The ayatollah discussing tactics with the Hezbollah …>
“The secret “cup of tea” conversation between Prime Minister John Key and Act’s John Banks has been captured on a recording given to the Herald on Sunday.”
I doubt that it is very significant or icriminating, otherwise why would the NZH mention it, or DF say it should be published? And it was recorded by a press cameraman, and given to NZH. So who was the cameraman working for, and why didn’t his usualy media outlet take it?
But the potential disclosure of the contents of that conversation – held only a metre away from the closest reporters – could yet throw a rocket into this election campaign. It is a game-changer.
According to The Herald it very well could be significant. An interesting tone in this article.
Hmmm… well I’m not certain what an NZH journo would regard as a “game changer”. but it’s looking a bit like some fracturing within National ranks between the neoliberal NActoids and the old pre-neolib conservatives who have more affinity with NZ First.
Also I thought it was interesting that TV One bent it’s debate criteria to let Winston into their leaders’ debate.
I think you will find Farrar certainly does not support the release of the recordings unless it was said to reveal massive wrong doing. At the very least, the recording could be ‘game changer ‘ simply due to the fact it may reveal another side of Key to the general public.
The NZ media never cease to disgust me. They have a recording they describe as a ‘game-changer’ and yet they won’t let the public know what it says? It’s yet another example of how they put the interests of the politicians above those of the public.
It beggars belief that the Herald on Sunday, not known for it’s stance on ethical journalism in any other respect, suddenly goes all coy when it comes to embarrassing Key and Banks.
They’ve been told they could legally publish it, but chose not to. At the same time they have an editorial urging voters to abandon Winston Peters and had one some time ago urging people to vote for Act in Epsom.
The Herald is bad enough, but the Herald on Sunday editors are just unadulterated Tory shills who are a disgrace to the name of journalism.
The tea tape is a charade – the mic stands out on the table like dogs balls, and despite a security service that cleared the cafe presumably as a precaution they neglected to remove a mysterious object on the table? Yeah right.
We are expected to believe that Shonkey and the racist actually discussed things that would be embarrassing when there are no less than 6 tv cameras less than 3 feet away?
This is a cheap stunt to whip up/ justify media attention – it appears like this is to be the next installment in the discredit MMP campaign by Act and National.
Throw in the lame ‘release in the public interest’ even if if breaches privacy aspect and we see this stunt for what it is – a cynical ploy by two contrived, unprincipled and devious politicians and their campaign team.
Hollow men and slipping masks.
You could be right, CL. Something about the NZH pushing this story, and the way they’re telling it suggests it shouldn’t be taken at face value… something else going on.
IMO it was ‘curious” to say the least that the little black case was left on the table in full view of everyone including Banks and Key, security and the press throughout the cosy cup of tea – paricularly in terms of security. It all seemed too contrived to me.
Yeah, seems llike a pretty blatant one to me.
Farrar is urging it be released. It will be imo, and before the election, and the contents, beyond a bit of necessary fluff, will be of strategic advantage to National – ‘straight out of the horse’s mouth….’ Apparently…
I just find it weird that the electoral commission would find a sitting MP saying who they liked amongst their successors potentially criminal. After all you are talking about someone who has been sitting in that seat for decades and they will have views on the subject. I would also be interested in the views of Rodney Hide on John Banks as his successor in Epsom and a range of other successions..
Why no posts on it? We as authors here have a tendency not to write opinion posts on matters that the police have under active investigation. At most we’d usually write a news post leaving out the details of the person under investigation. The police often find no reason to charge, and the last thing you want is to have a record of wild accusations floating around permanently on the net. We will often start writing opinion posts when the police conclude their investigation and if they decide to lay charges. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but an author had better be prepared to defend their choices to other authors in the inevitable email discussions that will ensue.
But of course based on some of your comments I would say that you read Whaleoil. He doesn’t believe that ideas of civilized (and often potentially illegal) behavior should constrain him whilst claiming such protections for himself. It is the viewpoint of a sociopath – who has a number of convictions demonstrating the views of society for that type of behavior.
It is rather distressing that many of the blogs on the right have been so pushed by the views of such a person into following the same destructive ways. But the right are usually defined by their inability to think and their mobbing behavior – like all sheep.
“It is rather distressing that many of the blogs on the right have been so pushed by the views of such a person into following the same destructive ways. But the right are usually defined by their inability to think and their mobbing behavior – like all sheep.”
I also read no right turn, kiwiblog, red alert, bowalley road, cactus kate and (obviously) the standard
I find it helps me to get a wider, broader view of NZ politics and too not be so narrow minded and dismissive of other peoples views
So you didn’t want to answer my point that answered your question? I wonder why.
Instead you concentrated on an side-observation. That you probably read the other blogs is obvious if you are reading both here and there. The two blogs are on opposite directions in almost every way. I read most blogs around including those mentioned and quite a few others both here and overseas. How else would I be able to offer the opinion that I did?
But if you are interested in that issue then perhaps you should look more deeply at the divergent behaviors between the blogs. Ignore the opinions and look at what they actually do. You’ll notice that individuals like Cactus Kate, Chris Trotter, Idiot Savant, etc are quite careful about when they write about people, clearly distinguish between what is fact and what is opinion, and are also careful to distinguish between the public and private spheres. Many of these bloggers are legally trained or have had some training in the legalities of public opinion – but more importantly the vast body of argument about why these laws exist (I’ve had basic legal training in two of my degrees, study the history of why the law evolved, and had to put up with living with and reading my ex’s books and notes as she went through law school). They understand the nuances of civilized behavior.
As I read around the minor blogs of the right Whales, No Minister, adamsmith, Inventory2, Maeger and others on the right (and a couple on the left) – you find that delicacy and awareness of the nuances of the issues of public opinion missing. While probably entertaining to the participants in the manner of all self-fulfillment activities it results in low readerships, few comments, unacceptable legal risk levels, introduces a coarseness into the debate and idiotic.
David Farrar over kiwiblog has been increasingly indulging in it especially in his posts when it comes up to elections. He doesn’t effectively constrain the sewer that is his comments section. The inevitable effect is that his blog is essentially moribund or going backwards in readership whereas ours keeps pushing past his in everything apart from self-promotion (we haven’t bothered).
Fully support you lprent re this site. I also read across a range of sites but the Standard is the one I read the most, and haven’t visited Kiwiblog, Whaleoil for quite some time and don’t intend to as can’t be bothered wasting my time with the low level of posts and comments there.
It’s not just the content that makes The Standard superior to Kiwibog, it’s the interface and search features not to mention admin who don’t ignore their own policy. Good stuff.
So why didn’t he do it? I just don’t understand why Labour MPs (and its mostly Labour) don’t bother to follow the rules, is it arrogance or incompetence?
Likely he didn’t even think it would be an issue, because in reality it isn’t an issue. Oh no, a politician released a political statement, stop the presses!
I don’t think it’s a matter of “incompetence”, more a matter of “being busy doing their jobs that they don’t have time to waste on minutia that doesn’t matter”.
US military expansionism continues with plans to establish a larger presence in Australia..
THE expanded American military presence in Australia – to be formally announced next week by the US President, Barack Obama – will result in vastly more US ships, planes and soldiers visiting and being stationed in the nation’s north, the government says.
As the government all but confirmed yesterday’s Herald report that US Marines and materiel would be shifted to Darwin, the Greens said the move would annoy Australia’s neighbours, including China, and make the nation a bigger military target.
Be honest – if this had happened to Goff and the Greens the left would be crying foul about invasion of privacy. All the comment on the Standard from the left involves situational ethics or is childish abuse, and that’s just the articles!
Compare the hysterical tone of this blog with its right counterpart and look at the reasoned and calm articles of Kiwiblog verses.
Examples? The photo of the Star Wars stormtroopers and the fascism quote – juvenile in the extreme. The childish as hominum attacks on Key. Etc etc.
When are the owners of the site going to restrict articles to people who can provide well reasoned adult articles?
[lprent: They were talking in a cafe? There is nothing illegal or even vaguely immoral about listening to and reporting overheard conversations in public places.
Similarly none of the posts you mentioned do more than poke fun at the those who don’t think – such as yourself. They are there to promote discussion.
They are not there to provide the vapid egotism of an individual (many of our authors even use pseudonyms) or to spread the dog whistles for a party. Which is what many of the “well reasoned” articles you like are doing on kiwiblog. Supporters like yourself combined with the self-promotion of the kiwiblog author are why that site is slowly sliding into irrelevance.
Mostly the ‘owners’ of the site (The Standard Trust) are usually mostly concerned that the behavior of the commentators doesn’t violate our standards and cause the debate to diminish. I’d suggest you read the policy, especially the section on self-maytrdom offenses so you can avoid the moderators attention aimed reducing those concerns. ]
This widening gap between the rich and non-rich has been evident for years. In a 2005 report to investors, for instance, three analysts at Citigroup advised that “the World is dividing into two blocs—the Plutonomy and the rest”:
In a plutonomy there is no such animal as “the U.S. consumer” or “the UK consumer”, or indeed the “Russian consumer”. There are rich consumers, few in number, but disproportionate in the gigantic slice of income and consumption they take. There are the rest, the “non-rich”, the multitudinous many, but only accounting for surprisingly small bites of the national pie.
[lprent: Interesting italics went over the bounds. <i/> fools KSES which should fix it, and the browsers treat it as being an italic start. Something to fix after the election – adding to the fixes page. ]
Ah Iprent – could you look up the words ad hominin in the dictionary?
[lprent: I don’t need to. It is virtually the favorite phrase of every dumb arse troll that comes through here. Like the other stupid morons with an over inflated idea of your own worth that I have talked to on various electronic media over the last 30 years – you do not appear to understand what it actually means or the principles from which the phrase arose.
It is typically just a phrase that trolls mouth to avoid defending their ideas or statements. I generally track it as being typical of the psuedo-intellectualism of the act/libertainz trolls who most commonly misuse it.
Read the policy. You addressed the site, which means you got me to respond personally. I personally explained how stupid I thought you were for raising such a stupid idea, explained why, and gave you the link to instructions about how to avoid my attention again. You have just wasted my moderation time again. I do not have infinite time to waste on fools. ]
Ok, an unprovoked attack by a bunch of cowards causes severe damage to one young man but what caught my attention was this bit:
Two stumps still need to be removed. He also needed four stitches in his bottom lip and about $15,000 of surgery to repair his mangled mouth.
His mother, Teri Thomas, said the family could not [removed double word] afford the bill.
This sort of thing is covered by ACC and we have free public health care as well. There’s no way that she should be concerned with covering the bill so why is it reported as being a concern?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Gerard Thyne said ACC did not usually pay for implants until the jaw had stopped growing, meaning the teenager faces partial dentures for years unless an exception is made.
If it takes years then so be it. ACC should still be covering the costs.
Saw it. Dislike it. Totally dislike the way Key operates and his values. But, graphically visualising his murder does not do anything to help promote the left wing values that are important to me.
Farrar’s attack on Sam Mahon is unhinged accusing him of hating Key and bleeding on about upsetting Key’s kids. Quite bizarre. And he obviously has memory loss.
“Is this David Farrar the same person who instigated the Clark/Bainimarama and Peter/Kim Jong il posters. If so, he’s an utter hypocrite.
What’s the difference between Sam Mahon using shock tactics to make a political statement about ‘the dying of hope’ and the posters comparing Clark and Peters to dictators. Oh yeah, it’s all about the nature of the image. Too shocking. Too controversial.
Farrar says, ‘Sam Mahon … hates John Key.’ What drivel. Sam Mahon is a far bigger man than that and I doubt he hates anyone. He disagrees stridently with Key the NeoCon politician but how this translates to hatred is far more a reflection on Farrar’s warped perception of emotion.
Sam Mahon is a highly respected artist and advocate for environmental issues. He counts among his patrons and friends some of the illuminati of NZ arts, politics and commerce, who I’m sure will have a far more liberal interpretation of his latest ‘dead Key’ painting than bleating of philistine David Farrar.”
Murder? Perhaps the artist is implying that the politician metaphorically killed himself… as is usually the case with political careers. I can see why it’s offensive though… but what is most amusing is that some people are jumping up and down like it’s all Labours fault. LOL
Just returned from handing out flyers in West city for Labour – had a guy standing about 20 feet away just watching us and mouthing off at me but I couldn’t hear what he was saying. I went over and asked what was wrong and he called me a RACIST BASTARD claiming that I called a woman an “Asian Bitch”. I was in fact asking her if she was enrolled to vote.
Being that my family are mixed Maori/Pakeha, my partner is a Cook Islander, I believe we should accept anyone who truly wishes to be a Kiwi. I told him he was an idiot and because he was causing a scene so not to draw undue attention I offered to go outside and sort out any problems he might have.
He went beserk shouting “You can’t talk to me like that!” and stormed off threatening to call the herald.
Hang tough dude. I’ve also had a couple of incidents like this over the last few days, while out campaigning for Labour. There really are a few thoroughly hateful right wingers out there. A solid 2% to 3% of the population at a guess.
The ones who fancy themselves rich and worthier than thou are particularly galling.
It’s interesting what an evil world these otherwise normal looking people exist in. I personally would not like to live inside their grubby judgemental heads.
And I don’t hesitate to put them back in their place, I should add. Fuck’m.
Phil Goff has run a good campaign. On current polling it looks unlikely that his willingness to tackle sacred cows like the age of entitlement to National Super and CGT will succeed and tragic for the country that they are likely to be no go zones for a few more elections as a result. I don’t think sites like this have helped. Goff nearly turned me in to a swinging voter but, if the price for having him lead the country is policies influenced by the regular contributors to this site it is just too high. The persistent ad hominem assaults and pack attacks on anyone who dares to differ are uncomfortably reminiscent of Animal Farm.
I assume one of the main purposes of this site is to encourage support for Labour. It may well work for those who are committed already but I suspect that it has the opposite effect on most swinging voters.
David Farrar is generally thoughtful and temperate but his contributors often conform to the standards of this blog. Your response presumes something you can neither know nor prove and is typically combative.
Don’t you ever wonder whether your style swamps the substance in your arguments?
Sometimes I don’t feel like web based arguments, or theorising about hypotheticals. When that happens I go out and deliver another hundred or so Labour flyers. So STFU.
Another concern troll trying the old I’m a swing voter, really but… lack of argument.
You’re a hard right-winger. How do I know? Because you said so right:-
Goff nearly turned me in to a swinging voter but…
there. You’re still going to vote for your leader because of personality (and it’s a fake personality BTW) rather than on policies – exactly as can be expected from Right Wing Authoritarians.
Have to agree with CV; all I see on here is, what is commonly known as, common sense. If you cannot see the problem with selling state assets, with using the money from these to fund farmers, failing to create job opportunity, creating an underclass, etc, then you deserve a National government.
The fact is that people on here actually give a damn about people, not just the rich!
Oh poor sensitive poppet. whereas farrars minions are all so gentle and rational …
i guess it can be a shock when your mistakes are mercilessly exposed and ridiculed.
Does anyone really think these two nuthings said anything of substance?
Banks has never said anything sensible in his political life and Key! Well he’s just a PR company’s facade. Sure he gambled with other people’ s money and got lucky to the tune of $50 million.
Lots of gamblers have done that.Not me but it could have been depending on how the dice rolled.
No.. Ignore the secret tape and what might have been said.
With these two nothing personalities it wouldn’t be worth spending any grey matter on. wondering what they might have said…
They key issue for Epsom voters( pls forgive the’ k’ word) , good people generally except for the Remuerians who couldn’t think outside the elite born to rule square to save themselves ( I’ve dealt with them a lot) is: How does your strategic vote count in Epsom? Will your vote even count at all? Am I the sucker that Key and Banks really think I am? (O and of course..whatisname? O Yeah .somebody called Brash… used to be ..somebody before Nicky Hagar.
What Key and Banks (omitting Dr Brash) did at the ‘Tea Party party’ ( Shades of Sarah Palin) was irrelevant silliness more suited to the stupidity of US republicans.
Hi Rodel, I hope your knowledge of the other things you comment on is better than your knowledge of how Key made his money – as Manager of Merrill Lynch’s Forex London division it was his people, political and intellectual strengths that gave him the salary to invest and make his $50 million (and he is worth way more than that). No one makes their money on the Forex market on the basis they “gambled with other people’s money and got lucky to the tune of $50 million”. Very little of his money was made in the Forex market.
The reality is that Key’s intellect would exceed anyones on this blog, including mine. The left are always going to struggle while they demean the rights intellect and motives. Key could make far more money doing something else, unlike most politicans on the left, but he is a politician because he believes that he can make a difference for all New Zealanders. When it comes to economics it atkes a great deal of misguided arrogance to suggest that his opinion is not going to be more correct than most.
Key’s ability to think like an accountant has nothing to do with intellect. His ability to think on his feet is more indicative – and he’s good at that. But to my mind he’s not a deep thinker and knows the cost of everything in the short-term and knows the value of nothing. And after years of conditioning in the financial world the idea of long-term process (financial or social) is lacking.
You really are deluded aren’t you! Do Marrill Lynch not have very sophisticated software that guides their ‘dealers’? Do they not receive lots of ‘inside’ information?.
Key has made more than enough money to live out his life. The question you really should be asking is why is he persisting with ‘trickle down’ when it has clearly failed?
Similarly, if you have a successful, dividend returning monopoly (e.g. power companies, a state airline, etc) why would you sell it? Isn’t it usually good practice to keep the valuable parts of a business and be rid of the bits that are less profitable?
And when you sell those assets why would you even consider investing in a low return investment like irrigating dairy farms?
To answer your last question – he has already made a very big difference for three groups of kiwi’s
The first are the 100K who have voted with their feet and headed to Oz
The second are the very rich, who are now even more rich
The third, and least fortunate, are those whose standard of living is declining – and that is far bigger than both the above.
The reality is that Key’s intellect would exceed anyones on this blog, including mine.
ROFLMAO. Dude, if John Key was a brilliant guy on the average wage, you’d never look at him twice.
Its not the intellect you respect, its the net worth. Why don’t you be honest about that at least.
And here’s a word to the wise: John Key’s remuneration from his time as PM is not going to come from his PM’s salary – you are right that is just pocket money to him.
But giving his banker mates a $100M plus commission on selling our state assets? My friend, Key doesn’t do any of this without expectation of big paybacks down the track.
And yeah, Key is in his job for New Zealanders. The top 1% of them.
“he is a politician because he believes that he can make a difference for all New Zealanders.”
I don’t think there’s much evidence for this claim. (Apart from his own claims, of course, but that is hardly ‘evidence’).
He set himself the aim of being PM at a very young age (the same time he set himself the aim of making a lot of money).
There is little to suggest that he has done much else in his life to “make a difference” for others so I fail to see why we should conclude that he suddenly changed tack a few years ago and decided to live his life “for all New Zealanders”.
There’s not a lot of altruism expressed in John Key’s life (or at least that part of it that is on the public record). There is, however, considerable evidence of his self-focus and of an extraordinary resolve in the pursuit of his own goals.
The reality is that Key’s intellect would exceed anyones on this blog, including mine.
Well, I’d agree to the point that his intellect would surpass yours. You do seem to be a bit of a dimwit after all. Everybody else’s? Probably not. From what I’ve seen he’s decidedly average.
Key could make far more money doing something else, unlike most politicans on the left, but he is a politician because he believes that he can make a difference for all New Zealanders.
He’s not doing it for NZers but for the rich, and psychopathic, few of which he happens to be.
Classic, some old hack on TVNZ7 brief asserting that countries usually change voting systems when they are dissatisfied with the present govt (true) but neglecting to mention that NZ is possibly the first to adopt a more representative system -MMP and then ask people if they would like to revert to a less representative system. Tone of article suggests that those dissatisfied with present govt should vote against MMP which of course could not be further from the truth.
Keep MMP. Its better for you and it’s better for me.
By 2025, droughts, food shortages and scarcity of fresh water will plague large swaths of the globe, from northern China to the Horn of Africa.
For poorer countries, climate change “could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back,” Fingar said, while the United States will face “Dust Bowl” conditions in the parched Southwest“¦.
He said U.S. intelligence agencies accepted the consensual scientific view of global warming, including the conclusion that it is too late to avert significant disruption over the next two decades. The conclusions are in line with an intelligence assessment produced this summer that characterized global warming as a serious security threat for the coming decades.
Floods and droughts will trigger mass migrations and political upheaval in many parts of the developing world.
And yet, despite all these warnings, our politicians keep planning and encouraging Business as Usual.
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Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
“You talking about me?”The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
Roger Partridge writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
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 ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
I was initially resistant to the idea often suggested to me that the Government should deliver an arts strategy. The whole point of the arts and creativity is that people should do whatever the hell they want, unbound by the dictates of politicians in Wellington. Peter Jackson, Kiri Te Kanawa, Eleanor ...
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
The government can't just rely on axing public sector jobs and has to do more to cut spending, says the chief economist at a free market think tank. ...
Rock The Vote NZ, known for its advocacy for minor party unity and its role within the Freedoms NZ Coalition during the 2023 General Election, celebrates this merger as a strategic enhancement of its operational strength and outreach. ...
Nearly everyone has experienced the frustration of something you use breaking and being difficult or expensive to fix. Proposed legislation could change that. It’s been raining on and off all Sunday afternoon but people are lining up outside a building in a corner of Gribblehirst Park in Sandringham, Auckland. In ...
What does a forever relationship look like when you don’t believe in marriage? And how do you celebrate it? This essay is part of our Sunday Essay series, made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand.I’m going to do it, right now. I’m going to say ...
The Prime Minister has committed to resuming direct flights to Thailand. But it’s not a promise he will be able to deliver on anytime soon. The post Prime Minister jumps the gun in Thailand appeared first on Newsroom. ...
It’s not that long ago Eliza McCartney was seriously wondering if the Paris Olympics would be her pole vaulting swansong. After years of being hounded by injury after injury, the Rio Olympics bronze medallist was still confident she would compete at her second Olympics in Paris in July, unless something ...
FICTION 1 Take Two by Danielle Hawkins (Allen & Unwin, $36.99) There’s commercial fiction, like this book, and then there’s quality fiction, quality writers, quality literature; the forthcoming Auckland Writers Festival is full of quality, and ReadingRoom has two tickets to give away to the following events: Paul Lynch (Dublin ...
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You can’t have missed the Gallipoli story as the movies, documentaries, essays and books capture what it was like for New Zealand troops in their eight-month campaign on the Peninsula. But this Anzac Day the Auckland War Memorial Museum has published a book that sheds light on a little-known aspect of the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra In the free-for-all between the Australian government and Big Tech boss Elon Musk this week, the government had to be on a winner. Most people would have little sympathy with Musk’s vociferous opposition to ...
Asia Pacific Report Chief Mandla Mandela, a member of the National Assembly of South Africa and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, has joined the Freedom Flotilla in istanbul as the ships prepare to sail for Gaza, reports Kia Ora Gaza. Mandela is also the ambassador for the Global Campaign to Return to ...
Pacific Media Watch Journalists who report on environmental issues are encountering growing difficulties in many parts of the world, reports Reporters Without Borders. According to the tally kept by RSF, 200 journalists have been subjected to threats and physical violence, including murder, in the past 10 years because they were ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards, Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
ACT's Rural Communities and Veterans spokesman Mark Cameron responds to cancellations and protests of ANZAC Day commemorations in Wellington. He says, "These pitiful attempts to detract from ANZAC Day are not at all indicative of the feelings of mainstream ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Pōneke based peace activists staged a silent protest at the ANZAC day service to highlight New Zealand’s complicity in war and genocide, and urge the government to take concrete steps to stop the genocide in Palestine. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magdalena M.E. Bunbury, Postdoctoral Researcher, James Cook University Burial with a horse at the Rákóczifalva site, Hungary (8th century AD).Sándor Hegedűs, Hungarian National Museum, CC BY How do we understand past societies? For centuries, our main sources of information have been ...
Amanda Thompson doesn’t really do Anzac Day. But what she does do is remember the people she knew who had a lifetime to remember stuff they didn’t really want to, because of a war they didn’t ask for. And she does make Anzac biscuits.First published in 2021.All my ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathryn Willis, Postdoctoral Researcher, CSIRO Xavier Boulenger/Shutterstock In the two decades to 2019, global plastic production doubled. By 2040, plastic manufacturing and processing could consume as much as 20% of global oil production and use up 15% of the annual carbon ...
With our collective remembrance, and steadfast belief in our common humanity, we strengthen our hope and resolve to do what we can to foster dialogue and understanding, and to heal divisions in our pursuit of peace. ...
Principal reasons for the opposition is the loss of the public’s democratic right to have “a fair say” and the vital need for a government free from corruption, said Casey Cravens of Dunedin, president of the New Zealand Federation of Freshwater ...
Never mind the scoreboard – in the 2000 Bledisloe Cup decider, the real trans-Tasman battle was won before kickoff.First published in 2016. The dawn of the new millennium was a dark time for the All Blacks. Their final game pre-Y2K was a 22-18 loss to South Africa in the ...
I’m on the wrong side of 40, I never pursued creative work and now my job is killing my soul. Help! Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nzDear Hera,May I start with the least original conversation opener you’re likely to hear around the motu at the moment, particularly in Wellington: ...
“Never again - No AUKUS” was the message of the wreath laid at this morning’s national ANZAC Day commemorative service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park this morning by the Stop AUKUS group. ...
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The ayatollah discussing tactics with the Hezbollah …>
“The secret “cup of tea” conversation between Prime Minister John Key and Act’s John Banks has been captured on a recording given to the Herald on Sunday.”
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10765711
It is in the Public interest that this should be made public… Come on herald, shit or get off the pottie.
I doubt that it is very significant or icriminating, otherwise why would the NZH mention it, or DF say it should be published? And it was recorded by a press cameraman, and given to NZH. So who was the cameraman working for, and why didn’t his usualy media outlet take it?
According to The Herald it very well could be significant. An interesting tone in this article.
Hmmm… well I’m not certain what an NZH journo would regard as a “game changer”. but it’s looking a bit like some fracturing within National ranks between the neoliberal NActoids and the old pre-neolib conservatives who have more affinity with NZ First.
Also I thought it was interesting that TV One bent it’s debate criteria to let Winston into their leaders’ debate.
I think you will find Farrar certainly does not support the release of the recordings unless it was said to reveal massive wrong doing. At the very least, the recording could be ‘game changer ‘ simply due to the fact it may reveal another side of Key to the general public.
The NZ media never cease to disgust me. They have a recording they describe as a ‘game-changer’ and yet they won’t let the public know what it says? It’s yet another example of how they put the interests of the politicians above those of the public.
It beggars belief that the Herald on Sunday, not known for it’s stance on ethical journalism in any other respect, suddenly goes all coy when it comes to embarrassing Key and Banks.
They’ve been told they could legally publish it, but chose not to. At the same time they have an editorial urging voters to abandon Winston Peters and had one some time ago urging people to vote for Act in Epsom.
The Herald is bad enough, but the Herald on Sunday editors are just unadulterated Tory shills who are a disgrace to the name of journalism.
Is the shenanigans in Epsom, John Key’s covert attempt to get rid of MMP?
This probably won’t be the most popular post here day – the Kiwiblog candidate.
The Standard has also contributed substantially, but I doubt name inclusion would be appreciated.
The tea tape is a charade – the mic stands out on the table like dogs balls, and despite a security service that cleared the cafe presumably as a precaution they neglected to remove a mysterious object on the table? Yeah right.
We are expected to believe that Shonkey and the racist actually discussed things that would be embarrassing when there are no less than 6 tv cameras less than 3 feet away?
This is a cheap stunt to whip up/ justify media attention – it appears like this is to be the next installment in the discredit MMP campaign by Act and National.
Throw in the lame ‘release in the public interest’ even if if breaches privacy aspect and we see this stunt for what it is – a cynical ploy by two contrived, unprincipled and devious politicians and their campaign team.
Hollow men and slipping masks.
You could be right, CL. Something about the NZH pushing this story, and the way they’re telling it suggests it shouldn’t be taken at face value… something else going on.
Anytime DF gets on a bandwagon you can pretty much bank it having a NACT logo….move on people, don’t give the odious pair anymore airtime.
They don’t want asset sales etc discussed so this’s diversionary, disregard and focus folks….another media con.
NZH not publishing this story for ‘ethical reasons’ ROFLMAO!
Yeah its got the feel of a setup job.
IMO it was ‘curious” to say the least that the little black case was left on the table in full view of everyone including Banks and Key, security and the press throughout the cosy cup of tea – paricularly in terms of security. It all seemed too contrived to me.
Yeah, seems llike a pretty blatant one to me.
Farrar is urging it be released. It will be imo, and before the election, and the contents, beyond a bit of necessary fluff, will be of strategic advantage to National – ‘straight out of the horse’s mouth….’ Apparently…
I suspect the conversation involved John Banks offering to kiss John Key’s ring…In a totally Tony Saprano, kind of way of course.
John Key meeting John Banks: Bad
Anderton endorsing Woods illegaly: No comment
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10764687
http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Jim-Anderton-and-Labour-Candidate.jpg
I just find it weird that the electoral commission would find a sitting MP saying who they liked amongst their successors potentially criminal. After all you are talking about someone who has been sitting in that seat for decades and they will have views on the subject. I would also be interested in the views of Rodney Hide on John Banks as his successor in Epsom and a range of other successions..
Why no posts on it? We as authors here have a tendency not to write opinion posts on matters that the police have under active investigation. At most we’d usually write a news post leaving out the details of the person under investigation. The police often find no reason to charge, and the last thing you want is to have a record of wild accusations floating around permanently on the net. We will often start writing opinion posts when the police conclude their investigation and if they decide to lay charges. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but an author had better be prepared to defend their choices to other authors in the inevitable email discussions that will ensue.
But of course based on some of your comments I would say that you read Whaleoil. He doesn’t believe that ideas of civilized (and often potentially illegal) behavior should constrain him whilst claiming such protections for himself. It is the viewpoint of a sociopath – who has a number of convictions demonstrating the views of society for that type of behavior.
It is rather distressing that many of the blogs on the right have been so pushed by the views of such a person into following the same destructive ways. But the right are usually defined by their inability to think and their mobbing behavior – like all sheep.
That isn’t our standard
“It is rather distressing that many of the blogs on the right have been so pushed by the views of such a person into following the same destructive ways. But the right are usually defined by their inability to think and their mobbing behavior – like all sheep.”
I also read no right turn, kiwiblog, red alert, bowalley road, cactus kate and (obviously) the standard
I find it helps me to get a wider, broader view of NZ politics and too not be so narrow minded and dismissive of other peoples views
So you didn’t want to answer my point that answered your question? I wonder why.
Instead you concentrated on an side-observation. That you probably read the other blogs is obvious if you are reading both here and there. The two blogs are on opposite directions in almost every way. I read most blogs around including those mentioned and quite a few others both here and overseas. How else would I be able to offer the opinion that I did?
But if you are interested in that issue then perhaps you should look more deeply at the divergent behaviors between the blogs. Ignore the opinions and look at what they actually do. You’ll notice that individuals like Cactus Kate, Chris Trotter, Idiot Savant, etc are quite careful about when they write about people, clearly distinguish between what is fact and what is opinion, and are also careful to distinguish between the public and private spheres. Many of these bloggers are legally trained or have had some training in the legalities of public opinion – but more importantly the vast body of argument about why these laws exist (I’ve had basic legal training in two of my degrees, study the history of why the law evolved, and had to put up with living with and reading my ex’s books and notes as she went through law school). They understand the nuances of civilized behavior.
As I read around the minor blogs of the right Whales, No Minister, adamsmith, Inventory2, Maeger and others on the right (and a couple on the left) – you find that delicacy and awareness of the nuances of the issues of public opinion missing. While probably entertaining to the participants in the manner of all self-fulfillment activities it results in low readerships, few comments, unacceptable legal risk levels, introduces a coarseness into the debate and idiotic.
David Farrar over kiwiblog has been increasingly indulging in it especially in his posts when it comes up to elections. He doesn’t effectively constrain the sewer that is his comments section. The inevitable effect is that his blog is essentially moribund or going backwards in readership whereas ours keeps pushing past his in everything apart from self-promotion (we haven’t bothered).
That you consider this site superior to kiwiblog says it all
Evidentially so do many others… That is why our page views and visitors keep rising over average, and kiwiblog is on average declining.
I guess you don’t believe people voting with their fingers. Or market responses
Fully support you lprent re this site. I also read across a range of sites but the Standard is the one I read the most, and haven’t visited Kiwiblog, Whaleoil for quite some time and don’t intend to as can’t be bothered wasting my time with the low level of posts and comments there.
Oooh the invisible hand of the free market choosing the superior option and working for the Left. Haha, that must sting.
It’s not just the content that makes The Standard superior to Kiwibog, it’s the interface and search features not to mention admin who don’t ignore their own policy. Good stuff.
A rancid fart whilst inside a lift travelling very slowly is far more pleasant than Kiwiblog
It’s only technically illegal. If he had got his party secretary to authorize it and the contents were exactly the same, it would be ok, right?
Whaleoil is simply wasting police time with trivial complaints that they aren’t going to uphold or progress.
So why didn’t he do it? I just don’t understand why Labour MPs (and its mostly Labour) don’t bother to follow the rules, is it arrogance or incompetence?
Likely he didn’t even think it would be an issue, because in reality it isn’t an issue. Oh no, a politician released a political statement, stop the presses!
I don’t think it’s a matter of “incompetence”, more a matter of “being busy doing their jobs that they don’t have time to waste on minutia that doesn’t matter”.
Anderton is no more a Labour MP than that crooked old racist Peters is a National MP.
US military expansionism continues with plans to establish a larger presence in Australia..
THE expanded American military presence in Australia – to be formally announced next week by the US President, Barack Obama – will result in vastly more US ships, planes and soldiers visiting and being stationed in the nation’s north, the government says.
As the government all but confirmed yesterday’s Herald report that US Marines and materiel would be shifted to Darwin, the Greens said the move would annoy Australia’s neighbours, including China, and make the nation a bigger military target.
Darwin: also nice and handy if a future NACT government ever wanted to contract out some military liason/enforcement tasks.
Be honest – if this had happened to Goff and the Greens the left would be crying foul about invasion of privacy. All the comment on the Standard from the left involves situational ethics or is childish abuse, and that’s just the articles!
Compare the hysterical tone of this blog with its right counterpart and look at the reasoned and calm articles of Kiwiblog verses.
Examples? The photo of the Star Wars stormtroopers and the fascism quote – juvenile in the extreme. The childish as hominum attacks on Key. Etc etc.
When are the owners of the site going to restrict articles to people who can provide well reasoned adult articles?
[lprent: They were talking in a cafe? There is nothing illegal or even vaguely immoral about listening to and reporting overheard conversations in public places.
Similarly none of the posts you mentioned do more than poke fun at the those who don’t think – such as yourself. They are there to promote discussion.
They are not there to provide the vapid egotism of an individual (many of our authors even use pseudonyms) or to spread the dog whistles for a party. Which is what many of the “well reasoned” articles you like are doing on kiwiblog. Supporters like yourself combined with the self-promotion of the kiwiblog author are why that site is slowly sliding into irrelevance.
Mostly the ‘owners’ of the site (The Standard Trust) are usually mostly concerned that the behavior of the commentators doesn’t violate our standards and cause the debate to diminish. I’d suggest you read the policy, especially the section on self-maytrdom offenses so you can avoid the moderators attention aimed reducing those concerns. ]
Let’s not go any further down this dead end road!
http://localbodies-bsprout.blogspot.com/2011/11/asset-sales-and-deregulation-fail.html
The Atlantic: The Rise of the New Global Elite.
[lprent: Interesting italics went over the bounds. <i/> fools KSES which should fix it, and the browsers treat it as being an italic start. Something to fix after the election – adding to the fixes page. ]
From this comment on down everything is in italics.
fixed now?
yep.
Ah Iprent – could you look up the words ad hominin in the dictionary?
[lprent: I don’t need to. It is virtually the favorite phrase of every dumb arse troll that comes through here. Like the other stupid morons with an over inflated idea of your own worth that I have talked to on various electronic media over the last 30 years – you do not appear to understand what it actually means or the principles from which the phrase arose.
It is typically just a phrase that trolls mouth to avoid defending their ideas or statements. I generally track it as being typical of the psuedo-intellectualism of the act/libertainz trolls who most commonly misuse it.
Read the policy. You addressed the site, which means you got me to respond personally. I personally explained how stupid I thought you were for raising such a stupid idea, explained why, and gave you the link to instructions about how to avoid my attention again. You have just wasted my moderation time again. I do not have infinite time to waste on fools. ]
You deserved it.
Needs to learn how to use the reply function too!
Nothing about Sam Mahon, huh.
Yeah because Sam Mahon is an evil person because god forbid makes a game that shows John Key in a non flattering light.
I seem to recall you saying horrible things about Helen Clark through the years.
non-flatterng…dead, all the same really
everyone dies so what. Its just a picture. What do you want to do next? Start banning artworks and literature?
So dead PM: good, cross hairs on (leftie) politicians bad?
I guess it’s that oh-so-subtle distinction between a satirical artwork and implicit encouragement.
Sarah Palin found out the hard way, with her “crosshairs” map of America, when Rep. Gabrielle Giffords got shot.
Vicious assault in central Wellington
Ok, an unprovoked attack by a bunch of cowards causes severe damage to one young man but what caught my attention was this bit:
This sort of thing is covered by ACC and we have free public health care as well. There’s no way that she should be concerned with covering the bill so why is it reported as being a concern?
If it takes years then so be it. ACC should still be covering the costs.
Don’t worry Hager will publish the conversation next week.
All the comments above seem to be in italics and the WYSIWYG commenting isn’t present (at least for me for the past day or so). Is there a problem?
[lprent: fixed the italics. The wsiwyg will be from a new site cache I put in to help with eday loads. I will turn it off until I track the problem. ]
Thanks lprent. It’s all looking good now.
Has anyone linked to this
Good composition and detail. I particularly like the Mickey Mouse sticker.
Saw it. Dislike it. Totally dislike the way Key operates and his values. But, graphically visualising his murder does not do anything to help promote the left wing values that are important to me.
Farrar’s attack on Sam Mahon is unhinged accusing him of hating Key and bleeding on about upsetting Key’s kids. Quite bizarre. And he obviously has memory loss.
“Is this David Farrar the same person who instigated the Clark/Bainimarama and Peter/Kim Jong il posters. If so, he’s an utter hypocrite.
What’s the difference between Sam Mahon using shock tactics to make a political statement about ‘the dying of hope’ and the posters comparing Clark and Peters to dictators. Oh yeah, it’s all about the nature of the image. Too shocking. Too controversial.
Farrar says, ‘Sam Mahon … hates John Key.’ What drivel. Sam Mahon is a far bigger man than that and I doubt he hates anyone. He disagrees stridently with Key the NeoCon politician but how this translates to hatred is far more a reflection on Farrar’s warped perception of emotion.
Sam Mahon is a highly respected artist and advocate for environmental issues. He counts among his patrons and friends some of the illuminati of NZ arts, politics and commerce, who I’m sure will have a far more liberal interpretation of his latest ‘dead Key’ painting than bleating of philistine David Farrar.”
Murder? Perhaps the artist is implying that the politician metaphorically killed himself… as is usually the case with political careers. I can see why it’s offensive though… but what is most amusing is that some people are jumping up and down like it’s all Labours fault. LOL
Just returned from handing out flyers in West city for Labour – had a guy standing about 20 feet away just watching us and mouthing off at me but I couldn’t hear what he was saying. I went over and asked what was wrong and he called me a RACIST BASTARD claiming that I called a woman an “Asian Bitch”. I was in fact asking her if she was enrolled to vote.
Being that my family are mixed Maori/Pakeha, my partner is a Cook Islander, I believe we should accept anyone who truly wishes to be a Kiwi. I told him he was an idiot and because he was causing a scene so not to draw undue attention I offered to go outside and sort out any problems he might have.
He went beserk shouting “You can’t talk to me like that!” and stormed off threatening to call the herald.
Idiot RWNJ
Typical bullying mentality of the right KC Keep chin up and do us proud.
Hang tough dude. I’ve also had a couple of incidents like this over the last few days, while out campaigning for Labour. There really are a few thoroughly hateful right wingers out there. A solid 2% to 3% of the population at a guess.
The ones who fancy themselves rich and worthier than thou are particularly galling.
It’s interesting what an evil world these otherwise normal looking people exist in. I personally would not like to live inside their grubby judgemental heads.
And I don’t hesitate to put them back in their place, I should add. Fuck’m.
Putting up Green Party billboards in Hamilton yesterday, most
impressed with the number of toots and thumbs up from motorists
Phil Goff has run a good campaign. On current polling it looks unlikely that his willingness to tackle sacred cows like the age of entitlement to National Super and CGT will succeed and tragic for the country that they are likely to be no go zones for a few more elections as a result. I don’t think sites like this have helped. Goff nearly turned me in to a swinging voter but, if the price for having him lead the country is policies influenced by the regular contributors to this site it is just too high. The persistent ad hominem assaults and pack attacks on anyone who dares to differ are uncomfortably reminiscent of Animal Farm.
I assume one of the main purposes of this site is to encourage support for Labour. It may well work for those who are committed already but I suspect that it has the opposite effect on most swinging voters.
I suspect you know shit, especially if you rate KiwiBlog ahead of The Standard.
To be fair kiwiwblog is a more respected blog
David Farrar is generally thoughtful and temperate but his contributors often conform to the standards of this blog. Your response presumes something you can neither know nor prove and is typically combative.
Don’t you ever wonder whether your style swamps the substance in your arguments?
🙂
Sometimes I don’t feel like web based arguments, or theorising about hypotheticals. When that happens I go out and deliver another hundred or so Labour flyers. So STFU.
no wonder Labour are in trouble- you will never change anyone’s mind- Phil Goff might but with friends and allies like you and DTB???
I’ll rate my effectiveness on the evening of Nov 26. You’re just tripe.
I’ll be right with you CV
Another concern troll trying the old I’m a swing voter, really but… lack of argument.
You’re a hard right-winger. How do I know? Because you said so right:-
there. You’re still going to vote for your leader because of personality (and it’s a fake personality BTW) rather than on policies – exactly as can be expected from Right Wing Authoritarians.
Have to agree with CV; all I see on here is, what is commonly known as, common sense. If you cannot see the problem with selling state assets, with using the money from these to fund farmers, failing to create job opportunity, creating an underclass, etc, then you deserve a National government.
The fact is that people on here actually give a damn about people, not just the rich!
Thanks Phantom
“The persistent ad hominem assaults and pack attacks on anyone who dares to differ are uncomfortably reminiscent of Animal Farm.”
Where the Bankers are the Pigs and John Key is a Former Pig.
Oh poor sensitive poppet. whereas farrars minions are all so gentle and rational …
i guess it can be a shock when your mistakes are mercilessly exposed and ridiculed.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ad_hominem#Common_misconceptions
Does anyone really think these two nuthings said anything of substance?
Banks has never said anything sensible in his political life and Key! Well he’s just a PR company’s facade. Sure he gambled with other people’ s money and got lucky to the tune of $50 million.
Lots of gamblers have done that.Not me but it could have been depending on how the dice rolled.
No.. Ignore the secret tape and what might have been said.
With these two nothing personalities it wouldn’t be worth spending any grey matter on. wondering what they might have said…
They key issue for Epsom voters( pls forgive the’ k’ word) , good people generally except for the Remuerians who couldn’t think outside the elite born to rule square to save themselves ( I’ve dealt with them a lot) is: How does your strategic vote count in Epsom? Will your vote even count at all? Am I the sucker that Key and Banks really think I am? (O and of course..whatisname? O Yeah .somebody called Brash… used to be ..somebody before Nicky Hagar.
What Key and Banks (omitting Dr Brash) did at the ‘Tea Party party’ ( Shades of Sarah Palin) was irrelevant silliness more suited to the stupidity of US republicans.
Hi Rodel, I hope your knowledge of the other things you comment on is better than your knowledge of how Key made his money – as Manager of Merrill Lynch’s Forex London division it was his people, political and intellectual strengths that gave him the salary to invest and make his $50 million (and he is worth way more than that). No one makes their money on the Forex market on the basis they “gambled with other people’s money and got lucky to the tune of $50 million”. Very little of his money was made in the Forex market.
The reality is that Key’s intellect would exceed anyones on this blog, including mine. The left are always going to struggle while they demean the rights intellect and motives. Key could make far more money doing something else, unlike most politicans on the left, but he is a politician because he believes that he can make a difference for all New Zealanders. When it comes to economics it atkes a great deal of misguided arrogance to suggest that his opinion is not going to be more correct than most.
Key’s ability to think like an accountant has nothing to do with intellect. His ability to think on his feet is more indicative – and he’s good at that. But to my mind he’s not a deep thinker and knows the cost of everything in the short-term and knows the value of nothing. And after years of conditioning in the financial world the idea of long-term process (financial or social) is lacking.
You really are deluded aren’t you! Do Marrill Lynch not have very sophisticated software that guides their ‘dealers’? Do they not receive lots of ‘inside’ information?.
Key has made more than enough money to live out his life. The question you really should be asking is why is he persisting with ‘trickle down’ when it has clearly failed?
Similarly, if you have a successful, dividend returning monopoly (e.g. power companies, a state airline, etc) why would you sell it? Isn’t it usually good practice to keep the valuable parts of a business and be rid of the bits that are less profitable?
And when you sell those assets why would you even consider investing in a low return investment like irrigating dairy farms?
To answer your last question – he has already made a very big difference for three groups of kiwi’s
The first are the 100K who have voted with their feet and headed to Oz
The second are the very rich, who are now even more rich
The third, and least fortunate, are those whose standard of living is declining – and that is far bigger than both the above.
ROFLMAO. Dude, if John Key was a brilliant guy on the average wage, you’d never look at him twice.
Its not the intellect you respect, its the net worth. Why don’t you be honest about that at least.
And here’s a word to the wise: John Key’s remuneration from his time as PM is not going to come from his PM’s salary – you are right that is just pocket money to him.
But giving his banker mates a $100M plus commission on selling our state assets? My friend, Key doesn’t do any of this without expectation of big paybacks down the track.
And yeah, Key is in his job for New Zealanders. The top 1% of them.
“he is a politician because he believes that he can make a difference for all New Zealanders.”
I don’t think there’s much evidence for this claim. (Apart from his own claims, of course, but that is hardly ‘evidence’).
He set himself the aim of being PM at a very young age (the same time he set himself the aim of making a lot of money).
There is little to suggest that he has done much else in his life to “make a difference” for others so I fail to see why we should conclude that he suddenly changed tack a few years ago and decided to live his life “for all New Zealanders”.
There’s not a lot of altruism expressed in John Key’s life (or at least that part of it that is on the public record). There is, however, considerable evidence of his self-focus and of an extraordinary resolve in the pursuit of his own goals.
“The reality is that Key’s intellect would exceed anyones on this blog, including mine.”
lol
And comrade stalin worked all through the night and invented the soviet bomb all by himself. But your blind faith is touching.
A letter to the author of the “unauthorised” hagiography of Key (biography would be inaccurate)
Well, I’d agree to the point that his intellect would surpass yours. You do seem to be a bit of a dimwit after all. Everybody else’s? Probably not. From what I’ve seen he’s decidedly average.
He’s not doing it for NZers but for the rich, and psychopathic, few of which he happens to be.
Key is a politician because he wants to be called ‘Sir’ end of story.
Classic, some old hack on TVNZ7 brief asserting that countries usually change voting systems when they are dissatisfied with the present govt (true) but neglecting to mention that NZ is possibly the first to adopt a more representative system -MMP and then ask people if they would like to revert to a less representative system. Tone of article suggests that those dissatisfied with present govt should vote against MMP which of course could not be further from the truth.
Keep MMP. Its better for you and it’s better for me.
Veterans Day, 2030
And yet, despite all these warnings, our politicians keep planning and encouraging Business as Usual.
And this is a really scary map. -4 is extreme drought and covers the top half of the South Island.