What a revolting programme, had not watched it since the Paul Henry days, Christie and his simpering assistant delivering the world for shallow people. The TV equivalent of TradeMe message board.
Harre´gave Christie a serve and he has been whinging and chipping at her remarks since. There was a weak admission that the effigy clip was not linked to Internet Mana and they do not supply free drinks to students.
After Harre´ left our man then conveniently turns up an email from the mother of one of the students in the FJK video who says he had a selfie with the Prime Minister the next day, and that “there was alcohol there” (but they don’t state who supplied it)–hmmm wasn’t that exactly what Mr Key has suggested–that people telling him to fuck off one day would want a photo op the next?
Talking of ‘Paul’, Henry that is, i watched last nights effort from the wee ‘Perve’ to see what InternetMana’s Lailla Haare, who was on the show last night, had to say,
Befor Lailla appeared Perving Paul was talking as if He would be giving Her the ace grilling which didn’t eventuate i suspect out of Henry’s fear that Haare would vocally carve Him up in a serious fashion on His own show,
What had me Laughing out Loud was the ‘interview’ Henry did with fellow media ‘personality’ Patrick ‘Alfred E Nuemann’ Gower befor Lailla was present,
The boys own club of TV3 couldn’t but help feed off each other in a bout of inanities which, and, you will have to excuse the gross expression here, had me thinking of the pair of them as ”giving each other a public verbal hand-job on air”…
I hate to look like someone who holds a grudge, bad, but I must once again insist on a retraction of your false accusations about my opinions on abortion and eugenics.
The crap you posted yesterday was nothing more than an attempt to dodge the fact that you made up a quote to smear me and sneered at me for challenging its veracity – when your only excuse was “oh whoops you never used the word “poverty” but that’s still how I ~feel~ your statements were.”
You can also explain, like you said you would, why you felt it necessary to introduce lies about my opinions on a completely different topic into an argument about strategic voting.
Yes, wait five stephanie i am sure i will get around to answering your latest stalk,
First tho i will go back a couple of days and read the Moderators Note that advises
me that you are Protected to a certain extent from my comments thus in debating with you at any time from the point of that Moderation on carries a certain Risk to at least me as a commenter and perhaps others,
SO, a wiser choice of comment from Me to you would seem to be, ”Yawn”………..!
[Stephanie: Allow me to assist you. lprent said “it is inadvisable to continue to attack [an author] on the basis of what she did not say, or what you choose to place as the meaning on those words.” It is linked in the exact comment you are responding to.
Now you are accusing me of “stalking” you. Stalking is a serious matter which shouldn’t be used as shorthand for me expecting you not to tell lies about me. Consider this a moderator warning that you either back up your claim, retract it in full, or take some time off.]
[Stephanie: banned until the end of the year for abuse.]
[lprent: Interesting reading the comments in the spam bucket. bad very clearly doesn’t want to come back. And he really really seems to want to an increase. Lets double that, and carry on doing so each time I see one of those comments. I’ll harden up the effectiveness of the ban somewhat as well. ]
Do you really think you impotent little arsehole that you can actually keep me from commenting on here,
[deleted]
[karol: off to moderation]
[lprent: Actually I can stop you being able to read the site if I choose to. I have chopped out the entire range of IPs from your location from your current ISP from reading the site. I guess it is time for you to find a new ISP to get the attention you crave.
And if you make it past that shield, in answer to your question, it takes time to make sure. I didn’t want to affect anyone apart from you. I had to scan the stored encrypted logs to find out other lurkers who could be impacted and carefully craft the barrier around them.
I don’t expect a reply – because if I see one, then I’ll simply reject another range of IPs. Somehow I don’t think that bad12 is up to spambot standards. And we now have a permanent ban. ]
Yeshe, I can only assure you that the kind of shit bad12 was saying in comments which weren’t published would change your mind about his ability to settle things amicably.
“I can only assure you that the kind of shit bad12 was saying in comments which weren’t published would change your mind about his ability to settle things amicably.”
I can imagine, and bet it wasn’t pretty. I, like I bet DC would also be, am sorry for that. 😉
I don’t see much wrong in the occasional p an q, but there’s always a moral line in the sand. It’s a shame bad felt compelled to cross it over an internet fall out, to save face, because he got caught out bullshitting.
Still, plenty more in the sea and all that (I’m looking at you pu) cough lol.
sometimes it’s the only power some people feel they have to make their point… It’s as much (to me) about people trying to be heard as it is “vandalism”.
The effigy burning and general defacing of National billboards is a sign of the hatred which the current government is creating with its war on the poor.
Expect more scenes like this Mr Key. You have created this atmosphere.
Laila shouldn’t be so defensive. This is democracy and we should be proud of the youth making their feelings known.
Antisemitic term used in hate speech from a Labour MP.
Antisemitic statements against Act and National coming out of Young Labour in May.
Green Party members endorsing Hitler posters with Keys face.
Left wing commentator and ex Green Party worker Gordon Campbell has a go at Key for being Jewish.
A German who collects Nazi memorabilia encourages hate chants, then use them as an advertisement.
Quite a pattern forming. Look under the carpet with a few google searches, and you’ll find it’s much more widespread than the small number of examples above. Including on this site.
His own mouth. “Every so often”. Numerous photos, Slater openly invited to National Party private boxes, etc etc.
The outpouring of hatred against Key and National concerns me as much as the regular day-to-day hatred they foster and encourage, I just have a better understanding of the source than you do.
The outpouring of hatred against Key and National concerns me as much as the regular day-to-day hatred they foster and encourage, I just have a better understanding of the source than you do.
That would explain John Keys massive personal popularity and Nationals popularity that Labour can only dream of
So it’s ok for a Prime Minister to openly encourage hate speech so long as he’s popular. Those are some lovely antique ethics you’ve got there. Are they for sale?
Your hostility towards him means nothing to me one way or the other: he’s a sideshow and I note your failure to find a substantive rebuttal to my ethical challenge. I’ll go further, when your team does it you approve of the whole nasty bag of tricks: hate speech, smears, up to and including violence.
Where was your outrage at the bullet holes in Hone Harawira’s office? Live with it.
Democracy? Of course it is: the billboard is a monologue, defacing it is a dialogue.
That doesn’t make it the right thing to do, Fisiani, before you deceitfully accuse the Left of something based on one anonymous bloke’s opinion. Obviously it’s hurtful and destructive, as well as in some cases being creative and hilarious.
You’ve sat on your hands while the Prime Minister has encouraged Slater’s methods all this time. These are your rules these kids are playing by.
Gotta say, it does look like younger folk stooping… They do as others do, not as they say… I wonder how many of them come from homes that love mr key. So in that respect, well said OAB
anti semitic = wrong but saying haree takes dotcoms money in return for sex = ok
So you approve of racist vandalism. What is your limit in your quest to “taking the country back? Do you approve of violence as well?
You have the freedom to speak but not the freedom to deface. It is not a childish prank it is criminal damage.The Left are simply appalling when it comes to democracy.
Given that most New Zealanders are reasonable people I do wonder about the impact of your negativity and criminality. I suspect it generates Votes for Team Key
Economic vandalism of NZ by National is a hell of a lot more serious crime than a few Hitler moustaches.
And on the subject of racist vandalism which to me is epitomised by the fact that National have followed a monetary policy that has caused further deprivation to the poorer in our society who include a disproportionate number of the Tangata Whenua, – I say No, I don’t approve of racist vandalism, no matter what form it takes.
Yes, horrible isn’t it? What do you think of the role he plays in inciting hatred across the country, both with policies (passive incitement) and association with Mr. Slater (active incitement)?
“The effigy burning and general defacing of National billboards is a sign of the hatred which the current government is creating with its war on the poor”
Otherwise all traces of freedom of speech are banished by this Government control NatZis.
This site The Standard and The daily Blog are the only ways we can get our collective opposition messages out there because we can’t via the fascist corporate controlled MSM that is a contorted Joyce Key media.
I think one point some are missing is a sense of powerlessness. People deface property, espesh billboards, cos they want to be heard. If you feel you have no other way to be heard…
The right hear themselves constantly through people like hoots on radio and in media and farrar in print… That has an element of empowerment for right voters.
xox.
Labour candidate Steven Gibson, and Shylock reference. Do Labour vet their candidates for general knowledge? Is this the best Labour can find? Not a good look and ammunition for RWNJ’S, and RNZ’S Espiner.
I’ve stopped reading / watching all pro-Tory biased media in this country, which wipes out anything published by FairFax or APN as well as most TVNZ news programmes and a lot of TV3, with the notable exception of John Campbell.
Removing these from my news feed has had two effects: Firstly, it makes my life better as I’m not constantly exposed to bullshit and propaganda. Secondly, it makes my news feed basically empty…
The major effect that I noticed about stopping watching TV news is that I now had to go out and look for it and this resulted in me having to think about it rather than being a passive ‘consumer’ of it. And the result of that is that I’ve become more discerning and critical of what I read.
This is a great side-effect, and one I’ve experienced myself.
When you have access to a (basically…) limitless set of viewpoints, it becomes really obvious how orchestrated the supposedly “balanced” panel discussions actually are. When you have “expert panelists” who effectively represent two sides of the same coin – like “Democrat” and “Republican” – that’s not actually balance. That’s a charade.
I’m aghast at the efforts to frame all debates in terms of “left” and “right”, or “right” and “wrong”, or “freedom” and “terrorism.” The reality of these things is far more complicated, but if you present two viewpoints on TV that’s implicitly suggesting that those are the only two viewpoints worth considering. And sadly many people believe that that’s the case.
Why don’t you have the radio on then? At least that is designed to be on in the background enabling you to do other stuff. The TV is designed to be watched.
To Phillip ure,
“Why do you watch it (TV1) + RNZ) given you have stated you no longer listen to Morning Report because of the supposed bias there?”
But we have sympathy for political junkies, and they do have a valid use as “monitors” like the wars when the British intelligence eavesdropped on the NAZIs Reichstag to see what they were saying.
But for our part we heeded Phillip ure’s boycott of TV 1 and feel better for it as we assume others also did.
Much less stress watching/listening to TV3 than the NatZ contolled TV1 and RNZ.
“cunnliffe closed that right down in his aformentioned appearance on breakfast”
I saw and like that Phil. Liked the way he told Pugh before she started
” I know what you are going to ask”, and then told her the answer.
First bloody class left her speechless. Then the main course Harre getting stuck into Christie
which he did not like
Ha Ha fucking ha Not before time someone took this tax funded broadcaster to task about their blatant bias..
another layer in the humour of that one was in the only pro-harre email read completely out.
….the email noted how craven christie is around key..never questions him..always gives him the last word..(i paraphrase there..they were much more erudite..)
..and christies’ answer to what was an indictment of him/his interviewing (non)-skills..?
..he said:..’but we let david cunnliffe do the same thing..we just had him on’..(!)
..absolutely no defence offered to that savaging of him..his work..
..and right now..christie is whining/wheedling/moaning..wriggling in his seat…still attacking harre..
..(and they still have not replayed the piece of the interview where harre holds tvnz to account for their role in the effigy-burning lies told by key..
..he is such a liar..that key..eh..?..)
..christie after harre..is a bit like the romans after their first encounter with boadicea..
Philj @ 4. I doubt Labour vet their candidate for knowledge of Shakespeare’s plays. I take it you are not suggesting they do?
The man was pulled up rightly so by DC. Given a very tough warning. And apologized profusely once he was informed of the meaning of his comment. WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT!
TV1 has now cloned all staff as pundits for NatZ policy plankers.
Ban watching them for your stress/health’s sake.
We call on;
ALL OPPOSITION PARTIES TO FORM AN ALLIANCE TO BOYCOTT THE CONINUANCE OF THIS SHAM ELECTION PROCESS AND ORDER A STOP TO THE ELECTION CLOCK FOR A MONTH UNTIL 25TH OCTOBER, AND HOLD AN ENQUIRY INTO ;
WHY NO FAIR PUBLIC SERVICE FUNDED MEDIA FACILITIES WERE GIVEN FOR OPPOSITION PARTIES TO SPEAK TO THE ELECTORATE AHEAD OF ELECTION DAY TO GIVE THE VOTER REASONABLE INFORMED CONSENT OF ALL THEIR POLICIES AND OUR CHOICES.
[lprent: don’t SHOUT. It is annoying. I will only correct your behaviour and diminish the volume once. ]
Could be worth it, one good account I have seen him give of himself was on Gaza on Q&A several weeks back, any Palestinian advocate would have been pushed to fault it, he called the place an open air prison etc.
Inherent in a story today to be found in the Granny Heralds online version is a tale of what is really wrong in New Zealand society today,
7 or 8000 Plods are employed to in part protect us all from ‘organized crime’ and most of what they seem to uncover is if the ongoing trail of news stories is anything to go by anything but organized,
Here’s ‘organized crime’ the ‘criminal’ allowed to then use the court system in what can only be described as ‘vexatious litigation’ to avoid any responsibility, it is abhorrent that the person indulging in this behavior is not locked up in a jail cell instead of being allowed by the system for 14 years to use His ill gotten gains in a series of court actions designed to simply avoid responsibility,
”Between the 1970’s and 2000, Russel established what the court of appeal has said was an Elaborate maze like structure of companies, partners, and trusts, AND provided advice on how others could Avoid tax through their participation in the ”Russel Template”,
”It, (IRD), reassessed Russel’s personal income and said He should have declared $15.76 Million between 1985 and 2000 instead of $298,000,
The original bill was around 5 million,(in unpaid taxes), but penalties and interest inflated it,(while Russel has continued to use the courts to avoid responsibility),
All of them, Russell and everyone of His ‘clients’ who He deliberately helped to evade due taxation should have been asset stripped just s any common crim has occur to them at the point where the crime was identified,
These people, tax accountants and tax lawyers dreaming up these schemes are not isolated cases, they are ongoing organized criminal networks,
In a similar Wellington case of the same nature last year it was shown that even tax accountants who refused to operate outside of the law knew of such illegal schemes and while refusing to be an active part of them happily ‘funneled’ clients to them…
I hope Greg Presland ( lawyer) is down on his knees to David Cunliffe for letting the jewish slur trip up a good Labour week
It is all about perception and a steady build up of positives that will carry the day
I am not suggesting he wrote this just that he should have aware of the damage it might cause
Added to the cock up over the “secret trust” and you have to question his judgement
David Cuncliffe’s handling of the slur was excellent
Ray, Shylock was the name of a ”cruel and heartless lender” in a Shakespearean play and while the particular character in the play penned by Shakespeare was cast as being Jewish the term Shylock is not necessarily confined to those of that religious faith,
i doubt that Shakespear intended to portray to His audiences that the term shylock should only pertain to Jewish moneylenders and when giving its definition of the term my Collins English Dictionary makes no mention of the Jewish faith,
Thus while being factually incorrect when assigning to Slippery the Prime Minister the term Shylock, in His present guise He apparently is not one, in correct English it is not racist for the particular candidate to have applied the term,
Shyster, which addresses the actions of Politicians is therefor a more fitting expletive to attach to the PM…
Beg to differ – it was no accident that the money-lender in the Merchant of Venice was a Jew – and the term has become synonymous with Jewish usury. Like the Fagan character in Dickens – it was a caricatured stereotype of the devious money-grubbing Jew.
If you use the term Shylock about someone with Jewish heritage it is very hard to claim it is anything other than offensive.
Jews became money lenders because it suited both Muslims and Christians to have them carry out that function – and they were then reviled for it. I would never underestimate the longevity, depth and complexity of anti-semitism in our culture.
His jewishness was part of his character because he often harks to his persecution at the hands of christians to justify or explain his uglier traits. There are multiple aspects to shylock. His jewishness, or a kind of comedic parody of jewishness is one part of his character.
It wouldnt surprise me if the labour candidate used the wrong word and meant shyster
Because he didn’t take down the post himself/scold Gibson. Of course if he’d taken down the post and Kiwiblog had the screencap the story would be “Cunliffe ally covering up for anti-Semitic candidate” and if he’d scolded him the story would be “Cunliffe ally tries to silence candidate with inconvenient opinions” so, you know, buggered no matter what you do.
I think National’s strategy has become clear – they’re going to spend the entire election campaign whining to cover up their lack of policy.
Perhaps John Key should check things he gets from Slater a little more carefully next time – but wait, what am I saying? With NZ’s media, he doesn’t need to bother.
Looks like Key’s top drawer (a.k.a. Cameron Slater) is open and the Nats are going for yet another substance-free election campaign.
They’re asking Kiwis to give them a third term in which to do nothing (or nothing they will tell you about) on the basis that they can whine, cry and kick up a stink like a two year old.
Defacing election hoardings is nothing new. The fact it’s more visible this time illustrates the depth of feeling against #Teamkey and the increase in numbers wanting this government out.
Pucklish if for one minute you think Whaleoil is a credible source, you have serious issues. Maybe for gutter press, but as a source of what the left is thinking – grow up, no one from the left will talk to Mr Hate.
And two, look around bro, all the hoardings are being attacked, the Mana ones are the ones I see defaced the most here in Auckland. Lincon road, had each and every billboard demolished over the weekend. I’ve heard similar stories from other roads across the region.
Finally, it’s a bit rich the right wing accusing the left of racism, or Anti-Semitism. Seriously, have a look at jail figures, job rates, unemployment. Me thinks your might want to look at one of your own, she who has issues within the PM and staunch supporter of whaleoil. Scratch that poll, dear ya!
Hey Adam its photgraphs, you don’t need to read the opinion pieces but of course a pictures worth a thousand words and it shows the nasty strain of anti-semitism just below the surface of the left so I can understand why you don’t want to read it
And photo’s can’t be staged? I’ve done it for advertising, promotions, etc.
Come now Puckish, have you got evidence it was done by people you say it was done by? I could and will say it was done by the national front. A organisation with a track history in this country of Anti-Semitism. They have in the past used anti-Semitic remarks, actions and violence in public, they seem the obvious choice to me.
Evil, yes lets talk – 270,00 kids in poverty, slave type wages, massive youth unemployment, and a economy based on earthquakes and milk powder. But no, you do evils job, and blame the other side who want to talk about these issues by name calling and accusations. Evil is, what evil does.
“3.Evil, yes lets talk – 270,00 kids in poverty, slave type wages, massive youth unemployment, and a economy based on earthquakes and milk powder. But no, you do evils job, and blame the other side who want to talk about these issues by name calling and accusations. Evil is, what evil does.”
I know the left love using emotion and hyperbole as an arguement but this is NZ not some despotic, tyranical fascist state as you’d like it to be
If it was then you wouldn’t have nut bars sharing the stage with the PM, you wouldn’t have KDC still in the country and you wouldn’t have scrote bags running around chanting f**k John Key
PR so National supporters wrecking left leaning bill boards are a superior class of vandal given they are supposed to be better educated better manners etc.
election bill boards have been a target of derision for as long as i can remember!
Its become a sport a National pastime !
Nah Pukish, all that crap would show is how pathetic Whalespew and the rest of your pigshit thick inbred mates are. I used to think you fuckwits made stuff up, but now I think you actually believe the rubbish you all spout.
If you want a nasty and vicious campaign then by amm means take this attitude. Be aware that there is likely to be a counterpunch at some point though.
the middle is not being pushed away and I think you will find that National saying that Dotcom is their best asset means the opposite. If you think about it.
That’s like saying the middle is not in the middle.
The fact that Labour might need the support of a convicted conman, fraudster and embezzler who ran porn sites, makes rape jokes, and whose policies are all about avoiding extradition to face justice, won’t scare moderate voters away.
You’re missing the point, (apart from the fact that Dotcom isn’t standing) which is that National might need the help of an incest supporting racist skinhead or Colin the moonbeam. At least Cunliffe has ruled IMP out of cabinet.
The difference is National has the numbers to make minor parties largely irrelevant.
Labour has little choice but to embrace every extreme left party that they can.
Peters has ruled out working with IMP and Maori Party, so without a big poll swing to Labour /Greens, the next govt will be Nat. Failing that, it will be Nat / NZ First.
You talk like national didn’t have to cosy up to an election fraudster this parliamentary term, just to get their flagship policy through the House. And they’re less popular this election than they were last election.
Top Marks Tracy, try how many times Key has been caught with lies? 150+ and counting.
It’s a game he plays all about the art of deception and Key is the best example of this around.
Bought a millionaire and got a shokey.
The billboard stuff is getting a bot out of hand. I use to smack these over when younger… Or try flying through them, but I never wrote stuff like we see today. I never wrote anything in fact
On television news the other evening, two Asian politicians were approached regarding Peters’ Chinese “joke”.
One was National List mp Melissa Lee.
I understand Melissa Lee is Korean, but may be mistaken.
Were the reporters looking at physical characteristics to determine who should be approached for comment?
Cameron Slater I expect. If not racist then he’s certainly inciting bigotry against somebody. What do you think of the Prime Minister’s active encouragement of this? How do you like the way it makes your complaints about random acts of hostility sound hollow and dishonest?
…don’t want to put too fine a point on it but actually Judith Collins holds that position.
Lee, according to Wiki is “As of 2011 she is Parliamentary Private Secretary for Ethnic Affairs under Judith Collins.”
A Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) New Zealand Member of Parliament (MP) designated by a senior minister in government or shadow minister to act as the minister’s contact with MPs. This role is junior to that of Parliamentary Under-Secretary, which is a ministerial post, salaried by one or more departments.
I will remind all the right wingers who are upset about the Left’s ‘dirty tactics’, what was said and written about Helen Clark prior to and in the build up to the election that gifted John Key to a grateful nation (that’s sarcasm in case you don’t recognise it) – a lot of it was viciously misogynistic and personally cruel – some of it entered the realm of hate speech.
The worst things I’ve read about JK’s Jewish heritage have come from the section of the right wing which is so mired in anti-semitism it cannot bring itself to even pretend to support Jews and Israel – unlike the mainstream Right which has suddenly discovered it loves Jews – well, prefers them to Arabs.
The Right’s current championing of all things Jewish would be amusing if it wasn’t so sinister – how come they didn’t and don’t support the socialist secularists in Israel who want to live in peace with their Arab neighbours – they’re Jewish too.
I cringed when I heard the Labour candidate claim not to have known the anti-semitic origins of the term Shylock. To defend a bad political move by claiming to be an ignoramus is not a good look – but Cunliffe handled it well. Personally I’d have given the bloke the boot and tell him to go home and do some serious reading.
I’ve heard Shylock used in popular culture, on TV shows like Justified and Rebba. In both instances it was to describe the Dixie Mafia and their money leading habits. I’m pretty sure the Dixie Mafia won’t allow Jews or people of colour into their organisation. Just an observation into irony, that the right slip into over the top political correctness when ever they feel threatened.
I seem to remember when I was younger being in dust ups with neo-nazi right wing loony bags. I seem to recall that the national front have held rallies and marches in Christchurch and elsewhere. I seem to recollect that more bat shit crazy right wing loons sprayed nazi and other symbols on the Jewish grave yard in Auckland. Just wondering, why the right thinks it can deflect the all this crap to left wing supporters – when obviously, there house, has such clean hands?
You have a very poor memory. For many non-partisan voters it was the defining moment of the 2008 campaign. The point at which a lot of middle voters saw Clark being unpleasant, dishonest and tired for the first time. It was an “oh well, maybe it is time for a change” moment. Every incumbent eventually has one.
That domestic violence quib, is a piece added by the blogger, not what Clark said. Her jibe was “You might be used to shouting people down at home, but you are not shouting me down.”.
Please let me say again – Just an observation into irony, that the right slip into over the top political correctness when ever they feel threatened.
Thank you, I’m glad you agree the right has been slipping into over the top political correctness of late.
Helen got it wrong with her statement, that is something she has to live with. But to extrapolate it to Helen accusing Key of domestic violence, is over the top. Seriously, stop and reflect on that. It was a inappropriate jibe, nothing more, nothing less.
Was it Helen who cut funding to Women’s refuge was it?
You must have been appalled when key said someone being a victim of attempted rape wasnt a serious issue, thus reneging on his promise to apologise if he knew her name?
I agree. MFAT should have appointed someone senior to hand hold the complainant thru the news reports and legal process. McCully or Key should have apologised for the poor way in which the issue has been handled.
Would have been the right thing to do but also would have been good politics too. Did Key really say “attempted rape is not a serious issue” or are you inferring that from his lack of an apology?
BTW I don’t think the Clark comment was that sinister in itself, no more or less sinister than whats been going on in this campaign, I really only point it out as another example of stupid comments that take on a life of their own and ultimately sometimes have an outsize effect on an election. I think with Clark it was the dischord of such a stupid, dishonest remark being made by her when she very rarely made a public miscalculation.
And with the IMP I suspect the posturing may well shore up an IMP vote to 3% but if it scares 5% away from Labour to NZ first or National then it is a bad thing for the left.
Hone, on Backbenches, said there were more important things to talk about. The next day he apologised and said it was wrong of him to say that and he hadn’t meant to trivialise her situation.
Key said he would apologise to the victim but he just didn’t know her name, and if he knew her name he definitely totally would. Then when he knew her name he refused, on the grounds that it wasn’t serious enough.
Yeah dude, totally worth trying to draw a parallel there…
“I think all of the media, their heads should roll for making a fuss about bugger all. There’s kids starving in this country, there’s a whole lot of issues that we need to be dealing with right here right now.”
It’s sweet though. He apologised and didn’t mean to initially trivilise the issue in the slightest.
So lets not get confused about who said what because I am sure if the above had been said by, say, anyone from National you’d accept that they had meant that there were more important things to talk about and they apologised and said it was wrong of them to say that and they hadn’t meant to trivialise her situation.
Obviously inventing a new definition for “trounced”.
‘s ok. Language is a dinimic invirimint. And I can always find another linguist with an opposite opinion, except when you ask me to, when suddenly I can’t.
No, Clark tried to save face by saying he was expected to do poorly and because he merely held his own it looked like he’d won, the truth was Key defeated Clark and made her lose her cool
Your “oh look I’ve got a new handle” perspective of history is nothing to be trusted. Go look at what was being said at the time. He was considered a lightweight.
And no, there was no trouncing. He made it through the debate, and then he just squeaked through the election.
And while I’m here – these headlines Headlines on Xtra yesterday – just about sum up the insane world we live in.
‘Kate Middelton’s brother making edible selflies’ – the clever little chap has set up a business printing Instagram snaps on marshmallows.
And,
‘Australian Boy in shocking Syrian picture’ – a young boy, reportedly the son of an Australian jihadist in Syria, is seen posing with a Syrian soldier’s head. The story is that Syrian government soldiers captured by the Islamic State jihadists are beheaded and their heads impaled on fences or used as props in pictures that the righteous upholders of Islam post on Twitter and Facebook.
(It’s funny how these maniacal anti-westerners are so into western media and imagery – e.g. the images of them posing in camp gear, legs spread in front of a dick extension (car) holding a dick extension (gun) in each hand – how much more junk-American could you get?)
I detest all men of violence and all proselytising religious fundamentalists but I especially detest the sociopathic arseholes who cynically manipulate them.
So – why are we suddenly seeing these horrifying images splashed all over the internet (on some Christian fundy sites they’re in all their gory glory, on MSM sites the heads are tastefully blocked out) – could it be to do with the Abbott government’s plans to introduce changes to the anti-terrorism laws? You know – the ones that aim at broadening the listing criteria for terrorist organisations, lowering the threshold for arrest without warrant for terrorism offences, extending police and intelligence agencies’ powers to stop, question and detain suspects, and making it easier for the Australian federal police to seek control orders on people returning from fighting abroad.
The Muslim community in Australia is justifiably appalled at the implications of these changes – so how useful to have proof of Australian jihadists involved in heinous war crimes.
So sad. R.I.P Robin Williams – you were such a high energy character. A talented comedian, also an astute observer of humanity.
What a day, I am honouring the memory of friend who suicided last year. Today is her anniversary.
Off to the Gaza talk soon. Geez. Might have to take time out to give thanks for life and the light that we all carry within, the lantern of hope and steadfastness.
“John Key’s best-case scenario has always been one of mass political somnambulance: in which hundreds of thousands of voters, convinced by the pollsters and their journalistic interpreters that the election was already won, would march, zombielike, into the polling-booths and make the media’s prophecies come true. Kim Dotcom’s unparalleled ability to disturb and disrupt has put this fantastical scenario to the sword. Even worse (from John Key’s perspective) the political spell he has cast cannot now be recalled.”
Small parties without prospect of ever being in a position to formulate the core policies of the state are free to promise voters the diplomatically and economically impossible. The leaders of parties large enough to make a difference have a duty to accept the responsibilities of power.
Neither do I. Nor would I want to see a responsible Labour administration hamstrung and blackmailed by two bit little parties with limited appeal and narrow political harakiri inducing agenda who have nothing much to lose as they can simply put the boot and blame on the main party when the distraught fearful voters kick then out just after a term, gain more ‘feel good’ sympathy and steal lots more party votes off it.
Smaller the party vote to the smaller parties and smaller the tail, the better, in my carefully considered opinion.
That is why I will be giving both my votes to Labour this time.
That article of his was about land sales to foreigners which seemingly the majority of voters want to stop. Trotters position was that the larger parties should ignore this large majority of voters and do what they choose is best which is dictatorship and not democracy.
It’s got nothing to do with the smaller parties except that, by agreeing with the majority of voters, they’ll likely to become bigger.
I challenge any readers to look at Kiwiblog and the poll of polls graph published today. The graph speaks volumes.The Labour high point was September 13 when there was a leadership challenge. Look at the trend, the oh so important trend as people have got to know The Cunliffe. The optimism here in the face of facts could power the grid. What evidence is there of a groundswell upsurge to Labour. What makes anyone think that The Cunliffe will soundly trounce John Key in the TV debates. What evidence is there that people want an unstable coalition propped up by the extremists Harawira, Harre, Sykes and Minto?
Do you think the Labour TV ads will trounce the superb National ones.
National wants as many Party Votes as possible and some here will soon see the light and prove that they love New Zealand and will choose to give a positive vote to National the only Party who are Working for New Zealand.
me either. Petula Clarke immediately sprung to mind: A-wishing and a-hoping…..
actually when that sprang to mind – so did Populuxe1, and I needed a lay down after perusing his recent expert opinion on all and everything; life and the universe; sugar daddies et al.
If the tide has turned as you and Trotter believe then the next poll will surely show National at about 43% Labour at 33% Greens 10% and IM 5% with Winston still being the kingmaker.
My prediction for the election more along the lines of National 48% Labour 26% Greens 9% and IM 2%. I do not think that National will poll over 50%. They will still require support parties.
It is too late to dump The Cunliffe. Shearer could probably have won. See you in 2017.
I’d still like the numbers, though, given that the confidence of a dude who thought banks would walk out of court an innocent man isn’t worth all that much.
no, you didn’t. You said he wouldn’t be found guilty.
As to the other “predictions”, yeah, right. You’re like someone who flips a coin and predicts heads every time, and claims he’s a seer because he’s correct about half the time.
If that were to happen I would probably say something like “fuck”, because the country will continue going down the toilet.
Whereas if key is out on his arse, you’d be sad about not being able to live at the expense of your long-suffering fellow citizens, as well as suddenly finding out that you don’t know half as much as you think you do.
fisi-the problem is that even the most recent poll dates from (on average) about 3 weeks ago. I have sensed a change even in those 3 weeks with Labour’s good launch, good policies from the Greens and Labour, Joyce’s arrogant/rude performance and the rise and rise of IMP.
But I agree it would take a couple of good polls for the left for this to be confirmed. A new Roy Morgan must be pretty close.
A sense…I’ve sensed that Nationals support is strengthening due to people getting more of an idea of what KDC is really like and Labour rolling policies that people see for the unaffordable bribes they are
Again were, were is the evidence. I see two young men who smashed up some signs. BFW. Their politics is not mentions in piece – your making assumptions. With all the ass that brings.
Smashed up National signs only and, being that they look like small town bogans, they look like IMP or Green party voters (if they could drag themselves out of bed early enough to vote before the polls close that is)
Assumptions after the national signs thing. Or is that prejudice? The right showing it’s true colours, and it’s out and out hatred of working class whites – me thinks, yes.
Hey it’s weird how there’s all these disenfranchised young people who hate John Key, eh? The wealthy baby-boomers who set the parameters for political discourse have been telling us for years that they don’t exist.
Good for you. When I was young I was selfish and thought nothing much mattered beyond the rights of the individual. One individual in particular, of course. 😉
A lot of young people are like that though. The neoliberal philosophies of National and ACT are little more than a teenager’s perspective of society. Pissing and moaning about cleaning your room as if it’s the greatest injustice on earth to have to tidy up after yourself, while expecting full and unfettered access to everything in the fridge by virtue of your mere existence.
But you live and you learn. I wouldn’t say it was a dream to be woken from – that’s a facile way to describe the never-ending, confusing, sometimes joyous and sometimes terrifying process of discovering what is and isn’t important.
” Pissing and moaning about cleaning your room as if it’s the greatest injustice on earth to have to tidy up after yourself, while expecting full and unfettered access to everything in the fridge by virtue of your mere existence.”
Just a couple of scrote bag lefties that were stupid enough to be caught but the reality is most people don’t hate National most people in fact like National, just a minority of drop kicks that can’t understand why everyone doesn’t think likee they do
And what do the faces of defacers of Labour billboards look like? I think I can tell you; as I put up a billboard to get jeered at by a ute load of good young farming stock driving by- “That won’t last the night.”
It didn’t. It disappeared. Stolen. From another farmer’s property.
So what do they look like? Well, at least the dog on the back of the ute looked intelligent.
Yeah but in a huge gathering in public and break a few of Keys fascist laws on all those public protest of a few years ago regarding Austerity in acted by “by the powers Powers “.Bloody prick should have been done for treason .
Cheers
Matt McCarten’s assumption that this policy would be loved is shown as just a cynical attempt to win office by giving a few dollars to middle to rich income pensioners. Given that most pensioners see the GP just 4 times year they might save just $200/year. but why give $200 to the super rich. This is not a policy it’s just a failed bribe. Kiwis are not stupid they can see when Labour is trying to con them.
Hoi! I am on Super and not rich. Cost about $50 plus $15 for Prescription. Would welcome this.
On the other hand there are many much worse off than me.
And the very rich could just use their private insurance and go to their pet GP and leave the free visits for others more needy.
I be a lucky chap.
Funny how rightwing Kiwis have 20/20 vision when it comes to a Labour policy that subsidises health care for pensioners but are as blind as moles when it comes to National’s tax cuts for the already rich.
A lot of pensioners are very poor – I don’t know where you live Fisiani but I see loads of older people in the supermarket counting every thing they put in the trolley trying to make their pittance cover the escalating cost of living. A lot of pensioners put off going to the doctor because they simply can’t afford the doctor’s fee and the cost and effort of getting there. Some have to go every 3 months to have prescriptions for controlled drugs renewed which doctors use as an opportunity to give a general check up.
As to your worry that this policy is giving money to the already rich – most rich pensioners are likely to vote National, which is the self professed guardian of the public purse, so, as good National supporters and responsible citizens they should pay for their GP visits or claim on their insurance thus saving the funding for the pensioners who need it.
what depresses me at the moment is seeing pensioners delivering junk mail, i saw an old guy the other day & he could barely walk delivering mail, its not a high paying job to say the least! its a cruel world if you are poor. fuck you national.
I applaud the move towards univeral rather than targeted benefits, which free primary care for pensioners and the family policies seem to be signalling.
Much less divisive and therefore more durable in terms of societal approval, especially for those in the middle who sit around the probable abatement levels.
Universal benefits at an entry level into services might(?) not that much more expensive than targeted benefits, given the administration costs of targeting.
Since National has put the price of prescriptions and doctors visits up it has probably given labour an extra 100,000 votes!
when those doctors visits are costing up to $100 per visit including multiple prescriptions its smart policy
Something that might speed things up is cutting the money political parties get to promote themselves and we as the voters just give them a day off on polling day and they can make and pay for the time they use on tv by using the broadcasting budget responsibly rather than sending their employees on unnecessary trips around the country, thats both the parties and broadcasters terribly boring but so is listening to a load of brainless posturing by politicians when we could have a few sessions on the manifestos of each party reviewed by some political “experts” on television of course it will take hrs because of the advertising but may be Crosby Textor could shut down the advertising for Key so that we might get a modicom of reality in this election and the tax payer funded usage of television time, yes some companies do pay tax ,might actually be worth something ,it mite even start the use of television as a tool for community education cause even the net is getting pretty fucked with the amount of stuff being censored and unbelievable time consuming sites that tell you next to nothing of value
Good Stuff!
Last night there was a great little program on Maori TV looking at the influence of Polls.
Lead by Stacey Morrison (good!) with Gavin White UMR, Prof Thomas Lumley, and Winston.
Winston was very informed and raised some of the issues discussed here in the past.
“Re-Think examines the role of political polls in our democratic system and looks hard at claims that they may not be accurate and can have an influence in the election outcomes.” http://www.maoritelevision.com/tv/shows/re-think/S01E012/re-think-series-1-episode-12
<30minutes long.
It’s great to see Israelis and Jews outside Israel refusing to join Bibi’s ride to destruction. The fact that they are doing this will also help stem the anti-semitism that sometimes grows among people who are pro-peace and pro-Palestinian. As far as I know, the movements against war have existed for a long time in Israel, but have not been reported. With the rise of social media, the news is getting out.
Meanwhile in Britain, Zionists march with fascists such as the BNP and extremists such as UKIP, united by a hatred of Muslims. Things seem to be polarising, just like the 1930s.
That’s funny, Winston First began 6 years before Frank Perry got involved. I seem to remember Winston raving on about the mansions in Howick from somewhere around the beginning. Still, I don’t take stuff you write at face value, so no harm done.
To Gosman,
Puckish rougue
Fiscani.
You are all are NatZ spinners.
How much does mister Key and co pay you?
I need a job. Maybe I as a senior I could make some easy money too?
You see I am a disadvantaged disabled pensioner that can hardly afford to live on the pittance my pension gives us to live on so I want to know how much are they paying for this job of yours?
I cant even afford to get my teeth fixed so maybe you can help me get some easy money you’re making?
Felix, I see Darren Watson’s FB page about the police telling a radio station to not play his Planet Key song is down. As is Watson’s FB page. I don’t use FB, but is that normal if someone is say removing content? Did anyone take a copy last night?
ABSTRACT
In a capitalist economy, taxes are the most significant instrument by which the political system can put into practice a conception of economic justice. But conventional ideas about what constitutes tax fairness–found in the vigorous debates about tax policy going on in political and public policy circles, in economics and law–are misguided. In particular, the emphasis on distributing the tax burden relative to pretax income is a fundamental mistake. Taxation does not take from people what they already own. Property rights are the product of a set of laws and conventions, of which the tax system forms a central part, so the fairness of taxes can’t be evaluated by their impact on preexisting entitlements. Pretax income has no independent moral significance. Standards of justice should be applied not to the distribution of tax burdens but to the operation and results of the entire framework of economic institutions. The result is an entirely different understanding of a host of controversial issues, such as the estate tax, the tax treatment of marriage, “flat” versus progressive taxes, consumption versus income taxes, tax cuts for the wealthy, and negative income taxes for the poor.
Sounds like a must read book for those of us interested in a better economic system.
Before Jacingrant There Was Gracinda: Grant Robertson and his 2014 running mate, Jacinda Ardern. She stood at his side: loyal and obliging, as she had ever been. The media dubbed this duo “Gracinda” – a sort of political “Brangelina”. The other young people who worked alongside Robertson were also ambitious ...
. . Just when you thought Simon Bridges couldn’t sink any lower – he has. After the March 15th Christchurch terror attack, the (current) Leader of the National Party issued strong committments to support urgently needed gun law reform; “We will be ready and prepared to be constructive and to ...
We all know that bad parents simply don’t care about their children’s education. Most truants have loser parents, and grow up to be involved with crime, or in low paid employment usually like their parents. The nonsense so-called “climate strike” coming up will be attended mostly by the least intelligent ...
Is the terrorist Organisation Greenpeace and the loony Green parties around the World hiring professional internet trolls? I have noticed a trend lately where if you post research, news articles or even comments that show the manmade climate change scam to be just that, you are immediately attacked, often within ...
Today is the first day of the global climate strike. Led by schoolkids, people all around the world are going to protest to demand action on climate change. New Zealand isn't doing it till next Friday (join us!), but if you want to get active early, there's plenty to do ...
The Herald has a story today about the 400 MW of wind power currently under construction. Good news, right? Except that none of it is being driven by policy (instead, its about replacing Contact Energy's Taranaki Combined Cycle gas-fired power plant, due to shut down in 2022), and most of ...
To Protect and Serve: When the Prime Minister finds herself enmeshed in the coils of a full-blown political scandal, her colleagues and party comrades have only one priority: to release her as swiftly – and with as little lasting injury – as possible. Is this what Jacinda Ardern’s colleagues and ...
When military leaders cover up and lie to elected civilian authorities, the foundation of democratic civil-military relations is undermined because it is those authorities who are entrusted to hold the military accountable to the public that they mutually serve. But this is only true if civilian political authorities take their ...
The Make It 16 campaign to lower the voting age is launching this afternoon, and they have already announced plans to challenge the law in court:The campaign, named "Make it 16" will launch at Parliament on Friday, with plans to take their case to the High Court, testing the rights ...
by Daphna Whitmore The long years of Netanyahu’s reign are drawing to an end. For years he has epitomized reactionary zionism as he oversaw hundreds of thousands of Jewish settlers seize land in the West Bank. There are now 700,000 settlers, putting an end to the myth that Israel was ...
BP, Z and Mobil all insist that petrol price hikes are temporary, “in a very literal sense.” The nation’s major petrol providers are trying to allay customer fears over prices, promising that they’ll move to lower them again “immediately” when the Middle East is returned to its formerly peaceful state. ...
South African coach Rassie Erasmus says he has no idea what they’re going to do about the boat. In a highly anticipated press conference this afternoon, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has finally unveiled the team’s boat for its Rugby World Cup 2019 campaign. In a press conference that went ...
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The Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 2) had part of its committee stage yesterday. its a generally tedious bill about the nitty-gritty of local government reorganisation. But it includes a clause making the Local Government Commission subject to the Ombudsmen Act, and hence the OIA. Great! Except of ...
Yesterday Ihumātao's mana whenua reached a consensus that they would like their land back, and asked the government to negotiate with Fletcher's for its return. The government's response? Try and undermine that consensus, while talking about how doing anything would undermine existing Treaty settlements. The first is just more bad ...
Its Suffrage Day, the 126th anniversary of women winning the right to vote (but not stand in elections) in New Zealand. And to celebrate, the government has bought Kate Sheppard's house in Christchurch:The government has bought Kate Sheppard's former home in Christchurch for more than $4 million. The Ilam villa ...
The UN climate summit is happening in new York next week, and unlike previous years, coal-burners and denier-states are not being invited to speak:Leading economies such as Japan and Australia will not be invited to speak at next week’s crunch UN climate change summit, as their continued support for coal ...
Get Back Jojo! The elation in Mayor Phil Goff’s camp may be easily imagined as they watched social media light up in indignation at challenger John Tamihere’s "Sieg Heil to that" quip. Just when JT’s notoriously right-wing, sexist and homophobic stains were beginning to fade back into his ‘colourful’ past, ...
Patrick Gower is good value when he's high. Not that I've ever, you know, got stoned with him. But in the second part of his documentary Patrick Gower on Weed, he does what you'd expect in a modern weed documentary and immerses himself – first with a doctor, then a ...
We surveyed candidates on their attitudes to issues facing the Western Bay Region, find out what they think: “Closing the Gap” Tauranga, one of the area groups of Income Equality Aotearoa NZ Inc., has surveyed all candidates in the three local body elections to discover attitudes to some basic issues ...
Please spread widely, and sign, to support science and rationalism over the new irrationalism sweeping universities and institutions. PROJECT NETTIE Sexual reproduction, the generation of offspring by fusion of genetic material from two different individuals, evolved over 1 billion years ago. It is the reproductive strategy of all higher animals ...
Just when I was thinking that Palmerston North's mayoral race (which includes a convicted child molester / public wanker and a convicted child beater) was the worst in the country, Auckland mayoral candidate John Tamihere opened his mouth:Auckland mayoral candidate John Tamihere is being slammed for using the words "sieg ...
We reprint below an article from the excellent website the Economics of Imperialism by Tony Norfield This is an update of the statistics for my Index of Power, using data for 2018-19 and discussing what a country’s ranking reflects. The major change is that China’s rank has shifted up and ...
The All Blacks have been, for more than a century, arguably the most successful International sports team in the world. But they are more than that; even for those Kiwis who are immune to the charms of rugby (and there are more than a few), the All Blacks are ambassadors ...
Alone, Alone, All, All, Alone: To argue that the Prime Minister is the victim of her advisers’ failure to keep her informed may offer Jacinda some measure of exoneration – but only at the cost of casting her as a hopeless political ingénue. A star-dusted muppet, whose only purpose is to ...
In times of hysteria about the “World coming to an end” and “rising sea levels” so-called ‘Journalists’ who can barely spell words longer than four letters are having a ball! Though the majority of the Public have worked out that manmade climate change is nothing short of pseudo-science, and the ...
I don't want to give pblicity to certain parts of the internet that are better left to fester in their own irrelevance (I know, a bit like this place) but the listing of Chris Trotter as a 'author' on Cameron Slater's spinoff website, the BFD requires some explanation.Now, I don't ...
The text below is a Twitter thread by Heather Heying that explains the essence of sexual reproduction and it long evolutionary history. She is an evolutionary biologist and a “professor-in-exile” after she and her husband, Bret Weinstein, stood up to supporters of an enforced “Day of Absence” for white staff and teachers ...
With crunch time for new Zealand climate policy approaching, most of the New Zealand media have got on board with a global reporting effort to cover the issue. There's one strand of stories today about polling and what it shows about changing public attitudes to the crisis, but the strand ...
Dangerous Foes: For those readers of Bowalley Road who feel disposed to dismiss any prospect of an Israeli destabilisation of New Zealand politics, the example of the United Kingdom repays close attention. Ever since the election of Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the British Labour Party, the Israelis have sanctioned, funded and ...
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by Don Franks It was a lovely sunny Wellington afternoon with blue skies above the beaches. In Courtenay Place, political activists packed out a stuffy upstairs room for an important meeting. The assembled pacifists, anarchists, communists and independent young radicals of Peace Action Wellington felt the need for a mission ...
Current and former NZDF top brass are being publicly grilled this week by the hit and run inquiry over their public responses to allegations of civilian casualties. Previously, they've claimed there were no casualties, a position which led them to lie to Ministers and to the public. Now, they're saying ...
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From the Wall Street Journal:Inside a room of the ornately decorated Hotel du Palais during last month’s Group of Seven summit in Biarritz, France, President Trump awaited a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi. Mr. Trump looked over a gathering of American and Egyptian officials and called out in ...
by the Redline blog collective At Redline we are very saddened to hear of the death of Magdalen Burns who passed away on the morning of Friday, September 13 (British time). Magdalen was a great fighter for the rights of women in general and lesbian women in particular, a defender ...
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There appears to be consensus – by omission – that the concept of indigenous futures should be accepted at face value. So I scavenged the internet to see if I could locate an academic descriptor or a framework around how we think about it as a concept, and whether it ...
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During my time in the Pentagon I had the privilege of sitting down with military leaders and defence and security officials from a variety of Latin American nations. Sometimes I was present as a subordinate assistant to a senior US defence department official, sometimes as part of a delegation that ...
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Eighteen months ago, the government promised to strengthen the Bill of Rights Act, by explicitly affirming the power of the courts to issue declarations of inconsistency and requiring Parliament to formally respond to them. So how's that going? I was curious, so I asked for all advice about the proposal. ...
As the Brexit saga staggers on, the focus is naturally enough on the Prime Minister and his attempts to achieve Brexit “do or die”. But the role played by the Leader of the Opposition is of almost equal interest and complexity. The first problem for Jeremy Corbyn is that he ...
Last week, English Prime Minister Boris Johnson boldly declared that he would rather die be dead in a ditch than delay Brexit. Unfortunately for him, the UK parliament accepted the challenge, and promptly dug one for him. The "rebellion bill" requires him to ask for and secure yet another temporary ...
It has been two years since Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called climate change her generation's nuclear free moment. And on Monday, against a backdrop of global climate protest, she will give the opening speech at the United Nation's climate ...
Finance Minister Grant Robertson is under intense scrutiny. New figures show economic growth has slowed to levels not seen for six years. And he has chosen not to answer questions about when he heard about serious allegations of a sexual assault cover-up ...
NZDF Attends Commemorations to Mark International Mission in East Timor A New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) contingent participated today in the 20th anniversary commemorations of the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) mission in Dili. The commemoration ...
They’ve only been up and running for a few months, but a New Zealand not-for-profit has already made a big impact on period poverty in New Zealand. ...
The allocation of money for publicly funded broadcasting for election campaigns should be turned on it's head according to Massey University professor of communication design Claire Robinson. ...
Disappointment expressed by Fletcher Building CEO, Ross Taylor, reflects the increasing frustration held by many with this Government’s failure to protect private property rights.[1] ...
The independent Interim Climate Change Committee today launched an eight-week, nationwide call for evidence on options available to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ...
Social Credit has lodged a complaint with the Ombudsman over the way the Overseas Investment Office is handling its official information request for disclosure of documents on the sale of Westland Milk Products to Chinese company Inner Mongolian ...
This Friday in Solidarity with the Global Climate Strike All of the SodaStream’s e-commerce platforms and head office operations will be closed to kick-off the week-long event, and employees will march the #CLIMATESTRIKE in Auckland on 27 September. ...
Federated Farmers congratulates the Auditor-General’s office on its release today of its report Managing Freshwater Quality: Challenges and Opportunities. ...
Growth has now slowed to a 6-year low, and downside risks are dominating. June quarter GDP growth came in at 0.5%qoq, in line with our expectation, and slightly above consensus. Although there were a few sensational reports of the chance of a negative print. ...
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is calling the release of the National Climate Change Risk Assessment (NCCRA) framework a good first step in balancing New Zealand’s response to climate change. ...
Family First NZ says that a new Colorado report compiled by the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area finds marijuana-positive traffic fatalities, hospitalisations, marijuana use, and illegal market activity have exploded since marijuana legalization. ...
This year’s Ratepayers’ Report , local government league tables released yesterday, reveals which local councils owe the most and which owe the least. ...
Rachel MacGregor welcomes the decision released today by Justice Hinton. The key issue on which all the various litigation has been based is the question, did Colin Craig sexually harass Rachel. That question has been answered – he did. Justice ...
The Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) has today ratified a ground breaking pay deal with Dunedin Railways which will see all union members being paid a living wage and the lowest paid receiving an 18% wage increase. Higher paid RMTU members ...
Inclusion for trans women/men and non-binary peoples has today been announced as the cornerstone of a new resolution for the National Council of Women New Zealand (NCWNZ). ...
It took a testy Morning Report interview this week to remind me that Simon Bridges was still the Leader of the Opposition. Until then, he had been largely invisible as the events of recent weeks unfolded. ...
The National Council of Women NZ has today welcomed the news that the Government has purchased Kate Sheppard’s house in Christchurch, the base for the NZ suffrage campaign. ...
The Māori Party supports mana whenua of Ihumātao and acknowledges their coming together to reach consensus on the future of their whenua. “We also acknowledge the leadership of the Kīngitanga who have played an important role in supporting ...
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is questioning why, for the second time, Jacinda Ardern has appointed a Crown-owned company Chief Executive to Chair her “Business Advisory Council”, following her announcement that Mercury CEO Fraser Whineray ...
Responding to the Government’s decision to give around $300 million to Amazon as a sweetener for filming a TV series in New Zealand, New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says: “As a matter of simple waste, this is striking, ...
I am very pleased with Air New Zealand’s Decision to backdown and withdraw their application to trademark into a logo Kia Ora. I said at the time that it was an ill conceived idea and poorly thought out – more importantly it should never have been ...
NZEI Te Riu Roa members will be joining with others across the union movement by wearing black and white in support of pay equity on Suffrage Day tomorrow, and urging the Government to commit to a settlement for teacher aides this year. ...
Yesterday’s announcement from the Minister for Immigration, to improve temporary work visas for migrant workers, provides some positive changes but more detail is needed. The Council of Trade Unions fundamentally supports the principle of making ...
FIRST Union today welcomed Westpac’s public admission of the significant gender pay gap in its workforce and reiterated its call for employers to work with unions to close this disparity, arguing that this work must begin at the bottom of the pay ...
Changes to the work visa system announced by the Minister of Immigration are not all positive for employers or migrants, comments Ms June Ranson, chair of the New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment (NZAMI) , a leading voice in the ...
The Dairy Workers Union (DWU) has welcomed the announcement from dairy company, Synlait, that they will be boosting parental leave entitlements significantly for working parents. ...
In June, the Children’s Commissioner announced a thematic review into Oranga Tamariki’s policies, processes and practice relating to care and protection issues for tamariki Māori aged 0-3 months. Today the Children’s Commissioner has released the full ...
“Closing the Gap” Tauranga, one of the area groups of Income Equality Aotearoa NZ Inc., has surveyed all candidates in the three local body elections to discover attitudes to some basic issues of the Western Bay region. We believe that this is ...
In response to DairyNZ's attempt to dismiss an economic report that highlighted dairy's role in the New Zealand economy is only three per cent of GDP, Fish & Game New Zealand Chief Executive Martin Taylor says: "If DairyNZ wishes to reject a report ...
Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII has successfully guided the mana whenua of lhumaatao to reach a consensus on the future of their whenua. ...
Two activists disguised as shareholders interrupted the AGM of a gold mining company in central Auckland this morning to inform shareholders their plans to mine for gold in conservation estate in the Karangahake Gorge were unwelcome. ...
The Capital and Coast District Health Board (CCDHB) has been labelled ‘NATO’ (no action, talk only) when it comes to child mental health, with just 0.6 full time staff (24 hours per week) for inpatient child psychology and just 0.8 full time staff ...
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL has awarded three New Zealand climate youth groups with its Ambassador of Conscience award, its highest recognition for human rights work, previously given to the likes of Nelson Mandela, Ai Weiwei and Malala Yousafzai. ...
The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union , in partnership with the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance , has today published this year's Ratepayers' Report – online local government league tables – at www.ratepayersreport.nz . ...
NZUS Council executive director Jordan Small welcomes the news New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will meet with US President Donald Trump in New York next week. ...
The recent NZIER report trivialises the significant role the dairy sector plays in New Zealand’s economy – and fails to look at the specifics of the Government’s freshwater package, according to DairyNZ. DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said ...
This week, the New Zealand Parliament and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) will jointly host a seminar on tackling the global spread of illicit weapons. ...
By Michael Andrew Social media and tech industries have been replicating the ugliest aspects of capitalism from the 1800s, according to an AUT computer science lecturer. Associate Professor Tony Clear says that social media and tech executives are taking advantage of unregulated markets in a similar way as wealthy ...
Covering Climate Now: There’s a range of dairy-free ice creams available these days, but it’s a fair bet none will be as delicious – or satisfying – as making your own. The Spinoff’s participation in Covering Climate Now is made possible thanks to Spinoff Members. Join us here!If the latest stats ...
Covering Climate Action: Ahead of the UN’s Climate Action Summit, artist Joseph Michael and composer Rhian Sheehan teamed up to create Voices For The Future, a 30-minute installation projected onto the UN buildings.The Spinoff’s participation in Covering Climate Now is made possible thanks to Spinoff Members. Join us here!Joseph Michael is ...
New Zealand banning Huawei’s 5G network equipment won’t impact you nearly as much as the US’s recent moves against Huawei phones, writes Henry Burrell. Twenty years ago, you would have shown off your flash new Ericsson or Nokia. How times change. Now, those two entities exist only to provide mobile network ...
Op-Ed by Kaveh Zahedi, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)Kaveh Zahedi is Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).In less than ten days world leaders will be ...
Grant McDougall reviews Kilgour’s new solo album, Bobbie’s A Girl, which sees him reflecting on the deaths of his friend and former bandmate, Peter Gutteridge and his own mother, Helen Kilgour. There is a passage in Shayne Carter’s excellent recent autobiography, Dead People I Have Known, in which he describes ...
New Zealand painter-poet Gregory O’Brien has just published a new collection of essays and art; pitched as a “field notebook … my whale survey”, Always Song in the Water drifts from his own front lawn in Hataitai, up to Northland and way, way across the Pacific. It’s the sort of ...
Ruby Porterlooks into New Zealand’s future when the sea level rises 10, 25 and 80 metres, and finds out how much of Auckland will be left.I grew up in Ponsonby, but the only bay I knew around here was Cox’s. It’s fed by a creek which was once a mahinga ...
Opening up a skid pad, create more housing for single people and make the central city dog friendly: policies from Christchurch's lesser-known mayoral candidates. ...
Josie Adams, Hayden Donnell, and Alice Webb-Liddall read thousands of policy statements to find the climate change deniers, fudgers, prevaricators (and believers) running in our local elections.The Spinoff local election coverage is made possible thanks to The SpinoffMembers. For more about becoming a member and supporting The Spinoff’s journalism click here.One of the problems ...
The paintings of Colin McCahon convey dissonance and uncertainty, writes Shannon Te Ao. So what does this say about us? And why are we maintaining this Pākehā male narrative at the expense of more inclusive representation?Colin McCahon would have turned 100 on August the 1st. If you keep one eye ...
Amanda Thompson spends a day with the New Zealand men’s roller derby squad as they prepare for next year’s world champs in the US.Let’s play a word game. Let’s list some contact sports and the top teams in those codes.Say rugby. Are you thinking about the All Blacks yet? What ...
Covering Climate Now:Dietary Requirements is The Spinoff’s monthly podcast in which we eat, drink and talk about it too, with special thanks to Freedom Farms. This month, we go crazy for crickets in a climate week special.The Spinoff’s participation in Covering Climate Now is made possible thanks to Spinoff Members. ...
To mark International Day of Peace, Dr Rebecca Dudley of the New Zealand Red Cross explores the role that New Zealanders play in the global story of war and peace. Personal stories about war almost always begin with a memory.A humid afternoon in South Sudan.A calm Wednesday evening in Beirut.A bustling ...
The history of tattoo art in Japan is deep-rooted and complex – and so is the cultural aversion to tattooed bodies, explains Brian Ashcraft, the author of a book on subject.Tonight, when the All Blacks take the field, they’ll be covering up. In order not to run afoul of Japanese ...
Covering Climate Now: Saying climate change is important is one thing. So why are we so incapable of having a real conversation about what actually addressing it will mean? Sam McGlennon investigates. The Spinoff’s participation in Covering Climate Now is made possible thanks to Spinoff Members. Join us here!Up until a week ago, ...
"This is what Wellington boy said, after he finished his quick and bloody deed. You know what your problem is? Once a slut, always a slut": a short story by Auckland writer Eileen Merriman. ...
Michael Mann, a climatologist and famous press critic, talks to the Columbia Journalism Review about the dangers of both understating and overstating the dangers of climate change. ...
Ahead of the All Blacks first game Trevor McKewen makes some his fanciful, fraught and some hopefully on-point predictions for the Rugby World Cup.Can you take one for the team? Could you cope with the All Blacks coming up short in achieving an unprecedented third straight World Cup if it ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra [embedded content]University of Canberra Deputy Vice-Chancellor Leigh Sullivan discusses Scott Morrison’s new family law inquiry with Michelle Grattan. They also speak of the developments in the Tamil family from Biloela’s case, and the UN barring ...
Analysis - Jacinda Ardern heads for the UN as the sexual assault scandal rumbles on at home, and Simon Bridges says he isn't going to ease off his personal attacks on the PM. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dries Verstraete, Senior Lecturer in Aerospace Design and Propulsion, University of Sydney CC BY-NDClimate Explained is a collaboration between The Conversation, Stuff and the New Zealand Science Media Centre to answer your questions about climate change.If you have a question you’d ...
In this episode of our new tarot reading show Wild Card, The Spinoff’s resident psychic divines the outcome of the All Blacks’ opening match against the Springboks on Saturday.In the first and potentially only episode of Wild Card, we have a focus on sport. The Spinoff’s psychic-in-residence, Jo Sees, specialises ...
Recently-retired Sky TV chief executive John Fellet talks to Newsroom business editor Nikki Mandow about baseball, media, goldfish, accountancy - and more baseball. ...
The Real Pod assembles to dissect the week in reality television and real life, with special thanks to Nando’s.With Duncan enjoying a MAFS-style beach holiday in Bali, Alex and Jane are left to cover another crazy week in reality television. Shannon Ryan has gone full beast-mode in Celebrity Treasure Island, Married ...
Dr Bryce Edwards“Diversity” is a central theme of the current local government elections – with the common criticism that incumbent politicians are generally too “stale, male, and pale” (or variations on that). Numerous commentators and candidates have lamented the lack of women, ethnic minorities, and youth in local government. ...
Editor’s Note: Here below is a list of the main issues currently under discussion in New Zealand and links to media coverage.New Zealand Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand.Today’s content by Dr Bryce Edwards.Climate change, environment Paul Gorman (Stuff): How would you spend an unlimited war chest for ...
A review into the Ministry for Culture and Heritage will look into the relationship between a staffer and the external developer responsible for a massive data breach. ...
Covering Climate Now: The Spinoff crew who took on climate change with a vegan diet for the week reflect on the highs, the lows, the pies and the fries. The Spinoff’s participation in Covering Climate Now is made possible thanks to Spinoff Members. Join us here!As I write, I’m tucking into ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Roger Crisp, Professorial Fellow, Dianoia Institute of Philosophy, Australian Catholic University As world chiefs and youth leaders gather in New York at the United Nations Climate Action Summit, many of us as individuals are feeling powerless and overwhelmed. Making big personal changes ...
The head of one of the country's biggest news media firms is the latest subject of criticism for darkening his face at a staff party he attended dressed as US basketballer Lamar Odom. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Coral Gartner, Associate Professor, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland Health authorities in the United States are investigating 530 cases of lung illness, including seven deaths, reportedly connected to vaping. Some of these patients have been diagnosed with lung inflammation ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 The Testaments by Margaret Atwood (Chatto & Windus, $48)Obvs. (Read our review by Pip Adam here)2 Three ...
When comedy documentary Funny As was made, a lot of interviews got left on the cutting room floor which NZ On Screen quickly picked up. Here are some of our favourites.We’re a pretty funny bunch us Kiwis. Trapped on a tiny island at the end of the earth it appears ...
Auckland rapper JessB has just released a new EP and wraps up a national mini-tour tonight in her home town. Jogai Bhatt talked to her about her world travels, performing at Ihumātao, and how her community and her music intersect.It’s only been two years since JessB entered the public radar ...
A new poem by Waiheke poet Rata Gordon.PacingA deep bow to NerudaIt so happens I am sick of being a woman. It happens that I walk into BP stations and supermarkets greasy, swollen, like a cow made of soap, losing my way in a field of placentas and pesticides.The smell ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amanda Gardiner, Lecturer, Edith Cowan University In August, a 24-year-old woman appeared before the Western Australian District Court after pleading guilty to concealing the birth of her newborn baby in 2018. The charge of concealment of birth refers to hiding the dead ...
Voting papers are being sent out today, and lots of people say they won’t fill them out because they don’t know anything about the candidates. Respected website ‘The Spinoff’ is trying to fix that through its Policy Local tool. But it’s not the only one. Catherine Jeffcoat talks to the ...
This week's biggest-selling New Zealand books, as recorded by the Nielsen BookScan New Zealand bestseller list and described by literary editor Steve Braunias ...
Writer and cannabis legalisation expert Russell Brown watched episode two of Patrick Gower on Weed, and found it highly entertaining but dangerously light on facts. Patrick Gower is good value when he’s high. In the second part of his documentary Patrick Gower on Weed, he does what you’d expect in a ...
Sydney shock-jock Alan Jones has written to Jacinda Ardern saying he didn't intend any violence towards her when he said on air that Australia's Prime Minister should "shove a sock down [her] throat". ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Caio Seguin, PhD candidate, University of Melbourne Brain regions exchange information by sending and receiving signals through a network of nerve connections. This exchange is crucial to all aspects of the brain’s functioning, including how we experience the world, form and retrieve ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Miranda Kaye, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, University of Technology Sydney Over the next 12 months, a joint parliamentary committee will examine Australia’s family law system. It will be led by conservative Liberal MP Kevin Andrews and One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Barbara Allen, Senior Lecturer in Public Management, Victoria University of Wellington This story is part of Covering Climate Now, a global collaboration of more than 250 news outlets to strengthen coverage of the climate story. For three years in a row, the ...
Open mike 12/08/2014 
Kia orana.
Before Jacingrant There Was Gracinda: Grant Robertson and his 2014 running mate, Jacinda Ardern. She stood at his side: loyal and obliging, as she had ever been. The media dubbed this duo “Gracinda” – a sort of political “Brangelina”. The other young people who worked alongside Robertson were also ambitious ...3 hours ago
. . Just when you thought Simon Bridges couldn’t sink any lower – he has. After the March 15th Christchurch terror attack, the (current) Leader of the National Party issued strong committments to support urgently needed gun law reform; “We will be ready and prepared to be constructive and to ...1 day ago
We all know that bad parents simply don’t care about their children’s education. Most truants have loser parents, and grow up to be involved with crime, or in low paid employment usually like their parents. The nonsense so-called “climate strike” coming up will be attended mostly by the least intelligent ...2 days ago
Today is the first day of the global climate strike. Led by schoolkids, people all around the world are going to protest to demand action on climate change. New Zealand isn't doing it till next Friday (join us!), but if you want to get active early, there's plenty to do ...2 days ago
To Protect and Serve: When the Prime Minister finds herself enmeshed in the coils of a full-blown political scandal, her colleagues and party comrades have only one priority: to release her as swiftly – and with as little lasting injury – as possible. Is this what Jacinda Ardern’s colleagues and ...2 days ago
When military leaders cover up and lie to elected civilian authorities, the foundation of democratic civil-military relations is undermined because it is those authorities who are entrusted to hold the military accountable to the public that they mutually serve. But this is only true if civilian political authorities take their ...2 days ago
by Daphna Whitmore The long years of Netanyahu’s reign are drawing to an end. For years he has epitomized reactionary zionism as he oversaw hundreds of thousands of Jewish settlers seize land in the West Bank. There are now 700,000 settlers, putting an end to the myth that Israel was ...2 days ago
BP, Z and Mobil all insist that petrol price hikes are temporary, “in a very literal sense.” The nation’s major petrol providers are trying to allay customer fears over prices, promising that they’ll move to lower them again “immediately” when the Middle East is returned to its formerly peaceful state. ...3 days ago
South African coach Rassie Erasmus says he has no idea what they’re going to do about the boat. In a highly anticipated press conference this afternoon, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has finally unveiled the team’s boat for its Rugby World Cup 2019 campaign. In a press conference that went ...3 days ago
Get Back Jojo! The elation in Mayor Phil Goff’s camp may be easily imagined as they watched social media light up in indignation at challenger John Tamihere’s "Sieg Heil to that" quip. Just when JT’s notoriously right-wing, sexist and homophobic stains were beginning to fade back into his ‘colourful’ past, ...3 days ago
Patrick Gower is good value when he's high. Not that I've ever, you know, got stoned with him. But in the second part of his documentary Patrick Gower on Weed, he does what you'd expect in a modern weed documentary and immerses himself – first with a doctor, then a ...4 days ago
We surveyed candidates on their attitudes to issues facing the Western Bay Region, find out what they think: “Closing the Gap” Tauranga, one of the area groups of Income Equality Aotearoa NZ Inc., has surveyed all candidates in the three local body elections to discover attitudes to some basic issues ...4 days ago
Why is New Zealand climate change policy so crap? The Herald this morning has a long article on the twists and turns of climate change policy in New Zealand [paywalled / depaywall script], which shows where we've been. The short version is that the government first began worrying about this ...4 days ago
The All Blacks have been, for more than a century, arguably the most successful International sports team in the world. But they are more than that; even for those Kiwis who are immune to the charms of rugby (and there are more than a few), the All Blacks are ambassadors ...4 days ago
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Dangerous Foes: For those readers of Bowalley Road who feel disposed to dismiss any prospect of an Israeli destabilisation of New Zealand politics, the example of the United Kingdom repays close attention. Ever since the election of Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the British Labour Party, the Israelis have sanctioned, funded and ...6 days ago
Make It 16, the youth-led campaign to lower New Zealand's voting age, is holding an official campaign launch at Parliament this Friday from 16:30. If you'd like to attend, you can register using EventBrite here. ...6 days ago
by Don Franks It was a lovely sunny Wellington afternoon with blue skies above the beaches. In Courtenay Place, political activists packed out a stuffy upstairs room for an important meeting. The assembled pacifists, anarchists, communists and independent young radicals of Peace Action Wellington felt the need for a mission ...6 days ago
From the Wall Street Journal:Inside a room of the ornately decorated Hotel du Palais during last month’s Group of Seven summit in Biarritz, France, President Trump awaited a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi. Mr. Trump looked over a gathering of American and Egyptian officials and called out in ...1 week ago
Those close to the Police Minister believe the initiative may be the result of Nash “seeing a great deal” on AliExpress. In a move that comes seemingly out of nowhere, Police Minister Stuart Nash announced this afternoon that he expects all frontline staff to don bearskin hats, famously worn by ...1 week ago
Moving And Shaking: There was a time when people spoke matter-of-factly about the “labour movement” – a political phenomenon understood to embrace much more than the Labour Party. Included within the term’s definition was the whole trade union movement – many of whose members looked upon the Labour Party as ...1 week ago
By Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern I am every bit as angry as you are. I am every bit as disappointed as you must be. The people with power, oversight and the ability to do something about these processes within the Labour Party should be ashamed. Whoever those people are, I ...1 week ago
Two-Faced? Labour insiders' commitment to the neoliberal status quo puts them at odds with their party’s membership; its trade union affiliates; and a majority of Labour voters, but this only serves to strengthen the perception they have of themselves as a special elite. Among the lesser breeds, they’ll talk up a ...1 week ago
By Simon Bridges. The following is a press release from the office of Simon Bridges, leader of The National Party. Key ora, New Zealand. Happy Maori Language Week. Look, I’m writing to you today because I want to clear something up. There’s been a lot of kerfuffle around some things ...2 weeks ago
Dr. Christopher Labos and Jonathan Jarry discuss the recent Canadian fluoride/IQ research. They provide an expert analysis of the paper and its problems. Click on image to go to podcast. The critical debate about the recent ... 2 weeks ago
An ambitious plan to fly to Los Angeles petered out into a brief sight-seeing trip and a desire to return home and get some sleep before work tomorrow. Air New Zealand has confirmed a flight to Los Angeles last night was turned back about a quarter of the way into ...2 weeks ago
There appears to be consensus – by omission – that the concept of indigenous futures should be accepted at face value. So I scavenged the internet to see if I could locate an academic descriptor or a framework around how we think about it as a concept, and whether it ...2 weeks ago
Here’s another novelty chocolate to shove in your gob, New Zealand Cadbury could be seeking to make itself great again with a rumoured new release: Pineapple Trumps, a spin on its classic chocolate-encased pineapple treat and do-it-yourself tooth remover. The global confectionery manufacturer and bumbling “before” character in an infomercial, ...2 weeks ago
Kia ora, Aotearoa. It’s that magical time of year. Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. In English, the week that frightens talk radio. As you probably know by now, all your favourite media outlets are participating, some more successfully than others. Stuff has changed its name to Puna for the ...2 weeks ago
On Newshub Nation: Simon Shepherd Interviews The New Zealand Initiative's Executive Director Oliver Hartwich ...1 day ago
By Michael Andrew Social media and tech industries have been replicating the ugliest aspects of capitalism from the 1800s, according to an AUT computer science lecturer. Associate Professor Tony Clear says that social media and tech executives are taking advantage of unregulated markets in a similar way as wealthy ...3 hours ago
Covering Climate Now: There’s a range of dairy-free ice creams available these days, but it’s a fair bet none will be as delicious – or satisfying – as making your own. The Spinoff’s participation in Covering Climate Now is made possible thanks to Spinoff Members. Join us here!If the latest stats ...4 hours ago
Covering Climate Action: Ahead of the UN’s Climate Action Summit, artist Joseph Michael and composer Rhian Sheehan teamed up to create Voices For The Future, a 30-minute installation projected onto the UN buildings.The Spinoff’s participation in Covering Climate Now is made possible thanks to Spinoff Members. Join us here!Joseph Michael is ...4 hours ago
New Zealand banning Huawei’s 5G network equipment won’t impact you nearly as much as the US’s recent moves against Huawei phones, writes Henry Burrell. Twenty years ago, you would have shown off your flash new Ericsson or Nokia. How times change. Now, those two entities exist only to provide mobile network ...5 hours ago
Op-Ed by Kaveh Zahedi, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
Grant McDougall reviews Kilgour’s new solo album, Bobbie’s A Girl, which sees him reflecting on the deaths of his friend and former bandmate, Peter Gutteridge and his own mother, Helen Kilgour. There is a passage in Shayne Carter’s excellent recent autobiography, Dead People I Have Known, in which he describes ...7 hours ago
New Zealand painter-poet Gregory O’Brien has just published a new collection of essays and art; pitched as a “field notebook … my whale survey”, Always Song in the Water drifts from his own front lawn in Hataitai, up to Northland and way, way across the Pacific. It’s the sort of ...7 hours ago
Ruby Porter looks into New Zealand’s future when the sea level rises 10, 25 and 80 metres, and finds out how much of Auckland will be left.I grew up in Ponsonby, but the only bay I knew around here was Cox’s. It’s fed by a creek which was once a mahinga ...8 hours ago
Opening up a skid pad, create more housing for single people and make the central city dog friendly: policies from Christchurch's lesser-known mayoral candidates. ...15 hours ago
The paintings of Colin McCahon convey dissonance and uncertainty, writes Shannon Te Ao. So what does this say about us? And why are we maintaining this Pākehā male narrative at the expense of more inclusive representation?Colin McCahon would have turned 100 on August the 1st. If you keep one eye ...1 day ago
Amanda Thompson spends a day with the New Zealand men’s roller derby squad as they prepare for next year’s world champs in the US.Let’s play a word game. Let’s list some contact sports and the top teams in those codes.Say rugby. Are you thinking about the All Blacks yet? What ...1 day ago
To mark International Day of Peace, Dr Rebecca Dudley of the New Zealand Red Cross explores the role that New Zealanders play in the global story of war and peace. Personal stories about war almost always begin with a memory.A humid afternoon in South Sudan.A calm Wednesday evening in Beirut.A bustling ...1 day ago
The history of tattoo art in Japan is deep-rooted and complex – and so is the cultural aversion to tattooed bodies, explains Brian Ashcraft, the author of a book on subject.Tonight, when the All Blacks take the field, they’ll be covering up. In order not to run afoul of Japanese ...1 day ago
Covering Climate Now: Saying climate change is important is one thing. So why are we so incapable of having a real conversation about what actually addressing it will mean? Sam McGlennon investigates. The Spinoff’s participation in Covering Climate Now is made possible thanks to Spinoff Members. Join us here!Up until a week ago, ...1 day ago
Ahead of the All Blacks first game Trevor McKewen makes some his fanciful, fraught and some hopefully on-point predictions for the Rugby World Cup.Can you take one for the team? Could you cope with the All Blacks coming up short in achieving an unprecedented third straight World Cup if it ...1 day ago
To tackle the crises of climate and unsustainability we need great cultural changes in civil society, business and politics. ...2 days ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra [embedded content]University of Canberra Deputy Vice-Chancellor Leigh Sullivan discusses Scott Morrison’s new family law inquiry with Michelle Grattan. They also speak of the developments in the Tamil family from Biloela’s case, and the UN barring ...2 days ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dries Verstraete, Senior Lecturer in Aerospace Design and Propulsion, University of Sydney CC BY-NDClimate Explained is a collaboration between The Conversation, Stuff and the New Zealand Science Media Centre to answer your questions about climate change. If you have a question you’d ...2 days ago
Recently-retired Sky TV chief executive John Fellet talks to Newsroom business editor Nikki Mandow about baseball, media, goldfish, accountancy - and more baseball. ...2 days ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Roger Crisp, Professorial Fellow, Dianoia Institute of Philosophy, Australian Catholic University As world chiefs and youth leaders gather in New York at the United Nations Climate Action Summit, many of us as individuals are feeling powerless and overwhelmed. Making big personal changes ...2 days ago
The head of one of the country's biggest news media firms is the latest subject of criticism for darkening his face at a staff party he attended dressed as US basketballer Lamar Odom. ...2 days ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Coral Gartner, Associate Professor, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland Health authorities in the United States are investigating 530 cases of lung illness, including seven deaths, reportedly connected to vaping. Some of these patients have been diagnosed with lung inflammation ...2 days ago
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what, no pictures of a random person called Mike?
here’s a neat infographic of the electoral history of NZ
http://thewireless.co.nz/themes/election/an-electoral-history-of-new-zealand
cunnliffe just kicked arse on tvone breakfast…
(and harre is up soon..replying to keys’ effigy-burning allegations..)
Did that Christie interview him?
Any signs of his Tory bias seeping through?
no..the co-compere..
..and harre is now kicking christies’ arse…
.wonderful stuff..!
..must-watch television..!
corin dann then accuses the internet/mana supporters/’far-lefties’ of being behind all the billboard defacing..(!)
..which orifice did he pluck that one from..?
(and i’m half-expecting harre to rush back into the studio..going:..’oi..!..dann..!..’)
..and billboard-defacing has clearly become a social-media sport..
..and some of them are bloody funny…
..and deserve points for creativity..
‘trevor moa’ on one of mallards..
..raised a chuckle around these parts..
and in their edit of the harre/christie takedown..
..tvone shows none of what is the ‘news’ in that interview..
..namely harre holding christie/tvnz to account..
..and then they only read out anti-harre emails from viewers..(!)..
..he/they are such tory-toads..eh..?
..and blatant with it..
What a revolting programme, had not watched it since the Paul Henry days, Christie and his simpering assistant delivering the world for shallow people. The TV equivalent of TradeMe message board.
Harre´gave Christie a serve and he has been whinging and chipping at her remarks since. There was a weak admission that the effigy clip was not linked to Internet Mana and they do not supply free drinks to students.
After Harre´ left our man then conveniently turns up an email from the mother of one of the students in the FJK video who says he had a selfie with the Prime Minister the next day, and that “there was alcohol there” (but they don’t state who supplied it)–hmmm wasn’t that exactly what Mr Key has suggested–that people telling him to fuck off one day would want a photo op the next?
File under…
yup
Talking of ‘Paul’, Henry that is, i watched last nights effort from the wee ‘Perve’ to see what InternetMana’s Lailla Haare, who was on the show last night, had to say,
Befor Lailla appeared Perving Paul was talking as if He would be giving Her the ace grilling which didn’t eventuate i suspect out of Henry’s fear that Haare would vocally carve Him up in a serious fashion on His own show,
What had me Laughing out Loud was the ‘interview’ Henry did with fellow media ‘personality’ Patrick ‘Alfred E Nuemann’ Gower befor Lailla was present,
The boys own club of TV3 couldn’t but help feed off each other in a bout of inanities which, and, you will have to excuse the gross expression here, had me thinking of the pair of them as ”giving each other a public verbal hand-job on air”…
I hate to look like someone who holds a grudge, bad, but I must once again insist on a retraction of your false accusations about my opinions on abortion and eugenics.
The crap you posted yesterday was nothing more than an attempt to dodge the fact that you made up a quote to smear me and sneered at me for challenging its veracity – when your only excuse was “oh whoops you never used the word “poverty” but that’s still how I ~feel~ your statements were.”
You can also explain, like you said you would, why you felt it necessary to introduce lies about my opinions on a completely different topic into an argument about strategic voting.
Yes, wait five stephanie i am sure i will get around to answering your latest stalk,
First tho i will go back a couple of days and read the Moderators Note that advises
me that you are Protected to a certain extent from my comments thus in debating with you at any time from the point of that Moderation on carries a certain Risk to at least me as a commenter and perhaps others,
SO, a wiser choice of comment from Me to you would seem to be, ”Yawn”………..!
[Stephanie: Allow me to assist you. lprent said “it is inadvisable to continue to attack [an author] on the basis of what she did not say, or what you choose to place as the meaning on those words.” It is linked in the exact comment you are responding to.
Now you are accusing me of “stalking” you. Stalking is a serious matter which shouldn’t be used as shorthand for me expecting you not to tell lies about me. Consider this a moderator warning that you either back up your claim, retract it in full, or take some time off.]
[Stephanie: banned until the end of the year for abuse.]
[lprent: Interesting reading the comments in the spam bucket. bad very clearly doesn’t want to come back. And he really really seems to want to an increase. Lets double that, and carry on doing so each time I see one of those comments. I’ll harden up the effectiveness of the ban somewhat as well. ]
That’s a great loss; sorry to hear that. Wish you could have sorted it amicably. Sigh ….
that’s a shame..
..he often has intelligent/astute commentary to contribute..
..has good bullshit-detecters..
..he will be missed..
..any chance of making his ban for just a couple of weeks..?
..or delaying it until post-election day..?
..i feel he is needed here..at this particular point in time..
..he is a force of/for progressive-energy..
..(and if the ban holds..and he wants an outlet for his comments/dialogue..
..he is welcome to come to whoar..
..and i will engage with him there..
..we cd do hatchet-jobs from afar..
..with no holds barred..
..it could be entertainng..
[deleted]
Do you really think you impotent little arsehole that you can actually keep me from commenting on here,
[deleted]
[karol: off to moderation]
[lprent: Actually I can stop you being able to read the site if I choose to. I have chopped out the entire range of IPs from your location from your current ISP from reading the site. I guess it is time for you to find a new ISP to get the attention you crave.
And if you make it past that shield, in answer to your question, it takes time to make sure. I didn’t want to affect anyone apart from you. I had to scan the stored encrypted logs to find out other lurkers who could be impacted and carefully craft the barrier around them.
I don’t expect a reply – because if I see one, then I’ll simply reject another range of IPs. Somehow I don’t think that bad12 is up to spambot standards. And we now have a permanent ban. ]
Wish you could have sorted it amicably.
Yeshe, I can only assure you that the kind of shit bad12 was saying in comments which weren’t published would change your mind about his ability to settle things amicably.
“I can only assure you that the kind of shit bad12 was saying in comments which weren’t published would change your mind about his ability to settle things amicably.”
I can imagine, and bet it wasn’t pretty. I, like I bet DC would also be, am sorry for that. 😉
I don’t see much wrong in the occasional p an q, but there’s always a moral line in the sand. It’s a shame bad felt compelled to cross it over an internet fall out, to save face, because he got caught out bullshitting.
Still, plenty more in the sea and all that (I’m looking at you pu) cough lol.
““there was alcohol there” (but they don’t state who supplied it)”
Given that this occurred at the student bar, I would be quite surprised if there wasn’t.
sometimes it’s the only power some people feel they have to make their point… It’s as much (to me) about people trying to be heard as it is “vandalism”.
The effigy burning and general defacing of National billboards is a sign of the hatred which the current government is creating with its war on the poor.
Expect more scenes like this Mr Key. You have created this atmosphere.
Laila shouldn’t be so defensive. This is democracy and we should be proud of the youth making their feelings known.
Theres no excuse for vile anti-semitism and crude threats
Ah, so you’ll be calling for Key’s resignation then. Weekly phone calls to Mr. Slater. Open incitement of his methods.
The strongest force grows old, and then its violence will return, and kill it.
Got proof? (don’t worry I know you don’t have proof but are just trying to minimise the vile racism coming from the left)
Stop with the faux outrage.
A burning effigy and a crowd chanting their displeasure at an evil man is not racism.
We have antisemitic graffiti on billboards.
Nazi graffiti on billboards.
Antisemitic term used in hate speech from a Labour MP.
Antisemitic statements against Act and National coming out of Young Labour in May.
Green Party members endorsing Hitler posters with Keys face.
Left wing commentator and ex Green Party worker Gordon Campbell has a go at Key for being Jewish.
A German who collects Nazi memorabilia encourages hate chants, then use them as an advertisement.
Quite a pattern forming. Look under the carpet with a few google searches, and you’ll find it’s much more widespread than the small number of examples above. Including on this site.
you reap what you sow
That’s funny VTO – – the very first example I found of someone on this site having a go at Key for being Jewish was you.
(your antisemitism even drew criticism from a number of other regular left wing commentators here)
When did the Prime Minister’s encouragement of Slater meet with similar criticism from the Right? Never.
These are your rules. If you don’t like them talk to the bottom feeders and tr*lls you rely on.
John
Diddums
Harden Up
The slitting the throat number was so proper. Only the best do that. No. The GodKey is shite. History will record it.
His own mouth. “Every so often”. Numerous photos, Slater openly invited to National Party private boxes, etc etc.
The outpouring of hatred against Key and National concerns me as much as the regular day-to-day hatred they foster and encourage, I just have a better understanding of the source than you do.
The outpouring of hatred against Key and National concerns me as much as the regular day-to-day hatred they foster and encourage, I just have a better understanding of the source than you do.
So it’s ok for a Prime Minister to openly encourage hate speech so long as he’s popular. Those are some lovely antique ethics you’ve got there. Are they for sale?
Depends on how much is Kim Dot Con offering
Your hostility towards him means nothing to me one way or the other: he’s a sideshow and I note your failure to find a substantive rebuttal to my ethical challenge. I’ll go further, when your team does it you approve of the whole nasty bag of tricks: hate speech, smears, up to and including violence.
Where was your outrage at the bullet holes in Hone Harawira’s office? Live with it.
“Theres no excuse for vile anti-semitism and crude threats”
but there is for pearl clutching over-reactions ?
The tone Slater sets, with the Prime Minister’s full approval and assistance.
Defacing billboards with racial insults is democracy!!!! War on the poor?????? What are you smoking, it must be strong stuff.
Democracy? Of course it is: the billboard is a monologue, defacing it is a dialogue.
That doesn’t make it the right thing to do, Fisiani, before you deceitfully accuse the Left of something based on one anonymous bloke’s opinion. Obviously it’s hurtful and destructive, as well as in some cases being creative and hilarious.
You’ve sat on your hands while the Prime Minister has encouraged Slater’s methods all this time. These are your rules these kids are playing by.
Suck it up champ.
Gotta say, it does look like younger folk stooping… They do as others do, not as they say… I wonder how many of them come from homes that love mr key. So in that respect, well said OAB
anti semitic = wrong but saying haree takes dotcoms money in return for sex = ok
Stop being so sensitive. I see David Farrar having a cry as well this morning about things being dirty.
Get used to it. We are not going to stand by and quietly hand our nation over to the Key and his rich mates.
Fuck John Key.
We are taking our country back.
So you approve of racist vandalism. What is your limit in your quest to “taking the country back? Do you approve of violence as well?
You have the freedom to speak but not the freedom to deface. It is not a childish prank it is criminal damage.The Left are simply appalling when it comes to democracy.
Given that most New Zealanders are reasonable people I do wonder about the impact of your negativity and criminality. I suspect it generates Votes for Team Key
😆 we’re the ferals Cameron’s been inciting hatred against. Oops.
Where have I approved racist vandalism you moron. You are the one who keeps bringing racism into it. I have referred to burning effigy’s and chants.
Explain the racism in that you sensitive sausage.
@ fisi..
..have you noticed that all of the billboards altered..
..that not all of them belong to tory toe-rags..
..how does that fit in yr fitful-‘appalling’-thesis..?
F ………..I await your approval and congratulations to David Cunliffe for how he has handled all of the this.
Economic vandalism of NZ by National is a hell of a lot more serious crime than a few Hitler moustaches.
And on the subject of racist vandalism which to me is epitomised by the fact that National have followed a monetary policy that has caused further deprivation to the poorer in our society who include a disproportionate number of the Tangata Whenua, – I say No, I don’t approve of racist vandalism, no matter what form it takes.
you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet i believe ?
And the best way to do that is to point out that John Key is jewish…good strategy
No, hence the person who did so getting a telling off. Please keep up.
One rogue Labour candidate who used a term that is arguably racist, is not a strategy adopted by the left.
That carless candidate has been dealt to by Mr Cunliffe.
i understand that along with being on foot..
..that he’s also careless..
I’m talking about the vile anti-semitic vandalism on John Keys hoardings
Yes, horrible isn’t it? What do you think of the role he plays in inciting hatred across the country, both with policies (passive incitement) and association with Mr. Slater (active incitement)?
I’m not
Being Jewish is not belonging to a particular race but belonging to a religion.
Surely John Key belongs to the Caucasion race.
Being Jewish is both.
Not to mention that there is no such thing as different human races. We’re all the same ‘race’ (species).
+++++ excellent comment. Enough Enough.
“The effigy burning and general defacing of National billboards is a sign of the hatred which the current government is creating with its war on the poor”
Otherwise all traces of freedom of speech are banished by this Government control NatZis.
This site The Standard and The daily Blog are the only ways we can get our collective opposition messages out there because we can’t via the fascist corporate controlled MSM that is a contorted Joyce Key media.
I think one point some are missing is a sense of powerlessness. People deface property, espesh billboards, cos they want to be heard. If you feel you have no other way to be heard…
The right hear themselves constantly through people like hoots on radio and in media and farrar in print… That has an element of empowerment for right voters.
– Enough is Enough
This. The tone has been set from the top. The increase in arrogance is astounding. That’s the difference in this election.
If you oppose Labour’s health care policy, then you support US style health care. Plain and simple.
xox.
Labour candidate Steven Gibson, and Shylock reference. Do Labour vet their candidates for general knowledge? Is this the best Labour can find? Not a good look and ammunition for RWNJ’S, and RNZ’S Espiner.
are you todays’ concern-tr*ll there..philj..?
.cunnliffe closed that right down in his aformentioned appearance on breakfast..
what did cunliffe say?
said he personally phoned gibson..and told him that one more outburst like that wd see him hauled b4 the party council..
..and he was particularly adroit at that close-down-task..as he got that in..b4 the interviewer could get her first ‘gotcha!’-question out..
..(i looked for the harre/christie vid on tvnz on demand..
..no sigh of that yet..but the cunnliffe-clip is up there..)
..all in all..it’s been a good ‘breakfast’ for the progressive-cause..
Thanks phil
hilarious..!
..christie continues to whinge and moan about harre attacking him..
..he is such a pussy..!
..and he reads out one pro-harre email..
..tries to read a second..critical of him..
..and only gets thru one sentence..
..b4 throwing it to one side..
..the poor-luvvy clearly needs a hug..
..both the co-comperes are getting all petulant/pouty..
Why do you watch it given you have stated you no longer listen to Morning Report because of the supposed bias there?
Bing! logical fallacy alert
–this appears to be a “loaded question” Gosman.
Umm… it is a question that was answered by PhilU so he didn’t see any problem doing so.
and that appears to be an appeal to authority.
And what an authority, where logical coherence is concerned….
..oi..!
I’ve stopped reading / watching all pro-Tory biased media in this country, which wipes out anything published by FairFax or APN as well as most TVNZ news programmes and a lot of TV3, with the notable exception of John Campbell.
Removing these from my news feed has had two effects: Firstly, it makes my life better as I’m not constantly exposed to bullshit and propaganda. Secondly, it makes my news feed basically empty…
Don’t worry, John Campbell will turn on Labour when they’re in government.
I’m 100% OK with that: The Government of the day should always be asked the hard questions, whatever colour it may be.
crikey politikiwi..!
..here’s a life-raft..!
http://whoar.co.nz/
More holes in that than the literacy safety net you fell through.
Call me old fashioned, Phil, but while I find many of your observations interesting, I also like sentences.
The major effect that I noticed about stopping watching TV news is that I now had to go out and look for it and this resulted in me having to think about it rather than being a passive ‘consumer’ of it. And the result of that is that I’ve become more discerning and critical of what I read.
This is a great side-effect, and one I’ve experienced myself.
When you have access to a (basically…) limitless set of viewpoints, it becomes really obvious how orchestrated the supposedly “balanced” panel discussions actually are. When you have “expert panelists” who effectively represent two sides of the same coin – like “Democrat” and “Republican” – that’s not actually balance. That’s a charade.
I’m aghast at the efforts to frame all debates in terms of “left” and “right”, or “right” and “wrong”, or “freedom” and “terrorism.” The reality of these things is far more complicated, but if you present two viewpoints on TV that’s implicitly suggesting that those are the only two viewpoints worth considering. And sadly many people believe that that’s the case.
@ gosman..because it is on at the heavy-lifting part of my news-gathering-for-whoar day..
..and i don’t ‘watch’ it.per se..(that would be a form of torture..to have it..and only it..)
..it is just mumbling away in the background..
..and i only focus on it when pollies/people of interest appear..
..it is part of the news-gathering exercise..
and i guess a modicum of holding the lying-bastards to account..
..for their ongoing/egregious spreading of bullshit…
Why don’t you have the radio on then? At least that is designed to be on in the background enabling you to do other stuff. The TV is designed to be watched.
‘cos espiner is there..
..and somebody has to do it..
And rather you, than me Bro. That said, Thanks Phillip, I no longer have the stomach for the dribble that propaganda machine pumps out.
Opps, Gosman,
You did a ‘gotcha!’there,
To Phillip ure,
“Why do you watch it (TV1) + RNZ) given you have stated you no longer listen to Morning Report because of the supposed bias there?”
But we have sympathy for political junkies, and they do have a valid use as “monitors” like the wars when the British intelligence eavesdropped on the NAZIs Reichstag to see what they were saying.
But for our part we heeded Phillip ure’s boycott of TV 1 and feel better for it as we assume others also did.
Much less stress watching/listening to TV3 than the NatZ contolled TV1 and RNZ.
so a two strikes rule for racism and anti-semitism in the labour party caucus. nice to know
🙄
“cunnliffe closed that right down in his aformentioned appearance on breakfast”
I saw and like that Phil. Liked the way he told Pugh before she started
” I know what you are going to ask”, and then told her the answer.
First bloody class left her speechless. Then the main course Harre getting stuck into Christie
which he did not like
Ha Ha fucking ha Not before time someone took this tax funded broadcaster to task about their blatant bias..
another layer in the humour of that one was in the only pro-harre email read completely out.
….the email noted how craven christie is around key..never questions him..always gives him the last word..(i paraphrase there..they were much more erudite..)
..and christies’ answer to what was an indictment of him/his interviewing (non)-skills..?
..he said:..’but we let david cunnliffe do the same thing..we just had him on’..(!)
..absolutely no defence offered to that savaging of him..his work..
..and right now..christie is whining/wheedling/moaning..wriggling in his seat…still attacking harre..
..(and they still have not replayed the piece of the interview where harre holds tvnz to account for their role in the effigy-burning lies told by key..
..he is such a liar..that key..eh..?..)
..christie after harre..is a bit like the romans after their first encounter with boadicea..
..harre for p.m..!..i say..!
Sounds like you dd a little sex wee.
Gibson didn’t come across as the brightest star in the firmament when interviewed on MR this am.
his labour party career will likely be a fleeting one..
Although hone has made a go of it despite making quite racist comments.
You really need to do a bit of work on what it is that constitutes racism, being advantaged isn’t one of them
Do the names Aaron Gilmore and Claudette Hauiti mean nothing to you?
Beat me to it.
it’s interesting how the unofficial national party election strategy seems to be nothing more than “but Labour are as bad as us, honest”
Tick
Philj @ 4. I doubt Labour vet their candidate for knowledge of Shakespeare’s plays. I take it you are not suggesting they do?
The man was pulled up rightly so by DC. Given a very tough warning. And apologized profusely once he was informed of the meaning of his comment. WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT!
Some basic knowledge of western culture would be advantageous though.
Northshoreguynz @ 4.4.1. Sure I don’t disagree. But no one can no everything and not everyone studies “Western Culture”………………………
Rawdon GodKey Whoredon aye. The man’s a joke ! E! Channel material.
TV1 has now cloned all staff as pundits for NatZ policy plankers.
Ban watching them for your stress/health’s sake.
We call on;
[lprent: don’t SHOUT. It is annoying. I will only correct your behaviour and diminish the volume once. ]
A reminder to Wellingtonians who have free time at 1pm today – David Shearer on Gaza at the Khandallah town hall..
I’m going along, am interested to see what he has to say:
https://www.facebook.com/events/673980682680041/?ref=22
Could be worth it, one good account I have seen him give of himself was on Gaza on Q&A several weeks back, any Palestinian advocate would have been pushed to fault it, he called the place an open air prison etc.
Look forward to what he says… And if Goff will say the opposite by this arvo.
Inherent in a story today to be found in the Granny Heralds online version is a tale of what is really wrong in New Zealand society today,
7 or 8000 Plods are employed to in part protect us all from ‘organized crime’ and most of what they seem to uncover is if the ongoing trail of news stories is anything to go by anything but organized,
Here’s ‘organized crime’ the ‘criminal’ allowed to then use the court system in what can only be described as ‘vexatious litigation’ to avoid any responsibility, it is abhorrent that the person indulging in this behavior is not locked up in a jail cell instead of being allowed by the system for 14 years to use His ill gotten gains in a series of court actions designed to simply avoid responsibility,
”Between the 1970’s and 2000, Russel established what the court of appeal has said was an Elaborate maze like structure of companies, partners, and trusts, AND provided advice on how others could Avoid tax through their participation in the ”Russel Template”,
”It, (IRD), reassessed Russel’s personal income and said He should have declared $15.76 Million between 1985 and 2000 instead of $298,000,
The original bill was around 5 million,(in unpaid taxes), but penalties and interest inflated it,(while Russel has continued to use the courts to avoid responsibility),
All of them, Russell and everyone of His ‘clients’ who He deliberately helped to evade due taxation should have been asset stripped just s any common crim has occur to them at the point where the crime was identified,
These people, tax accountants and tax lawyers dreaming up these schemes are not isolated cases, they are ongoing organized criminal networks,
In a similar Wellington case of the same nature last year it was shown that even tax accountants who refused to operate outside of the law knew of such illegal schemes and while refusing to be an active part of them happily ‘funneled’ clients to them…
I hope Greg Presland ( lawyer) is down on his knees to David Cunliffe for letting the jewish slur trip up a good Labour week
It is all about perception and a steady build up of positives that will carry the day
I am not suggesting he wrote this just that he should have aware of the damage it might cause
Added to the cock up over the “secret trust” and you have to question his judgement
David Cuncliffe’s handling of the slur was excellent
When we all lived in villages there was a name for this sort of thing: the poison pen.
Your concerns have been duly noted k.thanxbai
knee-pads are on order..
Ray, Shylock was the name of a ”cruel and heartless lender” in a Shakespearean play and while the particular character in the play penned by Shakespeare was cast as being Jewish the term Shylock is not necessarily confined to those of that religious faith,
i doubt that Shakespear intended to portray to His audiences that the term shylock should only pertain to Jewish moneylenders and when giving its definition of the term my Collins English Dictionary makes no mention of the Jewish faith,
Thus while being factually incorrect when assigning to Slippery the Prime Minister the term Shylock, in His present guise He apparently is not one, in correct English it is not racist for the particular candidate to have applied the term,
Shyster, which addresses the actions of Politicians is therefor a more fitting expletive to attach to the PM…
Beg to differ – it was no accident that the money-lender in the Merchant of Venice was a Jew – and the term has become synonymous with Jewish usury. Like the Fagan character in Dickens – it was a caricatured stereotype of the devious money-grubbing Jew.
If you use the term Shylock about someone with Jewish heritage it is very hard to claim it is anything other than offensive.
Jews became money lenders because it suited both Muslims and Christians to have them carry out that function – and they were then reviled for it. I would never underestimate the longevity, depth and complexity of anti-semitism in our culture.
Yep, it ain’t hard to Google the origins of that particular stereotype (apparently it is for a lot of people though!)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medieval_antisemitism
His jewishness was part of his character because he often harks to his persecution at the hands of christians to justify or explain his uglier traits. There are multiple aspects to shylock. His jewishness, or a kind of comedic parody of jewishness is one part of his character.
It wouldnt surprise me if the labour candidate used the wrong word and meant shyster
How is this Presland’s fault exactly?
Because he didn’t take down the post himself/scold Gibson. Of course if he’d taken down the post and Kiwiblog had the screencap the story would be “Cunliffe ally covering up for anti-Semitic candidate” and if he’d scolded him the story would be “Cunliffe ally tries to silence candidate with inconvenient opinions” so, you know, buggered no matter what you do.
I think National’s strategy has become clear – they’re going to spend the entire election campaign whining to cover up their lack of policy.
Perhaps John Key should check things he gets from Slater a little more carefully next time – but wait, what am I saying? With NZ’s media, he doesn’t need to bother.
Looks like Key’s top drawer (a.k.a. Cameron Slater) is open and the Nats are going for yet another substance-free election campaign.
They’re asking Kiwis to give them a third term in which to do nothing (or nothing they will tell you about) on the basis that they can whine, cry and kick up a stink like a two year old.
Heres the lefts strategy:
http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2014/08/exclusive-bash-jews-cut-fing-heads-footage-aucklands-protest-didnt-want-see/
http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2014/08/correlation-equal-causation-im-told/
http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2014/08/bunch-low-rent-hopers/
http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2014/08/sam-lotu-iiga-hoarding-vandalism/
http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/tag/defacing-election-hoardings/
Don’t worry I don’t expect anyone here to go see it as its shows what the left is really like (its not pretty)
Cry me a river…
Defacing election hoardings is nothing new. The fact it’s more visible this time illustrates the depth of feeling against #Teamkey and the increase in numbers wanting this government out.
And all he does is link to the scumbag WhaleOil
Pucklish if for one minute you think Whaleoil is a credible source, you have serious issues. Maybe for gutter press, but as a source of what the left is thinking – grow up, no one from the left will talk to Mr Hate.
And two, look around bro, all the hoardings are being attacked, the Mana ones are the ones I see defaced the most here in Auckland. Lincon road, had each and every billboard demolished over the weekend. I’ve heard similar stories from other roads across the region.
Finally, it’s a bit rich the right wing accusing the left of racism, or Anti-Semitism. Seriously, have a look at jail figures, job rates, unemployment. Me thinks your might want to look at one of your own, she who has issues within the PM and staunch supporter of whaleoil. Scratch that poll, dear ya!
Hey Adam its photgraphs, you don’t need to read the opinion pieces but of course a pictures worth a thousand words and it shows the nasty strain of anti-semitism just below the surface of the left so I can understand why you don’t want to read it
See no evil and evil exists right
anti-Semitism lives on the right, that is what history shows. Those pictures were dribble. Typical of the hater slater.
“3.Evil, yes lets talk – 270,00 kids in poverty, slave type wages, massive youth unemployment, and a economy based on earthquakes and milk powder. But no, you do evils job, and blame the other side who want to talk about these issues by name calling and accusations. Evil is, what evil does.”
Who has fallen into emotion and hyperbole?
Oh please, it was your national friends who let in KDC.
Nut bars, thank goodness some on the right recognises act and the conservatives as the bat shit crazy outfits they are.
And yeah, FJK!
PR so National supporters wrecking left leaning bill boards are a superior class of vandal given they are supposed to be better educated better manners etc.
election bill boards have been a target of derision for as long as i can remember!
Its become a sport a National pastime !
And here’s the RWNJs
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/politics/185676/Clark-rejects-coup-leader-comparison
http://www.kiwipolitico.com/2009/10/protesting-a-little-bit-too-much/
The real nasty people are on the right.
please link to your preferred hate-porn site somewhere else.
I’d be more impressed if you could link to some National Party policy. But you can’t, because they don’t have any.
What’s the next right-whinge, PR?
Lol. You come to a left leaning site to quote a rabid right site to elucidate the “left’s strategy”..
Bahahaha.. Numpty..
Nah Pukish, all that crap would show is how pathetic Whalespew and the rest of your pigshit thick inbred mates are. I used to think you fuckwits made stuff up, but now I think you actually believe the rubbish you all spout.
Is this nasty mean aggressive attitude being shown to John Key karma visiting upon his head?
I think so. He is reaping what he has sown, and is going to have to suck it up. As are all Nat supporters – they sure aint liked much are they..
If you want a nasty and vicious campaign then by amm means take this attitude. Be aware that there is likely to be a counterpunch at some point though.
this is the counterpunch, that is the entire point.
due to the nasty and vicious policies and attitudes of your lot.
arseholes
Gosman, what is the effect you quote when people bring up fascists?
This is the counter punch to six years of lying and misleading by key and his gang
Perhaps it is karma – it’s scaring middle voters away from the left.
How would you know?
Certainly your gutter smears are concocted with that in mind, and you’re wishfully hoping they’ll work.
Here’s how it’s going to play out:
yawn.
Don’t do that, everyone can see the Cameron Slater you’ve been eating. It’ll be ready for delivery to the public in a few hours.
I don’t think so fulla. It is building a move to change that has lain oppressed. Key ignited it with his very self.
Even Labour is distancing itself from the extremism on Internet Mana.
The middle wins the election, and the middle is being pushed away from the extremism on the far left.
As a National MP in the Herald said a few days ago, Nationals best election asset this year is Kim Dotcom.
extremism – ha ha ha
the middle is not being pushed away and I think you will find that National saying that Dotcom is their best asset means the opposite. If you think about it.
So you think the extreme left is not extreme.
That’s like saying the middle is not in the middle.
The fact that Labour might need the support of a convicted conman, fraudster and embezzler who ran porn sites, makes rape jokes, and whose policies are all about avoiding extradition to face justice, won’t scare moderate voters away.
Yeah right.
prise your blinkers away
You’re missing the point, (apart from the fact that Dotcom isn’t standing) which is that National might need the help of an incest supporting racist skinhead or Colin the moonbeam. At least Cunliffe has ruled IMP out of cabinet.
Fisiani mentioned Kiwiblogs poll of polls
http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/
The difference is National has the numbers to make minor parties largely irrelevant.
Labour has little choice but to embrace every extreme left party that they can.
Peters has ruled out working with IMP and Maori Party, so without a big poll swing to Labour /Greens, the next govt will be Nat. Failing that, it will be Nat / NZ First.
But anything can happen in the next 5 1/2 weeks.
You talk like national didn’t have to cosy up to an election fraudster this parliamentary term, just to get their flagship policy through the House. And they’re less popular this election than they were last election.
And Labour thinks they have a high ground when it comes to secretly hiding campaign donations?
I only pointed out that national spent much of the past six years in coalition with an electoral fraudster.
If you want to defensively distract from that, feel free. Just don’t be surprised that you’re as transparent as you are stupid.
Top Marks Tracy, try how many times Key has been caught with lies? 150+ and counting.
It’s a game he plays all about the art of deception and Key is the best example of this around.
Bought a millionaire and got a shokey.
The billboard stuff is getting a bot out of hand. I use to smack these over when younger… Or try flying through them, but I never wrote stuff like we see today. I never wrote anything in fact
Evidenced by your spelling and grammar in this post, I can see why.
I was posting from a mobile phone you dickhead.
Now, now. Personal attacks and bad language betray you. Go have a lie down.
It’s got its own momentum now: I suspect most of it isn’t even real hostility: kids having what they’d call “fun”.
One is vandalism, one is simply is presenting a counter argument to the public?
I guess you are the vandal
Broken promises=Broken billboreds
surely a brighter future
It’s great to see all the support of this though.
Who was being racist?
On television news the other evening, two Asian politicians were approached regarding Peters’ Chinese “joke”.
One was National List mp Melissa Lee.
I understand Melissa Lee is Korean, but may be mistaken.
Were the reporters looking at physical characteristics to determine who should be approached for comment?
That surely was racist.
Surely there are few more appropriate to be approached for comment, than the Secretary for Ethnic Affairs.
Who is being racist?
Cameron Slater I expect. If not racist then he’s certainly inciting bigotry against somebody. What do you think of the Prime Minister’s active encouragement of this? How do you like the way it makes your complaints about random acts of hostility sound hollow and dishonest?
That’s a pathetically weak attempt to link the appropriateness of whether Melissa Lee should have been interviewed.
Yeah, but all you right wing bastions of goody goodness fail to address it no matter where it’s pointed out to you.
Ointment, meet fly.
…don’t want to put too fine a point on it but actually Judith Collins holds that position.
Lee, according to Wiki is “As of 2011 she is Parliamentary Private Secretary for Ethnic Affairs under Judith Collins.”
Wrong. Lee is the Secretary for Ethnic Affairs, as I stated (and you just confirmed yourself).
Collins is the Minister.
Think you will find that Collins should have been fielding those questions…
http://www.parliament.nz/en-nz/mpp/mps/current/50MP169971/lee-melissa
Lees Current Parliamentary Roles
Parliamentary Private Secretary for Ethnic Affairs
Chairperson, Social Services Committee
A Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) New Zealand Member of Parliament (MP) designated by a senior minister in government or shadow minister to act as the minister’s contact with MPs. This role is junior to that of Parliamentary Under-Secretary, which is a ministerial post, salaried by one or more departments.
… and the accompanying annotation was “Melissa Lee – National List MP”
I will remind all the right wingers who are upset about the Left’s ‘dirty tactics’, what was said and written about Helen Clark prior to and in the build up to the election that gifted John Key to a grateful nation (that’s sarcasm in case you don’t recognise it) – a lot of it was viciously misogynistic and personally cruel – some of it entered the realm of hate speech.
The worst things I’ve read about JK’s Jewish heritage have come from the section of the right wing which is so mired in anti-semitism it cannot bring itself to even pretend to support Jews and Israel – unlike the mainstream Right which has suddenly discovered it loves Jews – well, prefers them to Arabs.
The Right’s current championing of all things Jewish would be amusing if it wasn’t so sinister – how come they didn’t and don’t support the socialist secularists in Israel who want to live in peace with their Arab neighbours – they’re Jewish too.
I cringed when I heard the Labour candidate claim not to have known the anti-semitic origins of the term Shylock. To defend a bad political move by claiming to be an ignoramus is not a good look – but Cunliffe handled it well. Personally I’d have given the bloke the boot and tell him to go home and do some serious reading.
I’ve heard Shylock used in popular culture, on TV shows like Justified and Rebba. In both instances it was to describe the Dixie Mafia and their money leading habits. I’m pretty sure the Dixie Mafia won’t allow Jews or people of colour into their organisation. Just an observation into irony, that the right slip into over the top political correctness when ever they feel threatened.
I seem to remember when I was younger being in dust ups with neo-nazi right wing loony bags. I seem to recall that the national front have held rallies and marches in Christchurch and elsewhere. I seem to recollect that more bat shit crazy right wing loons sprayed nazi and other symbols on the Jewish grave yard in Auckland. Just wondering, why the right thinks it can deflect the all this crap to left wing supporters – when obviously, there house, has such clean hands?
You have evidence it was sanctioned and/or tacitly supported by official National party sources do you?
Do you?
Gosman, I thought you were a Libertarian, why you getting into bed with these Authoritarians? Or have you become a Lehman brothers libertarian now?
he has no principles. Only a paycheque.
Yeah, McFlock, was thinking he was becoming more of a Lehman Brothers libertarian of late.
Which authoritarians do you mean?
And remember when Helen Clark accused John Key of domestic violence?
Nope, got a source?
You have a very poor memory. For many non-partisan voters it was the defining moment of the 2008 campaign. The point at which a lot of middle voters saw Clark being unpleasant, dishonest and tired for the first time. It was an “oh well, maybe it is time for a change” moment. Every incumbent eventually has one.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/blogs/opinion/683238/i-Its-all-over-bar-the-shouting-i
That domestic violence quib, is a piece added by the blogger, not what Clark said. Her jibe was “You might be used to shouting people down at home, but you are not shouting me down.”.
Please let me say again – Just an observation into irony, that the right slip into over the top political correctness when ever they feel threatened.
Exactly.
Are you saying verbal violence doesn’t qualify as domestic violence? Interesting you are at odds with Womens Refuge.
Thank you, I’m glad you agree the right has been slipping into over the top political correctness of late.
Helen got it wrong with her statement, that is something she has to live with. But to extrapolate it to Helen accusing Key of domestic violence, is over the top. Seriously, stop and reflect on that. It was a inappropriate jibe, nothing more, nothing less.
Was it Helen who cut funding to Women’s refuge was it?
You must have been appalled when key said someone being a victim of attempted rape wasnt a serious issue, thus reneging on his promise to apologise if he knew her name?
I agree. MFAT should have appointed someone senior to hand hold the complainant thru the news reports and legal process. McCully or Key should have apologised for the poor way in which the issue has been handled.
Would have been the right thing to do but also would have been good politics too. Did Key really say “attempted rape is not a serious issue” or are you inferring that from his lack of an apology?
BTW I don’t think the Clark comment was that sinister in itself, no more or less sinister than whats been going on in this campaign, I really only point it out as another example of stupid comments that take on a life of their own and ultimately sometimes have an outsize effect on an election. I think with Clark it was the dischord of such a stupid, dishonest remark being made by her when she very rarely made a public miscalculation.
And with the IMP I suspect the posturing may well shore up an IMP vote to 3% but if it scares 5% away from Labour to NZ first or National then it is a bad thing for the left.
He said he would not apologise to the victim because he only apologises over serious matters.
“You must have been appalled when key said someone being a victim of attempted rape wasnt a serious issue”
Wasn’t that Hone Hawera?
lolz.
Hone, on Backbenches, said there were more important things to talk about. The next day he apologised and said it was wrong of him to say that and he hadn’t meant to trivialise her situation.
Key said he would apologise to the victim but he just didn’t know her name, and if he knew her name he definitely totally would. Then when he knew her name he refused, on the grounds that it wasn’t serious enough.
Yeah dude, totally worth trying to draw a parallel there…
Well he actually said:
“I think all of the media, their heads should roll for making a fuss about bugger all. There’s kids starving in this country, there’s a whole lot of issues that we need to be dealing with right here right now.”
It’s sweet though. He apologised and didn’t mean to initially trivilise the issue in the slightest.
So lets not get confused about who said what because I am sure if the above had been said by, say, anyone from National you’d accept that they had meant that there were more important things to talk about and they apologised and said it was wrong of them to say that and they hadn’t meant to trivialise her situation.
So it’s all good.
You don’t remember when John Key trounced Clark in the debates? Theres a surprise
Nope, I’d been knocked off my bike by a car, and was is Hospital during the election in 2008.
Ah ok, fair enough
Obviously inventing a new definition for “trounced”.
‘s ok. Language is a dinimic invirimint. And I can always find another linguist with an opposite opinion, except when you ask me to, when suddenly I can’t.
he didnt trounce clark
he was expected to do very poorly and it was from that starting assumption that he was considered to have done better than clark – no trounce at all
why does such simple bloody stuff have to be repeated to you over and over again?
You really need to pull your head of whaleoils backside
No, Clark tried to save face by saying he was expected to do poorly and because he merely held his own it looked like he’d won, the truth was Key defeated Clark and made her lose her cool
He was expected to do poorly.
Your “oh look I’ve got a new handle” perspective of history is nothing to be trusted. Go look at what was being said at the time. He was considered a lightweight.
And no, there was no trouncing. He made it through the debate, and then he just squeaked through the election.
and yet has managed to win another election and see off Clark, Goff, Shearer and is about to see off Cunliffe
Not bad for just squeaking
Are you now disputing the closeness of the last two elections?
Come on chris, there’s bullshitting to make yourself feel better and then there’s just being a fuckwit.
@ p.r..
..that’s because stupid labour/green voters in epsom failed to engage their brains b4 voting..
..had they ‘engaged’ those brains..and voted for the national candidate..to get rid of the act candidate..
..key would have been a one-term prime minister..act wd b even deader in the water..
..and all of those assets wd not have been flogged off to the elites/lost to the people..
..that was one serious fucken brain-fade on the part of those labour/green voters..
..and i really really hope that they aren’t that stupid..
..as to vote without thinking..again…
And while I’m here – these headlines Headlines on Xtra yesterday – just about sum up the insane world we live in.
‘Kate Middelton’s brother making edible selflies’ – the clever little chap has set up a business printing Instagram snaps on marshmallows.
And,
‘Australian Boy in shocking Syrian picture’ – a young boy, reportedly the son of an Australian jihadist in Syria, is seen posing with a Syrian soldier’s head. The story is that Syrian government soldiers captured by the Islamic State jihadists are beheaded and their heads impaled on fences or used as props in pictures that the righteous upholders of Islam post on Twitter and Facebook.
(It’s funny how these maniacal anti-westerners are so into western media and imagery – e.g. the images of them posing in camp gear, legs spread in front of a dick extension (car) holding a dick extension (gun) in each hand – how much more junk-American could you get?)
I detest all men of violence and all proselytising religious fundamentalists but I especially detest the sociopathic arseholes who cynically manipulate them.
So – why are we suddenly seeing these horrifying images splashed all over the internet (on some Christian fundy sites they’re in all their gory glory, on MSM sites the heads are tastefully blocked out) – could it be to do with the Abbott government’s plans to introduce changes to the anti-terrorism laws? You know – the ones that aim at broadening the listing criteria for terrorist organisations, lowering the threshold for arrest without warrant for terrorism offences, extending police and intelligence agencies’ powers to stop, question and detain suspects, and making it easier for the Australian federal police to seek control orders on people returning from fighting abroad.
The Muslim community in Australia is justifiably appalled at the implications of these changes – so how useful to have proof of Australian jihadists involved in heinous war crimes.
The stench of hypocrisy is unbearable.
Nice observation
Auto spell checkers can throw up some interesting things – 5th sentence in post should read ‘camo’ gear not ‘camp’ gear.
shit..!..robin williams has committed suicide…
That’s sad. I read recently that he’d checked in for another shot at rehab. Guess it didn’t work.
That is very sad.
Wiki page is down due to servers being overloaded.
Damn
That sucks.
Good Morning Vietnam & Good Will Hunting – 2 of his best in a long CV
I like him in the Dead Poet’s Society.
http://miami.cbslocal.com/2014/08/11/actor-robin-williams-dead-at-age-63/
That’s a damn shame. Poor guy. Depression is a killer.
https://twitter.com/leighpaatsch/status/499020925182803968/photo/1
So sad. R.I.P Robin Williams – you were such a high energy character. A talented comedian, also an astute observer of humanity.
What a day, I am honouring the memory of friend who suicided last year. Today is her anniversary.
Off to the Gaza talk soon. Geez. Might have to take time out to give thanks for life and the light that we all carry within, the lantern of hope and steadfastness.
yeah. Great talent gone.
Chris Trotter gets it so right:
“John Key’s best-case scenario has always been one of mass political somnambulance: in which hundreds of thousands of voters, convinced by the pollsters and their journalistic interpreters that the election was already won, would march, zombielike, into the polling-booths and make the media’s prophecies come true. Kim Dotcom’s unparalleled ability to disturb and disrupt has put this fantastical scenario to the sword. Even worse (from John Key’s perspective) the political spell he has cast cannot now be recalled.”
Read the whole article here:
http://bowalleyroad.blogspot.com/2014/08/fking-john-key-how-kim-dotcom-and.html
And here Trotter says Cunliffe can do it:
http://bowalleyroad.blogspot.com/2014/08/we-have-lift-off-some-thoughts-on.html
And Trotter can get it massively wrong as well:
I really don’t want to live in a dictatorship.
“I really don’t want to live in a dictatorship”
Neither do I. Nor would I want to see a responsible Labour administration hamstrung and blackmailed by two bit little parties with limited appeal and narrow political harakiri inducing agenda who have nothing much to lose as they can simply put the boot and blame on the main party when the distraught fearful voters kick then out just after a term, gain more ‘feel good’ sympathy and steal lots more party votes off it.
Smaller the party vote to the smaller parties and smaller the tail, the better, in my carefully considered opinion.
That is why I will be giving both my votes to Labour this time.
That article of his was about land sales to foreigners which seemingly the majority of voters want to stop. Trotters position was that the larger parties should ignore this large majority of voters and do what they choose is best which is dictatorship and not democracy.
It’s got nothing to do with the smaller parties except that, by agreeing with the majority of voters, they’ll likely to become bigger.
I challenge any readers to look at Kiwiblog and the poll of polls graph published today. The graph speaks volumes.The Labour high point was September 13 when there was a leadership challenge. Look at the trend, the oh so important trend as people have got to know The Cunliffe. The optimism here in the face of facts could power the grid. What evidence is there of a groundswell upsurge to Labour. What makes anyone think that The Cunliffe will soundly trounce John Key in the TV debates. What evidence is there that people want an unstable coalition propped up by the extremists Harawira, Harre, Sykes and Minto?
Do you think the Labour TV ads will trounce the superb National ones.
National wants as many Party Votes as possible and some here will soon see the light and prove that they love New Zealand and will choose to give a positive vote to National the only Party who are Working for New Zealand.
Good propaganda, uses short. And long sentences which keep people captivated. Bad propaganda – see above.
lolz. I didn’t get past “I challenge any readers to look at Kiwiblog”
me either. Petula Clarke immediately sprung to mind: A-wishing and a-hoping…..
actually when that sprang to mind – so did Populuxe1, and I needed a lay down after perusing his recent expert opinion on all and everything; life and the universe; sugar daddies et al.
fisi-the tide has turned with a vengeance in the last 4 weeks. Key has lost control of events.
See the two Trotter articles I posted above.
Oh well if Trotter says it then it must be true, of course when Trotter was saying negative things about Labour he was vilified…
If the tide has turned as you and Trotter believe then the next poll will surely show National at about 43% Labour at 33% Greens 10% and IM 5% with Winston still being the kingmaker.
My prediction for the election more along the lines of National 48% Labour 26% Greens 9% and IM 2%. I do not think that National will poll over 50%. They will still require support parties.
It is too late to dump The Cunliffe. Shearer could probably have won. See you in 2017.
out of interest, how were they going in the weeks before the 2011 election, fistula?
Good enough to win the election
Are they as good this time around?
Because “almost good enough” is not “good enough”, even with the help of unclecousin and craigslist.
They’re as good as they need to be especially with the extra help KDC and Cunliffes giving National
I’d still like the numbers, though, given that the confidence of a dude who thought banks would walk out of court an innocent man isn’t worth all that much.
I got the call right, just not the time but how about my predictions about JK winning the election or Shearer beating out Cunliffe etc etc
no, you didn’t. You said he wouldn’t be found guilty.
As to the other “predictions”, yeah, right. You’re like someone who flips a coin and predicts heads every time, and claims he’s a seer because he’s correct about half the time.
We’ll see what you’ve got to say when Nationals returned to power
If that were to happen I would probably say something like “fuck”, because the country will continue going down the toilet.
Whereas if key is out on his arse, you’d be sad about not being able to live at the expense of your long-suffering fellow citizens, as well as suddenly finding out that you don’t know half as much as you think you do.
If Key loses I’ll just get on with building up my capital and generally doing what I’m doing
It won’t really make a whole lot of difference to my situation whos in
not so much a Puck as an Alcibiades, eh.
Should have kept Shearer. Actually liked the guy. He was honest.
Cunliffe is everything to everyone. No one trusts him.
That’s nice dear. Unfortunately it doesn’t count for much if the only people who like you are never going to vote for you.
You like honest in a leader? Who are you voting for in september?
Infused at 18.2.2.2. I trust Cunliffe big time.
yr an idiot fisi..
..int/mana are nearly at 5% already..
..and things are just kicking off..
..’2%’..eh..?
..ah well..at least you are in tune with the right-leaning members of labour here..
..who have also made that 2%-sneer…
getting it out of your system while you still can ?
Toryettes ?
Still got another 3 odd years to go to get it out of our systems 😉
“Still got another 3 odd years to go to get it out of our systems ;-)”
Yes PR they’ll be very odd years if the last 6 are anything to go by – in fact, not so much odd as awful.
I always knew the left didn’t like democracy
democracy is fine.
It’s the economic mismanagement and persecution of the victims that pisses me off.
fisi-the problem is that even the most recent poll dates from (on average) about 3 weeks ago. I have sensed a change even in those 3 weeks with Labour’s good launch, good policies from the Greens and Labour, Joyce’s arrogant/rude performance and the rise and rise of IMP.
But I agree it would take a couple of good polls for the left for this to be confirmed. A new Roy Morgan must be pretty close.
A sense…I’ve sensed that Nationals support is strengthening due to people getting more of an idea of what KDC is really like and Labour rolling policies that people see for the unaffordable bribes they are
The legacy of silk road lives on
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11307503
Look like high quality MDMA, guess those Dunedin students like a lot of love !
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/wairarapa-times-age/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503414&objectid=11307015
Again were, were is the evidence. I see two young men who smashed up some signs. BFW. Their politics is not mentions in piece – your making assumptions. With all the ass that brings.
Smashed up National signs only and, being that they look like small town bogans, they look like IMP or Green party voters (if they could drag themselves out of bed early enough to vote before the polls close that is)
Assumptions after the national signs thing. Or is that prejudice? The right showing it’s true colours, and it’s out and out hatred of working class whites – me thinks, yes.
exactly.
You’re assuming they’re working class, I think they’re unemployed bogans
PR your ignorance of language is, a wondrous ballet of violence.
Bogan is PC for white trash.
And white trash, are working class. And proud!
Working class are not white trash thank you very much, my family were working class and certainly wern’t trash I can assure you.
You’ve never really understood how a Venn diagram works, have you?
So if your family weren’t trash are we to assume that you are the proverbial “black sheep” of the family?
You know what they say about assumption…there arn’t any black sheep in my family
what’s the old joke – if you think your family doesn’t have one, you’re it.
Those young fellas are a couple of legends.
Hey it’s weird how there’s all these disenfranchised young people who hate John Key, eh? The wealthy baby-boomers who set the parameters for political discourse have been telling us for years that they don’t exist.
+1
It’s funny. I was like that too… and voted Labour. Then I woke up.
Good for you. When I was young I was selfish and thought nothing much mattered beyond the rights of the individual. One individual in particular, of course. 😉
A lot of young people are like that though. The neoliberal philosophies of National and ACT are little more than a teenager’s perspective of society. Pissing and moaning about cleaning your room as if it’s the greatest injustice on earth to have to tidy up after yourself, while expecting full and unfettered access to everything in the fridge by virtue of your mere existence.
But you live and you learn. I wouldn’t say it was a dream to be woken from – that’s a facile way to describe the never-ending, confusing, sometimes joyous and sometimes terrifying process of discovering what is and isn’t important.
” Pissing and moaning about cleaning your room as if it’s the greatest injustice on earth to have to tidy up after yourself, while expecting full and unfettered access to everything in the fridge by virtue of your mere existence.”
pure gold ! 🙂
They are legends because why?
legends for having the courage of conviction.
Well done lads
Legends for quoting Scooby Doo.
Yes, but but but, they arent playing by tge right’s rules….
As they’ve made a court appearance I assume those rules your talking about are the rules of law. Do the left play by other rules?
“the rules of law” my goodness that sounds serious.
I think Tracey was referring to the rules of political discourse.
“The right showing it’s true colours, and it’s out and out hatred of working class whites”
The Right don’t hate anyone that ‘works’, just the ones that ‘take’
“they look like IMP or Green party voters ”
really?
thats an incredibly dense thing to say
let me guess young and a bit poor looking?
I would have said drug taking, dirty no-hopers
Could be worse, could be convicted criminals like over 17% of ACT s MPs, ever!
So who was the labour MP then:
KGB files smuggled out of Russia reveal a former Labour MP was an informant for the feared Soviet spy agency and was given the codename “Gerd”.
How about corruption?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taito_Phillip_Field
Or this guy (or how to kill a legacy)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kirk_(New_Zealand_politician)
However being that I don’t vote Act its a moot point
@ tracey..
..you cd invent a whack-a-mole game..with crim act-mp’s..
..bang one down..and up pops another..
given this quote to the media from one of the young men involved
“I would have gotten away with it too if it weren’t for those meddling kids.”
and they are undoubtedly toasted in that photo from to many “scooby doos”
I doubt they are particularly politically aware at this stage of their lives either way….
GSOH though !
lol
so how does that equate to the people who are smashing Labour and left billboards
Shining examples of those left in the ditch (excuse the assumption) by the nasty and mean policies and attitudes of the far right.
What on earth do you expect? You create a problem then cry like a baby when the problem bites back.
You lot hate people like this – it is hardly surprising they hate you in return. Wake up fool
Just a couple of scrote bag lefties that were stupid enough to be caught but the reality is most people don’t hate National most people in fact like National, just a minority of drop kicks that can’t understand why everyone doesn’t think likee they do
Well, we will find out soon, won’t we.
qed
And what do the faces of defacers of Labour billboards look like? I think I can tell you; as I put up a billboard to get jeered at by a ute load of good young farming stock driving by- “That won’t last the night.”
It didn’t. It disappeared. Stolen. From another farmer’s property.
So what do they look like? Well, at least the dog on the back of the ute looked intelligent.
http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2014/08/july_public_polls.html
and if anyone missed it this is the poll of polls and its shows a good trend for Labour 🙂
Puckish Rogue, you’re spamming, and getting hysterical. Stop it.
First time I’ve heard uncomfortable truths called spamming
It’s just link after link after link with you. Not an original thought in your head or at least you don’t have the means with which to express one.
Realitys a cold, hard slap in the face innit, much easier to ignore the bad
Yes. Easier to attack grammer.
@PU
‘RNZ Afternoon’ (aka ChattyRad) has a locum today. Expect something better than the usual.
no..no..no…no….no…..
tHIS MITE HELP THE CAMPAIGN
KEEP LEFT AND VOTE THE SAME WAY
when you got to the polling to vote
Maybe we could have the election like the vote for the POPE
Except we all sit round and smoke a joint when its all over
i already do that…
..not vote for popes..
..the other bit..
In ’87 I did the other bit in style on a hotel rooftop in Cochabamba (Bolivia) when that f@ck$n Thatcher woman got back in.
Yeah but in a huge gathering in public and break a few of Keys fascist laws on all those public protest of a few years ago regarding Austerity in acted by “by the powers Powers “.Bloody prick should have been done for treason .
Cheers
Labours attempted pensioner bribe fails to impress.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/election-2014/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503581&objectid=11307324
Matt McCarten’s assumption that this policy would be loved is shown as just a cynical attempt to win office by giving a few dollars to middle to rich income pensioners. Given that most pensioners see the GP just 4 times year they might save just $200/year. but why give $200 to the super rich. This is not a policy it’s just a failed bribe. Kiwis are not stupid they can see when Labour is trying to con them.
fisi..fisi..most pensioners live on the pension..
..and that is not that much..
..so the appeal of this policy will be widespread..
..yet another nail in the coffin of the key govt..
Hoi! I am on Super and not rich. Cost about $50 plus $15 for Prescription. Would welcome this.
On the other hand there are many much worse off than me.
And the very rich could just use their private insurance and go to their pet GP and leave the free visits for others more needy.
I be a lucky chap.
Funny how rightwing Kiwis have 20/20 vision when it comes to a Labour policy that subsidises health care for pensioners but are as blind as moles when it comes to National’s tax cuts for the already rich.
A lot of pensioners are very poor – I don’t know where you live Fisiani but I see loads of older people in the supermarket counting every thing they put in the trolley trying to make their pittance cover the escalating cost of living. A lot of pensioners put off going to the doctor because they simply can’t afford the doctor’s fee and the cost and effort of getting there. Some have to go every 3 months to have prescriptions for controlled drugs renewed which doctors use as an opportunity to give a general check up.
As to your worry that this policy is giving money to the already rich – most rich pensioners are likely to vote National, which is the self professed guardian of the public purse, so, as good National supporters and responsible citizens they should pay for their GP visits or claim on their insurance thus saving the funding for the pensioners who need it.
You have such a dog in the manger attitude.
what depresses me at the moment is seeing pensioners delivering junk mail, i saw an old guy the other day & he could barely walk delivering mail, its not a high paying job to say the least! its a cruel world if you are poor. fuck you national.
I’ve seen the same where I live. A few days ago I saw an old man – clearly of retirement age – doing just such deliveries.
He didn’t want to look me in the eye.
Yep, we should be ashamed of the society we have in this regard.
Shameful.
Mind you, at least John Key is looking out for the underdog and downtrodden ……. bahahahaha… fuck
“Labours attempted pensioner bribe fails to impress” … The Herald Editor.
I applaud the move towards univeral rather than targeted benefits, which free primary care for pensioners and the family policies seem to be signalling.
Much less divisive and therefore more durable in terms of societal approval, especially for those in the middle who sit around the probable abatement levels.
Universal benefits at an entry level into services might(?) not that much more expensive than targeted benefits, given the administration costs of targeting.
Since National has put the price of prescriptions and doctors visits up it has probably given labour an extra 100,000 votes!
when those doctors visits are costing up to $100 per visit including multiple prescriptions its smart policy
Something that might speed things up is cutting the money political parties get to promote themselves and we as the voters just give them a day off on polling day and they can make and pay for the time they use on tv by using the broadcasting budget responsibly rather than sending their employees on unnecessary trips around the country, thats both the parties and broadcasters terribly boring but so is listening to a load of brainless posturing by politicians when we could have a few sessions on the manifestos of each party reviewed by some political “experts” on television of course it will take hrs because of the advertising but may be Crosby Textor could shut down the advertising for Key so that we might get a modicom of reality in this election and the tax payer funded usage of television time, yes some companies do pay tax ,might actually be worth something ,it mite even start the use of television as a tool for community education cause even the net is getting pretty fucked with the amount of stuff being censored and unbelievable time consuming sites that tell you next to nothing of value
Good Stuff!
Last night there was a great little program on Maori TV looking at the influence of Polls.
Lead by Stacey Morrison (good!) with Gavin White UMR, Prof Thomas Lumley, and Winston.
Winston was very informed and raised some of the issues discussed here in the past.
“Re-Think examines the role of political polls in our democratic system and looks hard at claims that they may not be accurate and can have an influence in the election outcomes.”
http://www.maoritelevision.com/tv/shows/re-think/S01E012/re-think-series-1-episode-12
<30minutes long.
Well worth watching, thanks for that.
The Israeli left pushes back.
Tweets by Talkoholic
http://kabarita.wordpress.com/
http://stoparningisrael.tumblr.com/
It’s great to see Israelis and Jews outside Israel refusing to join Bibi’s ride to destruction. The fact that they are doing this will also help stem the anti-semitism that sometimes grows among people who are pro-peace and pro-Palestinian. As far as I know, the movements against war have existed for a long time in Israel, but have not been reported. With the rise of social media, the news is getting out.
Meanwhile in Britain, Zionists march with fascists such as the BNP and extremists such as UKIP, united by a hatred of Muslims. Things seem to be polarising, just like the 1930s.
How fascinating that IMP should have so quickly snapped up the chief architect of New Zealand First’s “Yellow Peril” nonsense…
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11307780
That’s funny, Winston First began 6 years before Frank Perry got involved. I seem to remember Winston raving on about the mansions in Howick from somewhere around the beginning. Still, I don’t take stuff you write at face value, so no harm done.
To Gosman,
Puckish rougue
Fiscani.
You are all are NatZ spinners.
How much does mister Key and co pay you?
I need a job. Maybe I as a senior I could make some easy money too?
You see I am a disadvantaged disabled pensioner that can hardly afford to live on the pittance my pension gives us to live on so I want to know how much are they paying for this job of yours?
I cant even afford to get my teeth fixed so maybe you can help me get some easy money you’re making?
Felix, I see Darren Watson’s FB page about the police telling a radio station to not play his Planet Key song is down. As is Watson’s FB page. I don’t use FB, but is that normal if someone is say removing content? Did anyone take a copy last night?
Video is still up on vimeo.
Felix’s comment yesterday /open-mike-11082014/#comment-864345
From what I gather it turned out it was the Electoral Commission and not the Police who have been warning radio stations not to play the song.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11307794
Interesting, thanks.
Bit on 3news tonight too: http://www.3news.co.nz/John-Key-not-fazed-by-Planet-Key-video/tabid/1607/articleID/356547/Default.aspx
Gonna be on The Nation on saturday too
Is that the best that TV3 can do? No analysis of electoral law and how it might be being applied in this situation?
it’s a great song..v. cool animation..
..and collins dancing..is downright creepy..
..and should not be viewed by the sensitive..
Well, heh, those billboard defacers eh??
Methinks I can hear the beginnings of the sound of pitchforks rattling
Watch out you righties, even if Key gets in , it aint going to pretty anymore…….
Does anyone know if the IMP party list is out yet? I can’t find it online. I have the lists for IP and Mana separately but not a combined one.
Another term and FJK will be signing us up to three easy payments.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/defence/us-to-seek-to-boost-military-presence-in-darwin/story-e6frg8yo-1227021399220
The Myth of Ownership: Taxes and Justice
Sounds like a must read book for those of us interested in a better economic system.