If by getting on with the job, you mean opening a boutique brewery, using a nail gun, and getting praise from a financier.
I suppose the alternative could be even worse. As John Key says in his own words: “In the end, you can sit around feeling sorry for yourself as a prime minister and as a government. Or you can just get on with the job. I’m in the category of getting on with the job.
The article currently looks like it has just copied a Bennett press release – especially the bit at the end. So I’ll copy the bottom of the article in full. What a bit of thoughtless journalism?
“I was always blatantly targeting these most vulnerable, abused and neglected children in this country and that’s what this piece of work was always about,” Mrs Bennett said.
‘WE CAN DO MUCH BETTER FOR FAILED KIDS’
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett puts her mouth where her heart is: that too many Kiwi kids are failed, but that we can do much better.
“The day I got offered the job of Minister of Social Development the first thing I said to the prime minister on the phone, at 9pm on a Sunday, was ‘does it include Child, Youth and Family?’
The former solo mum has a clear idea of what she wants and how to get it. She’ll listen, but once a plan is set in motion there’s no stopping the determined Waitakere MP.
New Zealand’s child abuse record is an embarrassment to everyone; none more so than the woman charged with overseeing child welfare.
Ms Bennett said that was her driving force since entering Parliament.
Under the Children’s Action Plan, there would also be controls on who could have contact with children. People who posed a continuing and serious threat to their children could have their parental rights removed by a judge.
What, so a man made “fictional” entity who represents the biggest gang of child abusers on earth, can take away the rights to be a parent – How to read that statement
New civil child abuse prevention orders would give judges the power to place restrictions on people who posed a high risk to a child or future children.
Future children – WFT???
Critics may claim Mrs Bennett has ignored the real threat for a number of Kiwi children – poverty.
Yes Benefits is running interference again, regurgitating some old news which will make no difference to the lives of children, or those in poverty, and until she starts making some real noise, and taking some action which is favourable for those vulnerable people, then she is and will remain nothing more than a vile hypocrite of the worst kind, using children as a cloak for her evil!
Corinthians, For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate”. (Isaiah) ….God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise;
God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-and the things that are not-to nullify the things that are.
We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him?
In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
(The image of a wide pork butcher’s knife, swiftly and with mechanical regularity chopping into me, shaving off razor-thin slices which fly about due to the speed of the work)
Looks like the bit at the bottom has now been removed. If Danya Levy or Kate Chapman wrote that part they should be fired. What a sickening display of gushing and fawning, and not even in an opinion piece, but in something claiming to be a straight political report.
Well, at first I thought they had just mistakenly tagged a Bennett press release on the bottom. But on second look, I wasn’t so sure. But I thought it might get removed, which is why I copied it. Maybe I should look at it now to see how much the article just regurgitates what Bennett has given to them?
Oh, no. The article has now been re-written to include statements from the opposition parties – so now it’s much more factual (she said, they said) and less of a Bennett cheer-leading piece.
Heck yeah, TVNZ is all part of the NACT spin machine look who the SOE minister is, a very capable and focused man who’s is raging his way through under the radar, which isn’t hard with what passess for ‘journalism’ in this country.
Problem for them is it’s becoming all to obvious as the others aren’t even up to that, when was the last time AyaTolley, Wonkinson or others lept into the bad news void with a song and dance routine.
Yesterday on the Mysogynist thread I had a bit of a tangle with a few posters (well, most really) and I see a few more comments posted since.
As always, after such an entanglement too much time gets spent thinking thinking instead of living living. Anyways, the thinkings that arose were… how much difference is there really between the genders when it comes to “predispositions” towards various features of manwomankind? After all, if one of the biggies, power and leadership apparently is not in any way inate then surely all the other lesser features will not be either?
The vast bulk (well, most really) of posters yesterday were confident that leadership and power ambitions and skills between men and women were a result of, effectively, nuture not nature. I remain dubious about that. However – how many other features of manwomankind are learned and not inate? It would be interesting to hear. Of course plenty can be found to read on the internet as marty mars is always keen to point out, but frankly the robustness of Standard threads generally brings out those readings and research anyway and it is muh more ‘fun’ swapping partial knowledge with others of partial knowledge and others of expertise, via this mechnaism. (similarly, I am aware of all patricarchy culture issues and the like and acknowledge them but am trying to step aside form those as much as possible)
So… what else? Leadership and power? Social characteristics? Nuturing? Group tendencies cf individual tendencies? Fighting for heirachy? Mechanical and construction tendencies? Driving ability? Conservative attitudes? Advancing and exploraton tendencies? Risk taking? There are certainly countless others.
It is pretty much a nature vs nuture issue, which is a long run debate on our world. But without rehashing that entire issue, how many features of manwomankind are inately different between the genders?
yes a game for you, jolly good fun but for some it is real and serious. I challenge you vto to read that link from deborah – go on if you have the guts to face your own shortcomings. Read the link and think about it because IMO you need some schooling mate.
Gosh, marty, how dare you provide vto with the resources to do their own research instead of indulging vto’s desire to have a smug intellectual “debate” about shit which isn’t actually up for debate so vto can feel all clever ‘n’ shit.
I suspect that, because my views on the place of Maori and te tiriti in thse islands is at odds with the views of your own and the risk that contrary views represent to various positions in NZ on this large matter, you have been doing everything you can to undermine everything I say. This is a common tactic in such circumstances and to be expected.
From here on lets just go our separate ways unless we can exchange views about the subject at hand and leave personals out of it.
vto, you’re undermining yourself by continuing to refuse to accept the assistance people have given you to educate yourself. All we have to do is sit back and watch you spin yourself into a frenzy of defensiveness.
I’m not undermining you vto but yes your views on tangata whenua offend me and I have to say other views you have expressed also offend me – but so what – lots of people do that 🙂
You have failed to recognise that i don’t bother engaging with those too far gone – I thought you sincerely wanted to learn about that area you didn’t understand. I have read the link more than once and it is excellent – it actually answers the original and subsequent questions you asked – i know because i have read both the question and answer, it is there.
You’re making an assumption that I haven’t read it. I have not passed further comment on it because no other comments have been received to swap thoughts on.
It is interesting that you find my views on tangata whenua etc offensive because I similarly find many of your views offensive to the values and principles of my own heritage and culture (and in many cases not just views but also realities). If I might give you an example – in Christchurch at the moment we, the public, through the Christchurch rebuild are subject to the governance of Ngai Tahu, an organisation in which we, the public, have no say and no right to participate in. This is offensive and I am sure an explanation as to why is not necessary.
Anyway, lets keep the dialogue open and the personals to our persons.
edit: which is not to deny or reduce in any way the offensive things that Maori have suffered in the past
What did you think about the issues the article raised? Did you get the question answered? Did you believe what the article said? I’m interested because I love understanding why people think the way they think.
It is quite clear from contirbutions made here and elsewhere that there is no difference between the sexes. Our make-up and daily machinations are entirely a result of nuture not nature. Everything is learned.
In addition, it is abundantly clear that the issue has been fully researched and that manwomankind need never conduct any more research into this area as this is our high point of understanding. The highest point in history, a height that can not be topped. For evidence, see qot and others.
John Campbell had a stunner of a story on Dotcom last night. He proposed a timeline which indicated that Dotcom was given a really easy ride up until June of last year when his application to buy the home he rents was turned down by Power. The application had previously been granted by Williamson. His previous immigration application was treated with kid gloves and the change in treatment was stark.
Campbell drew a link between this and the Key trip to see Obama which happened a week before Power refused Dotcom’s application. Campbell also highlighted the pressure Hollywood was putting on Obama to do something about video piracy.
This really highlighted how unlikely it was that Key was not personally told about Power’s decision. It was a major issue which the US was focussing on and Key would have bent over backwards to butter up to Obama.
The change from Dotcom being the toast of the town to becoming persona non grata was too stark and you really get the feeling that NZ buckled under US pressure. The obsequious behaviour of our security forces in engaging in various illegal searches and handing the information over to the US without authority really reinforces this.
Yup the gift that keeps giving, you get the impression that KD is a heck of alot smarter, resourced and with enough material to sink these shysters than they ever imagined.
When you give a donation the way he did, and who knows what Blinkly promised on behalf of NACT, you expect a reciprocation and what he received was multiple stabs in the back, IMO revenge will be his and would have been planned out while being incarcerated in great detail.
Campbell drew a link between this and the Key trip to see Obama which happened a week before Power refused Dotcom’s application. Campbell also highlighted the pressure Hollywood was putting on Obama to do something about video piracy.
You have to wonder whether the police, GCSB etc.were not only under pressure from the FBI, but after Key’s trip the Govt. applied the pressure too. When the shit hit the fan, Key et al ran for cover and left the police and the GCSB to carry the can?
And Key claims he’d never heard of Dotcom. It’s beyond belief now.
A great Campbell presentation so I expect Roughan and Armstrong will protest that it might upset National.
“……Key would have bent over backwards to butter up to Obama.” There was that pretty needy call from Key that he was very keen to get an audience with Obama in June 2011. Wonder why so needy? Election image? Get instructions re Dotcom?
A great overview of all the events but a pity Key would not front to balance the story. Wonder why not? Ha Ha!
“A great Campbell presentation so I expect Roughan and Armstrong will protest that it might upset National.”
That was a fascinating CL last night, and I have no doubts there is more to come.
So far, there seems to be very little comment/coverage in other press media, which I find surprising.
As an aside, Russell Brown has an interesting post going at Public Address on the CL programme and Roughan’s recent criticisms. Many of the comments on Roughan are similar to those that have been expressed here on TS, but a particularly interesting comment is from John Sellwood from CL at the top of page 2 of the comments. Too long to quote here, but well worth reading for an insight.
Power announced stepping down from politics in March 2011, this put him into a position to do Key’s dirty work. Just what Power knew/knows is harder to establish as he cannot be questioned in the House.
There is a lot more chronology and timeline for John and Toby to reveal to the public, they are certainly on the right track.
As a side issue good to see the head of the IPCA wanting to release the outcome of more investigations (17 files out of 2,000 complaints released last year) and to also look at having the power to prosecute officers. A lot of time and resources at the IPCA is being spent on the Urewera file which will probably be released at the end of the year.
From what I know of Power, he might have done it but it would’ve fucked him off no end. And he would have been more than glad to walk to another job outside of politics.
Key may have known that Power’s decision would have been to decline Dotcom buying the mansion which would have suited Key.
Just how far back was Dotcom being set up as he was granted residence in November 2010?
When Hollywood came out to discuss the Hobbit I think that Dotcom was mentioned then and the trap was set only to be played out if Key got back in.
Interesting how the GCSB started spying on Dotcom just after the election.
The trouble GCSB went to in tracking Dotcom and his associates and how Key claims that he did not know about the GCSB spying on Dotcom until 17 September 2012 even though it is verified that Dotcom was mentioned by the GCSB on 29 February 2012.
Yes good to see from JC, but I felt like it was only part 1 of the story, there’s so many unanswered questions here he didn’t even get to.
One thing I found interesting was where he showed a police report with about two pages blacked out. The reason given was apparently that it contained sensitive information concerning which ministers were told what and when. (I think, I’ve skimmed through the video trying to find it again, but I’m too busy to watch the whole thing again.) How is this a decent reason to deny us that information when that’s what we want to know? Don’t these ministers work for us?
How is this a decent reason to deny us that information when that’s what we want to know?
It’s not information that we want to know but information that we need to know. It’s information that can show us just how corrupt, or not, our government is. Hiding it from us just proves the former.
Is it “Nothing to hide, nothing to fear,” or “Black it out, nothing to fear”?
This information is surely in the public interest – there is a serious question over the competence and/or motives of the people at the top. They should be judged by the public, not by themselves.
I just love JC.Since he has changed his show from that poncy one it used to be into real journalism and straight up honest reporting of what is really happening in NZ we never miss a show.Last night was brilliant!Littlemankey should be very afraid.We all know that every time he opens his mouth a lie comes out.If he ever does tell the truth it will be purely accidental.Can’t wait to rid NZ of this menace and get back to putting our country back into place, however hard it may be.
Of course Mr Key’s only defence is to not front up, especially for the hard questions from Campbell or Morning Report, or other in depth interviews.. To get balance surely he would want to defend in person but like most of his Ministers he will stick to the soft and friendly interviews.
Why is Key sticking to saying he had not heard of Dotcom until 19 January 2012 (apart from the 29 February GCSB montage)?
The only thing I can come up with is that he has some arrangement with Hollywood as misleading the House does not seem to bother Key. Misleading the House is going to break Key as he will not be able to keep up the misleading as matters pertaining to Dotcom are now as big as Nixon/Watergate. A line similar to this was once said by Nixon, the public want to know if the president is a liar.
Did not see that one, Anne, so would be interested to watch it if you can give a little more detail (eg when, subject etc) if it is still on On Demand.
Hi deuto
This is the only interview with the PM in recent months I can find, but I don’t think it’s the right one. My memory is of John Key becoming increasingly testy with Campbell’s dogged persistence, to the point where he mutters “Jesus” under his breath.
In the light of last night’s fascinating Campbell Live, I recommend readers watch this CL interview with the PM again and listen carefully to what Key said. 🙂
Why would he, Reagan got relected without a debate or facing any serious questions whatsoever so Johnny Sparkles probably thinks he can do the same especially with important stuff like bending over to Hollywood, opening breweries etc etc
and JK also visited Te Takere yesterday. I dearly hope someone was there to explain what all the things on the shelves were, we know how reading is not his thing.
(As an Artist I am more than aware how the hand can sometimes control the Art independantly of the consciousness. Usually with success but occassional failures occur. With that in mind I purposefully stayed away from the PM’s visit in case my mouth did something silly. There are too many good things trying to be accomplished in this town to tarnish that wonderful space with petty stunts.)
Managed to catch up with John Ansell as he left the Maori TV studio on Monday 8 October 2012.
Asked him if he thought ‘ONE LAW FOR ALL’ should equally apply to ACT’s current and former leaders, John Banks and Don Brash, who equally signed Huljich Kiwisaver Scheme registered prospectuses dated 22 August 2008 and 18 September 2009, which contained untrue statements.
Had the evidence on the banner shown in this photo.
I found this on Facebook. I decided to copy and paste this integrally regardless of the length because it’s beautiful and powerful and needs to be far and wide.
Neil McCormick Being Poor
Being poor is knowing exactly how much everything costs.
Being poor is getting angry at your children for asking for all the crap they see on TV.
Being poor is buying a $800 car because it’s what you can afford, and then having the car break down on you, because there’s not an $800 car in New Zealand that’s worth a damn.
Being poor is hoping your toothache goes away.
Being poor is knowing your kid goes to friends’ houses but never has friends over to yours.
Being poor is going to the toilet at school so you’re last to go get your lunch box, and then noone wants to swap their lunch food with you anyway.
Being poor is living next to the motorway.
Being poor is living under power pylons.
Being poor is coming back to the car with your children in the back seat, clutching that box of Raisin Bran you just bought and trying to think of a way to make the kids understand that the box has to last.
Being poor is wondering if your well-off brother is lying when he says he doesn’t mind when you ask for help.
Being poor is pre-owned toys.
Being poor is a heater in only one room of the house.
Being poor
Being poor is knowing you can’t leave $5 on the coffee table when your friends are around.
Being poor is hoping your kids don’t have a growth spurt.
Being poor is stealing meat from the shops, frying it up before your Mum gets home and then telling her she doesn’t have make dinner tonight because you’re not hungry anyway.
Being poor is Salvation Army underwear.
Being poor is not enough space for everyone who lives with you.
Being poor is feeling the glued soles tear off your Salvation Army bought shoes when you run around the playground.
Being poor is your kid’s school being the one with the 15-year-old textbooks and no air conditioning.
Being poor is thinking $10.80 an hour is a really good wage.
Being poor is relying on people who don’t give a damn about you.
Being poor is working an overnight shift under florescent lights.
Being poor is finding the letter your Mum wrote to your Dad, begging him for the child support.
Being poor is having a bath then having to empty it into the toilet.
Being poor is stopping the car to take a lamp from a stranger’s Rubbish Bin.
Being poor is making lunch for your kid when a cockroach skitters over the bread, and you looking over to see if your kid saw.
Being poor is believing passing a WINZ Training Course actually makes a bit of difference.
Being poor is people being angry at you just for walking around in the local shopping mall.
Being poor is not taking the job because you can’t find someone you trust to watch your pre-school children.
Being poor is the police bursting into the house right next to yours.
Being poor is not talking to that girl because she’ll probably just laugh at your clothes.
Being poor is hoping you’ll be invited to someone’s home for dinner.
Being poor is a sidewalk with lots of brown glass on it.
Being poor is people thinking they know something about you by the way you talk.
Being poor is needing that 35cent raise.
Being poor is your kid’s teacher assuming you don’t have any books in your home.
Being poor is six dollars short on the power bill and no way to close the gap.
Being poor is crying when you drop the MacDonald’s Cheeseberger on the floor.
Being poor is knowing you work as hard as anyone, anywhere and people still call you a bludger.
Being poor is people being surprised to discover you’re not actually stupid.
Being poor is people surprised to discover you’re not actually lazy.
Being poor is a six-hour wait in the hospital emergency waiting room with a sick child asleep on your lap.
Being poor is never buying anything someone else hasn’t already owned.
Being poor is picking the 10xpack of two minute noodles instead of the 1 packet because there’s two free packages in the 10xpack.
Being poor is having to live your life with choices you didn’t realise you’d made when you were 14 years old.
Being poor is getting tired of people expecting you to be grateful.
Being poor is knowing you’re being judged.
Being poor getting is a box of crayons and a $1 colouring book from a community centre Santa.
Being poor is checking the coin return slot of every drink machine as you walk by.
Being poor is deciding that it’s all right to base a relationship on a roof over your head.
Being poor is knowing you really shouldn’t spend that dollar on a scratch Kiwi ticket.
Being poor is feeling helpless when your child makes the same mistakes you did, and won’t listen to you begging them against doing so.
Being poor is a cough that doesn’t go away.
Being poor is making sure you don’t spill on the couch, just in case you have to pay for it when your lease is up.
Being poor is a $200 getting a pay cheque advance from a company that then takes $250 when the pay cheque comes in.
Being poor is a lumpy futon bed.
Being poor is knowing where the nearest shelter is.
Being poor is people who have never been poor wondering why you would choose to live like that.
Being poor is knowing how hard it is to stop being poor.
Being poor is seeing how few life options you really have.
Being poor is running in place.
Being poor is people wondering why you didn’t leave.
I was shocked at how much I have to give the big tick now. Three years ago we could afford the odd meal out, some French cheeses, a non necessary drive into Hamilton. Not so any more! I make my own clothes and a lot of my own other necessities so we still have a great live in many aspects but I have no idea how people live on a minimum wage especially when raising kids.
Dunno about the $5 thing. Most poor people I know are more honest than most and display more empathy than most. Which is not to say there aren’t any insufferable bastards who deserve a kicking for some of the shit they spread around. But, y’know…
I think it might be more a case of insecurity, i.e. IF on the small chance that $5 went walking, it would be a devastating blow to the day, so best not leave it just in case.
I would hazard a guess that more Kiwis sleep under the weight of this list
than at any time in the last fifty years
that is shameful
that is not a Nation
that is slavery
A few of them are a little off the mark I think (things that lots of people do, not just ‘poor’ people); I guess this list is that they’re necessities rather than simple choices.
However this one kind of annoys me:
“Being poor is picking the 10xpack of two minute noodles instead of the 1 packet because there’s two free packages in the 10xpack.”
That’s not “being poor”, that’s being economically literate and sensible. Really, being poor is knowing that that is the correct decision to make, but not having enough money to buy the 10 pack this week and so missing out of the bulk-buying discount.
Or, alternatively:
“Being poor is picking the 10 pack of 2-minute noodles instead of the 1 pack because the 10 pack effectively has 2 free inside it, then not having enough money left to buy a loaf of bread”.
Good one Ev,
The multiple small humiliations of being poor do stack up and we don’t have to agree with every line of Neil’s to acknowledge that.
Neighbours and I swap veges and fish, seawweed for the garden and all sorts of little jobs and kindnesses to get by. Car trips are well planned and all the rest. Even those of us doing ok feel poor in the toxic environment we live in. So lets get shot of ShonKey one way or another and return to a longstanding default NZ setting–we take care of our own!
Small humiliations stacking up are toxic and crushing for the soul. It is what our ruling elite thrive on. Notice how buoyant Bennet looks? That is her thriving because she can put the toxic shame she feels from her own upbringing on the shoulders of others!
“Almost three quarters of New Zealanders view Banks ”unfavourably,” 14 per cent see him favourably, 13 per cent are unsure – and two per cent have never heard of him.”
I hear they actually polled John Banks for this as well. He is included in the 2%.
“Banks’ reputation also took a hammering during last year’s election campaign when a cameraman recorded his ‘private’ conversation with Prime Minister John Key during a ”cup of tea” publicity stunt.”
Funny that it was apparently Banks who took the hammering and not Squeaky clean Mr Key. Ask the right question?
Don’t get the movie industry, first the anti-union Hobbit film and now the copyright criminalization of consumers of entertainment.
There’s no free lunch, but also there’s no right to profits either. Governments support media (like the BBC) to create a market, how much it intervenes has nothing to do with the creators or deliverers
of entertainment, it has everything to with the technology and the needs of the civic society.
aka National Radio.
Newspapers lost income from adverts because the technology moved and they can only make money now if they readjust how they serve the civic society – not advertisers, not media barons, but how the makeup of the real economy.
So I don’t get the movie industry because I won’t be going to the cinema while they continue to criminalize their consumers. They don’t have a right to use their market power to gain a regulative capture over the world.
The great thing about young people is their gullibility. At least, that must be what the Government is banking on when they propose dropping the minimum wage rate for youth. These kids are so wide-eyed and trusting. They won’t even know they’re being screwed. So naive and accepting. Who better, then, to be sacrificed in the name of “trying to look like we’re doing something”. It’s not as if this lot can have another crack at the teachers.
No, this will play nicely into the hands of those the Government sees as it its core supporters. What better way to curry favour with its constituents in white, middle-income New Zealand; business New Zealand (and red-necked New Zealand) than handing out a good kicking to the youth. Lazy, indulged little shits. How dare they grow up thinking they’re equal. What a cheek. At least this way the smug little buggers might learn some respect.
Well worth reading in full as it covers the entire spectrum of Nationals attacks on the young and defenceless.
Agreed Draco. (Just noted a reference to “Draco” when reading about the Roman Empire around 260AD. Draco means snake or dragon and often appeared on Army Unit flags. Dragon seems to fit.)
I sense all them little feet on these disgusting millipedey creatures begin to scurry here and there to safety like vermin and roaches as the great mass of servant begins to wake ….
well, after leading to phenomenology, which you sort of had to self-teach yourself when I was extramural university student, freakin hopeless the delivery in some areas, and this hole prerequisites nonsense, Jesus Wept; I’m Bored.
Time for further self-discipline.
BYE 😉
(I am relating to this Kafka dude, I can tell you)
Thanks for Hosting me Lynn and Lyn. never look back
MAY GOD BLESS THE LEFT.
(sad may be, yet it too will pass)
well better goooo, there is some servin’ to be done.
One more little hit by TV3, one more thing Key “doesn’t know” – government and agencies circle the wagons. Governor General? More to come on Campbell Live tonight.
Heads up. Campbell Live tonight. Alleged talk by Key to Spy Staff in February touching on Kim Dotcom relating to their work on Dotcom. May be a video of same. If proved it would bring Key’s didn’t know until 17 September in dispute.
Yep. it’s all on… spies have come out batting. Leaked info. to Labour. Shearer on Campbell Live tonight. Unofficial recording of Key’s speech to GCSB staff in their canteen allegedly reveals he congratulated staff re-Kim Dotcom on 29th Feb. this year.
Labour doesn’t seem to have the recording, but says it’s necessary for an independent inquiry:
According to Labour’s GCSB sources, the quip was captured on an internal GCSB camera.
3 News put these claims to the Prime Minister. He initially denied making any Dotcom reference, but then backtracked – saying he can’t recall.
“I don’t think so. No,” he says.
“I don’t remember it.”
Mr Key says that although he remembers going into the staff café to address GCSB staff, he doesn’t recall whether he made any reference to Dotcom. He says “goodness knows” whether his address was recorded or not, but that the GCSB hasn’t raised the issue of any recording with him.
As of a few days ago, while catching up with folks around Wellington, I “understand” that increasingly, in numbers and in degrees, senior public officials are also not happy with how some cabinet ministers have been behaving and not doing their job.
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So the Solstice has arrived – Summer in this part of the world, Winter for the Northern Hemisphere. And with it, the publication my new Norse dark-fantasy piece, As Our Power Lessens at Eternal Haunted Summer: https://eternalhauntedsummer.com/issues/winter-solstice-2024/as-our-power-lessens/ As previously noted, this one is very ‘wyrd’, and Northern Theory of Courage. ...
The Natural Choice: As a starter for ten percent of the Party Vote, “saving the planet” is a very respectable objective. Young voters, in particular, raised on the dire (if unheeded) warnings of climate scientists, and the irrefutable evidence of devastating weather events linked to global warming, vote Green. After ...
The Government cancelled 60% of Kāinga Ora’s new builds next year, even though the land for them was already bought, the consents were consented and there are builders unemployed all over the place. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political ...
Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on UnsplashEvery morning I get up at 3am to go around the traps of news sites in Aotearoa and globally. I pick out the top ones from my point of view and have been putting them into my Dawn Chorus email, which goes out with a podcast. ...
Over on Kikorangi Newsroom's Marc Daalder has published his annual OIA stats. So I thought I'd do mine: 82 OIA requests sent in 2024 7 posts based on those requests 20 average working days to receive a response Ministry of Justice was my most-requested entity, ...
Welcome to the December 2024 Economic Bulletin. We have two monthly features in this edition. In the first, we discuss what the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update from Treasury and the Budget Policy Statement from the Minister of Finance tell us about the fiscal position and what to ...
The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi have submitted against the controversial Treaty Principles Bill, slamming the Bill as a breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and an attack on tino rangatiratanga and the collective rights of Tangata Whenua. “This Bill seeks to legislate for Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles that are ...
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: ...
Our economy has experienced its worst recession since 1991. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that matter in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Friday, December 20 in The Kākā’s Dawn Chorus podcast above and the daily Pick ‘n’ Mix below ...
Twas the Friday before Christmas and all through the week we’ve been collecting stories for our final roundup of the year. As we start to wind down for the year we hope you all have a safe and happy Christmas and new year. If you’re travelling please be safe on ...
The podcast above of the weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers on Thursday night features co-hosts & talking about the year’s news with: on climate. Her book of the year was Tim Winton’s cli-fi novel Juice and she also mentioned Mike Joy’s memoir The Fight for Fresh Water. ...
The Government can head off to the holidays, entitled to assure itself that it has done more or less what it said it would do. The campaign last year promised to “get New Zealand back on track.” When you look at the basic promises—to trim back Government expenditure, toughen up ...
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 ...
Photo by Mauricio Fanfa on UnsplashKia oraCome and join us for our weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm today.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream for our chat about the week’s news with myself , plus regular guests and , ...
“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 ...
This morning I awoke to the lovely news that we are firmly back on track, that is if the scale was reversed.NZ ranks low in global economic comparisonsNew Zealand's economy has been ranked 33rd out of 37 in an international comparison of which have done best in 2024.Economies were ranked ...
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 ...
String-Pulling in the Dark: For the democratic process to be meaningful it must also be public. WITH TRUST AND CONFIDENCE in New Zealand’s politicians and journalists steadily declining, restoring those virtues poses a daunting challenge. Just how daunting is made clear by comparing the way politicians and journalists treated New Zealanders ...
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 ...
NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Acting Secretary Erin Polaczuk is welcoming the announcement from Minister of Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden that she is opening consultation on engineered stone and is calling on her to listen to the evidence and implement a total ban of the product. “We need ...
The Government has announced a 1.5% increase in the minimum wage from 1 April 2025, well below forecast inflation of 2.5%. Unions have reacted strongly and denounced it as a real terms cut. PSA and the CTU are opposing a new round of staff cuts at WorkSafe, which they say ...
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, ...
Hi there! I’ve been overseas recently, looking after a situation with a family member. So apologies if there any less than focused posts! Vanuatu has just had a significant 7.3 earthquake. Two MFAT staff are unaccounted for with local fatalities.It’s always sad to hear of such things happening.I think of ...
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 ...
We're going backwardsIgnoring the realitiesGoing backwardsAre you counting all the casualties?We are not there yetWhere we need to beWe are still in debtTo our insanitiesSongwriter: Martin Gore Read more ...
Willis blamed Treasury for changing its productivity assumptions and Labour’s spending increases since Covid for the worsening Budget outlook. Photo: Getty ImagesMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that matter in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Wednesday, December 18 in The Kākā’s Dawn Chorus podcast above ...
Today the Auckland Transport board meet for the last time this year. For those interested (and with time to spare), you can follow along via this MS Teams link from 10am. I’ve taken a quick look through the agenda items to see what I think the most interesting aspects are. ...
Hi,If you’re a New Zealander — you know who Mike King is. He is the face of New Zealand’s battle against mental health problems. He can be loud and brash. He raises, and is entrusted with, a lot of cash. Last year his “I Am Hope” charity reported a revenue ...
Probably about the only consolation available from yesterday’s unveiling of the Half-Yearly Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU) is that it could have been worse. Though Finance Minister Nicola Willis has tightened the screws on future government spending, she has resisted the calls from hard-line academics, fiscal purists and fiscal hawks ...
The right have a stupid saying that is only occasionally true:When is democracy not democracy? When it hasn’t been voted on.While not true in regards to branches of government such as the judiciary, it’s a philosophy that probably should apply to recently-elected local government councillors. Nevertheless, this concept seemed to ...
Long story short: the Government’s austerity policy has driven the economy into a deeper and longer recession that means it will have to borrow $20 billion more over the next four years than it expected just six months ago. Treasury’s latest forecasts show the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s fiscal strategy of ...
Come and join myself and CTU Chief Economist for a pop-up ‘Hoon’ webinar on the Government’s Half Yearly Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU) with paying subscribers to The Kākā for 30 minutes at 5 pm today.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream to watch our chat. Don’t worry if ...
In 1998, in the wake of the Paremoremo Prison riot, the Department of Corrections established the "Behaviour Management Regime". Prisoners were locked in their cells for 22 or 23 hours a day, with no fresh air, no exercise, no social contact, no entertainment, and in some cases no clothes and ...
New data released by the Treasury shows that the economic policies of this Government have made things worse in the year since they took office, said NZCTU Economist Craig Renney. “Our fiscal indicators are all heading in the wrong direction – with higher levels of debt, a higher deficit, and ...
At the 2023 election, National basically ran on a platform of being better economic managers. So how'd that turn out for us? In just one year, they've fucked us for two full political terms: The government's books are set to remain deeply in the red for the near term ...
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 ...
Oh, I weptFor daysFilled my eyesWith silly tearsOh, yeaBut I don'tCare no moreI don't care ifMy eyes get soreSongwriters: Paul Rodgers / Paul Kossoff. Read more ...
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. ...
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Damned with faint praise.
John Key ‘getting on’ with job
If by getting on with the job, you mean opening a boutique brewery, using a nail gun, and getting praise from a financier.
I suppose the alternative could be even worse. As John Key says in his own words: “In the end, you can sit around feeling sorry for yourself as a prime minister and as a government. Or you can just get on with the job. I’m in the category of getting on with the job.
The kind of “job” he is getting on with is not exactly the job that voters would typically have in mind.
http://thestandard.org.nz/of-hollywood-hobbits-nz-us-politics-episode-ii/comment-page-1/#comment-530080
Nice write up about Mike Tyson’s application for a visa which make Willie look uninformed. Or just a misogynist like Tyson.
http://thehandmirror.blogspot.co.nz/2012/10/mike-tyson-undisputed-truth.html
So, polls down, Key taking hits, enter Bennett the Great Distractor:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/7799937/Rescuing-vulnerable-kids-Bennetts-master-plan
The article currently looks like it has just copied a Bennett press release – especially the bit at the end. So I’ll copy the bottom of the article in full. What a bit of thoughtless journalism?
What, so a man made “fictional” entity who represents the biggest gang of child abusers on earth, can take away the rights to be a parent – How to read that statement
Future children – WFT???
Yes Benefits is running interference again, regurgitating some old news which will make no difference to the lives of children, or those in poverty, and until she starts making some real noise, and taking some action which is favourable for those vulnerable people, then she is and will remain nothing more than a vile hypocrite of the worst kind, using children as a cloak for her evil!
Corinthians, For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate”. (Isaiah) ….God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise;
God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-and the things that are not-to nullify the things that are.
We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him?
In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
(The image of a wide pork butcher’s knife, swiftly and with mechanical regularity chopping into me, shaving off razor-thin slices which fly about due to the speed of the work)
Equalise
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TnkUxq4plo
(i been runnin…police on my back…hidin…..police on my back…)
Looks like the bit at the bottom has now been removed. If Danya Levy or Kate Chapman wrote that part they should be fired. What a sickening display of gushing and fawning, and not even in an opinion piece, but in something claiming to be a straight political report.
Well, at first I thought they had just mistakenly tagged a Bennett press release on the bottom. But on second look, I wasn’t so sure. But I thought it might get removed, which is why I copied it. Maybe I should look at it now to see how much the article just regurgitates what Bennett has given to them?
Oh, no. The article has now been re-written to include statements from the opposition parties – so now it’s much more factual (she said, they said) and less of a Bennett cheer-leading piece.
chutzpah!
I still had the original page open, still do actually, and was looking at what it has been altered..
The 5am article is barely the same piece when updated at 834am the same day. Some of the content is the same, but thats about it
Digital news, re-writing what they want….
Ah – now we know why Nia Glassie was back on the propaganda organ the other night.
And oh dear, good Morgan all, looks like good ole Bennybash is going the way of One Law as Natzipoll viagra.
Ah well, just get on with the job Maula. Wankey goes to Hollywood and giddyup dob-in, onto operation Deadbeat Parent Bash. DPB.
Onward and downward for the forces of hatemongering and Aotearoa’s crumbling reputation.
Heck yeah, TVNZ is all part of the NACT spin machine look who the SOE minister is, a very capable and focused man who’s is raging his way through under the radar, which isn’t hard with what passess for ‘journalism’ in this country.
The PM can always depend on reliable Paula Put-the-boot-in for another distraction on the heels of lousy news chasing him.
Problem for them is it’s becoming all to obvious as the others aren’t even up to that, when was the last time AyaTolley, Wonkinson or others lept into the bad news void with a song and dance routine.
Yesterday on the Mysogynist thread I had a bit of a tangle with a few posters (well, most really) and I see a few more comments posted since.
As always, after such an entanglement too much time gets spent thinking thinking instead of living living. Anyways, the thinkings that arose were… how much difference is there really between the genders when it comes to “predispositions” towards various features of manwomankind? After all, if one of the biggies, power and leadership apparently is not in any way inate then surely all the other lesser features will not be either?
The vast bulk (well, most really) of posters yesterday were confident that leadership and power ambitions and skills between men and women were a result of, effectively, nuture not nature. I remain dubious about that. However – how many other features of manwomankind are learned and not inate? It would be interesting to hear. Of course plenty can be found to read on the internet as marty mars is always keen to point out, but frankly the robustness of Standard threads generally brings out those readings and research anyway and it is muh more ‘fun’ swapping partial knowledge with others of partial knowledge and others of expertise, via this mechnaism. (similarly, I am aware of all patricarchy culture issues and the like and acknowledge them but am trying to step aside form those as much as possible)
So… what else? Leadership and power? Social characteristics? Nuturing? Group tendencies cf individual tendencies? Fighting for heirachy? Mechanical and construction tendencies? Driving ability? Conservative attitudes? Advancing and exploraton tendencies? Risk taking? There are certainly countless others.
It is pretty much a nature vs nuture issue, which is a long run debate on our world. But without rehashing that entire issue, how many features of manwomankind are inately different between the genders?
yes a game for you, jolly good fun but for some it is real and serious. I challenge you vto to read that link from deborah – go on if you have the guts to face your own shortcomings. Read the link and think about it because IMO you need some schooling mate.
http://finallyfeminism101.wordpress.com/2007/05/10/faq-but-men-and-women-are-born-different-isnt-that-obvious/
http://thestandard.org.nz/tony-abbot-misogynist-and-hyprocrite/comment-page-1/#comment-532473
Read the whole blog vto if you are really interested in learning.
Oh look, marty mars doesn’t answer the question again. And peppers in a few personals again. And assumes and misreads again. How surprising.
🙄
Gosh, marty, how dare you provide vto with the resources to do their own research instead of indulging vto’s desire to have a smug intellectual “debate” about shit which isn’t actually up for debate so vto can feel all clever ‘n’ shit.
.
Well would you look at that …. there really is no difference between the sexes. They’re both smart arse wankers.
Last time I looked this site was a site for exchanging ideas and debating issues.
Thanks for the contribution though.
Still haven’t read the article eh vto? shame on/for you.
Still in the habit of personalising things marty mars. Shame on you.
Have you read it yet? Why not ask yourself why you can’t? What are you afraid of vto?
Boring marty mars.
I suspect that, because my views on the place of Maori and te tiriti in thse islands is at odds with the views of your own and the risk that contrary views represent to various positions in NZ on this large matter, you have been doing everything you can to undermine everything I say. This is a common tactic in such circumstances and to be expected.
From here on lets just go our separate ways unless we can exchange views about the subject at hand and leave personals out of it.
As such there is no reply to your last post.
Enjoy your weekend. Stormy in your parts I hear.
vto, you’re undermining yourself by continuing to refuse to accept the assistance people have given you to educate yourself. All we have to do is sit back and watch you spin yourself into a frenzy of defensiveness.
I’m not undermining you vto but yes your views on tangata whenua offend me and I have to say other views you have expressed also offend me – but so what – lots of people do that 🙂
You have failed to recognise that i don’t bother engaging with those too far gone – I thought you sincerely wanted to learn about that area you didn’t understand. I have read the link more than once and it is excellent – it actually answers the original and subsequent questions you asked – i know because i have read both the question and answer, it is there.
You asked the questions why not read the answers?
Why not?
You’re making an assumption that I haven’t read it. I have not passed further comment on it because no other comments have been received to swap thoughts on.
It is interesting that you find my views on tangata whenua etc offensive because I similarly find many of your views offensive to the values and principles of my own heritage and culture (and in many cases not just views but also realities). If I might give you an example – in Christchurch at the moment we, the public, through the Christchurch rebuild are subject to the governance of Ngai Tahu, an organisation in which we, the public, have no say and no right to participate in. This is offensive and I am sure an explanation as to why is not necessary.
Anyway, lets keep the dialogue open and the personals to our persons.
edit: which is not to deny or reduce in any way the offensive things that Maori have suffered in the past
What did you think about the issues the article raised? Did you get the question answered? Did you believe what the article said? I’m interested because I love understanding why people think the way they think.
It is quite clear from contirbutions made here and elsewhere that there is no difference between the sexes. Our make-up and daily machinations are entirely a result of nuture not nature. Everything is learned.
In addition, it is abundantly clear that the issue has been fully researched and that manwomankind need never conduct any more research into this area as this is our high point of understanding. The highest point in history, a height that can not be topped. For evidence, see qot and others.
John Campbell had a stunner of a story on Dotcom last night. He proposed a timeline which indicated that Dotcom was given a really easy ride up until June of last year when his application to buy the home he rents was turned down by Power. The application had previously been granted by Williamson. His previous immigration application was treated with kid gloves and the change in treatment was stark.
Campbell drew a link between this and the Key trip to see Obama which happened a week before Power refused Dotcom’s application. Campbell also highlighted the pressure Hollywood was putting on Obama to do something about video piracy.
This really highlighted how unlikely it was that Key was not personally told about Power’s decision. It was a major issue which the US was focussing on and Key would have bent over backwards to butter up to Obama.
The change from Dotcom being the toast of the town to becoming persona non grata was too stark and you really get the feeling that NZ buckled under US pressure. The obsequious behaviour of our security forces in engaging in various illegal searches and handing the information over to the US without authority really reinforces this.
I await the next leak of information with glee.
Yep. The Key Government taking marching orders from Hollywood executives for some time (ones based in the USA and ones based in the Wairarapa).
Remember when Key was in opposition and shrieking “corruption”?
Looks like now that he is in office, he is delivering.
That was the same time Bill English was bleating ‘incompetent and mismanagement of the economy’. He too is now delivering.
Yup the gift that keeps giving, you get the impression that KD is a heck of alot smarter, resourced and with enough material to sink these shysters than they ever imagined.
When you give a donation the way he did, and who knows what Blinkly promised on behalf of NACT, you expect a reciprocation and what he received was multiple stabs in the back, IMO revenge will be his and would have been planned out while being incarcerated in great detail.
You have to wonder whether the police, GCSB etc.were not only under pressure from the FBI, but after Key’s trip the Govt. applied the pressure too. When the shit hit the fan, Key et al ran for cover and left the police and the GCSB to carry the can?
And Key claims he’d never heard of Dotcom. It’s beyond belief now.
A great Campbell presentation so I expect Roughan and Armstrong will protest that it might upset National.
“……Key would have bent over backwards to butter up to Obama.” There was that pretty needy call from Key that he was very keen to get an audience with Obama in June 2011. Wonder why so needy? Election image? Get instructions re Dotcom?
A great overview of all the events but a pity Key would not front to balance the story. Wonder why not? Ha Ha!
I wonder if Key’s talksheet with Obama is OIAable?
Yuss! (“Amber Lyons” -there is hope Lucy)
must be about Time to drop that paradoxical Fermi Bomb again Draco
🙂
now I better, go do, some real work. Have A Great Day Wherever You Are.
“A great Campbell presentation so I expect Roughan and Armstrong will protest that it might upset National.”
That was a fascinating CL last night, and I have no doubts there is more to come.
So far, there seems to be very little comment/coverage in other press media, which I find surprising.
As an aside, Russell Brown has an interesting post going at Public Address on the CL programme and Roughan’s recent criticisms. Many of the comments on Roughan are similar to those that have been expressed here on TS, but a particularly interesting comment is from John Sellwood from CL at the top of page 2 of the comments. Too long to quote here, but well worth reading for an insight.
Power announced stepping down from politics in March 2011, this put him into a position to do Key’s dirty work. Just what Power knew/knows is harder to establish as he cannot be questioned in the House.
There is a lot more chronology and timeline for John and Toby to reveal to the public, they are certainly on the right track.
As a side issue good to see the head of the IPCA wanting to release the outcome of more investigations (17 files out of 2,000 complaints released last year) and to also look at having the power to prosecute officers. A lot of time and resources at the IPCA is being spent on the Urewera file which will probably be released at the end of the year.
From what I know of Power, he might have done it but it would’ve fucked him off no end. And he would have been more than glad to walk to another job outside of politics.
Key may have known that Power’s decision would have been to decline Dotcom buying the mansion which would have suited Key.
Just how far back was Dotcom being set up as he was granted residence in November 2010?
When Hollywood came out to discuss the Hobbit I think that Dotcom was mentioned then and the trap was set only to be played out if Key got back in.
Interesting how the GCSB started spying on Dotcom just after the election.
The trouble GCSB went to in tracking Dotcom and his associates and how Key claims that he did not know about the GCSB spying on Dotcom until 17 September 2012 even though it is verified that Dotcom was mentioned by the GCSB on 29 February 2012.
27 October 2010 Key announced that the Hobbit movies would be made in NZ.
Yes good to see from JC, but I felt like it was only part 1 of the story, there’s so many unanswered questions here he didn’t even get to.
One thing I found interesting was where he showed a police report with about two pages blacked out. The reason given was apparently that it contained sensitive information concerning which ministers were told what and when. (I think, I’ve skimmed through the video trying to find it again, but I’m too busy to watch the whole thing again.) How is this a decent reason to deny us that information when that’s what we want to know? Don’t these ministers work for us?
It’s not information that we want to know but information that we need to know. It’s information that can show us just how corrupt, or not, our government is. Hiding it from us just proves the former.
Not if they can possibly help it.
Is it “Nothing to hide, nothing to fear,” or “Black it out, nothing to fear”?
This information is surely in the public interest – there is a serious question over the competence and/or motives of the people at the top. They should be judged by the public, not by themselves.
I just love JC.Since he has changed his show from that poncy one it used to be into real journalism and straight up honest reporting of what is really happening in NZ we never miss a show.Last night was brilliant!Littlemankey should be very afraid.We all know that every time he opens his mouth a lie comes out.If he ever does tell the truth it will be purely accidental.Can’t wait to rid NZ of this menace and get back to putting our country back into place, however hard it may be.
Of course Mr Key’s only defence is to not front up, especially for the hard questions from Campbell or Morning Report, or other in depth interviews.. To get balance surely he would want to defend in person but like most of his Ministers he will stick to the soft and friendly interviews.
Why is Key sticking to saying he had not heard of Dotcom until 19 January 2012 (apart from the 29 February GCSB montage)?
The only thing I can come up with is that he has some arrangement with Hollywood as misleading the House does not seem to bother Key. Misleading the House is going to break Key as he will not be able to keep up the misleading as matters pertaining to Dotcom are now as big as Nixon/Watergate. A line similar to this was once said by Nixon, the public want to know if the president is a liar.
duncan garner was on the radio the other monring saying that no govt was ever brought down by a spy scandal, how thick is that!
Duncan Garner has long had a problem, if i may quote a fictional warrior woman, of ‘his brain being missing’
i quote a fictional character as DG seems familiar with the territory
“… how thick is that!”
VERY.
Thick As A Brick
Will wager a bet that JK will never front up to JC again.
Remember the thrashing JC gave him a few weeks ago?
Did not see that one, Anne, so would be interested to watch it if you can give a little more detail (eg when, subject etc) if it is still on On Demand.
Hi deuto
This is the only interview with the PM in recent months I can find, but I don’t think it’s the right one. My memory is of John Key becoming increasingly testy with Campbell’s dogged persistence, to the point where he mutters “Jesus” under his breath.
http://www.3news.co.nz/John-Key-discusses-Dotcom-saga/tabid/367/articleID/253053/Default.aspx
In the light of last night’s fascinating Campbell Live, I recommend readers watch this CL interview with the PM again and listen carefully to what Key said. 🙂
“Remember the thrashing JC gave him a few weeks ago?”
The interview when Key came on to explain himself. I’m still waiting…
Why would he, Reagan got relected without a debate or facing any serious questions whatsoever so Johnny Sparkles probably thinks he can do the same especially with important stuff like bending over to Hollywood, opening breweries etc etc
and JK also visited Te Takere yesterday. I dearly hope someone was there to explain what all the things on the shelves were, we know how reading is not his thing.
(As an Artist I am more than aware how the hand can sometimes control the Art independantly of the consciousness. Usually with success but occassional failures occur. With that in mind I purposefully stayed away from the PM’s visit in case my mouth did something silly. There are too many good things trying to be accomplished in this town to tarnish that wonderful space with petty stunts.)
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/national-suspected-scuttling-ad-man-ansells-colourblind-campaign-launch-
MY COMMENT – YET TO BE PUBLISHED:
Managed to catch up with John Ansell as he left the Maori TV studio on Monday 8 October 2012.
Asked him if he thought ‘ONE LAW FOR ALL’ should equally apply to ACT’s current and former leaders, John Banks and Don Brash, who equally signed Huljich Kiwisaver Scheme registered prospectuses dated 22 August 2008 and 18 September 2009, which contained untrue statements.
Had the evidence on the banner shown in this photo.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=292239740881964&set=a.292239697548635.58469.100002878203522&type=1&theater
Seems that John Ansell isn’t aware of the details, but he agreed that if John Banks and Don Brash were guilty – they should be charged.
(Normal procedure is that one is first charged before one is found guilty?)
I suggested he check out for himself the information provided on http://www.pennybright4epsom.org.nz
Look forward to further discussion with John Ansell on this and related matters ……
Penny Bright
‘Anti-corruption campaigner’
http://www.dodgyjohnhasgone.com
I found this on Facebook. I decided to copy and paste this integrally regardless of the length because it’s beautiful and powerful and needs to be far and wide.
Neil McCormick
Being Poor
Being poor is knowing exactly how much everything costs.
Being poor is getting angry at your children for asking for all the crap they see on TV.
Being poor is buying a $800 car because it’s what you can afford, and then having the car break down on you, because there’s not an $800 car in New Zealand that’s worth a damn.
Being poor is hoping your toothache goes away.
Being poor is knowing your kid goes to friends’ houses but never has friends over to yours.
Being poor is going to the toilet at school so you’re last to go get your lunch box, and then noone wants to swap their lunch food with you anyway.
Being poor is living next to the motorway.
Being poor is living under power pylons.
Being poor is coming back to the car with your children in the back seat, clutching that box of Raisin Bran you just bought and trying to think of a way to make the kids understand that the box has to last.
Being poor is wondering if your well-off brother is lying when he says he doesn’t mind when you ask for help.
Being poor is pre-owned toys.
Being poor is a heater in only one room of the house.
Being poor
Being poor is knowing you can’t leave $5 on the coffee table when your friends are around.
Being poor is hoping your kids don’t have a growth spurt.
Being poor is stealing meat from the shops, frying it up before your Mum gets home and then telling her she doesn’t have make dinner tonight because you’re not hungry anyway.
Being poor is Salvation Army underwear.
Being poor is not enough space for everyone who lives with you.
Being poor is feeling the glued soles tear off your Salvation Army bought shoes when you run around the playground.
Being poor is your kid’s school being the one with the 15-year-old textbooks and no air conditioning.
Being poor is thinking $10.80 an hour is a really good wage.
Being poor is relying on people who don’t give a damn about you.
Being poor is working an overnight shift under florescent lights.
Being poor is finding the letter your Mum wrote to your Dad, begging him for the child support.
Being poor is having a bath then having to empty it into the toilet.
Being poor is stopping the car to take a lamp from a stranger’s Rubbish Bin.
Being poor is making lunch for your kid when a cockroach skitters over the bread, and you looking over to see if your kid saw.
Being poor is believing passing a WINZ Training Course actually makes a bit of difference.
Being poor is people being angry at you just for walking around in the local shopping mall.
Being poor is not taking the job because you can’t find someone you trust to watch your pre-school children.
Being poor is the police bursting into the house right next to yours.
Being poor is not talking to that girl because she’ll probably just laugh at your clothes.
Being poor is hoping you’ll be invited to someone’s home for dinner.
Being poor is a sidewalk with lots of brown glass on it.
Being poor is people thinking they know something about you by the way you talk.
Being poor is needing that 35cent raise.
Being poor is your kid’s teacher assuming you don’t have any books in your home.
Being poor is six dollars short on the power bill and no way to close the gap.
Being poor is crying when you drop the MacDonald’s Cheeseberger on the floor.
Being poor is knowing you work as hard as anyone, anywhere and people still call you a bludger.
Being poor is people being surprised to discover you’re not actually stupid.
Being poor is people surprised to discover you’re not actually lazy.
Being poor is a six-hour wait in the hospital emergency waiting room with a sick child asleep on your lap.
Being poor is never buying anything someone else hasn’t already owned.
Being poor is picking the 10xpack of two minute noodles instead of the 1 packet because there’s two free packages in the 10xpack.
Being poor is having to live your life with choices you didn’t realise you’d made when you were 14 years old.
Being poor is getting tired of people expecting you to be grateful.
Being poor is knowing you’re being judged.
Being poor getting is a box of crayons and a $1 colouring book from a community centre Santa.
Being poor is checking the coin return slot of every drink machine as you walk by.
Being poor is deciding that it’s all right to base a relationship on a roof over your head.
Being poor is knowing you really shouldn’t spend that dollar on a scratch Kiwi ticket.
Being poor is feeling helpless when your child makes the same mistakes you did, and won’t listen to you begging them against doing so.
Being poor is a cough that doesn’t go away.
Being poor is making sure you don’t spill on the couch, just in case you have to pay for it when your lease is up.
Being poor is a $200 getting a pay cheque advance from a company that then takes $250 when the pay cheque comes in.
Being poor is a lumpy futon bed.
Being poor is knowing where the nearest shelter is.
Being poor is people who have never been poor wondering why you would choose to live like that.
Being poor is knowing how hard it is to stop being poor.
Being poor is seeing how few life options you really have.
Being poor is running in place.
Being poor is people wondering why you didn’t leave.
Sobering, as many of those get the big tick …….
Good to know that aint now one of them rich white middle class males. Damn.
I was shocked at how much I have to give the big tick now. Three years ago we could afford the odd meal out, some French cheeses, a non necessary drive into Hamilton. Not so any more! I make my own clothes and a lot of my own other necessities so we still have a great live in many aspects but I have no idea how people live on a minimum wage especially when raising kids.
Fucken hell that actually brought tears to my eyes.
it is powerful (One More Time in the ghetto…)
Dunno about the $5 thing. Most poor people I know are more honest than most and display more empathy than most. Which is not to say there aren’t any insufferable bastards who deserve a kicking for some of the shit they spread around. But, y’know…
I think it might be more a case of insecurity, i.e. IF on the small chance that $5 went walking, it would be a devastating blow to the day, so best not leave it just in case.
Thank you Travellerev.
There was a lot of the invisible burden of shame in that poem. No one should ever have to shoulder that or own it, yet increasingly we do.
Hi Rosie,
Sorry for my late response. I agree. Hidden toxic shame is what this is all about.
I would hazard a guess that more Kiwis sleep under the weight of this list
than at any time in the last fifty years
that is shameful
that is not a Nation
that is slavery
A few of them are a little off the mark I think (things that lots of people do, not just ‘poor’ people); I guess this list is that they’re necessities rather than simple choices.
However this one kind of annoys me:
“Being poor is picking the 10xpack of two minute noodles instead of the 1 packet because there’s two free packages in the 10xpack.”
That’s not “being poor”, that’s being economically literate and sensible. Really, being poor is knowing that that is the correct decision to make, but not having enough money to buy the 10 pack this week and so missing out of the bulk-buying discount.
Or, alternatively:
“Being poor is picking the 10 pack of 2-minute noodles instead of the 1 pack because the 10 pack effectively has 2 free inside it, then not having enough money left to buy a loaf of bread”.
Good one Ev,
The multiple small humiliations of being poor do stack up and we don’t have to agree with every line of Neil’s to acknowledge that.
Neighbours and I swap veges and fish, seawweed for the garden and all sorts of little jobs and kindnesses to get by. Car trips are well planned and all the rest. Even those of us doing ok feel poor in the toxic environment we live in. So lets get shot of ShonKey one way or another and return to a longstanding default NZ setting–we take care of our own!
Small humiliations stacking up are toxic and crushing for the soul. It is what our ruling elite thrive on. Notice how buoyant Bennet looks? That is her thriving because she can put the toxic shame she feels from her own upbringing on the shoulders of others!
RTM defends the great Eric Hobsbawm from the right-wingers gloating over his death:
http://readingthemaps.blogspot.co.nz/2012/10/stalin-pol-pot-eric-hobsbawm-and-me.html
Oh to Be, or not to Be,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existentialism
oh the angst.
(Notes from the Underground, underground somewhere in my memory, unfinished, unnecessary)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnTelUJrDhc
still glowing?
-nobody’s child: no body’s Fool
(unlike Banks: nothing to fear nothing to Hyde)
Kiwis ditch Banks, divided over Dotcom
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/7802705/Kiwis-ditch-Banks-divided-over-Dotcom
“Almost three quarters of New Zealanders view Banks ”unfavourably,” 14 per cent see him favourably, 13 per cent are unsure – and two per cent have never heard of him.”
I hear they actually polled John Banks for this as well. He is included in the 2%.
John Key was in the 2% too.
even though the GCSB thoroughly briefed him on Banks’ existence not six months ago.
A friend had read out snippets of the piece to me and I thought I heard, for the last line:
“They refuse to cooperate with the court and say it’s all National’s security” 🙂
Funny that it was apparently Banks who took the hammering and not Squeaky clean Mr Key. Ask the right question?
Don’t get the movie industry, first the anti-union Hobbit film and now the copyright criminalization of consumers of entertainment.
There’s no free lunch, but also there’s no right to profits either. Governments support media (like the BBC) to create a market, how much it intervenes has nothing to do with the creators or deliverers
of entertainment, it has everything to with the technology and the needs of the civic society.
aka National Radio.
Newspapers lost income from adverts because the technology moved and they can only make money now if they readjust how they serve the civic society – not advertisers, not media barons, but how the makeup of the real economy.
So I don’t get the movie industry because I won’t be going to the cinema while they continue to criminalize their consumers. They don’t have a right to use their market power to gain a regulative capture over the world.
Oh well,
more “Strange Phenomena”-Kate Bush
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenomenology_(philosophy)
(The Kick Inside)
It’s a Marvel louse Universe, so long DC
http://www.comics101.com/guestlecturer//news/Guest%20Lecturer/5/09_IM_45.jpg
This government is obscene and vile .
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/7802704/Goff-attacks-Ministry-pay-rise
Monday – announce increased pay packet for wealthy Hollywood business.
Tuesday – announce decreased pay packet for under-20 workers.
Thursday – announce increased pay packet for high paid bureaucrat.
obscene
vile
spit in their face
AUCKLAND ELECTRICITY CONSUMER TRUST ELECTIONS!
Got your voting papers folks?
Went to the YOUR POWER TEAM launch yesterday.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/david-fisher/news/article.cfm?a_id=191&objectid=10839471
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/david-fisher/news/article.cfm?a_id=191&objectid=10839721
The stated policy of the YOUR POWER TEAM (Labour/Green ticket)
which I support as an ‘anti-privatisation’ / ‘anti-corruption’ campaigner:
Opposition to further privatisation of Vector (the ‘lines’ company)
Opening the book of the AECT so the public can see where our money is being spent.
Opening the meetings of the AECT so that the public can attend.
So!
Guess who I voted for!
🙂
Penny Bright
Base wage for youth is a joke
Well worth reading in full as it covers the entire spectrum of Nationals attacks on the young and defenceless.
Agreed Draco. (Just noted a reference to “Draco” when reading about the Roman Empire around 260AD. Draco means snake or dragon and often appeared on Army Unit flags. Dragon seems to fit.)
I sense all them little feet on these disgusting millipedey creatures begin to scurry here and there to safety like vermin and roaches as the great mass of servant begins to wake ….
well, after leading to phenomenology, which you sort of had to self-teach yourself when I was extramural university student, freakin hopeless the delivery in some areas, and this hole prerequisites nonsense, Jesus Wept; I’m Bored.
Time for further self-discipline.
BYE 😉
(I am relating to this Kafka dude, I can tell you)
Thanks for Hosting me Lynn and Lyn. never look back
MAY GOD BLESS THE LEFT.
(sad may be, yet it too will pass)
well better goooo, there is some servin’ to be done.
Bye fella, come back soon.
One more little hit by TV3, one more thing Key “doesn’t know” – government and agencies circle the wagons. Governor General? More to come on Campbell Live tonight.
Snap karol. 🙂
Heads up. Campbell Live tonight. Alleged talk by Key to Spy Staff in February touching on Kim Dotcom relating to their work on Dotcom. May be a video of same. If proved it would bring Key’s didn’t know until 17 September in dispute.
Yep. it’s all on… spies have come out batting. Leaked info. to Labour. Shearer on Campbell Live tonight. Unofficial recording of Key’s speech to GCSB staff in their canteen allegedly reveals he congratulated staff re-Kim Dotcom on 29th Feb. this year.
TV3 News video and article here.
Labour doesn’t seem to have the recording, but says it’s necessary for an independent inquiry:
As of a few days ago, while catching up with folks around Wellington, I “understand” that increasingly, in numbers and in degrees, senior public officials are also not happy with how some cabinet ministers have been behaving and not doing their job.
The misogynist hate directed at Gillard.
Her Rights at Work (Vanilla version)
Her Rights at Work (R-rated version)
ipredict selling Nats big time.
An apt comic strip.