Open mike 12/08/2014
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6:45 am, August 12th, 2014 - 333 comments
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Kia orana.
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- Speech to the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Conference 2021Kia Ora tatau katoa. Ka tuku mihi ki nga nēhi, He pou Hauora o Aotearoa, E ora ai tatou. Whakatau mai I runga i te kaupapa o te ra Te NZNO conference. Tena koutou tena koutou Tena tatou katoa Good morning, and thank you inviting me ...3 days ago
- Government investment in farmer-led catchment groups sweeps past 150 mark171 catchment groups have now been invested in by the Government 31 catchment groups in the Lower North Island are receiving new support More than 5,000 farmers are focussed on restoring freshwater within a generation through involvement in catchment groups Government investment in on-the-ground efforts by farmers to improve land ...4 days ago
- Fight to protect kauri on trackThe Government is pitching in to help vital work to protect nationally significant kauri forests in Auckland, Minister of Conservation Kiri Allan says. “Ensuring the survival of these iconic trees for future generations means doing everything we can to prevent the potential spread of kauri dieback disease,” Kiri Allan said. ...4 days ago
- Joint statement of Mr Bernard Monk; Hon Andrew Little, Minister Responsible for Pike River Re-entry,...[Note: The Parties have agreed on terms to fully and finally settle the proceeding and will jointly issue the below statement.] At the heart of this litigation are the lives of the 29 men tragically lost at the Pike River mine on 19 November 2010 and to whom we pay ...4 days ago
- More financial support for businessesToday’s decision to keep Auckland in a higher COVID Alert Level triggers a third round of the Wage Subsidy Scheme which will open for applications at 9am this Friday. “The revenue test period for this payment will be the 14th to the 27th of September. A reminder that this is ...5 days ago
- Aotearoa New Zealand provides further humanitarian support for AfghanistanAotearoa New Zealand is providing a further $3 million in humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. “There is significant humanitarian need in Afghanistan, with the crisis disproportionately affecting women and girls,” said Nanaia Mahuta. The UN has estimated that 80% of the quarter of a million ...5 days ago
- Innovative te reo prediction tool announced in Te Wiki o Te Reo MāoriA new Māori language prediction tool will play a key role in tracking our te reo Māori revitalisation efforts, Minister for Māori Development Willie Jackson announced today. He Ara Poutama mō te reo Māori (He Ara Poutama) can forecast the number of conversational and fluent speakers of te reo Māori ...6 days ago
- Further Government support for people to access food and essential itemsThe Government is responding to need for support in Auckland and has committed a further $10 million to help people access ongoing food and other essential items, Minister for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni announced today. This latest tranche is targeted at the Auckland region, helping providers and organisations to distribute ...6 days ago
- Half a million Pfizer vaccines from DenmarkThe Government has secured an extra half a million doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines from Denmark that will start arriving in New Zealand within days, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today. “This is the second and larger agreement the Government has entered into to purchase additional vaccines to meet the ...6 days ago
- Inland Revenue providing essential COVID support for businessesInland Revenue is seeing increased demand for Resurgence Support Payments and other assistance schemes that it administers, but is processing applications quickly, Revenue Minister David Parker said today. David Parker said the Resurgence Support Payment, the Small Business Cashflow (loan) Scheme and the Wage Subsidy are available at the same ...1 week ago
- New Zealand marks 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacksNew Zealand is expressing unity with all victims, families and loved ones affected by the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks, and all terrorist attacks around the world since, including in New Zealand. “Saturday marks twenty years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States, which killed nearly 3,000 people ...1 week ago
- Speech to SPREP Environment MinistersTalofa Honourable Ulu of Tokelau Faipule Kelihiano Kalolo Tēnā koutou katoa and warm Pacific greetings from Aotearoa to your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. The new science released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on 8 August paints an alarming picture of the projected impacts of climate change on the ...1 week ago
- Additional Resurgence Support Payments to support businessBusinesses affected by higher Alert Levels will be able to apply for further Resurgence Support Payments (RSP). “The Government’s RSP was initially intended as a one-off payment to help businesses with their fixed costs, such as rent. Ministers have agreed to provide additional payments to recognise the effects of an ...1 week ago
- More Dawn Raids scholarships announcedDetails of the ‘Manaaki New Zealand Short Term Training Scholarships’, a goodwill gesture that follows the Government’s apology for the Dawn Raids of the 1970s, were released today by Pacific Peoples Minister Aupito William Sio. “These scholarships that are targeted to the Pacific will support the kaupapa of the Dawn Raids’ ...1 week ago
- One-way quarantine-free travel for RSE workers starting in OctoberOne-way quarantine-free travel for Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers from Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu starts in October New requirement for RSE workers to have received their first vaccination pre-departure, undertake Day 0 and Day 5 tests, and complete a self-isolation period of seven days, pending a negative Day 5 ...1 week ago
- Govt boosts Pacific suicide prevention supportApplications have opened for the Pacific Suicide Prevention Community Fund as the Government acts to boost support amid the COVID delta outbreak. “We know strong and connected families and communities are the most important protective factor against suicide and this $900,000 fund will help to support this work,” Health Minister ...1 week ago
- Govt parks the expiry of licenses, WoFs and regosAs a result of the Delta outbreak, driver licences, Warrants of Fitness (WoFs), Certificates of Fitness (CoFs), vehicle licences (‘regos’) and licence endorsements that expired on or after 21 July 2021 will be valid until 30 November 2021, Transport Minister Michael Wood has announced today. “While this extension won’t officially ...1 week ago
- COVID-19 community fund to provide support for vulnerable women and girlsMinister for Women Jan Tinetti today announced a $2 million community fund that will provide support for women and girls adversely affected by COVID-19. “We know that women, particularly those who are already vulnerable, are disproportionally affected by the kind of economic disruption caused by COVID-19,” Jan Tinetti said. ...1 week ago
- Next phase of support for Fiji’s COVID-19 response announcedA further NZ$12 million of support for Fiji’s COVID-19 response has been announced by Foreign Minister Hon Nanaia Mahuta today. The package builds on previous tranches of assistance Aotearoa New Zealand has provided to Fiji, totalling over NZ$50 million. “Fiji remains in a very challenging position in their response to ...1 week ago
- Robotic asparagus harvester aimed at addressing industry challengesThe Government is backing a $5 million project to develop a commercial-scale autonomous robotic asparagus harvester, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. The Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund (SFF Futures) is contributing $2.6 million to the project. Project partner Robotics Plus Limited (RPL) will build on a prototype asparagus ...1 week ago
- Additional Pfizer vaccines to arrive tomorrowMore than a quarter of a million additional doses of the Pfizer vaccine are on their way from Spain to New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today. The additional doses will arrive in Auckland on Friday morning to help meet the current surge in demand for vaccination. “It’s been ...1 week ago
- Young people to have their voices heard in Youth Parliament 2022The dates and details for Youth Parliament 2022 have been announced today by Minister for Youth Priyanca Radhakrishnan, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Youth Parliament is an opportunity for 141 young people from across Aotearoa New Zealand to experience the political process and learn how government works. ...1 week ago
- Boosting support for tertiary students affected by COVID-19Students facing a hard time as a result of COVID-19 restrictions will continue to be supported,” Education Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed today. The Government is putting a further $20 million into the Hardship Fund for Learners, which will help around 15,000 students to stay connected to their studies and learning. ...1 week ago
- COVID-19: Immediate relief available for Māori and iwi organisationsThe Government has reprioritised up to $5 million to provide immediate relief to vulnerable whānau Māori and communities during the current COVID-19 outbreak Minister for Māori Development Willie Jackson announced today. The COVID-19 2021 Whānau Recovery Fund will support community-driven, local responses to gaps in access and provision of critical ...1 week ago
- New beef genetics programme to deliver cows with smaller environmental hoof-printThe Government is backing a genetics programme to lower the beef sector’s greenhouse gas emissions by delivering cows with a smaller environmental hoof-print, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. Informing New Zealand Beef is a seven-year partnership with Beef + Lamb New Zealand that is expected to result in more ...2 weeks ago
- Appointments to the New Zealand Qualifications AuthorityEducation Minister Chris Hipkins today announced new appointments to the board of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Former Associate Minister of Education, Hon Tracey Martin, has been appointed as the new Chair for NZQA, replacing the outgoing Acting and Deputy Chair Professor Neil Quigley after an 11-year tenure on ...2 weeks ago
- Govt supports residential house building by allowing manufacture of building suppliesThe Government has agreed to allow some building product manufacturing to take place in Auckland during Covid lockdown to support continued residential construction activity across New Zealand. “There are supply chain issues that arise from Alert Level 4 as building products that are manufactured domestically are mostly manufactured in Auckland. ...2 weeks ago
- Government invests in scientific research to boost economy, address climate change and enhance wellb...Research, Science and Innovation Minister Hon Dr Megan Woods has today announced the recipients of this year’s Endeavour Fund to help tackle the big issues that New Zealanders care about, like boosting economic performance, climate change, transport infrastructure and wellbeing. In total, 69 new scientific research projects were awarded over ...2 weeks ago
- Transport to drive economic recoveryThe Government is investing a record amount in transport services and infrastructure to get New Zealand moving, reduce emissions and support the economic recovery, Transport Minister Michael Wood announced today. The 2021-24 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) was released today which outlines the planned investments Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency ...2 weeks ago
- Curia political poll is grim news for the Nats – but its measure of enthusiasm for “Aotearoa” ...
The New Zealand Herald was not alone in reporting on the discomforting results for National in the latest Curia opinion poll and the petition mounted by Maori Party leaders to have the name ... 7 hours ago - Live updates, September 18: Pākehā discharged without conviction more often than Māori
Welcome to The Spinoff’s live updates for September 18. Auckland is currently at alert level four, the rest of NZ level two. Our coverage of the Covid response depends on members’ contributions. Click here to learn more.Coming up today The latest delta outbreak case numbers will be released via a ...11 hours ago - Protecting the people, East Coast styleNgāti Porou and Te Whānau-a-Apanui led the way at the beginning of the pandemic by drawing the line at their borders to protect the people within. They weren’t just fighting to keep Covid out – they were battling bureaucracy, racism and hunger too.Click here to read this story in te ...11 hours ago
- Hei tā te Tairāwhiti tiaki tangataI mua kē a Ngāti Porou me Te Whānau-a-Apanui e ārahi ana i te tīmatanga o te mate urutā i tā rātou aukati i te huarahi whakaroto ki ō rātou rohe hei tiaki i te hunga o roto. Ehara i te mea i whawhai noa iho rātou i te Kowheori ...11 hours ago
- When will NZ stop honouring this genocidal dictator?
Absent-mindedly paying tribute to murderous Turkish dictator Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is a stain on this country's integrity. It's time we did something about it, writes Maria Armoudian. Last week, in what once seemed to many an impossibility, the towering tribute to a racist champion of the American Confederacy, General Robert E. Lee, ...14 hours ago - Short story: Beatrice’s visit, by Carol Aru
"She had spent roughly thirty thousand vatu on a whole cow": a story about money, set in Vanuatu Tina was daydreaming as she raked the newly trimmed grass around their house. Beatrice, whom she had not seen for ten years, was coming to visit today. They’d been best friends. Tina ...14 hours ago - Nicola Legat on the poleaxing of New Zealand booksSelling books during lockdown can be safe and we were told doing so would be considered essential. So why are we in this shambles again? The publisher of Massey University Press makes her case. Most evenings after dinner in this interminable lockdown I find myself up on sad, shuttered Ponsonby Road ...15 hours ago
- Wellington And Dunedin Feminists Rally For Disappearing Rights
Local feminists are marching for their rights in Wellington and Dunedin on New Zealand Suffrage Day, this Sunday, in protest against two bills before Parliament that the women say will erode their rights; the Births, Deaths, Marriages and Relationships ...15 hours ago - ‘Either you cave in, or you fight back’: The Christchurch family fundraising for AfghanistanA Christchurch couple who fundraised to create a ‘living memorial’ for the victims of March 15 are calling for more government support for young Afghans affected by the war. When Kabul fell to the Taliban last month, Christchurch couple Bariz Shah and his wife Saba Afrasyabi watched on anxiously, glued ...15 hours ago
- Siouxsie Wiles: Should I get vaccinated if I’m pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding?I know from personal experience the anxiety, the nausea, the uncertainty that can surround decisions at such sensitive times, writes Siouxsie Wiles.I’ve been inundated with emails and messages from people worried about getting vaccinated if they are trying for a baby, or pregnant, or breastfeeding. Before I tell you what ...15 hours ago
- Gasson giving it her all in global swim league
She may have missed the cut to swim at her second Olympics in Tokyo, but now Helena Gasson is the only Kiwi breaking records on the international stage, Dave Crampton reports. Helena Gasson has no idea when she will be back in New Zealand. She’s one of many Kiwi athletes competing ...15 hours ago - Women’s police stations in Australia: would they work for ‘all’ women?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amanda Porter, Senior Fellow (Indigenous Programs), The University of Melbourne Proposals to expand police powers, to criminalise coercive control and to establish specialist women’s police stations have all occupied a prominent place in Australia’s recent debate about responses to violence against women. ...22 hours ago - Forget nose spray, good sex clears a stuffy nose just as effectively — and is a lot more funSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David King, Senior Lecturer in General Practice, The University of Queensland Shutterstock Medical news is full of stories about promising new treatments for challenging conditions, or for additional health benefits of routine behaviours and habits. Who doesn’t want to feel ...1 day ago
- ‘Bloody fool!’: why Ripper the musk duck, and many other talkative Aussie birds, are exciting bi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Dalziell, Postdoctoral Associate, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University shutterstock Recently, two native Australian birds have stolen the limelight with their impressive vocal imitations. A superb lyrebird called Echo at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo has produced a painfully realistic vocal ...1 day ago
- The Week in Politics: Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate
Analysis - The government makes a big push to get as many people as possible vaccinated, the polls are bleak for Judith Collins and MIQ bookings are set to re-open, writes Peter Wilson. ...1 day ago - VIDEO: Michelle Grattan on the Anglosphere’s reassertion in the Indo-PacificSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra University of Canberra Professorial Fellow Michelle Grattan and University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Paddy Nixon discuss the week in politics. This week Michelle and Paddy discuss the revelation that anonymous donors covered some ...1 day ago
- Why does my internet connection feel slow and jumpy, even when my internet speed is high?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vijay Sivaraman, Professor of Telecommunications and Internet Technologies, UNSW Jeshoots.com/Unsplash, CC BY-SA Of the 8.2 million homes and businesses active on Australia’s National Broadband Network (NBN) in July 2021, 77% are now reported to be on a broadband plan that ...1 day ago
- ECE relief teachers present COVID pay petition to GovernmentA union-backed petition to ensure ECE relief teachers are paid during lockdown, signed by nearly 5,000 teachers and supporters, was delivered to Government via Zoom this afternoon. The petition, addressed to Education Minister Chris Hipkins and received ...1 day ago
- Come on, Joel – more research should show that classism and the pox weren’t the only exports sen...ACT leader David Seymour (who is doing nicely in opinion polls) irked many people when he sent out priority vaccination access codes intended for Māori. The critics (no surprises here) included Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson, who said the move was “despicable” and she would be writing to Speaker ...1 day ago
- The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending September 17The 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.The Auckland store remains benched but we have fingers crossed for an imminent move to level three, at ...1 day ago
- On the money: Kate Sheppard and the making of a New Zealand feminist iconSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katie Pickles, Professor of History, University of Canterbury Shutterstock In 1992 four New Zealand icons (and the queen) appeared on new banknotes. Part of creating national identity, these notable citizens were chosen to represent the pinnacles of achievement. Āpirana ...1 day ago
- PSA Nurses and MERAS Midwives settle pay talksDistrict Health Boards are pleased to announce settlements have been reached in bargaining with PSA Nurses and with midwives covered by the MERAS – the Midwifery Employee Representation & Advisory Service. ...1 day ago
- C’est fini: can the Australia-France relationship be salvaged after scrapping the sub deal?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Romain Fathi, Senior Lecturer, History, Flinders University YOAN VALAT/EPA French diplomatic language can be subtle. When Canberra announced its abrupt foreign policy change and unilateral decision to walk away from its contract with French submarine builder Naval Group, the French ...1 day ago
- It’s official: The AM Show has gone just as bonkers as BreakfastHow has Auckland’s long lockdown affected The AM Show? Tara Ward tuned in this morning to find out.Two weeks ago, Magic Talk radio host Ryan Bridge was announced as the new host of Three’s The AM Show, following the departure of long time presenter Duncan Garner. While TVNZ1’s Breakfast spends ...1 day ago
- Yesterdaze: A vacation of interest
An equestrian, a judge and a lawyer united the Team of Five Million, as Judith Collins doth projected too much. James Elliott has the news of the week. About 70 percent of us have now had one dose of the Pfizer vaccine. About 35 percent of us have had both doses of the Pfizer vaccine. And ...1 day ago - Minister of Police is engaged in a relentless crackdown on the gangs – but look at how seized mon...Your Point of Order team delighted at the words chosen by Police Minister Poto Williams to brandish the government’s law-and-order colours. Her statement was headed Government continues crackdown on gangs and organised crime and kicked off by advising us that … Operation Tauwhiro (did you know anything about it?) ...1 day ago
- ORC team places second in Trans-Tasman competitionThe Otago Regional Council (ORC) Team, ‘In Our Element’, won the New Zealand leg of the Australasian Management Challenge in May and competed remotely in the finals on 24 August, during alert level 4. ...1 day ago
- Covid-19 briefing: Trans-Tasman bubble burst for another eight weeksThe trans-Tasman bubble is being suspended for a further eight weeks, the New Zealand government has confirmed today. Watch the latest government briefing here. ...1 day ago
- Newsletter: New Zealand Politics Daily – September 17 2021Editor’s Note: Here below is a list of the main issues currently under discussion in New Zealand and links to media coverage. You can sign up to NZ Politics Daily as well as New Zealand Political Roundup columns for free here. Today’s content AUKUS Pact, Afghanistan, China Tess McClure (Guardian): Aukus ...1 day ago
- Fitzgibbon is quitting politics but this doesn’t mean Albanese can partySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Kenny, Professor, Australian Studies Institute, Australian National University Joel Fitzgibbon and Anthony Albanese in parliament in 2018. Mick Tsikas/AAP One imagines the retirement of Joel Fitzgibbon at the next election simplifies things for Anthony Albanese, as he crafts a climate change ...1 day ago
- Govt warned of dangers if US and China seek to join CPTPPIt’s Our Future is reminding the Labour Government that it opposed the original Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), in light of reports the United States may consider joining the successor Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership ...1 day ago
- Keith Rankin Analysis – Indo-Pacific: The World’s New Geopolitical BuzzwordAnalysis by Keith Rankin, Keith Rankin. I have been watching the sudden rise to prominence of the word ‘Indo-Pacific’ these last couple of months. These last couple of days it may have been the most repeated word on Radio New Zealand. According to Wikipedia today, Indo-Pacific is “biogeographic region”, although ...1 day ago
- Te reo Māori and Welsh: Two indigenous languages, two stories of revivalBeaten for speaking the language; shame around speaking it; suppressed and ridiculed by the British. Sound familiar?Welsh is a dead language.This is what I’ve been hearing my entire life.I’ve always been aware of the comparison between my language and te reo Māori. Both, I knew, shared the precarious position of ...1 day ago
- Covid-19 update: Govt gives latest details on current Delta outbreakDeputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson and Director of Public Health Caroline McElnay are providing a media update on the Covid-19 outbreak. ...1 day ago
- How The Beths made lockdown movie magicNo one can go to a big gig right now, but a 2020 concert by The Beths has become the lockdown movie experience the country needs. How’d that happen?It was designed to be a brilliant night. After 12 shows around the country, The Beths were in some of the best ...1 day ago
- When COVID patients are intubated in ICU, the trauma can stay with them long after this breathing em...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Deb Massey, Associate Professor, Faculty of Health, School of Nursing, Southern Cross University Shutterstock The current wave of COVID cases is leading to more hospital and intensive care (ICU) admissions. Frontline health workers and experts use the term “intubation” for ...1 day ago
- Back to the Rafters review: series reboot is full of heart and reflects changing timesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daryl Sparkes, Senior Lecturer (Media Studies and Production), University of Southern Queensland Brook Rushton/Amazon Prime Soap operas have been around since television was invented. Often involving outlandish plots, exaggerated storylines and hyperbolic characters and dialogue, they labour each moment on ...1 day ago
- The Friday Poem: Whāngai, by Jessie PuruA new poem from Tāmaki Makaurau poet Jessie Puru.WhāngaiKoro picked him up from the office they moved him to still wet from the womb sucking on his tongue waiting for mīraka, mother still being stitched and sedated.Koro wanted to slap the social worker’s hand away from him he took him ...1 day ago
- Do you think most people are trustworthy and helpful? How we measured ‘social cohesion’ and why ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicholas Biddle, Professor of Economics and Public Policy, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University Shutterstock COVID-19 has upended so many aspects of our lives in Australia, it can be hard to remember what life was like ...1 day ago
- Power plan regulations change aims to ensure fairnessAbout 60 percent of homes can expect lower power bills as the government announces a plan to phase out regulations on "low-use" electricity plans, the minister says. ...1 day ago
- Human Rights Commission says “Te Reo Māori is a right”The Human Rights Commission will no longer consider individual complaints over the use of te reo Māori or the term Pākehā. ...1 day ago
- ‘It has nothing to do with Lorde’Lorde’s te reo Māori mini-album Te Ao Mārama has prompted passionate conversation in Māori communities, and exposed the complex layers of hurt and intergenerational trauma being carried by those without their language. Writer and poet Rangimarie Sophie Jolley explains it’s about more than pop music – it’s personal.Te Reo Māori ...1 day ago
- Rules restricting boatingto stop spread of pest seaweedBiosecurity New Zealand is placing legal controls on parts of Aotea Great Barrier Island in a bid to contain the invasive seaweed Caulerpa brachypus , while the local Mana Whenua governance group on Aotea are supporting a dual response by imposing ...1 day ago
- Authorities told to throw out flawed sea level estimatesCoastal property groups are recommending the government urgently update its faulty advice to local authorities on sea level rise. ...1 day ago
- Commissioner warns against paper-based contact tracingPrivacy Commissioner John Edwards is concerned that people are gaining access to personal information from paper-based contact tracing registers and using it in ways that breach peoples’ privacy. The Government’s introduction of mandatory record ...1 day ago
- Greenpeace appalled by nightmarish waste to energy proposalA new proposal to build a waste to energy incinerator in Waimate to burn 350,000 tonnes of plastic, toxic sludge, nappies and other waste, is facing strong opposition from Greenpeace Aotearoa. ...1 day ago
- Low fixed charge regulation removal good for Kiwis in need“The Government’s decision to remove the low fixed charge regulation is a positive move which will stop many low-income households subsidising the electricity of better-off families,” Electricity Retailers’ Association Chief Executive Cameron Burrows ...1 day ago
- New Conservative supports rights of Defence force personnelRecently, the NZDF (New Zealand Defence Force) mandated that all personnel take the COVID-19 vaccine as a part of the baseline medical requirements for deployment in NZ and overseas. This decision has a far-reaching impact on service men and women ...1 day ago
- Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries on the increaseBlazes have become more common in recent times due to the sheer number of lithium-Ion batteries simply being discarded in household bins. ...1 day ago
- Commission supports legislation to ban conversion therapyThe Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission (the Commission) appeared in front of the Justice Select Committee yesterday to speak to its written submission on the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill (the Bill). ...1 day ago
- Why NZ is unlikely to follow Australia’s lead on social media defamation lawSome key differences in existing law mean that New Zealand media organisations remain generally safe from liability for comments posted under their content, writes Otago University law lecturer Alex Patu.Let’s face it, there’s a reason people say “never read the comments”: most commentary below social media posts is just the ...1 day ago
- QLD police will use AI to ‘predict’ domestic violence before it happens. Beware the unintended c...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heather Douglas, Professor of Law, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is expected to begin a trial using artificial intelligence (AI) to determine the future risk posed by known domestic violence perpetrators. Perpetrators identified as ...1 day ago
- Chief health officers are in the spotlight like never before. Here’s what goes on behind the scene...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Patrick Harris, Senior Research Fellow, Deputy Director, CHETRE, UNSW Until COVID-19, few people knew anything about Australia’s chief medical officer or the state and territories’ chief health officers. Now they are front and centre of the news cycle. But media coverage misses ...1 day ago
- Tasmania’s salmon industry detonates underwater bombs to scare away seals – but at what cost?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Benjamin Richardson, Professor of Environmental Law, University of Tasmania Shutterstock Australians consume a lot of salmon – much of it farmed in Tasmania. But as Richard Flanagan’s new book Toxic shows, concern about the industry’s environmental damage is growing. ...1 day ago
- Destroying vegetation along fences and roads could worsen our extinction crisis — yet the NSW gove...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Euan Ritchie, Professor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University Shutterstock What do koalas, barking owls, greater gliders, southern rainbow skinks, native bees, and regent honeyeaters all have in common? ...1 day ago
- Local, face-to-face support offers a lifeline for uni students in regional and remote AustraliaSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cathy Stone, Conjoint Associate Professor, School of Humanities & Social Science, University of Newcastle CUC Far West, Author provided For university students living out of reach of a campus and studying online, the growing presence of Regional University Centres is ...1 day ago
- Vital Signs: we’re doing well despite Delta, but 3 major economic challenges loomSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Holden, Professor of Economics, UNSW This week the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development published its first “Economic Survey of Australia” since 2018. It gives Australia good marks for a remarkably good economic response to the COVID pandemic, but warns ...1 day ago
- Friday essay: Nevermind 30 years on – how Nirvana’s second album tilted the world on its axisSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dean Biron, PhD in Cultural Studies; teaches in School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology For many of us back in 1991, it felt as if the planet tilted slightly further on its axis when Smells Like Teen Spirit — the lead ...1 day ago
- ANZUS without NZ? Why the new security pact between Australia, the UK and US might not be all it see...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Gillespie, Professor of Law, University of Waikato We live, to borrow a phrase, in interesting times. The pandemic aside, relations between the superpowers are tense. The sudden arrival of the new AUKUS security agreement between Australia, the US and UK simply ...2 days ago
- Live updates, September 17: ‘Trajectory of horror’ – What National MPs are saying about their...Welcome to The Spinoff’s live updates for September 17, by Stewart Sowman-Lund. Say hello at stewart@thespinoff.co.nz. 8.00am: ‘Trajectory of horror’ – What National MPs are saying about their own partyNational MPs have started leaking again after a horror few weeks for party leader Judith Collins.Newshub’s Tova O’Brien has heard from several ...2 days ago
- NZ’s weapon against vaccine misinformationThe Covid-19 minister says New Zealanders aren’t falling for misinformation like people overseas and an expert reveals why, Justin Giovannetti writes in The Bulletin.There’s nothing holding back New Zealand’s vaccine campaign. That’s the message from Covid-19 minister Chris Hipkins after hundreds of thousands of extra Pfizer doses arrived in Auckland this ...2 days ago
- Auckland has sold out of doughnutsStuck in level four, Aucklanders are smashing deep-fried dough balls into their faces like never before. Chris Schulz tries to get his hands on one.When Daniel Black begins listing flavours of his filled doughnuts, I tell him to shut up. He doesn’t listen. “We do a Belgian chocolate mousse and ...2 days ago
- Undisclosed problem shifting billions in water debts from councils
Government officials admit they can't easily take over billions in ratepayers' water debts ...2 days ago - Scepticism as government watchdogs launch review into LynnMall terror attackACT is calling the review of key agencies' actions "prejudiced" before it starts while the Greens are concerned about its scope and independence. ...2 days ago
- Newsroom daily crossword, Friday 17 September2 days ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 17 September2 days ago
- Normal feelings, or ADHD, ASD or PTSD? Social media is here to diagnose youPsychologists say more and more New Zealanders are self-diagnosing as neurodivergent or mentally ill. Josie Adams explores the social media communities encouraging them to do so. Put a finger down if you regularly: touch your face, make impulse purchases, have more than four tabs open on your browser, ignore texts, lose ...2 days ago
- Bernard Hickey: Is a kinder, gentler sort of capitalism really possible?Many of the world’s top business figures claim they’ve had an ethical epiphany – but one that won’t stop them continuing to make huge profits. Bernard Hickey, who worked among many of these ‘masters of the universe’ for years, is sceptical.Follow When the Facts Change on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or ...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 http://thestandard.org.nz/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.