Interesting to watch the akl transport blame game. Akl council had no say in the tournament, the number of games etc and has to pay toward refurbishing (with temporary structures!) a ground in a suburb when Mallard was right in the needs for a waterfront stadium close to every transport element, bus, rail, motorways.
RWC, tourism, transport ministers and tournament CEO all akl residents whom are paid to manage and lead so this should be very entertaining as a poorly constructed supercity, yet another NACT piece of crap, is probably left holding the baby.
Can someone explain who will be paying for those people who didn’t get to game? Because as a ratepayer I figure two things (a) the company that owns the failed transport pays or (b) in any other situation if I missed an event due to a transport failure no way in hell would anyone think of paying me back. Certainly I ain’t shelling out for people who missed out.
The government signed a contract to supply the Rugby World Cup, and said
people would not be shortchanged, now they have been, its necessary for
the standing of NZ to pay them compensation least we get slated as a
nation of welchers. The blame should lie with the government and all
government MPs should put their hands in their pocket personally, they
admit openly to hate public service, hate public transport, hate governing
effectively as its ‘too complex’.
So Simon Power is proposing to leave the decision on whether to do away with the centuries old right to silence to a panel of Judges.
He is obviously having problems getting the numbers to get through Parliament proposed changes to the Criminal Law and is having to go to the likes of Hillary Calvert to get the numbers. She must be relishing the prospect of being relevant. Rodney Hide to his credit is sticking to his guns and showing his libertarian nature by condemning the proposed changes as an affront to long held constitutional rights.
Power’s proposal, that Parliament leaves it up to the Rules Committee to make the final decision, will politicise Judiciary in a way that no previous Government has done. As a citizen surely it will be my right to lobby the decision makers, the Judges, to persuade them to do what is right and veto the proposed changes.
It also blurs the roles. Parliament is meant to determine the law and Judges are meant only to interpret it.
Surely Power should acknowledge defeat and withdraw the pernicious provisions. As Charles Chauvel noted does he really want to be the Justice Minister to be remembered as the one who did away with the right to silence?
America has a closed court, grand jury system where silence is not a option but anything
said cannot be used in further courts (unless they lie) I believe and could be wrong.
It plugs a hole before trials where the merit of the case itself is discussed.
Such serious court processes cannot be suddenly revamped by one ideologically
driven party and one silly justice ‘power’ seeking minisiter.
Our parliament is corrupt, it does not fear its decisions will ever come back to harm
them.
Apparently supporters of most rugby teams broke into spontaneous national anthem singing, in stations, in the bars and wherever there was a group of them, possibly because they had a tuneful anthem that they were comfortable in singing.
It would be nice to have one like that for New Zealand.
At Otago Stadium on Saturday night it was the first time I’ve experienced God Save The Queen and thought it felt appropriate. It always seemed odd when we had to stand to it at movies.
Listening to Prince Charles’ hypocritical cant a few hours ago during the 9/11 memorial service only underlines the necessity of getting rid of these useless bloodsuckers.
I loved the English cricket supporters singing “God save YOUR gracious Queen/ Long live YOUR noble Queen etc.” during last year’s Ashes in Australia. Change one word and it becomes a clever Geo-political put down.
So Key and relevant ministers were silent about Auckland’s RWC opening rail fail, while their proxies were busy putting the blame on Brown and Auckland Council. Yet behind the scenes they were working to ensure it doesn’t happen again – surely this shows the buck stops with Key, Joyce, McCully et al….
Prime Minister John Key says Cabinet ministers have been working with the Auckland Council over the weekend to avoid a repeat of Friday night when transport failures resulted in some ticket-holders missing the opening game of the Rugby World Cup.
[…]
The Council had said it was working to resolve the problems and there would be more back-up by buses for future games, he said.
Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully and Transport Minister Steven Joyce had been in talks with the Council over the weekend.
Yet Key is still trying to blame the council: Key told Newstalk ZB there had been an “operational failure” and the council had not considered every potential problem.
“They had the back up for the back ups but obviously they hadn’t thought through every single contingency or hadn’t acted
Meanwhile, there are criticisms from a Labour MP Key et als premiere endeavour known as Party Central:
Labour’s tourism spokesman Kelvin Davis said Party Central could be best described as “Party Shambles”.
“It was an embarrassment. This was our big opportunity to promote New Zealand to overseas visitors.
Labour’s tourism spokesman Kelvin Davis said Party Central could be best described as “Party Shambles”. “It was an embarrassment.
It was always going to be – didn’t matter who was in government. And the reason why it was going to be a shambles is because NZ always tries to do things on the cheap, we never seem to be willing to put in the necessary effort to get things right. We wanted lower taxes, lower prices and then, when things turn to custard, we complain about it but we don’t change how we do things still demanding lower taxes and prices. At some point lower pricing costs more and NZ is well into that area of the price spectrum.
Looks like the German’s are going to throw in the towel and let Greece default.
After almost two years of fighting to contain the region’s debt crisis and providing the biggest share of three European bailouts, Chancellor Angela Merkel is laying the ground for what markets say is almost a sure thing: a Greek default.
“It feels like Germany is preparing itself for a debt default,” Jacques Cailloux, chief European economist at Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc in London, said in an interview. “Fatigue is setting in. Germany could be a first mover or other countries could be preparing too.”
Good to hear John Pagani on Radio NZ’s political spot (just finished) refusing to let Matthew Hooton dominate the debate. He even managed to shut him down a few times and without adopting Hooton’s favourite trick – shouting his opponent down. Well done.
Good to hear John Pagani on Radio NZ’s political spot (just finished) refusing to let Matthew Hooton dominate the debate.
Hooton did not need to say anything. Pagani’s positions on everything were more extreme than Hooton’s. I don’t think even Hooton would be crass enough to say, as Pagani did, that the U.S. and U.K. are countries that “stand for decency and human values”.
He even managed to shut him down a few times
When? He certainly did not have the spine to challenge Hooton when Hooton lied about the intent of the Electoral Finance Act.
I think you need to listen to it again. Pagani’s performance (or failure to perform) was a disgrace.
Indeed, Anne. Makes a nice change from Williams and Bradford who both – in spite of their considerable abilities – let Hooton get away with framing every issue however he likes and proceed to argue the issues on his terms.
Further evidence of the decline of National Radio
From the Left and From the Right
Matthew Hooton (“Right”), John Pagani (“Left”) and Kathryn Ryan
National Radio, Monday 12 September 2011
Some dyspeptic, wandery and ill-informed extreme right-wing comments on the show this morning: “We needed to stand with the Americans in Afghanistan”, the U.S. and U.K. are countries that “stand for decency and human values” and “we were right to go in to Afghanistan because they shot some of our boys.”
No, it was not Matthew Hooton speaking. It was John Pagani, who must have had a brain fade and thought he was on NewstalkZB, trying to impress Paul Holmes by talking tough on his Saturday morning slot.
To compound Pagani’s shallow ranting, he sat impotently while Hooton claimed that the Electoral Finance Bill was “to stop criticism of the Clark government”.
When someone strong and intelligent enough to counter Hooton’s nonsense (Sue Bradford, Lila Harre, Mike Williams) is on, this programme is excellent and entertaining. But with someone like Pagani representing “the Left”, it’s about as balanced, and as interesting, as the egregious “Huddle” on Larry Williams Drive on NewstalkZB.
I presume the show will now be called “From the Right and from the Bewildered”. At least when John Pagani is on.
But with someone like Pagani representing “the Left”, it’s about as balanced, and as interesting, as the egregious “Huddle” on Larry Williams Drive on NewstalkZB.
I presume the show will now be called “From the Right and from the Bewildered”. At least when John Pagani is on.
Agreed! I haven’t been able to listen for some weeks until yesterday, and then when I did, I was shocked! It’s already two against one, as Ryan appears to be solidly pro-NACT…
Morrissey, I didn’t hear Pagani talk specifically about the US and UK… standing for decency and human values. Actually, the majority of the British and American citizenry do stand for such values. That aspects of their respective governments let them down from time to time is hardly evidence of over-all amoral and evil behaviour. I didn’t say I agreed with what Pagani said, I simply pointed out that he didn’t let Hooton dominate the show – something Sue Bradford in particular allows him to do.
Honestly sometimes this guy strikes me as a spoilt 12 year old kid who’s arrogant parents (NATS) drill a sense of entitlement from birth. I’d even question whether he knows the definition of inequality after reading this post ….
Yes, everybody should be “able” to have a comfortable life.
Just as long as they are happy to work for it.
That is the difference, you lot want to give everybody a comfortable life by stealing my money from me that I earn by working hard and giving it to parasites and DPB slappers who do not want to work.
Clearly you should spend less time ‘working hard’ for money and a lot more time ‘working hard’ on your Emotional Quotient – that money is never gonna love you back buddy, and you will never have enough of it to fill that knawing hole in your chest where your heart should be.
Some of those slappers and parasites will have given birth to children who will care for you when you are old and grey. Nobody survives without the influence of others.
Karma BB, it will come back and bite you on the arse, and when it does, when you have a disabled family member, or your house falls down like ChCh, or any other type of thing that you are unprepared for, you’ll be the first in the queue demanding the state sorts it out – because you mate are simply precious, greedy and self serving, like the other tory trolls on here (except several of them actually can see the other side of the coin and provide rigorous debate).
How can a bunch of benefit stealing bludgers care for me in my old age?
I take it that this grand plan of yours does not include making sure that people work for a living?
Or are you really just wanting to use my money to buy votes from the so called poor to enable your corrupt party to regain power?
What you fail to admit is that you know your way (social welfare) has not worked, throwing money at people to do nothing is destroying this country yet you steadfastly refuse to look at alternatives.
The more the “state” interferes with our day to day affairs the more we go backward, get the ‘state’ out of our lives and things will improve.
.What you fail to admit is that you know your way (social welfare) has not worked, throwing money at people to do nothing is destroying this country yet you steadfastly refuse to look at alternatives
Actually, what isn’t working is the economic system that, in 2008, created all those people now relying on social welfare to survive. That was your free market system, Bruv.
And you’re right: neo-liberalism isn’t working Any system that can double unemployment from 3.8% to 7% in just under two years is an economic bomb that Al Qaida would dearly love to get their hands on.
BB theirs 24,000 more on the dpb since Key National got elected and his mother was one of those parasites that lived in a state house.The Dpb is so partners can get away from ignorant abusers like you.So have you got any ideas on the creation of around 400,000 full time jobs or can you only keep repeating your Act mantra of abuse!
Oh, cry us a river, Bruv. So ytou want a free ride and not pay your taxes? If you want a Libertarian Nirvana, Somalia is that-a-way.
Here in NZ, pay your taxes and be grateful that you have a road to drive on; a hospital to care for you when you bump your brain cell; and a welfare system that keeps the hungry and desperate from your door.
What about the outrageous assertion from mathew hooton that because the rail system failed once then Aucklanders will never use it again. What a load of garbage. And john pagani got it right about the board of Auckland Transport. Hand picked by National to cock everything up. When the Aussie had the Olympics in 2000 the Sydney trains were free for a week before hand. Why didnt the numbskulls try that here instead of trying to create a riot. why is new zealand in the grip of pinheads and ignoramusses at the moment. oh I forgot. national is inpower and their voters like their mp’s to be like them. dull and stupid and mercenary.
@randal – What was that towards the end about guns, I think after they had discussed the Tuhoe thing? Matthew Hooton seemed about to say that everybody should be able to carry a gun, for a minute sounding like some redneck USA person, then Kathryn Ryan moved right along as time was running out.
Prism – no, I wasn’t making a pro-gun statement, I was making a free-speech one. John was saying you shouldn’t be able to be using a gun and talk about politics. I think that if people are hunting or shooting targets or something else that is legal, they should be able to do that thing while talking about politics. It’s just one of those strange free-speech ideas I hold, like that Helen Clark shouldn’t have tried to make it illegal to criticise her government in election year, that most people here at The Standard don’t understand.
I thought at the time you misunderstood what Pagani said, nice to have it confirmed! He was saying that political arguments should not be settled with guns, not that duck hunting and politics were mutually incompatible. D’oh!
Actually I’m pretty sure John did say people shouldn’t be playing with guns while talking politics.
The little toad Holmes said much the same thing several times this weekend on q+a. I hate agreeing with Matthew but I don’t care much for this new rule either.
It’s just one of those strange free-speech ideas I hold, like that Helen Clark shouldn’t have tried to make it illegal to criticise her government in election year.
That’s a load of crap Hooton and you know it! Helen Clark and her govt. were responding to the Exclusive Brethren revelations and related Nat Party Trust skulduggery. Ok, the legislation had holes in it because it was hastily thrown together. That was the result of electoral cycle time constraints and you know that too. Stop telling lies Hooton and some of us might start treating you with more respect!
He’s more prevalent around Holloween time Logie 97. he always looking for new ideas as he has none of his own.At duck shooting time we should aim high and shoot low and you’ll get that slippery little hollow eel hooton with a little shooten
Thanks Matthew that clears that up for me. But I do think the argument sounds a bit fuzzy and general. Looking at an example – for instance taking a gun to a political meeting. That would not be an encouragement of freedom or free-speech because the playing field isn’t equal then – angry words are often wounding but don’t break flesh usually!
I think that having a loaded gun and at the same time talking politics could backfire. These are two ‘loaded’ activities, it would be better to do them separately I think.
“Just what would be expected of a proper clone of USA Tea Party.
It’s telling fibs, if it’s Tea Party there must be religion there somewhere, but it hasn’t mentioned it….
right to life, anti-abortion, sanctity of life with George Carlin – hysterically funny take on hugely controversial subjects.
Do not watch if you hate rude language or can’t face the fact that there is little consistency amongst right to lifers, anti-abortionists or the sanctity of life followers.
Carlin speaks many truths. Also, he’s dead and he’s not an abortion doctor so nobody can shoot him.
Do not watch if you hate rude language or can’t face the fact that there is little consistency amongst right to lifers, anti-abortionists or the sanctity of life followers.
I can’t watch vids (can’t afford broadband) but I have to comment – first, well, people like that just can’t help themselves with the effing and blinding, can they? Some juvenile people think swearing is “grown up” and oh-so-clever!
Also, what consistency do you want? If you want pro-life people to oppose war and capital punishment, well, surprise, we do! (The non-Protestants among us, anyway.)
Hi, Vicky32. I don’t want to pry, but if you’ve got dial up, I presume you are paying $50-60 per month to get that service. I’ve seen some broadband packages which include the landline starting at around $70. That might still be out of reach, but keep an eye out for specials at Telecom or the other providers. They often do deals that might just be affordable. It will definitely change your life if you get broadband and not just in terms of blogging. It’s like switching from black and white to colour TV. A whole new way of seeing the world.
but if you’ve got dial up, I presume you are paying $50-60 per month to get that service.
Thanks for the advice, but I am lucky – I am paying only $9.95 a month! It’s rubbish service, but it will do for the time being… 🙂 My son sent me a pre-loaded Vodafone stick, but I am eking that out (don’t tell him!) and use it only for vital things, although you’re right, it is like getting colour TV….
Good on ya, I look forward to the political party that puts broadband for all up as an election promise. I think one of the Nordic countries is already talking about enshrining it in human rights legislation along with water supply, education and the other basics of life.
That’s been talked about over on Red Alert here and there. Not sure about what the Greens say about it but it’s certainly at the point where broadband is becoming an essential part of society (ie, should be supplied free through taxation).
@Jum Thanks for that – very funny. You are veryfunny and pithy too “Carlin speaks many truths. Also, he’s dead and he’s not an abortion doctor so nobody can shoot him.” Pity to lose Carlin, he’s outstanding.
It was reported by the Los Angeles Times that a major power cut shut down a couple of San Onofre nuclear reactors in San Diego last week. But what is really interesting is that a spike in radiation levels was registered on a background radiation monitor I happen to keep an eye on, at exactly the same time…
Joky Hen on Auckland – We are not too interested in finger pointing….
Radio interviews with two women, one caught up in the crush at Quay Street and the other in the unbearable heat and crowds on her train, was a scary story. They were real cool survivors and helpers.
Both said it was noticeable that there was no crowd control, no security at either place. On the train they were stopped for about an hour and there was no report from the captain etc. Aren’t ground travelling people on trains entitled to any information through speakers installed in the carriages? Are the trains being run by remote control as all the time they were stationary (unintended pun) they didn’t see a rail worker?
At the Quay there weren’t obvious signs giving directions to the various venues and not a policeman in sight except some telling some people not to sit on a roof ignoring the crowds milling below.
Hooton is ful of “strange” ideas that dont stand up to any logical scrutiny whatsoever. i.e. technically they are not valid. he just makes it up. He is just a small person who wants to get even with the world and thinks money counts for everything. In short he is a neanderthal tory party drongo flack who does what he is told by the “BIG BOYS”.
So dishing jobs out to your unqualified brother is OK according to your ethical code BB?
Why not comment on that instead of being your usual tolling self?
I know this will be hard for you to understand given that all of you left wing types slavishly support anybody (regardless of how corrupt they are) on your team but if this means that Bill English is sacked or forced to resign then nobody will be happier than me.
English is an idiot, a sopping wet liberal idiot with a strong socialist streak.
As for appointing an unqualified person to a government appointed job….well does the name Diane Yates not ring any bells with you?
I am not saying it is right, what I am saying is that in typical fashion the left make a song and dance about something that they have done themselves many, many times, the display of faux outrage is hilarious.
little pesk Pails into insignificance Media works dirty2007-8 campaign was rewarded with $43 million hand up from key dipton and joyce.Every DJ at media works set out to bring down clark!
When a publicly owned monopoly is privatised (management replaced by a profit motivated group) who monitors their performance?
Take, for example, Auckland airport.
When the amenities become foul and stinking, as they did after this weekends influx of tourists, who checks that those running the place are meeting acceptable standards.
The turists they never come back.John banks sold Auckland airport shares for $350 million they are now worth 1.5 billion that saved the Auckland rate payer millions in debt. Why don’t epsom voters reward him for being such a hopeless politician they will cut of their noses to spite their faces a Big Bruv or is that big girls blouse.Or more likely in a new game we should play here is who’s the tory blogger my guess is tau.
The morale of the story lies with the current bright idea of selling other assets before their price peaks, regardless of the fact they are returning a profit and are of strategic importance.
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Stuck In The Middle With You:As Christopher Luxon feels the hot breath of Act’s and NZ First’s extremists on the back of his neck and, as he reckons with the damage their policies are already inflicting upon a country he’s described as “fragile”, is there not some merit in reaching out ...
The unpopular coalition government is currently rushing to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. The clause is Oranga Tamariki's Treaty clause, and was inserted after its systematic stealing of Māori children became a public scandal and resulted in physical resistance to further abductions. The clause created clear obligations ...
Buzz from the Beehive The government’s official website – which Point of Order monitors daily – not for the first time has nothing much to say today about political happenings that are grabbing media headlines. It makes no mention of the latest 1News-Verian poll, for example. This shows National down ...
It Takes A Train To Cry:Surely, there is nothing lonelier in all this world than the long wail of a distant steam locomotive on a cold Winter’s night.AS A CHILD, I would lie awake in my grandfather’s house and listen to the traffic. The big wooden house was only a ...
Packing A Punch: The election of the present government, including in its ranks politicians dedicated to reasserting the rights of the legislature in shaping and determining the future of Māori and Pakeha in New Zealand, should have alerted the judiciary – including its anomalous appendage, the Waitangi Tribunal – that its ...
Dead Woman Walking: New Zealand’s media industry had been moving steadily towards disaster for all the years Melissa Lee had been National’s media and communications policy spokesperson, and yet, when the crisis finally broke, on her watch, she had nothing intelligent to offer. Christopher Luxon is a patient man - but he’s not ...
Chris Trotter writes – New Zealand politics is remarkably easy-going: dangerously so, one might even say. With the notable exception of John Key’s flat ruling-out of the NZ First Party in 2008, all parties capable of clearing MMP’s five-percent threshold, or winning one or more electorate seats, tend ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is ...
Luxon will no doubt put a brave face on it, but there is no escaping the pressure this latest poll will put on him and the government. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political ...
This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler In the wake of any unusual weather event, someone inevitably asks, “Did climate change cause this?” In the most literal sense, that answer is almost always no. Climate change is never the sole cause of hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, or ...
Something odd happened yesterday, and I’d love to know if there’s more to it. If there was something which preempted what happened, or if it was simply a throwaway line in response to a journalist.Yesterday David Seymour was asked at a press conference what the process would be if the ...
Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy.Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
The Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...
With Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...
The Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
MONDAY I lined up the latest round of civil servants from city hall against the wall, and signalled for the firing squad to drop their rifles. I stepped up onto a wooden crate to look at the office workers in the eye. But that didn’t feel right, so I found ...
Keen hiker and second-year MSc student Liam Hewson wears two hats when he’s in the great outdoors. “The scientist in me appreciates nature and goes, ‘Oh, there’s that thing and there’s another thing,’ but then the tramper and the outdoorsy person in me thinks, ‘Cool bush.’” Born and bred in ...
After a long and illustrious career as a goal kicker, Dan Carter’s favourite way to unwind is… kicking goals. Why can’t he get enough of it? And what it’s like to watch him do it for an hour straight? A semicircle of people wielding cameras and phones has formed in ...
Dame Susan Devoy takes us through her life in television, including late night ER debriefs, her proudest CTI moment and the show she watches in secret. Quite aside from her four world champion squash titles, Dame Susan Devoy will likely go down in history as one of the best Celebrity ...
Hera Lindsay Bird reveals the best places in Ōtepoti to score more for your apocalypse-prep book hoard.Sometimes I get the feeling I’ve been killed in a car crash, and this second half of my life is just the brain unspooling itself, like one of those episodes of a hospital ...
ThreeNow’s new murder mystery series takes us on a dark, damp journey into the Australian wilderness.This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. High Country is ThreeNow’s new Australian eight-part crime drama, set in a remote part of the Victorian highlands. It tells ...
Introducing a new way to read The Spinoff every weekend. After nearly 10 years of being an online magazine, we’re finally embracing the weekend liftout. Despite our best efforts to convince you otherwise, writers and editors at The Spinoff don’t work weekend. It is through the sheer power of technology ...
Tip one: let yourself be nurtured by this big old man. Tip two: don’t ask him to adopt you. So, you’ve arrived at your first session with a new therapist. He tells you to make yourself comfortable and you opt for the tweed armchair, hoping it makes you look like ...
I didn’t know books could open you back up; that there were books that stayed with you, where reading was like a chemical event. I knew nothing.The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand.Not too long ago, I was listening to the American ...
Former Olympic swimmer James Magnussen has already started training for the Enhanced games, though says he won’t start taking performance enhancing substances until about nine months out from the competition. The Australian world champion was the first athlete to be announced by Enhanced, but he says the organisation has had ...
Everyone thinks he’s dead. Every day they expect his body to be washed up along the coast. Most likely up Karitane way, the way the tide’s running. But nobody’ll be too surprised if his body’s never found. Even in death he wouldn’t have wished for such attention. He would have ...
Council members voted 21 to 4 in favour of Ahluwalia returning to the Laucala campus following a much-awaited meeting in Vanuatu this week. It comes as USP and its two unions — the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff (AUSPS) and the Administration and Support Staff Union ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicola Henry, Professor & Australian Research Council Future Fellow, Social and Global Studies Centre, RMIT University Shutterstock Following an emergency meeting of the National Cabinet this week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a raft of measures to tackle the problem ...
Analysis - A poll showing the opposition is more popular than the government raises questions, politicians go through their 'trial by pay rise' and a Green MP loses her cool in the debating chamber. ...
The entire stretch of Tokomaru Bay on the East Coast will be subject to a joint customary marine title for two hapū, and extending up to four miles out to sea. A High Court judge has found the two groups, who during the case settled a dispute over boundaries for ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Hall, Lecturer, Media & Cultural Studies, Edith Cowan University A longstanding feud between TikTok and Universal Music Group seems to have finally reached an end, with both parties signing a deal that will see Universal-backed music returned to the social media ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Siobhan O’Dean, Postdoctoral Research Associate, The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney After several highly publicised alleged murders of women in Australia, the Albanese government this week pledged more than A$925 million over five years ...
Political parties have now fully disclosed the donations they received last year - with National getting more than double the cash of any other party. ...
A Pacific regionalism expert has called out New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters for withholding information from the public on AUKUS military pact. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard de Grijs, Professor of Astrophysics, Macquarie University Bruno Scramgnon/Pexels All systems are “go” for tonight’s launch of China’s next step in a carefully planned lunar exploration program. Placed on top of a powerful Long March 5 rocket, the Chang’e 6 ...
National returned a massive donation the day after a Newsroom story linked the donors to a property being investigated for operating unlawfully as a migrant workers’ hostel. The party’s 2023 donation filings, released on Friday, show it returned a $200,000 donation from Buen Holdings on August 23. That was the ...
Pacific Media Watch New Zealand has slumped to an unprecedented 19th place in the annual Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index survey released today on World Press Freedom Day — May 3. This was a drop of six places from 13th last year when it slipped out of its ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Black, Political Historian and Administrator Officer, Australian Historical Association, Australian National University Australia has had its fair share of public record-keeping controversies in recent years. Some have been mere farce, as in the case of two formerly government-owned filing cabinets (containing ...
Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a United Nations-affiliated organization dedicated to fostering peace through civilian-led initiatives, has issued a statement in response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. ...
A poem by Tessa Keenan, from AUP New Poets 10. Mātou These days we are a photograph; one of a farm strewn with cows that used to be bright harakeke or swamp. The kids point at it and say the sun sits behind a smudge (left by someone at Christmas); ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (Faber & Faber, $25)The masterful Irish writer ...
Marriage and civil union statistics record the number of marriages and civil unions registered in New Zealand each year, and divorce statistics record the number of divorces granted in New Zealand each year. Key facts Marriages and civil unions In ...
Marriage and civil union statistics record the number of marriages and civil unions registered in New Zealand each year, and divorce statistics record the number of divorces granted in New Zealand each year. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lennon Y.C. Chang, Associate Professor of Cyber Risk and Policy, Deakin University Taiwan stands out as a beacon of democracy, innovation and resilience in an increasingly autocratic region. But this is under growing threat. In recent years, China has used a variety ...
In this excerpt from her new memoir, Dame Susan Devoy remembers her turn as star contestant on the 2022 season of Celebrity Treasure Island. The most anxious time of every day was pre-elimination, when you knew this could be your final day on the show. I felt such contradictory emotions, ...
A week that began in triumph ended in an all-too-familiar disaster for the Green Party. Duncan Greive asks if there’s something in the mission that breaks its best and brightest. A long, strange week for the Green party began with a fantastic poll result. On one level this is hardly ...
By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist Vanuatu’s former prime minister and opposition MP Ishmael Kalsakau has stepped down — just two days after he confirmed he was the rightful opposition leader. Kalsakau, MP for Port Vila, confirmed to ABC’s Pacific Beat, and the Vanuatu Daily Post on Thursday that he ...
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Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question?Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 3 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...
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Interesting to watch the akl transport blame game. Akl council had no say in the tournament, the number of games etc and has to pay toward refurbishing (with temporary structures!) a ground in a suburb when Mallard was right in the needs for a waterfront stadium close to every transport element, bus, rail, motorways.
RWC, tourism, transport ministers and tournament CEO all akl residents whom are paid to manage and lead so this should be very entertaining as a poorly constructed supercity, yet another NACT piece of crap, is probably left holding the baby.
Important research on this very topic here: http://bit.ly/pL1hsu
Can someone explain who will be paying for those people who didn’t get to game? Because as a ratepayer I figure two things (a) the company that owns the failed transport pays or (b) in any other situation if I missed an event due to a transport failure no way in hell would anyone think of paying me back. Certainly I ain’t shelling out for people who missed out.
The government signed a contract to supply the Rugby World Cup, and said
people would not be shortchanged, now they have been, its necessary for
the standing of NZ to pay them compensation least we get slated as a
nation of welchers. The blame should lie with the government and all
government MPs should put their hands in their pocket personally, they
admit openly to hate public service, hate public transport, hate governing
effectively as its ‘too complex’.
So Simon Power is proposing to leave the decision on whether to do away with the centuries old right to silence to a panel of Judges.
He is obviously having problems getting the numbers to get through Parliament proposed changes to the Criminal Law and is having to go to the likes of Hillary Calvert to get the numbers. She must be relishing the prospect of being relevant. Rodney Hide to his credit is sticking to his guns and showing his libertarian nature by condemning the proposed changes as an affront to long held constitutional rights.
Power’s proposal, that Parliament leaves it up to the Rules Committee to make the final decision, will politicise Judiciary in a way that no previous Government has done. As a citizen surely it will be my right to lobby the decision makers, the Judges, to persuade them to do what is right and veto the proposed changes.
It also blurs the roles. Parliament is meant to determine the law and Judges are meant only to interpret it.
Surely Power should acknowledge defeat and withdraw the pernicious provisions. As Charles Chauvel noted does he really want to be the Justice Minister to be remembered as the one who did away with the right to silence?
America has a closed court, grand jury system where silence is not a option but anything
said cannot be used in further courts (unless they lie) I believe and could be wrong.
It plugs a hole before trials where the merit of the case itself is discussed.
Such serious court processes cannot be suddenly revamped by one ideologically
driven party and one silly justice ‘power’ seeking minisiter.
Our parliament is corrupt, it does not fear its decisions will ever come back to harm
them.
Apparently supporters of most rugby teams broke into spontaneous national anthem singing, in stations, in the bars and wherever there was a group of them, possibly because they had a tuneful anthem that they were comfortable in singing.
It would be nice to have one like that for New Zealand.
At Otago Stadium on Saturday night it was the first time I’ve experienced God Save The Queen and thought it felt appropriate. It always seemed odd when we had to stand to it at movies.
This is the only appropriate version of the English national anthem….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtUH2YSFlVU
Listening to Prince Charles’ hypocritical cant a few hours ago during the 9/11 memorial service only underlines the necessity of getting rid of these useless bloodsuckers.
I can’t think of any time when I though God Save the Queen was appropriate. In fact, I go out of my way to avoid the cringing POS.
I dunno, I thought Morrissey’s example above was pretty appropriate.
I loved the English cricket supporters singing “God save YOUR gracious Queen/ Long live YOUR noble Queen etc.” during last year’s Ashes in Australia. Change one word and it becomes a clever Geo-political put down.
last chance to share the Toronto Hearings Q&A
final session in 5 minutes
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/thetorontohearings
Great piece by Roger Brooking over at Pundit on our culture of imprisionment and irrational climate of fear
http://pundit.co.nz/content/new-zealands-strange-relationship-with-prisons
So Key and relevant ministers were silent about Auckland’s RWC opening rail fail, while their proxies were busy putting the blame on Brown and Auckland Council. Yet behind the scenes they were working to ensure it doesn’t happen again – surely this shows the buck stops with Key, Joyce, McCully et al….
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5606408/Govt-Auckland-council-work-to-avoid-new-cup-rail-fail
Yet Key is still trying to blame the council:
Key told Newstalk ZB there had been an “operational failure” and the council had not considered every potential problem.
“They had the back up for the back ups but obviously they hadn’t thought through every single contingency or hadn’t acted
Meanwhile, there are criticisms from a Labour MP Key et als premiere endeavour known as Party Central:
It was always going to be – didn’t matter who was in government. And the reason why it was going to be a shambles is because NZ always tries to do things on the cheap, we never seem to be willing to put in the necessary effort to get things right. We wanted lower taxes, lower prices and then, when things turn to custard, we complain about it but we don’t change how we do things still demanding lower taxes and prices. At some point lower pricing costs more and NZ is well into that area of the price spectrum.
Looks like the German’s are going to throw in the towel and let Greece default.
After almost two years of fighting to contain the region’s debt crisis and providing the biggest share of three European bailouts, Chancellor Angela Merkel is laying the ground for what markets say is almost a sure thing: a Greek default.
“It feels like Germany is preparing itself for a debt default,” Jacques Cailloux, chief European economist at Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc in London, said in an interview. “Fatigue is setting in. Germany could be a first mover or other countries could be preparing too.”
Good to hear John Pagani on Radio NZ’s political spot (just finished) refusing to let Matthew Hooton dominate the debate. He even managed to shut him down a few times and without adopting Hooton’s favourite trick – shouting his opponent down. Well done.
Good to hear John Pagani on Radio NZ’s political spot (just finished) refusing to let Matthew Hooton dominate the debate.
Hooton did not need to say anything. Pagani’s positions on everything were more extreme than Hooton’s. I don’t think even Hooton would be crass enough to say, as Pagani did, that the U.S. and U.K. are countries that “stand for decency and human values”.
He even managed to shut him down a few times
When? He certainly did not have the spine to challenge Hooton when Hooton lied about the intent of the Electoral Finance Act.
I think you need to listen to it again. Pagani’s performance (or failure to perform) was a disgrace.
Pagani is not up to it he is a damp squib. Hooton is a slippery piece of work you need an abrasive type to hold him to account.
Indeed, Anne. Makes a nice change from Williams and Bradford who both – in spite of their considerable abilities – let Hooton get away with framing every issue however he likes and proceed to argue the issues on his terms.
Further evidence of the decline of National Radio
From the Left and From the Right
Matthew Hooton (“Right”), John Pagani (“Left”) and Kathryn Ryan
National Radio, Monday 12 September 2011
Some dyspeptic, wandery and ill-informed extreme right-wing comments on the show this morning: “We needed to stand with the Americans in Afghanistan”, the U.S. and U.K. are countries that “stand for decency and human values” and “we were right to go in to Afghanistan because they shot some of our boys.”
No, it was not Matthew Hooton speaking. It was John Pagani, who must have had a brain fade and thought he was on NewstalkZB, trying to impress Paul Holmes by talking tough on his Saturday morning slot.
To compound Pagani’s shallow ranting, he sat impotently while Hooton claimed that the Electoral Finance Bill was “to stop criticism of the Clark government”.
When someone strong and intelligent enough to counter Hooton’s nonsense (Sue Bradford, Lila Harre, Mike Williams) is on, this programme is excellent and entertaining. But with someone like Pagani representing “the Left”, it’s about as balanced, and as interesting, as the egregious “Huddle” on Larry Williams Drive on NewstalkZB.
I presume the show will now be called “From the Right and from the Bewildered”. At least when John Pagani is on.
Isn’t John Pagani the advisor that told Labour to be more like National?
Guess he really did mean it too. Nice to see someone take their own bullshit to heart. Now if he would just fuck off…
That might be because that was exactly what Clark had in mind when she created the EFA.
It remains a shocking piece of legislation and the biggest attack on free speech this nation has ever seen.
Agreed! I haven’t been able to listen for some weeks until yesterday, and then when I did, I was shocked! It’s already two against one, as Ryan appears to be solidly pro-NACT…
Morrissey, I didn’t hear Pagani talk specifically about the US and UK… standing for decency and human values. Actually, the majority of the British and American citizenry do stand for such values. That aspects of their respective governments let them down from time to time is hardly evidence of over-all amoral and evil behaviour. I didn’t say I agreed with what Pagani said, I simply pointed out that he didn’t let Hooton dominate the show – something Sue Bradford in particular allows him to do.
Has anyone seen Farrar’s latest spin attempt at justifying inequality?
http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2011/09/an_essay_in_favour_of_income_inequality.html
Honestly sometimes this guy strikes me as a spoilt 12 year old kid who’s arrogant parents (NATS) drill a sense of entitlement from birth. I’d even question whether he knows the definition of inequality after reading this post ….
Rijab,
My question would be: Why does anyone have to be POOR? There will always be inequality but everyone should be able to have a comfortable life.
Follow the link and you’ll find many answers in the comments … unfortunately not many are well thought out.
Jum
Yes, everybody should be “able” to have a comfortable life.
Just as long as they are happy to work for it.
That is the difference, you lot want to give everybody a comfortable life by stealing my money from me that I earn by working hard and giving it to parasites and DPB slappers who do not want to work.
Clearly you should spend less time ‘working hard’ for money and a lot more time ‘working hard’ on your Emotional Quotient – that money is never gonna love you back buddy, and you will never have enough of it to fill that knawing hole in your chest where your heart should be.
Some of those slappers and parasites will have given birth to children who will care for you when you are old and grey. Nobody survives without the influence of others.
Karma BB, it will come back and bite you on the arse, and when it does, when you have a disabled family member, or your house falls down like ChCh, or any other type of thing that you are unprepared for, you’ll be the first in the queue demanding the state sorts it out – because you mate are simply precious, greedy and self serving, like the other tory trolls on here (except several of them actually can see the other side of the coin and provide rigorous debate).
Ian
How can a bunch of benefit stealing bludgers care for me in my old age?
I take it that this grand plan of yours does not include making sure that people work for a living?
Or are you really just wanting to use my money to buy votes from the so called poor to enable your corrupt party to regain power?
What you fail to admit is that you know your way (social welfare) has not worked, throwing money at people to do nothing is destroying this country yet you steadfastly refuse to look at alternatives.
The more the “state” interferes with our day to day affairs the more we go backward, get the ‘state’ out of our lives and things will improve.
.What you fail to admit is that you know your way (social welfare) has not worked, throwing money at people to do nothing is destroying this country yet you steadfastly refuse to look at alternatives
Actually, what isn’t working is the economic system that, in 2008, created all those people now relying on social welfare to survive. That was your free market system, Bruv.
And you’re right: neo-liberalism isn’t working Any system that can double unemployment from 3.8% to 7% in just under two years is an economic bomb that Al Qaida would dearly love to get their hands on.
Hmmmm… whose side did you say you were on?
BB theirs 24,000 more on the dpb since Key National got elected and his mother was one of those parasites that lived in a state house.The Dpb is so partners can get away from ignorant abusers like you.So have you got any ideas on the creation of around 400,000 full time jobs or can you only keep repeating your Act mantra of abuse!
Oh, cry us a river, Bruv. So ytou want a free ride and not pay your taxes? If you want a Libertarian Nirvana, Somalia is that-a-way.
Here in NZ, pay your taxes and be grateful that you have a road to drive on; a hospital to care for you when you bump your brain cell; and a welfare system that keeps the hungry and desperate from your door.
Jeez, you National/ACT lot can whinge…
What about the outrageous assertion from mathew hooton that because the rail system failed once then Aucklanders will never use it again. What a load of garbage. And john pagani got it right about the board of Auckland Transport. Hand picked by National to cock everything up. When the Aussie had the Olympics in 2000 the Sydney trains were free for a week before hand. Why didnt the numbskulls try that here instead of trying to create a riot. why is new zealand in the grip of pinheads and ignoramusses at the moment. oh I forgot. national is inpower and their voters like their mp’s to be like them. dull and stupid and mercenary.
ITS the brain drain
@randal – What was that towards the end about guns, I think after they had discussed the Tuhoe thing? Matthew Hooton seemed about to say that everybody should be able to carry a gun, for a minute sounding like some redneck USA person, then Kathryn Ryan moved right along as time was running out.
Prism – no, I wasn’t making a pro-gun statement, I was making a free-speech one. John was saying you shouldn’t be able to be using a gun and talk about politics. I think that if people are hunting or shooting targets or something else that is legal, they should be able to do that thing while talking about politics. It’s just one of those strange free-speech ideas I hold, like that Helen Clark shouldn’t have tried to make it illegal to criticise her government in election year, that most people here at The Standard don’t understand.
I thought at the time you misunderstood what Pagani said, nice to have it confirmed! He was saying that political arguments should not be settled with guns, not that duck hunting and politics were mutually incompatible. D’oh!
Actually I’m pretty sure John did say people shouldn’t be playing with guns while talking politics.
The little toad Holmes said much the same thing several times this weekend on q+a. I hate agreeing with Matthew but I don’t care much for this new rule either.
I had another listen and it still makes sense to me, felix.
“If we want to live in a free society, free from political violence, we cannot have people running around with guns when they are talking politics.”
I took that as a reference to Norway, not knocking off Bambi.
I don’t see any reference to either of those things.
It’s just one of those strange free-speech ideas I hold, like that Helen Clark shouldn’t have tried to make it illegal to criticise her government in election year.
That’s a load of crap Hooton and you know it! Helen Clark and her govt. were responding to the Exclusive Brethren revelations and related Nat Party Trust skulduggery. Ok, the legislation had holes in it because it was hastily thrown together. That was the result of electoral cycle time constraints and you know that too. Stop telling lies Hooton and some of us might start treating you with more respect!
So Hooten does sniff around this site. Thought he just liked to be the first entry on Open mike from time to time.
He’s more prevalent around Holloween time Logie 97. he always looking for new ideas as he has none of his own.At duck shooting time we should aim high and shoot low and you’ll get that slippery little hollow eel hooton with a little shooten
Thanks Matthew that clears that up for me. But I do think the argument sounds a bit fuzzy and general. Looking at an example – for instance taking a gun to a political meeting. That would not be an encouragement of freedom or free-speech because the playing field isn’t equal then – angry words are often wounding but don’t break flesh usually!
I think that having a loaded gun and at the same time talking politics could backfire. These are two ‘loaded’ activities, it would be better to do them separately I think.
http://nzteaparty.co.nz/
joined yet?
@ kriswgtn – Quite good web site page. Promises, no fibs, new, blah blah blah though. Just what would be expected of a proper clone of USA Tea Party.
“Just what would be expected of a proper clone of USA Tea Party.
It’s telling fibs, if it’s Tea Party there must be religion there somewhere, but it hasn’t mentioned it….
btw the design is terrible.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvF1Q3UidWM&feature=related
right to life, anti-abortion, sanctity of life with George Carlin – hysterically funny take on hugely controversial subjects.
Do not watch if you hate rude language or can’t face the fact that there is little consistency amongst right to lifers, anti-abortionists or the sanctity of life followers.
Carlin speaks many truths. Also, he’s dead and he’s not an abortion doctor so nobody can shoot him.
I can’t watch vids (can’t afford broadband) but I have to comment – first, well, people like that just can’t help themselves with the effing and blinding, can they? Some juvenile people think swearing is “grown up” and oh-so-clever!
Also, what consistency do you want? If you want pro-life people to oppose war and capital punishment, well, surprise, we do! (The non-Protestants among us, anyway.)
Hi, Vicky32. I don’t want to pry, but if you’ve got dial up, I presume you are paying $50-60 per month to get that service. I’ve seen some broadband packages which include the landline starting at around $70. That might still be out of reach, but keep an eye out for specials at Telecom or the other providers. They often do deals that might just be affordable. It will definitely change your life if you get broadband and not just in terms of blogging. It’s like switching from black and white to colour TV. A whole new way of seeing the world.
Thanks for the advice, but I am lucky – I am paying only $9.95 a month! It’s rubbish service, but it will do for the time being… 🙂 My son sent me a pre-loaded Vodafone stick, but I am eking that out (don’t tell him!) and use it only for vital things, although you’re right, it is like getting colour TV….
Good on ya, I look forward to the political party that puts broadband for all up as an election promise. I think one of the Nordic countries is already talking about enshrining it in human rights legislation along with water supply, education and the other basics of life.
Edit: it’s Finland.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10374831-2.html
That’s been talked about over on Red Alert here and there. Not sure about what the Greens say about it but it’s certainly at the point where broadband is becoming an essential part of society (ie, should be supplied free through taxation).
@Jum Thanks for that – very funny. You are veryfunny and pithy too “Carlin speaks many truths. Also, he’s dead and he’s not an abortion doctor so nobody can shoot him.” Pity to lose Carlin, he’s outstanding.
Radiation Spike in San Diego
It was reported by the Los Angeles Times that a major power cut shut down a couple of San Onofre nuclear reactors in San Diego last week. But what is really interesting is that a spike in radiation levels was registered on a background radiation monitor I happen to keep an eye on, at exactly the same time…
Good to see David Parker up the frOnt having a dance at the Drab Doo Riffs gig on Friday night.
As it was good to see Jacinda front and centre watching Shane Carter a while back.
Can’t imagine a single Nat MP lowering themselves to the level of rubbing shoulders with the primes like that.
They are using the feelers music in their campaign follow on from rwc if the abs loose they might have to change bands mid election.
A band that comes to mind is the ‘Headless Chickens.’
That name, not the band, perfectly describes the current bunch.
Shame not to see a single headless chicken front up to answer questions about the RWC fail today, at least Len Brown has the courage to front up.
Joky Hen on Auckland – We are not too interested in finger pointing….
Radio interviews with two women, one caught up in the crush at Quay Street and the other in the unbearable heat and crowds on her train, was a scary story. They were real cool survivors and helpers.
Both said it was noticeable that there was no crowd control, no security at either place. On the train they were stopped for about an hour and there was no report from the captain etc. Aren’t ground travelling people on trains entitled to any information through speakers installed in the carriages? Are the trains being run by remote control as all the time they were stationary (unintended pun) they didn’t see a rail worker?
At the Quay there weren’t obvious signs giving directions to the various venues and not a policeman in sight except some telling some people not to sit on a roof ignoring the crowds milling below.
Too busy dishing out speeding tickets somewhere…..
Ha ha, another day and another Labour staffer has been caught stealing.
At least I will no longer have to pay this thief’s wages, I wonder if Sonny will make it in the real world?
What? ” Like Bill English was caught rorting the taxpayer, to the tune of $1000 a week? http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10588023&ref=rss
Cheeky buggers, you Nats…
Hooton is ful of “strange” ideas that dont stand up to any logical scrutiny whatsoever. i.e. technically they are not valid. he just makes it up. He is just a small person who wants to get even with the world and thinks money counts for everything. In short he is a neanderthal tory party drongo flack who does what he is told by the “BIG BOYS”.
BTW Helen Clark only trtied to make it harder to buy elections. But National went ahead and bought it anyway.
Lol…you forget the 850k she stole from the tax payer to win the 05 election.
So dishing jobs out to your unqualified brother is OK according to your ethical code BB?
Why not comment on that instead of being your usual tolling self?
Ianupnorth
I know this will be hard for you to understand given that all of you left wing types slavishly support anybody (regardless of how corrupt they are) on your team but if this means that Bill English is sacked or forced to resign then nobody will be happier than me.
English is an idiot, a sopping wet liberal idiot with a strong socialist streak.
As for appointing an unqualified person to a government appointed job….well does the name Diane Yates not ring any bells with you?
I am not saying it is right, what I am saying is that in typical fashion the left make a song and dance about something that they have done themselves many, many times, the display of faux outrage is hilarious.
little pesk Pails into insignificance Media works dirty2007-8 campaign was rewarded with $43 million hand up from key dipton and joyce.Every DJ at media works set out to bring down clark!
It is quite alarming how many times they have him on phone ins on all manner of stations!
Nah, the people voted for her cos she was better than Bill from Dipstick…
Crack up!
Now that really is dysfunctional behaviour. Eeew.
He was a political animal in 1981 and had some pretty strong opinions – his mother leaves us in no doubt about that … gotcha Joky Hen
When a publicly owned monopoly is privatised (management replaced by a profit motivated group) who monitors their performance?
Take, for example, Auckland airport.
When the amenities become foul and stinking, as they did after this weekends influx of tourists, who checks that those running the place are meeting acceptable standards.
The turists they never come back.John banks sold Auckland airport shares for $350 million they are now worth 1.5 billion that saved the Auckland rate payer millions in debt. Why don’t epsom voters reward him for being such a hopeless politician they will cut of their noses to spite their faces a Big Bruv or is that big girls blouse.Or more likely in a new game we should play here is who’s the tory blogger my guess is tau.
The morale of the story lies with the current bright idea of selling other assets before their price peaks, regardless of the fact they are returning a profit and are of strategic importance.
… would be interesting to know who the “Mums and Dads” investors are who have shares in the airport company acshully – how would one find out?
I bet the mums and dads are not the chosen 12,000 who had no trouble at Queens Wharf on Friday night.