Open Mike 11/11/2016

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, November 11th, 2016 - 102 comments
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102 comments on “Open Mike 11/11/2016 ”

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    • Draco T Bastard 1.1
      11 November 2016 at 8:47 am

      Well, we shouldn’t be surprised after all these years of National cutting health budgets.

      • The Chairman 1.1.1
        11 November 2016 at 9:05 am

        Surprised? Not really. More like disgusted.

        • Draco T Bastard 1.1.1.1
          11 November 2016 at 9:38 am

          When the government cuts budgets year after year then services will be cut and those will start with the least critical which the most vulnerable need.

          • The Chairman 1.1.1.1.1
            11 November 2016 at 10:20 am

            It would cost the state far less to cover her home help than it would to cover her rest home care.

            • Sacha 1.1.1.1.1.1
              11 November 2016 at 11:56 am

              Different budget, someone else’s problem. She must feel so betrayed at that age after what she has contributed, having a lifeline cut off so cruelly.

              • The Chairman …
                11 November 2016 at 12:46 pm

                While the funding may come out of a different budget, it ultimately still comes from the state. Hence, one would expect better oversight and communication between departments.

                • Psycho Milt …
                  11 November 2016 at 1:15 pm

                  Expect away, but departments are still run by humans. In any large organisation, the fact that it’s all the organisation’s money in the final analysis doesn’t prevent individual managers trying to keep their own figures looking good, even if it’s at the expense of the service provided to the organisation’s customers. Blame the post-80s culture of performance reviews and KPIs – if your performance is going to be judged on how well you manage your budget, you bet you’re going to make sure you don’t let it get committed to stuff that’s outside your area of responsibility.

              • The Chairman …
                11 November 2016 at 12:52 pm

                Additionally, she’s probably not the only one to be impacted by the new changes.

            • Draco T Bastard 1.1.1.1.1.2
              11 November 2016 at 12:24 pm

              They’re using a binary decision tree. If this, then that.

              The new DHB policy means the home care help will only be given to those who also need personal services, such as showering and being dressed.

              However, Cottingham was told she does not qualify for that and so she will lose everything.

              They’re not actually looking at physical realities.

              • The Chairman …
                11 November 2016 at 12:47 pm

                Cutting costs in one area that result in higher costs elsewhere is poor fiscal management.

                • Sacha …
                  11 November 2016 at 1:56 pm

                  But the decision is delegated to a manager who is only responsible for one of the cost centres, not the other. Dumps costs on other agencies or on vulnerable people and their families.

                • Draco T Bastard …
                  11 November 2016 at 2:35 pm

                  Yes, very poor fiscal management and probably even poorer economics as well.

                  It still happens as we can see and probably due to the atomisation of the service as Sacha and PM point out.

                  • Rosemary McDonald …
                    11 November 2016 at 5:46 pm

                    “Yes, very poor fiscal management and probably even poorer economics as well.”

                    Actually it is a VERY good decision from a fiscally economic point of view.

                    For want of one and a half hour’s of home help….this lady will be railroaded into a residential facility…obviously against her will….but never mind that.

                    Because she owns her home….the cost of her care in a residential facility will be taken out of her estate when she shuffles off or if she sells her home prior to her falling off her perch.

                    Arseholes.

              • Red …
                11 November 2016 at 4:24 pm

                What bs Draco it will be sorted out at appeal, she has probably just been caught up in a general policy hence the appeal process deals with your binary process, irrespective you pulled that Bs out of thin air, note reading Marx cover to cover 50 times does not make you an authourity on everything

                • Rosemary McDonald …
                  11 November 2016 at 5:48 pm

                  “What bs Draco it will be sorted out at appeal,”

                  Hah!…Clearly you have never had to appeal one of these decisions.

                  It is POLICY now….she very well may be fresh out of luck.

                  The people who make these policies and those who make the decisions are often sociopathic heartless bastards.

                  I speak from experience.

  2. Ad 2
    11 November 2016 at 9:09 am

    Chloe Swarbrick is running as a candidate for the Green Party.
    Previously one of the Auckland Mayoral candidates.

    • Nick 2.1
      11 November 2016 at 9:12 am

      Chloe was a good public speaker at a Mayoral debate I went to. She’d be great for the Green Party.

    • The Chairman 2.2
      11 November 2016 at 9:16 am

      Interesting.

      I thought she might have been tempted to join TOP.

      Could you imagine Nikki Kaye, Jacinda Ardern and Chloe Swarbrick going head to head to win Auckland central?

      • Lanthanide 2.2.1
        11 November 2016 at 9:24 am

        Yeah, “battle of the babes” again. I’m sure they’ll love those headlines.

        • The Chairman 2.2.1.1
          11 November 2016 at 9:41 am

          That headline would ruffle a few feathers.

          Chloe Swarbrick is capable of winning an electorate seat, wonder if the Greens will stand her in one?

          • chris73 2.2.1.1.1
            11 November 2016 at 9:48 am

            Anyone is capable of course but given her age and experience it’d have to be a very specific electorate seat and Labour would have to not contest it

            • The Chairman 2.2.1.1.1.1
              11 November 2016 at 10:25 am

              Can you foresee anyone in Labour willing to stand aside for the Greens?

              • chris73 …
                11 November 2016 at 10:33 am

                Probably not in a winnable seat unless theres a the promise of a very high list spot however its happened before in the Coramandel so never say never

                I would say though that if I was advising the Labour party then to make it more likely Labour/Green win the next election (or to make it more likely NZFirst support them) Labour should look at a deal with the Greens to gift them an electorate seat

    • chris73 3.1
      11 November 2016 at 9:51 am

      I’ve been a bit quiet of late as I’ve been organizing the sale of one of my properties and Harcourts have managed to secure an offer 12 grand above my expectations so its still reasonable to expect more for houses

      • The Chairman 3.1.1
        11 November 2016 at 10:28 am

        According to the article Hawke’s Bay and the West Coast were the only regions were asking prices dropped.

        • chris73 3.1.1.1
          11 November 2016 at 10:38 am

          I’m surprised about Hawkes Bay, I’d have thought their prices would raise

          • The Chairman 3.1.1.1.1
            11 November 2016 at 11:14 am

            Most likely related to slow population growth deterring investors.

              • The Chairman …
                11 November 2016 at 12:03 pm

                The key word their is ‘Central’ Hawke’s Bay.

                We were discussing Hawke’s Bay overall.

                • Siobhan …
                  11 November 2016 at 12:07 pm

                  Like the article says, if you read it, not just the headline, Hastings and Napier are short of rental housing. They are the main populations of the Hawkes Bay.

                  and they are right, as I live here and am a renter as are many of my friends and customers.

                  • The Chairman …
                    11 November 2016 at 12:30 pm

                    Hastings and Napier alone don’t make up the whole Hawke’s Bay region.

                    The article I linked to (and which we were discussing) was talking about the Hawke’s Bay region overall.

                    • Siobhan …
                      11 November 2016 at 1:25 pm

                      Are you okay?
                      I get it you are talking about a specific article..but does that mean ignoring something that is a)related but b) doesn’t fit your world view
                      You are talking about the Hawkes Bay but discount Central Hawkes Bay, Hastings and Napier as being too specific?.
                      So what are we talking about…Wairoa? Haumoana?

                      Surely ‘overall’ would be heavily biased to the places where people actually live.

                    • The Chairman …
                      11 November 2016 at 7:20 pm

                      I’m fine, thanks.

                      I wasn’t ignoring or disputing it .Simply stating that’s not the case for the region overall.

    • katipo 3.2
      11 November 2016 at 3:28 pm

      Wonder how this would go down in Auckland…
      “Vancouver slaps $10,000 a year tax on empty homes. Lie about it and it’s $10,000 a day”…
      http://www.calgaryherald.com/vancouver+slaps+year+empty+homes+about/12372683/story.html

  4. fisiani 4
    11 November 2016 at 9:28 am

    Given that it seems obvious that Andrew Little will lose the election next year who do you reckon should lead Labour after the summer BBQ’s? King? Robbo? Ardern? Nash? Parker? Davis? Someone else?

    [This is a left wing space, not a free for all for any prat with a key board. RWers are welcome here if they can contribute to the political debate. Stop with the trolling. Only warning. – weka]

    • Draco T Bastard 4.1
      11 November 2016 at 9:40 am

      How about you just fuck off?

      Really, you’re just trolling here. And it seems to be in desperation now that it’s obvious that National are going to lose.

    • chris73 4.2
      11 November 2016 at 9:54 am

      The problem with King (well its not really a problem I guess) is that shes currently 69 years old. Shes probably the best performing member of Labour (and I don’t mean that in a back handed way, I do think shes Labours best) but just to old to lead Labour especially if they’re trying to show a fresh face to the voters

      Stuart Nash is probably the best of the lot to lead but will never be chosen

      • Richard Rawshark 4.2.1
        11 November 2016 at 10:54 am

        Then an attack on Annette for being a woman and being of some age that apparently Chris73 denigrates.. This is exactly the bigoted crap we should STOMP on.

      • Siobhan 4.2.2
        11 November 2016 at 11:46 am

        Stuart Nash…are you kidding?? .

        “coming second but maintaining our principles’ is a ludicrous proposition.”

        Doesn’t matter what Political stance floats your boat…why would you vote for that?. Unless of course you’re a disciple of Ayn Rand.

        “Nash has been the subject of a surprising amount of positive blog posts by Whale Oil blogger Cameron Slater, who calls him a “very good bloke” (he’s also in with Right-wing spin doctor Matthew Hooton)”.
        infact, and I’m happy to be corrected, but I think Hooton actually helped Nash fundraise last election). Either way, is that what we wan’t from Labour??

        Why not just vote for a more moderate National.
        Maybe Nash could move over there.

        http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2015/10/31/tdb-guest-blog-project-stuart-nash-the-most-pressing-issue-in-nz-right-now/

        • chris73 4.2.2.1
          11 November 2016 at 12:30 pm

          I think theres been a shift in thinking in NZ since 2000, prior to that there seemed to be a large swing of the pendulum between left and right, Labour and National.

          Clark took Labour to center left and was rewarded with three terms, John Key has kept a lot of Labour policies and took National to center right and has been rewarded with three terms with the potential for a fourth term so the pendulum swing between Labour and National is not so much and I think thats what the voters of NZ want

          Voters still remember the days of unions striking whenever (especially the ferry during holiday times) and Rogernomics and the upheaval that caused and don’t want a return to that

          Equally no one wants a return to the days of Ruth Richardsons budgets either (I’m sure there are more examples of course)

          So Labour going hard left or National going hard right would be a very bad idea as the voting public would punish them so Labour, under Nash, staying center left would see their best change for re-election

          In my always humble opinion of course

          • Siobhan 4.2.2.1.1
            11 November 2016 at 5:05 pm

            Humble opinions always respected chris73.

            But just remember as time moves on we have younger voters moving in, and even myself, and I’m mumble mumble middle ageish, and we barely remember ferry strikes, let alone Ruth and co.

            What the younger voter knows is crappy wages, in fact so low they need to be subsidised by the Government (Family Tax Credit), crappy hours, job insecurity, no house and rents so high the Government has to subsidise them(accommodation allowances)……maybe Unions might start looking a bit more attractive (though difficult to join when you are on your own negotiating a job you desperately need).

            The bottom line is Labour have been very Centrist for so long that for some people its increasingly difficult to see how different life would really be under either Party.
            Centre Left is for people who own their own home, or soon will, and who had free University education, or can afford to take on the loan. It is not for people starting out in life.

            Now currently the Boomers are the main block of voters, but Labour needs to start talking to the under 40’s and offering them something very very different, or they will find themselves relying on a smaller and smaller pool of support.

            In my humble opinion.

            • chris73 4.2.2.1.1.1
              11 November 2016 at 7:17 pm

              And thats entirely possible as well, I mean if I could tell the future I’d have Lotto by now

      • mary_a 4.2.3
        11 November 2016 at 2:11 pm

        @ Chris 73 … if you consider Annette King too old to lead Labour, what do you say about Winston Peters at 71 leading NZ First? Then there is Queen Elizabeth at 90 still going strong! It’s the calibre of the person, not age or gender.

        • chris73 4.2.3.1
          11 November 2016 at 2:32 pm

          Well I don’t think you can compare the Queen as its not exactly a position you get voted in for but in regards to Annette King its not that I don’t think she’d do a good job, because I think shes Labours best performing MP, its more that if Labour want to present a fresh, new alternative to a supposed tired National government then someone thats been around since the days of Rogernomics probably isn’t your best choice to lead

    • Bearded Git 4.3
      11 November 2016 at 10:33 am

      @fisi

      30+12+8=Key playing golf in Hawaii full-time.

    • Robert Guyton 4.4
      11 November 2016 at 11:04 am

      Fizzzzzzzz…phut..phut,..phut…
      Reminded me of a firework that fizzed, hissed, burbled and phutted out on Guy Fawkes night. A failure, I guess, but hilarious to watch.

    • b waghorn 4.5
      11 November 2016 at 11:45 am

      Little is the right man for next pm , it’s a shame nz may not realise it time to stop another 3 years of short here and now nats bullshit , but i’d give Little my vote to remain leader if it came to it.

  5. Enough is Enough 5
    11 November 2016 at 9:30 am

    r0b

    Would you consider Trump’s policies (well rhetoric actually as he doesn’t really have any policies) on trade and jobs as right wing?

    [TheStandard: A moderator moved this comment to Open Mike as being off topic or irrelevant in the post it was made in. Be more careful in future.]

    [moved from another thread where it was off topic and likely to derail, but OM is not the right place either. Please take it to one of the US Election threads – weka]

  6. james 6
    11 November 2016 at 9:42 am

    The triggering.

    Watched this with my family last night. Made me think of a lot of people on here.

    Amusingly enough it was on the same night a lot of leftie uni students were out on the streets protesting against democracy (the trump victory) because they did not get their own way.

    well worth the watch and thinking about. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffOPImz4Rp0

    [content warning, video contains racism, sexism, and entitled, priviledged prats belittling people in pain and who are struggling]

  7. Morrissey 7
    11 November 2016 at 10:29 am

    More evidence of Jesse Mulligan’s abysmal lack of knowledge.
    Is he the right person to be filling the position of afternoon host?
    The Panel, RNZ National, Tuesday 8 November 2016
    Jim Mora, Golnaz Bassam-Tabar, Michael Moynihan, Zara Potts, Jesse Mulligan

    RNZ National’s Afternoon host Jesse Mulligan has many commendable traits: he’s quick-witted, pleasant and he lets people speak without bullying them or caviling over what they’ve said. He is an enthusiastic—some might say affected—gourmand, and likes nothing better than talking about how to cook artichokes, or where to go in Wellington to get THE best coffee. However, he appears to be lamentably ill-informed about politics, history, and popular culture in general. On Monday he told television critic Phil Wallington that he’d never heard of the legendary New Zealand soap Close to Home; a few weeks ago he’d never heard of “some guy called John Philip Sousa”.

    There’s only one reason why a forty year old man has not even heard of John Philip Sousa or Close to Home. That reason is: he doesn’t read widely. The contrast between him and Kim Hill is enormous, and probably unbreachable.

    It’s a real problem. Mulligan is occupying a seat that was once filled by Jim Mora who, for all his faults, was at least well read and was not continually announcing his lack of any knowledge about topics under discussion. The hosts of National Radio talk-based shows in the past have been people like Sharon Crosby, John Campbell and Kim Hill, i.e., people who read voraciously and could talk intelligently about most subjects. Mulligan by contrast has vast gaps in his knowledge—“some guy called John Philip Sousa”—and feels compelled to inform us on a regular basis of that lamentable fact.

    If you’re a kind and indulgent person, you might well argue that even if he reads little or nothing and knows even less, what’s the problem? Well, the problem is this: an influential radio station will, without doubt, play host to all manner of ideologues, politicians and—perhaps most despicable of all—mediocre academics. If the host is not sufficiently intelligent, he becomes little more than prey to some of very nasty, cynical, agenda-driven people—a useful idiot, in other words.

    A presenter who has no knowledge, or at best a sketchy knowledge, of what is being discussed will end up saying things like THIS….

    “Sometimes when I read this stuff I get the sense that Russia are L-L-L-LOOKIN’ for trouble, are L-L-L-LOOKIN’ to create tension with the U.S. Is that fair?” [1]

    No, that was not a Harry Enright impression of a halfwitted upper class poseur, it was Jesse Mulligan six weeks ago, trying to contribute something—ANYTHING—to an “interview” with Professor Al Gillespie about Syria.

    Last Tuesday, Mulligan took the opportunity, yet again, to reveal his lack of knowledge about almost everything, other than how to cook asparagus, and where to purchase the best coffee….

    JIM MORA: That song sounds like “Burning Bridges”.
    JESSE MULLIGAN: Never heard of it.

    …Stunned silence….

    JIM MORA: From the movie Kelly’s Heroes.
    JESSE MULLIGAN: Nope.
    ZARA POTTS: I’ve never heard of it either.
    JESSE MULLIGAN: When did it come out?

    …Awkward silence….

    JIM MORA: The sixties, I think…..

    ….ad nauseam….

    [1] https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-05102016/#comment-1240290

    • Sacha 7.1
      11 November 2016 at 2:06 pm

      Gasp. Young person doesn’t know name of military marching band composer who died in 1932. As good a test of whether someone is widely-read as their knowledge of popular pomade or buggy-whip brands. Mulligan was impressive as MC/interviewer at the Auckland Writers festival.

      • Morrissey 7.1.1
        11 November 2016 at 4:04 pm

        Gasp. Young person doesn’t know name of military marching band composer who died in 1932.

        Beethoven died more than a century earlier than Sousa did, so I guess Jesse Mulligan has never heard of him either, or the even more obscure Mozart. Mind you, that’s quite possible, going by his announcement this afternoon that he has “listened to no classical music.”

        As good a test of whether someone is widely-read as their knowledge of popular pomade or buggy-whip brands.

        No it’s not. Your analogy is absurd.

        Mulligan was impressive as MC/interviewer at the Auckland Writers festival.

        And Mike Hosking was impressive hosting the candidates’ debates two years ago. Your point is?

  8. ianmac 8
    11 November 2016 at 10:45 am

    I have lost the side menu on my Mac+ Firefox. Is it just me?

  9. Richard Rawshark 9
    11 November 2016 at 10:52 am

    I love the News headlines, for..god knows why actually, but this one cracked me up.

    Gang boss had studded bat and axe.

    am I somehow supposed to be shocked?

    More shocked if it said collection of love poems.

    • Invisible Axe 9.1
      11 November 2016 at 10:56 am

      The news last night “The Govt are proposing 110kms for roads, but not for all roads”, well duh!

    • Draco T Bastard 9.2
      11 November 2016 at 2:55 pm

      More shocked if it said collection of love poems

      He probably kept them hidden in the handle of the bat.

      I have NFI why he’d have a studded axe.

  10. Takere 10
    11 November 2016 at 11:23 am

    USS Sampson Visit & the Esmeralda Chilean Torture ship …
    Here’s the programme for the week.

    Its page two & three on the Ngati Paoa iwi Trust facebook page.

    Includes contact details to for people to write too, to voice their opposition to the iwi escorting & supporting the US War Machine into NZ waters.

    Here’s the link to the Ngati Paoa iwi Trusts facebook page;
    https://www.facebook.com/ngatipaoaiwi/

    The waka Te Kotuiti 2
    Posted on the NP iwi Trust FaceBook page.
    Contact to voice opposition to iwi supporting the oppressor of an indigenous race across the world at “Standing Rock Indian Reservation is a Hunkpapa Lakota and Yanktonai Dakota Indian reservation in North Dakota and South Dakota in by the US Government War Machine.

    Lead by Hau (Eugene) Rawiri self proclaimed Atua of Ngati Paoa.
    Contact number; 021893833

    • b waghorn 11.1
      11 November 2016 at 11:52 am

      i know most here hate farming but it does produce food , maybe we should put a carbon tax on pointless shit like pet food , horse racing and cut flowers .
      Of course the rich lefties will still be able to afford their steaks but no more mince for old blue collar Bob !!

      • The Chairman 11.1.1
        11 November 2016 at 12:24 pm

        A number of consumers would find a 40% increase in the price of beef hard to swallow. Forcing some to cut consumption elsewhere.

        • aerobubble 11.1.1.1
          11 November 2016 at 3:31 pm

          Beef is a protein, protien is a commodity. Alternatives exist. The problem with the market for food in NZ is its too centralized and isn’t about to provide a choice of protein alternatives. This costs money, when fod retailers choose to vary price, quality, limit choice, vary availability, they are in the competitive space that a price hike would be easy to adapt to. i.e lots of politucal blowback as voters blame Key for shoddy NZ.

      • Draco T Bastard 11.1.2
        11 November 2016 at 3:11 pm

        It’s not a question of hating farming but of questioning farming practices that are doing so much damage to our environment and if we really need so damn much of it.

  12. b waghorn 12
    11 November 2016 at 12:00 pm

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/south-island/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503933&objectid=11745593

    Main freight has to put more trucks on the road because inept government can’t organise rail.

  14. Bearded Git 14
    11 November 2016 at 12:31 pm

    This article and audio on Corbyn is interesting in the context of the “insider” Hillary’s failure.

    http://www.thecanary.co/2016/09/19/mindblowing-fact-shows-corbyn-way-downing-street-audio/

  15. adam 15
    11 November 2016 at 1:24 pm

    My friends know I’m a bit of a footy nut. This last year has been great. And 2017 looks awesome with the beginning of a AFL Women’s league.

    Now why should that interest you?? – How this for great – the marque player of note – Moana Hope https://twitter.com/moanahope?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

    She is of New Zealand extraction, I’m sure that Aussie speak she is part Maori.

    Here is her on playing and disabled kids in sport

    http://www.afl.com.au/video/2016-11-09/mo-offers-hope-for-kids

    The only down side of this competition is the pay, and full medical cover for the players. The aim, is when TV and the viewing public pick up the game these will improve, and improve radically.

    I’ll post when the first game is being played.

    Please note I barrack for Fremantle – http://www.fremantlefc.com.au/women

  16. Manuka AOR 16
    11 November 2016 at 2:52 pm

    Leonard Cohen has passed.

    • te reo putake 16.1
      11 November 2016 at 2:58 pm

      All the stars are going out, one by one.

      No doubt we’re going to be hearing Hallelujah a lot in the next few days. I prefer this:

      Thanks, Leonard, you were one of the very best.

    • McFlock 16.2
      11 November 2016 at 3:13 pm

      bugger.

    • marty mars 16.3
      11 November 2016 at 3:22 pm

      rip Leonard

      miss you already…

    • joe90 16.4
      11 November 2016 at 3:30 pm

      He did warn us. RIP Leonard.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0nmHymgM7Y

      You Want It Darker

      If you are the dealer, I’m out of the game
      If you are the healer, it means I’m broken and lame
      If thine is the glory then mine must be the shame
      You want it darker
      We kill the flame

      Magnified, sanctified, be thy holy name
      Vilified, crucified, in the human frame
      A million candles burning for the help that never came
      You want it darker

      Hineni, hineni
      I’m ready, my lord

      There’s a lover in the story
      But the story’s still the same
      There’s a lullaby for suffering
      And a paradox to blame
      But it’s written in the scriptures
      And it’s not some idle claim
      You want it darker
      We kill the flame

      They’re lining up the prisoners
      And the guards are taking aim
      I struggled with some demons
      They were middle class and tame
      I didn’t know I had permission to murder and to maim
      You want it darker

      Hineni, hineni
      I’m ready, my lord

      Magnified, sanctified, be thy holy name
      Vilified, crucified, in the human frame
      A million candles burning for the love that never came
      You want it darker
      We kill the flame

      If you are the dealer, let me out of the game
      If you are the healer, I’m broken and lame
      If thine is the glory, mine must be the shame
      You want it darker

      Hineni, hineni
      Hineni, hineni
      I’m ready, my lord

      Hineni
      Hineni, hineni
      Hineni

    • Manuka AOR 16.5
      11 November 2016 at 4:58 pm

      Posted elsewhere by Grey
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU-RuR-qO4Y

      Democracy is coming to the USA

      Sail on, sail on
      Oh mighty ship of State
      To the shores of need
      Past the reefs of greed
      Through the Squalls of hate
      Sail on, sail on, sail on, sail on

      RIP

  17. aerobubble 17
    11 November 2016 at 3:22 pm

    Has Freeview dropped the parliament channel? Cant get it anymore. Did they move it to a diferent frequency but my tv cant recieve that many channels from the same freq source?

    • Tony Veitch (not the partner-bashing 3rd rate broadcaster 17.1
      11 November 2016 at 3:58 pm

      My Freeview shifted Parliament from channel 22 to channel 31 – no idea why.

  18. Richard Rawshark 18
    11 November 2016 at 3:44 pm

    How’s Fairley doing against in the UFC?

    Mt Roskill byelection heats up with claims of ‘man-handling’ and threats

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11746463

    If you need an angry old man, just holla.

  19. Richard Rawshark 19
    11 November 2016 at 4:09 pm

    Well it’s a joke.. RiP labour, with the combined efforts of TV1-TV3-Newshub and the Hearald, labour have not got a chance .At all. You may as well disband. Laterz.

    I can’t be bothered at the moment.

    Either go hard or go home.

  21. weka 21
    11 November 2016 at 11:52 pm

    [In order to keep Open Mike and Daily Review free for other conversations, please put all discussion, comments, link postings etc about the US election under one of the posts about the Election – weka]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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