Open Mike 12/05/2017

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, May 12th, 2017 - 106 comments
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106 comments on “Open Mike 12/05/2017 ”

  1. Ed 1

    Nikki Kaye wants to see ‘healthy, well-rounded’ students’

    KEY POINTS
    • New Education Minister Nikki Kaye wants kids to be “digitally fluent, healthy and well-rounded” as well as knowing the 3 Rs.
    • Kids’ physical and mental health will be a focus.

    New Education Minister Nikki Kaye wants to see ‘healthy, well-rounded’ students

    Wonder if this means she’ll reinstate healthy food regulations at school that Anne Tolley got rid of in 2009.

    Schools’ healthy food rule scrapped

    Or is this just words as ever from the National Party?

    • Ed 1.1

      And after she’s spoken to Tolley, a chat with Coleman about funding of mental health services will be needed too.

      Canterbury children’s mental health is deteriorating while they wait for months to access help, advocates say.

      Recent Government figures show more than 450 children aged under 12 waited longer than three weeks for a first mental health appointment in Canterbury last year – equating to almost 60 per cent of those seeking help.

      This was an increase on the previous year’s figures.

      In 2015, 41 per cent of children under 12 needed help waited more than three weeks – a total of 250 children.

      Have you struggled to get help for your child’s mental health? Contact cecile.meier@fairfaxmedia.co.nz

      Child advocates said the wait did not stop at the first appointment – many children waited several months to get treatment after that.

      In 2016, there was a 27 per cent increase in the number of under 12s needing mental health help. Services struggled to keep up, the figures show.

      Child and Family Psychologist and University of Canterbury lecturer Sarah Whitcombe-Dobbs said children waiting to get treatment were “likely to be in considerable distress” and their families “struggling to cope”.

      “Anecdotally in Canterbury, I hear that families are waiting up to six months for receiving treatment after they have had their first appointment because the services are so overwhelmed with need.”

      Mental health problems left untreated in children could affect “all areas of functioning and development”, including academic, social and emotional development.

      Canterbury families ‘struggling to cope’ as children wait ‘months’ for mental health help

      Or is this just words as ever from the National Party?

    • Wonder if this means she’ll reinstate healthy food regulations at school that Anne Tolley got rid of in 2009.

      Given that Labour’s “healthy food regulations” were a crock of shit, I certainly hope not.

    • mary_a 1.3

      @ Ed (1) … it’s election year, don’t forget! So expect many forked tongue statements to spew forth from Natz, between now and 23 September.

  2. Johan 2

    Trump’s tinpot dictatorship continues as he fires Sally Yates, Preet Bharara, and this week Comey, head of the FBI. All three were involved in the investigation of possible Russian meddling in the election. Trump will be eager to have the vacant head of the FBI position filled with a reliable yes-man.

    https://theintercept.com/2017/05/10/after-james-comeys-firing-who-will-stop-trumps-tinpot-dictatorship/

    • dv 2.1

      This gave me a good laugh in stuff this am.

      President Donald Trump blasted ousted FBI chief James Comey as a “showboat” and “grandstander” even as the agency’s acting leader contradicted the president’s account that the agency had been in turmoil before he fired Comey.

      Comeys a showboat!!!!
      Takes one to know one.

      • Anne 2.1.1

        dv @ 2.1

        Psychological projection is a theory in psychology in which humans defend themselves against their own unconscious impulses or qualities (both positive and negative) by denying their existence in themselves while attributing them to others. For example, a person who is habitually rude may constantly accuse other people of being rude. It incorporates blame shifting.

        Best example ever…..

        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_projection

        • Anne 2.1.1.1

          Listen to this:

          http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player?audio_id=201843559

          Load up the fridge and get ready for a few days of hell fire and brimstone like we’ve rarely seen before. Incredible.

        • David Mac 2.1.1.2

          This behavior fascinates me. I see it as: ‘Sometimes the words we say are the words we most need to hear ourselves’. I believe it’s something that we are all guilty of to a degree, it manifests in so many situations and forms.

          I catch myself doing it, suggesting someone do something a certain way and then consider, ‘Shheesh, if I’m so smart, why aren’t I doing that then?” I saw someone give 1 of 2 children a light swat on the bum the other day and say “Don’t hit your sister”. Ha! Can a message be any more mixed?

    • Xanthe 2.2

      Trump’s Proceeds to drain the swamp as he fires Sally Yates, Preet Bharara, and this week Comey, head of the FBI. All three were involved in promoting perception of Russian meddling in the election. Trump will be eager to have the vacant head of the FBI position filled with a reliable competant person.

      Fixed it for ya.

      • joe90 2.2.1

        But Bernie sez –

        Trump's cabinet, the wealthiest in history, is worth more than the annual GDP of 70 countries. So much for draining the swamp…— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) December 27, 2016

      • Johan 2.2.2

        To Xanthe,
        For a start try spelling competent correctly!

        Fixed it for ya.

    • ianmac 3.1

      A great idea. I wonder if it is the glass that has the warranty rather than the photo sensitive cells? Existing panels/cells steadily loose their potency.

      • joe90 3.1.1

        Musk presentation.

        • David Mac 3.1.1.1

          There is so much junk on the net. So many oysters, so few pearls. maybe our tastes are aligned Joe but I think you’re pretty good at finding pearls.

          Mr Musk in the sort of high quality ‘All the pizazz’ presentation we used to get from Steve Jobs. I think I like it, it’s interesting. The face of Corporate Green. Big money neoliberal green. Spins my head man but I’m very pleased you stuck it infront of me, thanks.

          Moreso that damn clown from the other day. I’ve watched that clip 5 times. Watching his earlier stuff it’s neat to track the progress of his chosen art form? I can’t decide if it’s very high end cutting edge art or junk. I love it but it’s doing my head in Joe.

        • Molly 3.1.1.2

          Can already access this in NZ – be useful to see some estimated prices, but at least that option is there.

  3. saveNZ 4

    BREAKING EXCLUSIVE: Massive online ACT Party data breach

    http://thedailyblog.co.nz

    [permanent link added – weka]

    http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2017/05/12/breaking-exclusive-massive-online-act-party-data-breach/

    • weka 4.1

      tricky ethical dilemma for the left. I wonder if Bradbury told them directly or left it to social media.

    • Cinny 4.2

      Wow, that’s serious and careless of the one man anti female pay equality party.

      The left would be wise to not publicly exploit such an open door, leave it to the media, media should be reporting this as ACT party members and any names listed in the leak should be made aware that their details are out there for all to see

      The left would also be wise to check their info is secure and read all the ACT party leak info available, insight and information is everything.

      • james 4.2.1

        So anyone accessing this – are they any different to when Whale did something similar on the labour website?

        • The decrypter 4.2.1.1

          Sounds similar to me on both respective web sites .Fair point james. Cinny does not the old saying ‘What’s good for the Goose is good for the Gander ” approach the type, or style, of logic that should apply here? I believe it should at first glance.

        • McFlock 4.2.1.2

          What, when he put a youtube video that looked like him reading instructions someone else gave him, as he showed viewers exactly how to gain unauthorised access?

          Bradbury is a dick, which makes me think that he might not have informed ACT about their vulnerability a couple of hours before he put his post up. That having been said, it’s not like he gave everyone a “privacy violation for dummies” help video.

          I’d give him a B+ if he gave them a heads up, a C- if he didn’t, and an E for slater’s attempt. Graded by ethics and competence.

        • Cinny 4.2.1.3

          Fair point.

          But at least TDB appear to be giving ACT a heads up, am pretty sure whale blubber did not offer the same courtesy to Labour in the past.

          Either way some questions should be addressed by Seymour to those affected by his unsecure database.

          Is said data base now secure?

          Have all people in database been contacted by ACT to reassure them?

  4. Rosemary McDonald 5

    Just heard on Natrad…Kathryn Ryan’s in depth discussion about government backing of polluting salmon farm by forcing change to Regional Plan.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/201843586/salmon-stoush-exposes-rma-loophole

    Devotes a rather stunning 30 minutes to this….

    • ianmac 5.1

      Thanks Rosemary. Very interesting though it would seem that there are shades of stopping ECan so that water actions can be forced through. This seems to be similar in that the District Council influence has been stopped also.
      They kept saying that the Minister would decide but without naming him. It would be the infamous Nick Smith wouldn’t it?

      • ianmac 5.1.1

        Current Councillors have been very very quiet on the subject of protecting the Marlborough Sounds.
        And “What future the magnificent Marlborough Sounds? ” by ex Councillor Peter Jerram.
        http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/opinion/92333781/opinion-what-future-the-magnificent-marlborough-sounds

      • mac1 5.1.2

        With long term connections to Marlborough, I can observe a change regarding local and outside control of the resources of Marlborough.

        When the local authorities were reorganised, Marlborough had its own district council but a regional district council which involved Tasman as well. Our MP of the time, with local support, had Marlborough assume full control of the Regional Authority functions in a unitary authority.

        When the Sounds were being quite adversely affected by the wash of fast ferries, the council did not have the will or the clout to control this. Then I wanted the wider input of a larger authority to be able to take action and also have a wider input, not so easily affected by purely local interests.

        Now, it seems that wider commercial interests are thwarted by local control of significant commercial opportunity which are being denied because the district plan has designated parts of the Sounds as having significant landscape values.

        Consequently, salmon farms are now pushing for changes. Larger government power is being used to affect this, over-riding local processes and values.

        The Sounds have been degraded with commercial exploitation and population pressure- salmon, scallops, commercial and private fishing, forestry, housing.

        The point of this is to point out that commercial interests tend to override local interests, and that control of local resources are also placed where commercial interests can overpower.

        Marlborough is a third world economy within NZ. Its significant industries are largely controlled outside the region, its profits largely go outside the province, its wages are lower than the national average, we import foreign labour to support this situation, we suffer from rental and housing difficulties, and our workers are consistently exploited.

        • Rosemary McDonald 5.1.2.1

          “Marlborough is a third world economy within NZ. Its significant industries are largely controlled outside the region, its profits largely go outside the province, its wages are lower than the national average, we import foreign labour to support this situation, we suffer from rental and housing difficulties, and our workers are consistently exploited.”

          When I responded to a shower of ‘NZers are lazy and that’s why we need the foreign labourers.’ comments elsewhere on the web the owner/chief mod stepped in and shut the thread down. Seems it may only become a ‘political discussion’ (and hence attracts a ban on that particular site) when actual facts countering the rightist narrative are presented. Ho hum.

          Thanks mac1 for your commentary on this. Insight from locals are most important.

          It will be interesting to what response from locals if their democratically elected council is overridden by central government.

          • Sacha 5.1.2.1.1

            You mean *when* their council is over-ridden – that’s what’s happening with this situation. Smith has meddled in that region’s affairs many times before.

  5. Siobhan 6

    Maybe the New Zealand Labour Party could take note of Mr Chomsky….and we could all learn a thing or two about the future of Centrism …..

    “In the extended interview, Davis asks Chomsky whether the Labour Party needs to split after the election. He notes the divide between the ‘Thatcher-lite party’ and the ‘Corbyn party’. Chomsky acknowledged that there were divisions. And he asserted:

    These are internal problems to these decaying centrist institutions.

    So according to Chomsky, the notion that the Labour Party can survive as a ‘centrist’ institution is over. It’s essentially dead in the water. But the BBC didn’t broadcast that claim. And it’s not hard to see why. Because the BBC has continuously championed supposedly centrist politicians. It’s apparently a supporter of, and a believer in, such ideals. And it has attacked people like Corbyn, who are attempting to orientate the party in a “democratic socialist” direction; a principle that the party is supposed to be defined by.”

    https://www.thecanary.co/2017/05/11/heres-the-moment-from-yesterdays-newsnight-the-bbc-didnt-want-you-to-see-video/

    • ianmac 6.1

      Some commentators put up scares if our Labour suggests anything socialist
      I think in order to scare Labour into an unwinnable Centrist position.
      eg The demon Union spectre.

    • Rosemary McDonald 6.2

      Full interview here…

    • Ad 6.3

      With 8 weeks to go Corbyn is handing the Conservatives an even bigger majority in Commons.
      And it’s never ever his fault.

    • Bearded Git 6.4

      You couldn’t tell me the exact time he says he will support Corbyn could you-I know I should listen to the whole lot but…..

  6. Tui 7

    testing.

    ~tui

  7. james 8

    Interesting reading for anyone that thinks Labour have a chance in the UK elections.

    Its not looking good for you.

    http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/homepage.html

    My prediction is that Labour will do even worse (I guess its possible) after they release their manifesto .

    • The decrypter 8.1

      I know its late james ,but I think you should be worried about NZ labours tactical election polls, and campaign. not pomy ones. Bit in the herald now about it , more to follow Sunday.

  8. weka 9

    Reason #345 to protect NZ biodiversity. Tuatara aren’t lizards and they’re literally one of a kind,

    https://twitter.com/ConversationEDU/status/862826343616045056

  9. okay I’m going to say it

    that nude ‘model’ flashing on Taranaki was disgusting to me – it showed everything wrong with the selfish, self centred idiot types who just are so self absorbed that all they care about is themselves and their publicity.

    For this person to then blop on about that Māori not being indigenous shows what a very dim person this ‘model’ is.

    Hey ‘model’ fuck off will you.

    Every time Māori have to defend views and beliefs – every. fucken. time.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/92359296/the-cultural-divide-between-maori-and-pakeha

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/92475284/maori-are-not-indigenous-playmate-reveals

    • Carolyn_nth 10.1

      Agree. Posing nude there is just so much sensationalist PR, and not worthy of the location.

      And the associated stuff poll offers 2 views, which ignore the core issue – basically just refers to differing views.

    • Red 10.2

      Moari have a right to defend their views and not all Maori think alike, but like religion it does not mean every body has to accept somebody else’s metaphysical belief Drawing a long bow if superstition can dictate what a person can do on a whole bloody mountain when the only offense is to upset some ones belief, and after the event at that, people (all) just need to get over themselves and stop been so easily offended

      • marty mars 10.2.1

        that’s the bloody point – it ISN’T just a mountain for many – but whatever – engaging with the tripe you wrote is tedious, unproductive and a waste of my time. Keep believing everyone can do anything whenever their pea sized brain thinks of it and when they come and shit on your sensibilities don’t come moaning to me.

        • Gabby 10.2.1.1

          First the Virgin in a Condom, and now this.

          • McFlock 10.2.1.1.1

            Yeah, but the Virgin in a Condom was intended to be a dick move (sorry, I meant to type that it was a provocative piece designed to stimulate controversy about the relevance and role of religious thought in the modern age. Or something).

            What’s her face was just looking for social media clicks.

      • joe90 10.2.2

        people (all) just need to get over themselves and stop been so easily offended

        Of course, a millennia or two scrapping over the Temple Mount and all the while, people (all) just need[ed] to get over themselves and stop been so easily offended, and everything would’ve been just fucking peachy, too.

        Who knew!.

  10. Red 11

    It is just a mountain that is the only fact rock and dirt, was there well before human existence and will be after, anything else is simply a metaphysical, superstitious belief that is also anybodies right to believe but not a right to impose on others lawful liberty

    • marty mars 11.1

      nah – you are talking rubbish – take your mechanistic viewpoint and, well, do whatever you like because you’re just a squeaking hinge anyway aren’t you?

    • McFlock 11.2

      But nor do people not have a right to point out when someone else is just being a dick.

      Ulhuru does it well, it just has a sign that basically asks people to not be dicks and walk over the rock. Most people aren’t dicks, so they don’t climb the rock. Some people do climb the rock, but there’s a sign there so everyone knows they’re being a dick.

      This woman gets publicity by taking her kit off in strange places. Fair enough. But in some of those places, that’s just placing your publicity-seeking ahead of everyone else’s feelings. Her doubling-down and making the “indiginous” comment was simply more dickish publicity seeking. red, don’t be like her. Don’t be a dick.

      It’s a bit like if I pass a memorial service or meeting, let’s say an ANZAC service or a group of people grieving at the spot someone died. Now, I’m a bit of a dick, so I like swearing, and maybe if I’m drunk I might have done the occasional public urination. Dick move, fair call. But this service might be important to someone. Me taking a piss in the bushes right next to them would be a really dick move. I’m a bit of a dick, but I try not to be a massive dick. It might still be legal if they couldn’t see my dick, but they’d still know what I was doing. I’d be a massive dick. I don’t want to be a massive dick.

      Be like me. Try not to be a massive dick. There’s no law against it, but it’s still a dick move. She’s just a dick, because she likes the publicity she gets by being a dick. Don’t be like her.

      • Red 11.2.1

        I get your line of arguement but for a metaphysical belief to control a whole mountain vs some ones freedom of expression is going to far, no matter how silly that freedom of expression is The act is Harmless barring upsetting the Marty snow flakes of the world, who chooses to be offended, which is his right. if it was not reported no one would even no, ie joe public walking up the mountain Starkers tomorrow, that’s the real test of how harmless the act really is

          • McFlock 11.2.1.1.1

            damn, that brings it home. Loved the email address.

          • Red 11.2.1.1.2

            How far do you take this bill, a memorial structure commemorating a human event that happened vs a metaphysical belef about a whole mountain Not equivalent I would argue on these grounds and we are talking a whole mountain not a small to a degree private space

            • McFlock 11.2.1.1.2.1

              it’s a public space with a bunch of concrete blocks.

              Different people have massively different emotional perspectives on it, as the link demonstrated.

              Same with different mountains.

            • Carolyn_nth 11.2.1.1.2.2

              So you’re quite happy with people tramping all over our conservation estate, without respect for the environment: happy for people to be posing nude in a public domain in front of a diverse section of the public; happy for free campers pooing and tossing their slops on open countryside, etc, etc.?

              • Red

                sigh!
                Posing nude on a mountain in private is not equivalent to posing nude in public How is been starkers and one with nature tramping all over the conservation estate Freedom campers Pooing all over the place is is health hazard and impinges on other people rights, standing starkers on a mountain alone is like a tree falling in the forrest with no one around, impacts nobody apart from snow flakes looking to be offended

                • Carolyn_nth

                  It wasn’t posing nude in private on a mountain top. It was a photo shoot.

            • weka 11.2.1.1.2.3

              The whole metaphysical belief line is a red herring. If any culture has the right to determine its own cultural values, then that applies across the board to all cultures.

              You obviously don’t think that and either believe that some cultures are special and deserve that right but Māori don’t, or that no cultures deserve that so you would be ok for the woman to have posed nude at an ANZAC day dawn service. Either way, as McFlock points out, you’re being a dick.

        • marty mars 11.2.1.2

          You’re happy till it all comes up against your values or beliefs red then you’ll weep and teeth gnash about how wrong it all is. You big freedom bods always do.

          • weka 11.2.1.2.1

            that’s the one.

          • Red 11.2.1.2.2

            Nup not at all, live and let live It’s a mountain volcano, if some one wants to go starkers up there more fool them, if some one gets upset because they think it offends the mountain and some how that offends them, well good on them but does not mean I have to take such offense seriously or rediculous equavalence been used to justify as such, think about it logically rather than emotionally , again the left pushes science and rationality to it suits them until it clashes with their primitive left ideology and identity politics

            • marty mars 11.2.1.2.2.1

              So basically you’re good? No issue. Starkers okay, getting upset okay. But somehow youve got offended because… the example used made you think you much?

              • Red

                Struggling with your meaning Marty, its s bit of a mumble ( it is Friday) , but I sort of get your gist, I am not offended at any one just challenging the fact that some people been offended by this action has any merit

            • McFlock 11.2.1.2.2.2

              So your position has changed from you boldly fighting tyranny with comments like “not a right to impose on others lawful liberty”, to you simply refusing to take other peoples’ beliefs and offense seriously.

              I mean, nobody’s saying you have to share those beliefs, but you don’t have to be a completely inconsiderate dick about it, either.

      • David Mac 11.2.2

        I’ve seen the ‘Don’t make a dick of yourself’ theory work at Cable Bay in Northland. A young guy was lost diving for kaimoana on a rocky point/reef.

        There was one simple cardboard and felt pen sign pinned up under the council info for the beach, dog rules, rubbish rules, camping rules, lighting fire rules etc. All those other guidelines we follow.

        The Rangitira from the boy’s Iwi declared a rahui on the beach for a number of days. The Iwi had no rights to block access. The tribe’s wishes were respected en masse. The occasional van full of Germans needed the circumstances pointed out to them, they were free to make their own choice. By and large they were fascinated by the custom, wanted to know more and moved on to have a swim somewhere else in the 40 kms of bays and beaches.

        I believe it enjoyed popular support. It prompted people to keep an eye open for the still missing corpse, it prompted people to find out something of the missing boy and the custom. Giving up access to Cable Bay for a week seemed a small price to pay. I’m not sure how the call would of gone down if the Rangitira had called for a 10 year Rahui. I think all parties were well served. A harmonious compromise as opposed to “I own this”

    • marty mars 11.3

      try this one red – I did a mindfulness exercise yesterday – write for 3 minutes or just think about it from this statement, “I know… ”

      When I did it I realised that most of what I know has been taught or gleaned from others and even the stuff that comes directly into my brain via the senses is 2nd or 3rd hand electrontrickery – what actually do you KNOW red?

      • Red 11.3.1

        Ranting now Marty, settle

        • adam 11.3.1.1

          “people (all) just need to get over themselves and stop been so easily offended”

          The irony is dripping at this point….

        • marty mars 11.3.1.2

          Yep i overestimated again.

          • In Vino 11.3.1.2.1

            I hate to nit-pick, but this is for such a troll… “It is just a mountain that is the only fact rock and dirt, was there well before human existence and will be after, …”
            That may be true for some ancient alps like the Himalayas, but Egmont (Mt Taranaki) is a volcano, and quite possibly did not exist prior to the existence of humans.
            I’m calling you out for your typical bullshit, Red. Do some research, and prove that statement you so boldly made. Prove that Mt Tarnaki’s existence predates the existence of the human species. I accuse you of being wrong – yet again.

            • In Vino 11.3.1.2.1.1

              And by pretending that the mountain predates all humans, Red seeks to belittle the cultural values of all humans – not just Maori. Fallacious and feeble, Red.

            • Red 11.3.1.2.1.2

              125000 years old http://www.teara.govt.co so does not predate Homo sapiens, but does human existence in nz by only 124200 years

              • In Vino

                Human existence in NZ is utterly irrelevant to your silly first assertion, by which you sought to belittle human cultural concerns – especially the ones you don’t like.

    • mauī 11.4

      Might want to check your own superstitious belief system first like why don’t you cross the centerline on the road, go to the toilet in the bushes, only drive if there’s a plastic label on your windscreen.

    • Wainwright 11.5

      Entire concpet of ‘liberty’ is metaphysical nonsense mate.

      • weka 11.5.1

        😀

      • Red 11.5.2

        Yes by the primitive left

        • Draco T Bastard 11.5.2.1

          It’s not the Left that’s primitive but the RWNJs.

          It’s the Right-wing that call for:

          1. Punishing the poor for being poor
          2. Putting more people in prison despite prison actually making things worse
          3. War
          4. Cutting taxes because of their greed despite the damage both cutting taxes and greed does to society
          5. Cutting health spending – especially in mental health
          6. Profits before people, society and the environment

          And the list goes on.

      • Draco T Bastard 11.5.3

        Nobody has the right to affect others without those others permission.

        Everything you do affects others.

        Your liberty of always limited because of this. To say otherwise is to declare that you have the right to oppress others.

        • Red 11.5.3.1

          WTF are you on about stick to topic, re raising straw men , ad hominem and red herring arguements. You choose to be offended, it’s not imposed on you, no one has a right not to be offended by someone words or actions that are not illegal You of course have the right to disagree and counter with a more meritorious arguement or action , something that has been very lacking here on this thread

          • Draco T Bastard 11.5.3.1.1

            Just because something is legal doesn’t mean that it’s right.

            • Red 11.5.3.1.1.1

              Forget legal you don’t have a snow flake right to not be offended no matter how you want to twist it

              • Draco T Bastard

                You know what?

                You’re becoming ever more incomprehensible with each comment.

                • Red

                  I find that comment offensive , please stop, do you get it now, if not we mywell stop here as I suggest you are incapable of reason

                  [lprent: Reading that comment thread, I’d strongly suggest that if you want to continue commenting on this site, then you’d better either get used to being offended as people respond to you. Basically you look like you are a idiot parrot with a phrasebook babbling crap. I have no idea if that is because that is who you are – ie because you are too stupid to say something sensible. Or if you are taking the piss (in one of several possible ways).

                  In any case, my scan through this thread indicates that you just look like a dumb troll. I don’t like trolls, and I have a standing policy of being extremely offensive to them as way of improving online behaviour. If you persist in acting like a troll, then you will discover who sets the rules about behaviour on this site. I will give you a hint – it isn’t you. Read the policy to find out what happens in reality. ]

  11. joe90 12

    Consequences, but hey, free speech.

    .
    /

    One of four Muslim women targeted in four successive and unprovoked Islamophobic attacks on Wednesday said she was randomly punched in the face as she walked through the city wearing her headphones.

    Maria Claudia Gimenez Wilson, a 39-year-old journalism student from Paraguay, is charged with assaulting the four women, aged 18-23, as they walked along busy roads near UTS in Ultimo on Wednesday afternoon.

    […]

    A report by a Justice Health nurse said that Ms Wilson had schizoaffective disorder and “appears to be suffering persecutory beliefs”.

    Ms Wilson, whose Facebook profile is littered with far right-wing and anti-Islamic material, interrupted proceedings to say that she was not unwell.

    “The only thing I did was to take a bull cut [sic] to a Muslim lady,” she said. “I don’t see any problem with that.”

    http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/four-muslim-women-punched-in-the-face-in-islamophobia-attacks-near-uts-ultimo-20170511-gw2pvy.html

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  • Ambassador to United States appointed
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.    “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says.    “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
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    1 hour ago
  • New permit proposed for recreational gold mining
    The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
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    3 hours ago
  • NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiations
    Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
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    6 hours ago
  • New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to sign
    New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
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    17 hours ago
  • Next stop NASA for New Zealand students
    Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
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    18 hours ago
  • $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crime
    New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
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    18 hours ago
  • OECD reinforces need to control spending
    The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli.   ...
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    21 hours ago
  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
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    2 days ago
  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
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    3 days ago
  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
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    4 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
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    4 days ago
  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
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    5 days ago
  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
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    5 days ago
  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
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    5 days ago
  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
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    5 days ago
  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
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    5 days ago
  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
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    5 days ago
  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
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    6 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
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    6 days ago
  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
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    6 days ago
  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
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    6 days ago
  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
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    6 days ago
  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
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    6 days ago
  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
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    7 days ago
  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
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    7 days ago
  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
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    7 days ago
  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
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    1 week ago
  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
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    1 week ago
  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
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    1 week ago
  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
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    1 week ago
  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
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    1 week ago
  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
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    1 week ago
  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
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    1 week ago
  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
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    1 week ago
  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
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    1 week ago
  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
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    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
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    1 week ago
  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
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    1 week ago
  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
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    1 week ago
  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
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    1 week ago

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