspects of this do not come into effect until 2020. And if the NZEI don’t standup now it will be another 3 years, until the next opportunity rolls around.
Full time teaching on $59k pa and 10years service is not raking it in
It’s not just the pay – it’s the screwarounds.
The financial insecurity and stress caused by stupidities like Novopay probably caused hundreds to leave the profession.
I try to be sympathetic . But my kids school took Friday as a teachers only day on the first week back this term . It’s not the first time they’ve done that . Taking the piss a bit I reckon
Well. You had best talk to the education department about the compliance and paperwork load on teachers. most of it to give office staff something to do, rather than helping education.
NZ Human Rights is shockingly “not legally bound to recognise legally any ‘human rights’ of any person who applies for anything”, we found out last week from an immigration Lawyer!!!!!!!.
My Son as a born NZ citizen was refused hisn human right to put in an application with the NZ Immigration department a few weeks ago.
My Son advised me that two days ago asked for a review to have his application to allow his Germen Fiancee come from Germany for a short work visa while they await a permanent resident and get married but was told Immigration ‘does not recognise or is controlled by any ‘human rights provisions’
My son then approached a legal consultant, ; – quote “An Immigration lawyer stated the NZ Human Rights do not apply to NZ Immigration”.
So they confirmed they cannot intervene or consider even my son’s case to have his fiancee come in with a ‘temporary work visa’.
Labour has a screwed up case with the drug dealer, Sroubek case but to refuse entry for a short term work visa for a member of a german born woman is also very suspect when he is still here after years?
You cannot quote drug dealer, Sroubek should be given “human rights” when my son’s fiancee a legally bonafide citizen of Germany is not given “Human rights” to come here to get married and get a short term work visa!!!!! – where is the logic in that?
If the German isn’t allowed here under the current rules – then they are doing their job. Sounds like she doesn’t meet the requirements for a short term work visa.
Just because you son likes her it’s not his human right to have here here.
That’s just a bullshit cry from someone who doesn’t want to follow the law.
Someone give Polly a cracker, please!
Cleangreen, maybe if she is a drug smuggler ‘at risk of her life’ and been in prison for years and happy to give real or false information to somebody, she might have more ‘human rights’ in NZ.
The take home for migrants is that criminal activity is ok here and helps you, fake all the info on your immigration application because once here it does not matter if you lied, while having any sort of honesty or ethics of getting into NZ will generally stop you coming here.
+1
And they’re not the ONLY reasons for that ‘take home’.
And @btw Cleangreen, how long did it take to process that little gem, and how much did it cost in fees? And do we know how long it took them to consider the file?
As @ James puts it …. “sounds like” the rules, and many of the processes might be a bit silly and overdue for review.
“The take home for migrants is that criminal activity is ok here and helps you, fake all the info on your immigration application because once here it does not matter if you lied, while having any sort of honesty or ethics of getting into NZ will generally stop you coming here.”
Not true – not even close to true.
What’s truth got to do with it, got to do with it
What’s truth but a second hand opinion
Agree with you also @ Marty – the key being the bit about “once here”. And of course SaveNZ is making comparisons using a completely different set of circumstances.
There are countless examples of dishonest and unethical behaviour among migrants ( usually aided and abetted by citizens, new citizens or PRs, and not just by people on the non-racist spreadsheet).
@Marty Mars, looking at the headlines it certainly looks like NZ seems to be attracting criminal and scam migrants with our immigration policies, but of course we can just bury out heads in the sand, and wonder why educated people can’t migrate or stay in NZ but scams and illegal activity involving migrants is spiralling out of control..
We even have a Natz MP who lied on his immigration and guess what, still here and no inquiry!
Peter Thiel apparently promised the world on his application, but apart from buying a house here and making a killing on Xero on a taxpayer funded mates for cash deal. not everything that was promised in his application has come to pass but he still gets to keep citizenship here.
Then there is the blossoming fake work, education and marriage scams…
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11842563
Immigration NZ fields more tip offs about scams than it can manage
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/108136698/Immigration-NZ-fields-more-tip-offs-about-scams-than-it-can-manage
Student visa scam – It’s the tip of the iceberg
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11762347
EX-IMMIGRATION LAWYER CHARGED FOR FRAUD
http://www.theglobalindian.co.nz/richard-james-martin-nz-immigration-lawyer/
Teen sold 1000 times as a sex slave in sickening Auckland case
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/teen-sold-1000-times-as-a-sex-slave-in-sickening-auckland-case/news-story/d5c452bf26dbfa994dfb4c6096b3f5f2
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/365583/punjabi-singer-gets-home-detention-for-drivers-licences-bribes
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12077932
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11905478
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/339909/auckland-cafe-fined-for-migrant-worker-exploitation
This is just a search of a few minutes, weird how people think that this sort of behaviour is normal if apparently we are attracting people of ‘good character’ here – sounds like the opposite to me and not only that making money for people who live here who are also not of good character and happy to exploit for a $$$$.
Can find the links of hand but apparently immigration know that much of the financial data used to support visa applications is just fake loans but again nothing is done when people who have zero income are coming to NZ on educational and work visas but can’t support themselves.
You’re doing this.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_bias
They have done the crime, so pretending it doesn’t exist is not helping. Not only that, practically every article claims (from migrants themselves) it is the tip of the iceberg. The migrants seem to be begging the government to intervene but I think the ones who are doing the scams seem to have the voice of government because apparently they are known donors to politicians and are saying we need the cheap labour and consumerism.
@Cleangreen
Cleangreen if you son beats his partner she can come here with special visas..
http://communitylaw.org.nz/community-law-manual/chapter-28-immigration/family-violence-and-vulnerable-migrants/
Apparently if you ‘meet’ an abusive Kiwi or kiwi residency holder you can then use that abuse to get your own visa here… since apparently 1 in 4 people in NZ apparently suffer from some sort of violent abuse in NZ, the world is the oyster to capitalise on this and let the domestic abusers make a bit of money on the side!
You’re fucken losing it – What a ghastly thing to even think, let alone write. You’ve let yourself down badly.
It sounds stressful cleangreen – I hope it is sorted soon and she can get here and the wedding (YAY) can occur soon.
+1 Well said Marty.
a legally bonafide citizen of Germany
What difference should it make that she is German?
None.
It’s just cleangreens inflated sense of entitlement.
Says expert level rooster.
Lol James do you want another butter crate to stand on.
I wonder if cleangreen would have made comment if she was a citizen of a “less white” country.
Are this girls human rights (to come to NZ when Not fulfilling the immigration requirements) any less than other countries?
“I wonder if cleangreen would have made comment if she was a citizen of a “less white” country.”
Now we know you REALLY ARE getting desperate, because it just so happens that criteria coincides with what was dreamed up in that non-racist demographic profiling spreadsheet.
………. sounds like
………. I wonder
………. perhaps
………. maybe
………. possibly she could try maybe the UK, or the US, or Australia first and get a passport, then reapply. Or maybe she could get together $million and come in as an entrepreneur making all sorts of promises ………. maybe …….perhaps
James you are insulting our family now.
My son sam was on the National TV network Newhub two weeks ago and was straight up about his issue about his job, and his fiancee and his shock that his fiancee and i will not lower our level of self respect responding to your crassness you are simply a troll.
Son got hundreds of positive support for his case on his social blog site you are to be ignored.
I think it is the bonafide part that cleangreen is underlining, and of course
Germany is a nation that we have no quarrels with. Why wouldn’t this woman have the right to come here on a short-term visa? Immigration needs to be transparent. I’m thinking that these so-called government agencies march to their own drum; while governments come and go, the pollies need to be able to get some traction.
Why wouldn’t she be allowed to come here?
Simple – she dosnt meet the criteria
It’s not a human rights issue.
Squark!!
I still don’t get it. Would it be different if she was a bona fide Indian citizen? How many applicants for visas would be not be of the nationality they claim to be?
Thanks greyshark, I have met Jasmine my about to be daughter in law and she has a high list of university qualifications and would be a benefit to NZ and is currently employed in a German government agency and simply wants to come here to reside as she plans to get married to my son who is working overtime as a master electrician wiring NZ housing properties and his company went to the national MP for TukiKi (HB) asking him to help keep him here as he was born in Napier in 1986.
The german woman (Jasmine) needs to be ‘productive’ as she has principals! – as she would not want to ‘live on the dole here or anywhere’ , so he now will now be forced to leave NZ for Germany on 8th december to live with jasmine until she is allowed a residency and immigration have told my son that they cannot say for certain then when she would be allowed in then.
So we loose a highly sought skilled electrician and what are we going to get to replace him?
(Head shakes in bewilderment)!!!!
cleangreen
My head goes round too! Just ridiculous. As I say there has to be transparency in immigration, and I think some culling of staff. I wonder how the administration-civil servant system can be better organised? In the USA each administration employs their own new people I think. That seems unwise, and we had the tradition of apolitical, experienced public servants serving the public,
and working for and with each political party as their term came.
But immigration has been doing dodgy things over the decades. Everyone who wants to come can’t, but some who seem to offer much get sent away or have a hard time getting in. Perhaps the woman is over-educated for us, we are settling into being a nation of serfs run by an elite from overseas.
How much money can she raise and bank here? Apparently it doesn’t have to stay here for long? It’s the look of things that count here, not the substance.
From what i can understand the issues is not whether or not she can come here but rather if she can work from the very first day and before she is married to cleangreen’s son. Somehow cleangreen seems to think this violates the woman’s human rights.
Personally I’m all for people born in Germany coming to NZ if they have the skills and good character, no matter what ethnicity and actually not all germans are ‘white’ for those woke lefties/far righties. People from Germany would be good to attract because they have a decent education system, free health care and free university over there and reciprocal super as well (I think). It is also a liberal and democratic country that has one of the strongest economies in the world in particular for manufacturing while also having decent labour laws.
It is also a democratic country where it’s citizens have certain expectations of it’s government. Someone was telling me that even if you are in the trades as a carpet layer then you must guarantee your workmanship for 10 years. Industry train tradies over there and if you do a bad job and don’t fix it, they send you to jail as the expectation is quality over there for construction.
Tenants are expected to return their properties back to the original state and jobs over there are permanent in most cases. German workers are not going to be made redundant at the drop of a hat so therefore can put down roots and that is their expectation (rather than gig economy). .
They are also often very green conscious and have good civic codes.
I’m sure like all countries there are plenty of criminals over there, but you have a better chance there of someone benefiting NZ and not turning to crime from there, than where it is going now in NZ aka down the toilet with fake workers, fake educational degrees, very low level of skills like fruit picking and petrol attending and fast food work and relationships based on benefits. As well as Drug smugglers and child molesters getting residency approval from MP’s.
Speaking of relationships based on benefits and the benefactors…
Confessions of a sugar baby: The NZ women who accept gifts for dates
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=12153389
“Originally from northern China, Vivian — not her real name — meets her sugar daddies on various websites including English-language sites like The SugarBook and SeekingArrangement, as well as Hong Kong-based sites.
“Overall, I think I have entered into relationship arrangements about eight times … it is like being in an open relationship,” Vivian says.
The youngest of her three sugar daddies is a 40-year-old businessman from Hong Kong. The oldest is a retired 66-year-old grandfather from Malaysia. The third man is from Taiwan.
She says they are aware of each other’s existence and all have families back home but she’s not sure if they are all still married — they ask her more questions than she asks them.”
“When I first came to New Zealand, I was envious of all the branded goods that my other international student friends had,” she says.
“I tried looking for part-time work and even worked in a massage parlour, but I was earning nowhere near the money I needed to buy all the things that my friends had.”
The sugar daddies she met have also lavished her with gifts, including a Xiaomi Mi 8 mobile phone and a MacBook Pro.
Vivian is one of many young women in New Zealand shunning traditional student jobs and the minimum wage to pair up with men who can buy them what they need.
“Lifestyle choices and payment of university fees in an era of heightened competition in tandem with diminishing financial scholarships often catapult students into the outstretched arms of sugared relationship,” says Edwina Pio, Auckland University of Technology professor of diversity.”
Lucky she can afford the rents in Auckland…
“She lives alone in a posh two-bedroom apartment on Lorne St in central Auckland. She has no idea how much her rent is because its paid for before she gets bill.
While many of her mates at university work part time on minimum wage, Vivian gets thousands of dollars transferred into her bank account every month which help her pay her school fees.”
Keep building those apartments Kiwibuild with taxpayer land, sounds like you are going to need them! sarcasm.
That is a fairly common thing.
My kiwi husband and i lived and got married in Germany to avoid that precise scenario. It helped that he liked Germany enough to live there, and as my husband he was immediatly ‘tolerated’ i.e. had a permit to stay and work in the country, and he was put on my medical insurance. So essentially he was covered for all eventualities.
The same happened when we moved to Holland once i got a job there. No issues.
I would suggest to maybe trying it the other way around.
NZ has an issue with so called ‘white weddings’ marriages of convenience, and is quite happy to not allow fiances or girlfriends/boyfriends in on visas. Happened to my brother in law a few years ago. They overcame the issue exactly the same way. He moved to her country and they got married there, lived there for a few years and then he moved with her back to NZ.
It is fairly easy to get married in Germany, i might add.
Valuable information, CG…thank you for sharing
Some questions:
* What is ‘NZ’
* What is ‘Immigration NZ’
* What are ‘Human Rights’
* Who are ‘NZ’ and Immigration NZ’ et al bound by and controlled by ?
* What are ‘NZ’ and Immigration NZ’
Go read the relevant immigration acts: all the terms are defined for you in black and white, at the beginning of each act.
Legalese doesn’t come in either black or white, Ad
It will all be legalese to you since you don’t even have the capacity to comprehend the definition sections.
Whereas CleanGreen will get there with the right advice.
No capacity you say, Ad..
Legalese…seems you’re not familiar with the actual meaning of the word…or it’s historical deception…
But then you’ve also described war remembrance ceremonies as ‘beautiful’…
The consultant your son choose is wrong: BORA applies to our immigration acts.
Get a new consultant.
Thanks AD,
I will advise Sam. – that is helpful.
I am relaying what he told me his “Immigration consultant” told him when he enquired.
My Son originally went to Germany in 2005 as a qualified Chef and took an apprenticeship to become an Electrician as they German Government has a good apprenticeship system so he took it on and after 7yrs after being a chief he came home 10 yrs later in 2015 and had to spend 18 months completing his NZ qualifications to become a master electrician so at a cost of $5000 to become kiwi legal and as a german speaking kiwi he was well placed to return anywhere in the world.
Sadly we are now all the poorer for loosing this skill and young talent due to shortsighted NZ Immigration officials sadly.
My question now is;
” what is the NZ taxpayer forced to pay to upskill another overseas person to cover another “master electrician” as my Son has become?
As for his fiancee Jasmine, she is english speaking reasonably fluent and with a very pleasant manner and holds a German University qualification in business management. She currently works in a German Government employment agency. She is 31 yrs old and to old for a student work permit by one year.
Sams press statement was how come the Czech drug criminal is allowed to remain and was working but Jasmine was not allowed even to apply for a short term work permit?
Sam was told by four different NZ Immigration folks; Quote’ “do not waste your time as we will not read the application” unquote.
Hands now shaking.!!!!!!
That really sucks CleanGreen and fair enough for being angry.
Look on the bright side: you now have a holiday base in Europe. Within 4 months not even the British will have that 🙂
The representative wasn’t exactly accurate – the Human Rights Act applies, but section 392 of the Immigration Act prevents complaints from being made and prevents the Human Rights Commission from bringing proceedings.
(NZ)BORA is usually the acronym for the NZ Bill of Rights Act, which is a different law, and does apply to immigration cases, but that’s not so applicable here.
Did your son apply for her visa under the ‘de facto relationship”?
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/tools-and-information/support-family/partnership
i never used an immigration lawyer/service, just went there with my hubby and filled the paperwork out.
We still had to provide proof of partnership, so I brought rental contracts, electricity bills, photos, post cards from him to me and versa, and all sorts of other things. I had a letter of support from my In laws etc. Did get a 6 month work visa initially, which would leave one with enough time to file for a residence permit.
Something seems amiss in your story and the idea that ‘they don’t read’ the application is just wrong. That comment alone would have me send an official letter of complaint to my MP. They may not approve the application, but they sure have to read it.
Something does not make sense at all.
What human right?
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12157375
‘That nest egg, likely worth millions more, comes from a uniquely generous super scheme that sees judges, including Elias, able to contribute up to five per cent of their salaries to a superannuation fund that is then topped up by $7.50 for each dollar they contribute.’
Thats not a bad wicket to be on
Just shows how coruptable these people are if it takes such huge amounts to keep them on the straight and narrow. It’s not as if they are rewarded for competence after reading the story of the young fellow convicted of rape in yesterday’s Herald.
Wrong. It is for a number of reasons
1) Paying more to ensure Judges cannot get backhanders like in other corruptible societies such as the USA
2) Judges have to retire at 70, and usually have at least 20 years or more in them
3) very rare for a former judge to go back to practice (lawyers have no mandatory retirement age) and as most people would live in the lifestyle of their present income, not unusual to expect a former judge to want to continue that lifestyle
4) knowledge that they won’t have to rub two pieces of cloth together after their mandatory expulsion from the bench means that judges don’t have to look for dubious means to fund their post bench lifestyle
If this is the price to pay to have a funtional and near incorruptible bench, then I’m for it
Straight and narrow you reckon, Bruce….
3.3m – That’s a ‘significant’ number to ‘report’ on….
Agreed not a bad wicked – until you consider the alternatives.
Why would someone want to be a glorified public servant when they would be earning a helluva lot more as a partner in a major law firm?
What exactly would attract someone qualified, experienced, and renowned enough to go for judgeship? And what would then attract them to stay?
And how much remuneration would ensure that absolutely none of them would have their judgement swayed by fat inducements?
Something like the kind of remuneration and reward measures you outline ensures that New Zealand remains in the top 1, 2, or 3 least corrupt countries on earth.
Well to me its a bit like why a lot of people become ministers, the power. How many of Nationals MPs could be earning a lot more outside of parliament, quite a few I’d imagine but theres no where else you’ll have even close to the same amount of power, the ability to change things, to make things happen.
Next reason would that I’d guess it’d be pretty easy to get seduced by the whole deference thing, yeah you can make more as a lawyer but as a judge you pass judgement so you get everyone being nice to you, everyone wants your opinion etc etc
The perks of power are not inconsiderable
The power of judges is necessary in a civil society. You’re not making an useful point.
There’s no “seduction” there, but top work on the ignorant slur. In reality it’s a shit job in which very tight constraints give you few options, dealing every day with the very very worst in society.
The pay and conditions are just as necessary.
Welcome to law and order.
Why is it the leader of the opposition seems in capable of functioning with out a side-kick or bag man? The visage reported on by Trevett in yesterday’s Herlad of Bennett, Bridges and Mitchell sniggering away in a darkened room raises questions to how long the rest of the National Party MPs will put up with these secret trysts and seedy plans. Mitchell looks to have stepped in the role of the out of favour Ross as the got to person for dirty deals done cheap.
“Bennett, Bridges and Mitchell sniggering away in a darkened room”
Was there a cigar?
The initial image was enough and not one anyone would want to linger long enough to image that.
Caesar couldn’t have been stabbed in the rotunda if he had had a reliable bag-man at his back. Bridges might feel the need of one, but better keep him in front.
I thought Caesar was stabbed in…the back.
They later found some popcorn behind a curtain and they tried to follow the trail that led to the toilets but all they could find there was a loaded Glock and a cell phone. They have taken the Glock to forensics, after asking JC whether it was hers, and the phone is with Lost Property.
Funny. The rotunda line is from Rinse the Blood Off my Toga.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKMBTUkJF3g
Well Mitchell should know judging from how he got into parliament into the first place via Slater aka dirty politics against their own Natz candidates.
“Why is it the leader of the opposition seems in capable of functioning with out a side-kick or bag man? ”
I think you’ll find when the real leader of the opposition steps up there’ll be no need for a side kick or bag man…unless its a body bag man!
Awwww yeah!
Whose bodies? Come on really? Bridges was a big mistake whether temporary or otherwise why not cut straight to who ever the “real leader” should be, the mistake prior to that was letting Bridges ego run rampant and getting rid of English. Even Bridges might have stood a better chance had he not been so rash.
There are questions still be asked and the major effort of the National Party to divert attention makes it seem to me they are large questions.
Like: Why was the other MP in the tryst not taken to task re behaviour of a “married person”, what happened to the compaints of “bullying/harassment” to staff, and what really happened re the donations? Is the person being recruited for one of the MPs an aide or a minder? What sort of MP is derided by their leader just sucks it up and lets them take away her phone while they put damage control in place?
Hi, Rapunzel
Have you read through this post that addresses some of the questions you ask?
https://yournz.org/2018/11/10/the-non-naming-of-the-national-mp-raises-media-issues/
Well I have now and obviously to varying degrees there are complications, it is not about naming names as such – though most people have worked it out in regard to the MP, the other face-less allegations do exist and that is according to opposition leadership. Maybe it’s just me but there seems to be double standards at play from the National Party as to which incidents they want to address and which they simply hope will go away. I find them as a political party who want to be re-elected as a government less than genuine in NZ and NZers being their sole focus and priority especially that all the attention they have attracted for the pastseems to be about their re-election and very little else.
It was a silly throw away comment based on the idea that Judith Collins is/will the strong leader National and NZ needs and will lay waste to /labour/Greens/NZfirst and by laying waste I mean the vote and by that I mean National will win under Judith Collins who should have been made leader of National in the first place
Hi Pucky; you’re back, I see. Might I suggest, as a long time co-respondent of yours, that you wind it back a little? Your “body bag” comment is deeply unpleasant and if you plan to keep presenting your heroine as a killer, I imagine others here will express a view like this also.
Well I was being metaphorical, I don’t endorse the killing of anyones political opponents…their careers on the other hand are a different story
Also this seems somehow appropriate, not sure why
Pucky can’t wait to get back in “boots and all” to kick you clowns around on TS ?
You’re gleeful at the prospect of Judith Collins “killing off ” the careers of her political opponents? Why would the thought of destroying someone’s career thrill you?
By definition anything Jude does is thrilling and if she deems it necessary then its for the good of the country
Sorry, did you mean “country club”?
Country club members are people to
Or the oravida club
By definition anything Jacinda does is thrilling and if she deems it necessary then its for the good of the country.
Fify.
We could agree to disagree but thats not likely to happen anytime soon 🙂
Pucky, I always admire your unwavering devotion to your judith…. But…. I hate to break it to you my friend, she will never ever be PM.
You wash your lying mouth out with soap you lying liar you!
she gonna paint some fake art on it and call it swamp kauri?
Rapunzel (8) … Bridges, Bennett and the mercenary Mitchell sniggering away in a darkened room … conjures up hideous images of a ménage à trois at play.
Should Kiwibuild not achieve the demand to satisfy the supply (and we have 99,972 left to hit the 100,000 target) – perhaps a failure may help to temporary contribute to a drop in house prices. Then perhaps our govt will then realise its not about helping some fortunates into house ownership, BUT to house the many.
Build state houses, and halt the sale of state assets, i.e. the land.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/108471157/kiwibuild-at-threat-of-going-kiwibust-over-plummeting-popularity
“A spokesman for Kiwibuild said while 338 people had completed the ballot process, a further 6648 applicants had begun the pre-qualification process.”
Also does anyone know if HNZ has had its requirement to pay a dividend to the govt stopped yet, and instead use the “surplus/profit” to reinvest back into maintaining their stock ?
Yes, the dividend has been stopped.
One good thing then 😉
Are y’all bored quibbling over f*** all? Sorry, I meant immigration. Isn’t that Trumps favorite subject?
Fuck Trump. Bring back The Trompe.
It’s free unlimited energy.
11:20 – 35:00 plus.
Another truck kills a motorist yesterday on our single lane rural windy roads sadly it is getting out of control as a ‘killing field’ road system.
http://gisborneherald.co.nz/localnews/3763572-135/woman-dies-in-crash-with-logging
Our NGO letter sent today after yet another persons dies under a logging truck so we are supporting upgrading rail for freight to rid trucks from our single lane roads because they are a danger now far worse than ever before due to the number using our roads now.
Protecting our environment & health.
In association with other Community Groups, and all Government Agencies since 2001.
• Health and wellbeing.
• East Coast Transport Project.
TO;
Hon Phil Twyford – Minister of Transport.
Hon’ Jacinda Ardern PM.
Hon Winston Peters. Deputy PM.
Hon’ Shane Jones. Minister of Regional Development.
Hon’ Grant Robertson. Minister of Finance.
Hon’ Stuart Nash. MP For Napier Wairoa/ Matawai regions.
Hon’ Megan Woods. Minister of Energy.
URGENT PRESS RELEASE; – ACTION NEEDED HERE BY – Transport Minister Twyford.
11th November 2018.
Dear Ministers, Local civic authorities & rail stakeholders,
We have written to you all multiple times since becoming our new Government requesting to restore our railway to Gisborne that was damaged after a storm in March 2012; – and caused by a lack of rail funding maintenance in 2011 on after funding was cut by Minister of transport Steven Joyce; – http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1302/S00183/kiwirail-admits-lack-of-maintenance-led-to-wash-out.htm
Sadly yet again we are reminded of what Julius Vogel planned for us all when he commissioned a NZ Government Surveyors map of routes where to complete the Napier railway from Wellington to carry on around the east Coast to Opotiki and Tauranga to Auckland in 1880.
We have a Government copy of that 1880 surveyors map from the NZ Government surveyors office, and can be obtained from us by request by email to me ; —————– (omitted.)
It is now time that we continue this long overdue plan for all our common interests of our common wealth, health, safety, security and wellbeing while lowering climate change emissions and saving of our environment.
Review this report (below) in the Gisborne Herald to make you aware that road freight is not the answer here; – nor should it be used exclusively in our future.
Yours truly;———
http://gisborneherald.co.nz/localnews/3763572-135/woman-dies-in-crash-with-logging
gisborneherald.co.nz
Woman dies in crash with logging truck on State Highway 35 near Tatapouri
by Murray RobertsonPublished: November 10, 2018 11:55AM
State Highway 35 closed
HIGHWAY CLOSED: SH35 was closed this morning after a fatal crash on the Tatapouri side of Makorori Hill that involved a loaded log truck and car. Police closed the highway here near the Makorori settlement turn-off and further north at Turihaua.
A WOMAN died this morning when the car she was driving came into collision with a loaded logging truck on the Tatapouri side of Makorori Hill.
Emergency services were called to the crash scene at 8.28am.
The crash happened on the bend in the highway near the Tatapouri boat ramp.
The woman was pronounced deceased at the scene.
No other details on the crash were available this morning.
Fire and Emergency NZ sent three appliances and St John Ambulance responded, along with police.
A St John ambulance spokesman said the driver of the truck was not injured.
Police closed the coast highway at the crash location
Police immediately started a serious crash investigation and closed the coast highway at that location.
The car the woman was in, and the truck, remained at the crash scene for some time as part of that inquiry.
At the time The Herald went to print, police were unable to give an indication of how much longer that closure would stay in place.
“The road is closed and motorists are asked to please avoid the area,” police said.
Considerable traffic build-up occurred on both sides of the crash site.
The closure is from Sirrah Street at Okitu north to Turihaua
The highway closure was put in place at Sirrah Street at Okitu and at Turihaua to the north.
It is the third fatal crash involving a truck on that section of the East Coast Highway this year.
A 19-year-old man died in a crash that involved a loaded log truck and a car on SH35 on Makorori headland in mid-June.
A 34-year-old man died when his stationwagon collided with a loaded log truck on the Makorori side of Makorori headland in late September.
Police have not yet released further details on this morning’s trage
End,
I now ask “How much is enough road killing before we consider rail again as we had before”?
Who’s that creep standing to the left of Winston Peters?
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6374969/Prince-Harry-lays-poppy-wreath-Twickenham-field-ahead-England-v-New-Zealand.html
https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-08082015/#comment-1056489
Why are trolls not at least spelled for periods instead of being allowed to dominate the discourse daily? Perhaps they could be circulated so there could be some variety. Or do the mods think that the commenters need stimulating –
Itchy and Scratchy?
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOrn6Q_zBfg
Could you name and shame those trolls, Mr Shark?
(Dodging for cover in fear of being named and shamed.)
You usually have something to say Morrissey, which is often illuminating!
And they’re off…
Well said. I agree with the article – thanks Kylie Klein Nixon
https://i.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/film/108398855/a-star-is-born-im-glad-its-getting-a-censors-warning
Trump tweets on the Californian forest fires.
“There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires in California except that forest management is so poor. Billions of dollars are given each year, with so many lives lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests. Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!”
Not climate change then.
With a US President who thinks like this, we aren’t going to deal with this crisis.
https://www.vox.com/2018/9/1/17800358/california-mendocino-wildfire-dead-trees
Not that I’m heading into climate change denial…but there is a serious issue with Forest Management as a result of budget cuts.
and yeah, its a vox link, but i’m feeling Sunday slack…
Grand Marshall Bonespur is a POS.
– Frank Hurley Sept. 17, 1917
Donald Trump‘s visit to a First World War cemetery was called off by the White House because of poor weather.
The US leader was set to visit the Aisne-Marne American cemetery in the French village of Belleau – the site of a 1918 battle in which the Americans and French repelled German forces. More than 1,800 Americans died there
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-paris-latest-cancels-memorial-visit-us-military-cemetery-remembrance-world-war-one-a8627571.html
If you missed this yesterday.
This excellent advert.has been banned in the UK.
Please share this far and wide.
ICYMI, it’s a Green Peace animation, and part of a political campaign to end clear felling of rain forest habitats.
But rather than embrace the campaign and promulgate it’s message, you persist with your oh noes, it’s banned!, schtick.
https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/what-we-do/forests/rang-tan/.
I did.
I promoted it.
And asked people to share it.
Can you read?
No, in two posts you’ve said zip about the near decade long Green Peace campaign; choosing instead to witter on about how those beastly people banned an ad.
Ok, you can’t read.
I know you troll all my posts because I challenge your point of view on the glorious Ukrainian revolution, but this is getting ridiculous.
You said the fucking ad was banned because you know, truth. But it wasn’t banned because of it’s truth, but because the imagery was part of a near decade long political campaign.
I sense you are quite a violent person.
You need to use reason , not aggression.
Ok everybody this is starting to get a bit heated so I propose we all have a:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22Wa20gWee4
Hugs not drugs 🙂
Yes peaceful behaviour is the best .
Towards Yemen, Iran, Russia, Venezuela…..
Lest we forget.
Yes, Joe28 needs to take a step back and stop the immature and odious commentary.
I was hoping this post would have prompted a chat about palm oil.
And ethical consumption.
Palm oil is very good for you. Highly recommend.
Here is some reading on some of its many health benefits:
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/palm-oil.html
Thank you Ed.
I sense that you’re po-faced malcontent who can’t reason his way out of a paper bag.
And your dissembling responses to any dissenting voices marks you as being worthy of contempt.
Knee-Jerk; self-defeating and painful to read, akin to James’ four feeble ‘squawks’ (he’s no canary).
@ James
https://www.organicfacts.net/milk-bath.html
Well worth watching
Jimmy Dore.
Another excellent show.
Oh dear…
https://twitter.com/HuffPost/status/887779088445734912
The end is nigh, for pale, stale and male….
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DrlwHy-WkAAVvTb.jpg
Priceless.
Rocket lab launch window opening at 4.50pm today.
“It’s Business Time”
And they’re off..
The Standard’s standards slip considerably every time editors choose to engage in the obvious leftie-baiting; rather than do their jobs and remove these ‘non-contributors to discussion.’
Makes it a very unattractive place to visit, a labor rather than pleasure to read. I’ve learned nothing here today except how easily y’all are trolled. Me too, just not today…
I think we can all do better – Jim Jefferies.
Read these and tell me Lees-Galloway isn’t on the receiving end of a hospital pass from the previous regime.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12047471
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11124329
Ok Lees Galloway isn’t on the eceiving end of a hospital pass from the previous regime.
Exackerly, Joe90. ILG was given just enough info to make him lean toward mercy, not enough to say taihoa. Woodhouse, of course, was both Immigration Minister and Police Minister. I don’t know what he knew, or when he knew it, but I think we should be told.
Taxis in Auckland.
After booking a cheap taxi for a trip to the airport that did not turn up,I thought I would try a well known ‘brand’ in what is supposedly a very competitive industry.
Rang 4 companies that put me on muzack for minutes before getting to talk to an operator.
Asked what I thought were basic questions..like what would happen if the taxi did not turn up and I missed my international flight..stumped the panel..
one company said they had a team that ‘looked’ into these situations..how comforting.
Looks like a good business opportunity..=customer service.
Any posters have any recommendations?
Buses mate.
Uber.
It’s fantastic. Use it all the time.
He’s one deeply stupid fucker.
WTF, the moron has now truly lost his marbles, if there was some before. F**king unbelievable.
Fifty years of oppression and the clown wants them to be nice.
He’s a lowlife.
“The White House announced that Trump and first lady Melania Trump had scuttled plans, due to bad weather, for their first stop in a series of weekend remembrance activities – a visit to the solemn Aisne Marne American Cemetery, marking the ferocious Battle of Belleau Wood.”
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=12158245
The excuses won’t wash.
There has been a lot of things about Trump that share a vibe with key.
Stare at the camera and lie.
Grossly misrepresent what occurs at a meeting (pike river families).
Speaking nonsense sentences.
Failing to honour military deaths.
Knowing what ‘most Americans/New Zealanders’ want…
Also in commonn both their political opponents can’t land a bit on them regardless of the evidence.
Deplorables in action.
(scroll down for their doxxing)
https://twitter.com/ARAEveryDay/status/1061034634190962689
Kia ora The Am Show the War never stopped they have been battling proxy WAR’S in other country’s and made a big MESS around the world.
Peter Beck Ka pai for you and your team’s launch of the cargo into space the next generation is looking outside the squarebox the old generation try to keep us IN .
Its sad that Jonno & Ben are leaving our screen’s good luck on finding a new job boys.
What did trump say about the fire in California he blamed the people when anyone can see that was Papatuanuku mother nature event.
The Rainbow community can see through to the true color’s of the police and the %00.1 can see / know what they are up to .They are always in the know. I know most of the police have a phobia of the Rainbow community .
This is how they treat a people instead of being Courteous It look’s like they started harassing this person with the Eagle helicopter instead of showing couresty link below.https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/east-bays-courier/105072577/local-board-member-cops-criticism-over-eagle-helicopter-complaint
The neo liberals who have captured the teacher’s union wairua and is using it as a tool to use as a weapon against the new Coalition government.
The neo liberals are big greedy cheats look at the way they have behaved here and over sea’s ask simon what he get up to after hours.
The student’s that were given money some of them had to do thing’s people should not have to do to pay there rent there will also be more of them entering the teacher’s profession in time.
Good on that Australian person who helped the cop’s catch that idiot who was ripped. Ka kite anp .
I enjoy growing vegetables gardening I use to garden with my Great Grand Mother I would water the gardens flowers and vegetables.
I remember her telling me one day mokopuna when you plant a garden you give it care and love and water make sure the the vegtables and flower’s are well grown and before you pick them make sure they are big and strong. if you start picking the silver beat to early it will stunt and could die.
But if you have patience and wait till the silver beat you plant is big strong and healthy before you pick some leave’s just a few at a time than the silver beat will not stunt and die and you will get a good long harvest from your silver beat.
They way I see it the Union’s & the Socialists left people have help plant’ vote the new Coalition Government in to Parliament we need to love and care our new GARDEN water it and when it’s big and strong then pick a few leaves of changes that we want at a time and OUR new Government will grow STRONG and will be able to keep making changes in our society that will be good for all people here and NOW and for our descendant’s .
Eco Maori say what the teacher’s Union is doing at the minute is illogical and what make’s the equation complete is that national is playing the teachers against our new government . Ka kite ano P.S the cops are the biggest bully’s that’s a fact.
Some Eco Maori Music for the minute.
Some Eco maori music for the minute
You see once the world find’s out how good and safe Kiwi food is the will all want some
ka kite ano link below.
Lots of New Zealand milk and lamb has changed hands on Chinese internet giant Alibaba during that country’s biggest shopping day.
China’s answer to the online Cyber Monday and America’s post-Thanksgiving “Black Friday” generated US$30.8 billion (NZ$45.76b) this year for Alibaba during its Singles Day shopping promotion
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/108528157/a2-and-nz-lamb-a-winner-on-alibabas-singles-day
Labor is ahead of the Coalition on the two-party-preferred measure 55% to 45% in the Newspoll, meaning Bill Shorten and Labor would easily win any election held today. Labor’s primary vote is 40% compared with the Coalition on 35%. Ka kite ano
The coal alition carbon pro party star is turning the same colour as coal ana to kai.
P.S I want OUR descendants to have a future in paradise not in——- like what will happen if we carry on burning carbon.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/nov/12/newspoll-gives-labor-a-commanding-10-point-lead-over-the-coalition
Exclusive: The Greens have already ruled out entering negotiations with a Liberal government
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/nov/10/greens-to-survey-members-on-how-to-pick-leader-and-govern-with-labor
The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has warned of the dangers of rising nationalism as he addressed Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and other world leaders at a ceremony in Paris to mark the 100th anniversary of the first world war armistice.
As more than 60 heads of state and dignitaries gathered in the rain near Paris’s tomb of the unknown soldier to mark a century since guns fell silent on the western front, Macron delivered a pointedly political speech, warning that “old demons” were resurfacing and threatened the fragile peace. Ka pai Emmanuel the people who start WAR’s don’t fight them us common poor people fight them
Kia ora Tekaea I made a good point on the teachers strikes this morning I won’t say anymore on this subject as my negtive side will rise up.
Its cool that Ngai Tahu is working with Oranga tamariki to fix there tamariki that are in state care its a crying shame that any tamariki end up there .
The Pacific Aotearoa meeting in Auckland to talk about our future in Aotearoa let make it a happy healthy one .
Bridging the gap is a awesome initiative to get equality for Australian Tangata Whenua they still have a long journey to get some compensation for loss of land an mana kia kaha. Ka kite ano P.S the Kiwis had a good win they are a new team in time they will dominate
The sandflys are stuffing with my computer again Ingrid
Kia ora James and Storm The Crowd Goes Wild.
Its going to be be a good game of Rugby next week number 1 and 2.
Good luck to Danny I say no more.
The Fox is doing fine same to him.
Rain in the desert is unlucky for the Black Caps.
45 Mulls must have drunk a keg at the basketball game and he’s shuffling to so cool Mulls he’s not going to be happy James.
Hartley is get a underarm from his team M8 he got some fast lap time Ka kite ano computer is playing up if this one crashes that will be 2 two the sandflys I will post them a video on the other computer soon
Dylan Moran on USA and other nations – what are they about?