Open Mike 14/03/2018

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, March 14th, 2018 - 259 comments
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259 comments on “Open Mike 14/03/2018 ”

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  1. Ed 1
    14 March 2018 at 6:24 am

    George Galloway.

    “The kind of consensual frenzy I watched in the House today, with Corbyn’s nuanced position openly derided even on his own side was chillingly familiar to me. When the Commons is unanimous it’s usually unanimously wrong…”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nQPuojpyhw

  2. AsleepWhileWalking 2
    14 March 2018 at 7:50 am

    One of my fav YTers on one of my fav topics

    https://youtu.be/2w7OxMjnZxY

    • savenz 3.1
      14 March 2018 at 10:22 am

      They had 20 years to stop Meth and nobody bothered too hard.

      • tc 3.1.1
        14 March 2018 at 10:36 am

        I’m led to believe NZ police’s own narc’s detectives were telling the rank and file to throw the kitchen sink at meth, diverting resources from the dreaded green in the 90’s.

        They saw it’s potential for mayhem in society and the cash criminals can derive from it. Can’t recall the book a former narc’s officer made that claim in.

        So yeah savenz they didn’t try all that hard especially given all the resources still being thrown at the dreaded green.

  4. Chris T 4
    14 March 2018 at 8:40 am

    It has come out this morning that one of the four victims from the Labour Party camp have gone to the police.

    http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/03/labour-camp-alleged-sexual-assault-victim-lays-police-complaint.html

    Also yesterday afternoon another girl came forward with a similar complaint from another Labour camp.

    And Mike Williams said this morning there was another similar assault at another Labour party do which went to court so was suppressed and the public didn’t know

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102242327/victim-tells-labour-they-have-gone-to-police-over-alleged-sexual-assault

    • JohnSelway 4.1
      14 March 2018 at 8:56 am

      Does that make it three different incidents now?

    • Cinny 4.2
      14 March 2018 at 9:06 am

      Watched Andrew Kirton on both networks this morning, well done to him for fronting up today and for your sincerity. Next time please let Jacinda know about it.

      To the teenager who is looking at going to police, you are very brave, I hope it won’t result in a media circus for you, stay strong.

      • Anne 4.2.1
        14 March 2018 at 9:41 am

        I am becoming convinced that this Youth Camp incident is being used by Labour’s opponents to destroy General Secretary, Andrew Kirton. The MO is remarkably similar to that used on David Cunliffe… grab a piece of info. (eg. a letter he had received 12 years previously) and create a false meme around it. Make sure your MSM acolytes keep it on the boil for as long as possible. They all know the truth will out eventually, but that doesn’t matter because by then the damage has already been done.

        For the purpose of enlightening readers, I understand Andrew Kirton was head-hunted for the job and he returned from England to take it up a year or two ago. He apparently has a very impressive record and since he took over the day to day running of the Party, the overall performance has improved out of all recognition.

        That’s why Labour’s enemies want to him gone!

        • Stunned Mullet 4.2.1.1
          14 March 2018 at 9:44 am

          🙄

          • Anne 4.2.1.1.1
            14 March 2018 at 9:53 am

            Yeah well Stunny boy, we know your level of cognitive comprehension is fairly average, so its stands to reason you might not be able to recognise the similarities or even remember them.

            • Stunned Mullet 4.2.1.1.1.1
              14 March 2018 at 10:52 am

              What truth will out eventually Anne ?

              – Some 20 year old feeling secure enough at a Labour youth event to sexually assault teens. Not just once, but 4 times. He would be correct to feel secure; there would have been no significant repercussions if this hadn’t come out into the open
              – Labour feeling that it’s Ok to have a party where booze is available to teens. No repercussions.
              – Labour feeling it’s Ok to “let the team decide” how to deal with the issues rather than step in with firm leadership when that was clearly missing. No repercussions for the “team” or for the ignorant leadership.

              • In Vino …
                14 March 2018 at 12:16 pm

                SM: The 20-yr-old wasn’t “secure” – he was very drunk, you muppet. And please note that the 16-yr-old victims have NOT been accused of being drunk, except in the rantings of right-wingers who make it sound as if absolutely everyone was rolling drunk.

                • Tuppence Shrewsbury …
                  14 March 2018 at 2:08 pm

                  Since when is or should ever “very drunk” an excuse?

                  • reason …
                    14 March 2018 at 10:44 pm

                    Like forever ….. Tuppence

                    “A doctor’s report said the man had had several occasions in the past of “odd” incidents occurring after waking up after drinking and not having knowledge of what he did.

                    The entertainer had since sworn off alcohol completely and he did not have any “paedophilic tendencies”, the doctor said.”

                    http://i.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/5555711/Comedian-discharged-over-sex-act-on-daughter

                    Family Violence in NZ …. ” The authors found that areas with additional off-licence outlets were associated with 85.4 more police events and 10.3 more vehicle accidents a year. Those with a higher number of clubs and bars were associated with 34.7 more police events and 0.5 more vehicle accidents a year.”

                    The ‘drug crazed maniac’ that most of us are ever likely to encounter is the angry drunk…….

                    The drug addict that most of us will ever know is the alcoholic ……

                    The drug which is ‘pushed’ at us with $millions in marketing is alcohol

                    The ‘drug pushers’ ( booze company’s ) target our young people

                    The drug which fuels crime is alcohol

                    The drug which causes the most brain damage is alcohol

                    The drug most commonly used in ‘drug rape’ is alcohol

                    assults, rapes, crime, ill health, dependency, psychosis ………….. booze booze booze

                    People forget that alcohol is a toxic drug and a drug of dependence.

                    • Approximately one third of alleged offenders apprehended were recorded to have consumed alcohol prior to offending.[20]

                    • New Zealand reports on alcohol, crime and anti-social behaviour highlight that each year thousands of New Zealanders are harmed by other people’s drinking and many more are made to feel unsafe.[21]

                    • Data obtained in 2007 by Alco-Link showed just under half (49.8%) of arrests for violence-related offences involved an offender affected by alcohol as did 78% of arrests for disorder offences.[22]

                • Stunned Mullet …
                  14 March 2018 at 2:26 pm

                  In vino – so the 20 year old was “very drunk” I didn’t know that, how is that relevant ?

                  I didn’t know anyone was accusing the teens who had been assaulted of being drunk.

                  I believe it was Labour party spokespeople who stated that there was a great deal of alcohol at the event.

                  • reason …
                    15 March 2018 at 12:07 am

                    being drunk is generally not an accusation …. but an observation of intoxication by the drug alcohol.

                    Unless your driving a car, operating machinery or at a kids birthday party.

                    In the context of being a sexual abuse victim …. ‘accusing’ someone of being drunk is rape culture , defense lawyer language.

                    People should be able to pass out / over-dose without being sexually assaulted.

              • Psycho Milt …
                14 March 2018 at 12:39 pm

                You seem to have very certain knowledge of what happened, Stunned Mullet. Whence comes this knowledge? I ask this because the answer “My arse” seems all too likely.

                • Stunned Mullet …
                  14 March 2018 at 2:14 pm

                  @ Psycho – I have no knowledge of your arse…thankfully.

                • Stunned Mullet …
                  14 March 2018 at 2:58 pm

                  Further to your spirited defense of the indefensible and it seems the PM has now acknowledged Labour let ‘their’ kids down and cancelled all further camps pending an independent review of what happened.

                  • In Vino …
                    14 March 2018 at 3:34 pm

                    SM: You stated that the perpetrator felt “secure”. I called bullshit because when people are very drunk they tend to care very little about feeling “secure” – that is the way alcohol works. So your snide remark about the perpetrator feeling “secure” was bullshit. Is that spelt out clearly enough for you?

                  • Carolyn_Nth …
                    14 March 2018 at 3:44 pm

                    Labour, not the PM cancelled all further Young Labour events. there’s a difference between the Party and Labour Caucus – interrelated, but each still have some autonomy.

                    This afternoon, party president Nigel Haworth said all Young Labour events would be suspended while an independent review, aided by the Sexual Abuse Prevention Network, takes place.

                    The review would look at the policies and procedures in relation to the party’s events, including those held by Labour’s sector groups.

                    There will also be ban on alcohol at any Labour events attended by anyone under 18.

                    “We need to take the time to properly review issues around how best to create the safest possible environment at all our events,” Mr Haworth said.

                    Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she had been making her own inquiries to fully understand what had gone wrong at the camp.

                    “It has become very clear to me the extent of our failure to both provide a safe environment for those young people at the Waihi summer camp and to properly deal with serious concerns raised by several attendees in relation to sexual misconduct and alcohol.”

                    Labour had failed the young people who told the party they had been hurt, Ms Ardern said.

                    “This failure left them feeling abandoned and I am deeply sorry for that. It’s not good enough, we let them down.”

              • McFlock …
                14 March 2018 at 4:02 pm

                there would have been no significant repercussions if this hadn’t come out into the open

                OR
                the victims were supported and given time to make their own decisions about who to involve according to their own schedule.

                Labour feeling that it’s Ok to have a party where booze is available to teens. No repercussions.

                OR
                Labour were yet another group where supervision at functions fell down and they do need to take a hard look at themselves in this regard.

                Labour feeling it’s Ok to “let the team decide” how to deal with the issues rather than step in with firm leadership when that was clearly missing. No repercussions for the “team” or for the ignorant leadership.

                OR
                The leadership let the victims decide and supported their decisions, rather than revictimising them simply to cover their own arses from your smear-mongering.

                • Stunned Mullet …
                  14 March 2018 at 4:10 pm

                  I think you’re being very charitable.

                  • McFlock …
                    14 March 2018 at 4:28 pm

                    I don’t believe you.

                    I think you’re looking for the worst possible interpretation (e.g. “no significant repercussions if this hadn’t come out into the open”) to satisfy your political ends.

                    • Stunned Mullet …
                      14 March 2018 at 4:37 pm

                      You don’t believe that I think you’re being too charitable ?

                      “I think you’re looking for the worst possible interpretation (e.g. “no significant repercussions if this hadn’t come out into the open”) to satisfy your political ends.”

                      I have no political ends as such, I do admit that my general opinion of politicians and their agents is very low indeed and that they seldom rise above my expectations of them.

                    • Ed …
                      14 March 2018 at 4:39 pm

                      I don’t believe him either.

                    • McFlock …
                      14 March 2018 at 4:45 pm

                      I don’t believe you have any particular opinion on what people did or what their motives were, therefore I think that any opinion you claim about that is a lie.

                      As for your general low opinion of politicians, that’s a nice excuse for avoiding responsibility for whomever you do or do not support. It’s usually used by nats to excuse supporting people who joke about prison rape.

                      But then if some politicians weren’t complete sociopaths, you might actually have to make a nuanced argument about why you disagreed with their policies and actions rather than just leaping to the worst possible interpretation.

                    • Stunned Mullet …
                      14 March 2018 at 4:48 pm

                      To be fair Ed I don’t think who or what you personally believe adds a great deal to anyone’s argument apart from your own.

                      @McFlock – I can assure you I have quite strong opinions on teens being assaulted and also the stupidity organisers of functions in allowing abundant alcohol at such events – I’d be surprised if anyone didn’t have strong opinions on such things.

                      As I have stated a number of times I did not vote for the Nats at the last election – in relation to my general low opinion of politicians I think you’ll find I’m hardly an outlier amongst the general public.

                    • McFlock …
                      16 March 2018 at 9:03 pm

                      Assure all you want.

                      I still don’t believe you, for reasons stated above.

                  • Psycho Milt …
                    14 March 2018 at 4:41 pm

                    I think you’re being very charitable.

                    Don’t ask us what we think you’re being, because the answers wouldn’t be pretty.

        • JohnSelway 4.2.1.2
          14 March 2018 at 9:46 am

          I’m pretty sure the incident(s) is/are enough to be discussed on their own merits instead of having a shady conspiracy to explain it.

          • Draco T Bastard 4.2.1.2.1
            14 March 2018 at 9:52 am

            I’m pretty sure the only reason it’s in the news is for the political point scoring done by the RWNJs.

            No other case of sexual abuse gets this sort of attention from the MSM.

            • alwyn 4.2.1.2.1.1
              14 March 2018 at 10:27 am

              “No other case of sexual abuse gets this sort of attention from the MSM”
              I presume you have heard of Harvey Weinstein?
              Or will you insist that “citation needed”?

              • Anne …
                14 March 2018 at 10:59 am

                i didn’t know Weinstein was a NZer and he committed his crimes in NZ?

                Where’s the evidence?

                • Sam C …
                  14 March 2018 at 11:43 am

                  Poor attempt at diversion Anne. Please do better.

                • alwyn …
                  14 March 2018 at 12:15 pm

                  Perhaps you could explain where in DTB’s comment does he mention New Zealand?
                  His comment was, in full
                  “No other case of sexual abuse gets this sort of attention from the MSM”.

                  • Draco T Bastard …
                    14 March 2018 at 2:12 pm

                    I was only considering NZ.

                    Now, citation that all other sexual assault cases in NZ get the same attention from the MSM.

                    • JohnSelway …
                      14 March 2018 at 3:41 pm

                      They don’t all get the same attention but high profile cases (i.e politics, actors, public servants et al) are obviously going to garner more attention.

                      In fact on Stuff an inappropriate teacher/student relationship has been leading some of the day today – ahead of the Labour case

                    • alwyn …
                      14 March 2018 at 5:35 pm

                      You really do like to change your argument don’t you.
                      1. Qualify it down to only in New Zealand.
                      2. Require proof that ALL other cases get as much attention as this.

                      Originally it only required a single case anywhere to prove your argument wrong. Now you are going to claim you are in the right unless I can prove that every single case of sexual assault got at least as much activity on the MSM. Every single case!

                      No, you prove your original point. You made it. You justify it.
                      Or admit you are just talking out of your arse.

                    • Stunned mullet …
                      14 March 2018 at 6:34 pm

                      If DTB were to speak out of his arse his arguments would likely make for better reading.

                      ‘Parp RWNJ, Phweep neoliberal…Hmmmpfff can’t afford the rich…plop.’

            • tc 4.2.1.2.1.2
              14 March 2018 at 10:38 am

              Coverage on Maori TV is IMO indicative with it’s Nat stacked management and board.

            • JohnSelway 4.2.1.2.1.3
              14 March 2018 at 10:39 am

              Bullshit Draco – you know as well as I do this would be covered if it were involving the National party and if it wasn’t you, just like me and everyone here, would be screaming about the media covering it up (or some such).

              • Anne …
                14 March 2018 at 11:07 am

                Wrong. It’s well known the Young Nats had a history of bad behaviour. Not saying they still do but a few years ago… ask David Farrar. Why did it never make the public arena? It was covered up. No MSM histrionics there – oh no.

                • JohnSelway …
                  14 March 2018 at 11:15 am

                  ” It’s well known the Young Nats had a history of bad behaviour”

                  Citation needed. If you are going to accuse others of similar things you really need to back it up because they are serious allegations

                  • Louis …
                    14 March 2018 at 11:27 am

                    Ever hear of the princess parties? Did you not read Dirty Politics by Nicky Hager?

                    • JohnSelway …
                      14 March 2018 at 11:31 am

                      Sure I read it but d no one has come forward with any complaint so you can’t just make stuff up based upon that.

                      Until such a time as someone complains or an actual incident has been established it is meaningless speculation

                    • Anne …
                      14 March 2018 at 11:47 am

                      Warning! Right wing concern troll calling him/herself John Selway has been sent to TS. Wonder who his/her masters are… and what his/her previous mission was?

                      Now there’s a real conspiracy theory for the deniers to dig their fangs into. 🙂

                    • JohnSelway …
                      14 March 2018 at 11:50 am

                      WTF?

                    • weka …
                      14 March 2018 at 11:57 am

                      That was such a terrible movie though. I couldn’t make it past the first half hour.

                    • Keepcalmcarryon []
                      14 March 2018 at 8:07 pm

                      Disagree, it’s a brilliant movie.
                      Stunned mullet needn’t think of himself in such un PC terms though, I’m sure he’s a smart guy who just lost his ideological way

                    • Anne …
                      14 March 2018 at 12:37 pm

                      Of dear… minus a s.o.h. too Selway? Should have added 😛

                  • reason …
                    14 March 2018 at 11:22 pm

                    Not just the young nats ( or old dirty politics Nats ), and their email trail of conspiracy to get woman pissed …. to have drunken sex.

                    But a government who promote and elevate one of their mp’s to oversee law and order …. despite being aware of serious allegations against their mp ….. https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/64362474/nat-mp-in-police-assault-inquiry

                    http://www.noted.co.nz/currently/politics/what-really-happened-to-mike-sabin-john-key-and-the-housing-minister/

                    http://mananews.co.nz/wp/?p=2345

                    Or Nationals response to NZ men and our high rate of abuse … and the resulting high number of victims …. woman & kids

                    Specifically the dishonest rape culture attack visited upon David Cunliffe,….then Labour leader in an election run up.

                    Cunliffe was attacked, dirty politics style …for saying he was ashamed to be a New Zealand man, in relation to the high rates of abuse we dish out.

                    Ignoring the ugly truth and confirming a sickness in our culture that infects all social strata of men …. Cunliffe was attacked for not being manly or a ‘real man’…..

                    John Key specifically wore a “proud to be a man” tee-shirt.

                    Presumably Farrar ‘polled’ the Nats cynical out of context attack .. and our media joined in the ‘derail’…. I’m sure the millions of alcohol marketing the media soaks up had nothing to do with their ignoring the issue of abuse and violence.

                    The whole thing stands as yet another sorry testament as to how far we have yet to travel … and the obstacles opposing …. a safe respectful society.

                • Stunned Mullet …
                  14 March 2018 at 11:23 am

                  Anne if you know of sexual assaults at any Nat sponsored event or indeed connected to any political party you should report it immediately regardless of when it occurred.

                  I don’t believe there would by anyone who would advise you against such a course of action.

                  • weka …
                    14 March 2018 at 11:42 am

                    Report it to who?

                    Where there are men gathered along with women, there you will find sexual harassment, abuse or assault. This is the point of #metoo. That’s not even up for question. What’s being argued here is whether National would be treated differently than Labour by the MSM were allegations to be made publicly or shared with the media.

                    • JohnSelway …
                      14 March 2018 at 11:46 am

                      “Where there are men gathered along with women, there you will find sexual harassment, abuse or assault.”

                      I find that is far far too broad, Weka and basically sounds like all men guilty.

                    • Stunned Mullet …
                      14 March 2018 at 11:51 am

                      Report it to who?

                      The police

                      “Where there are men gathered along with women, there you will find sexual harassment, abuse or assault.”

                      Um what ? I don’t know where you hang out and work Weka but this does not reflect my, my friends or our families experiences.

                      “What’s being argued here is whether National would be treated differently than Labour by the MSM were allegations to be made publicly or shared with the media.”

                      If that’s the case and there are those that have suggested that National or their proxies have the same issues they should report those instances so as to ensure they are addressed in the first instance and thereafter for those whose interest in politics in there primary motivation they could assess the MSM response.

                    • weka …
                      14 March 2018 at 11:59 am

                      “I find that is far far too broad, Weka and basically sounds like all men guilty.”

                      You need to clean out your ears then, and start talking with women who are more than willing at this point to explain. To be clear, I am not saying all men are guilty.

                    • JohnSelway …
                      14 March 2018 at 12:02 pm

                      Oh I know plenty of woman with their own stories. My girlfriend is one of them. But I don’t know where you hangout but I’m sure they wouldn’t agree it happens every where they go.

                      More than happy to ask around though

                    • weka …
                      14 March 2018 at 12:05 pm

                      Report it to who?

                      The police

                      Why? If I went to the police and said that I was at an event on the weekend and I understood that someone was sexually assaulted there, what do you think they would do?

                      “Where there are men gathered along with women, there you will find sexual harassment, abuse or assault.”

                      Um what ? I don’t know where you hang out and work Weka but this does not reflect my, my friends or our families experiences.

                      Good for you. Meanwhile, in the rest of the world, sexual harassment, abuse and assault is common. I’m not saying all men do this. I’m saying that if you believe that National Party events have no sexual harassment issues then you are either very naive, or you are wilfully ignorant.

                      “What’s being argued here is whether National would be treated differently than Labour by the MSM were allegations to be made publicly or shared with the media.”

                      If that’s the case and there are those that have suggested that National or their proxies have the same issues they should report those instances so as to ensure they are addressed in the first instance and thereafter for those whose interest in politics in there primary motivation they could assess the MSM response.

                      Report to who? I can tell you many many stories of women that have been sexually harassed, abused or assaulted. I can’t take those to the police. If you don’t understand why then you need to educate yourself because at the moment you are just running lines that are meaningless fantasy. Rape culture and the issues of reporting to the police are well known dynamics.

                      The second part of that last paragraph doesn’t make sense.

                    • Carolyn_Nth …
                      14 March 2018 at 12:10 pm

                      weka: I’m saying that if you believe that National Party events have no sexual harassment issues then you are either very naive, or you are wilfully ignorant.

                      Agreed – given how the last PM laughed off harassing a waitress and pulling her hair as just being playful, the kind of comments seen on WO and KB, etc.

                      But the right usually keeps tight control of their dirty linen, so it’s probably contained well away from sunlight.

                    • weka …
                      14 March 2018 at 12:10 pm

                      “Oh I know plenty of woman with their own stories. My girlfriend is one of them. But I don’t know where you hangout but I’m sure they wouldn’t agree it happens every where they go.”

                      I didn’t say that. I said that where men are generally gathered there will be issues of sexual harassment and assault. Political parties, music festivals, workplaces, social gatherings etc. This doesn’t mean that all those places/situations will have sexual harassment/assault all the time, it means that it’s common enough that it’s reasonable to assume that somewhere in recent history there has been sexual harassment or assault at a National Party event. It is common.

                      I’ll tell you a story. A friend of mine once said to me that she had never been sexually assaulted. In the conversation that followed she talked about the times she was felt up on the train or bus, or the time she had a male relative come into the shower with her and she had to push him out. Not all women have such stories, but many do and the common denominator is men. I don’t know what your girlfriend can tell you, but I do know that when I go into spaces where women can talk freely, the stories flow.

                    • Venezia []
                      14 March 2018 at 3:43 pm

                      ” where women can talk freely, the stories flow.”
                      Yes, they do in my experience too.

                    • Stunned Mullet …
                      14 March 2018 at 12:13 pm

                      “……because at the moment you are just running lines that are meaningless fantasy.”

                      Strange, I have exactly the same thought about you.

                      “Why? If I went to the police and said that I was at an event on the weekend and I understood that someone was sexually assaulted there, what do you think they would do?”

                      Ask for more information and investigate..

                      ‘..I’m saying that if you believe that National Party events have no sexual harassment issues then you are either very naive, or you are wilfully ignorant.”

                      Um where have I said that ? I’m saying that if you have evidence of sexual assault at such events regardless of the party involved they should be reported.

                    • weka …
                      14 March 2018 at 12:31 pm

                      Glad we are getting clearer then. There is a lot of evidence to show that women reporting sexual harassment or assault to the police get treated badly. It’s also unrealistic to think that women can do secondhand reports. You saw Lynn’s comments yesterday. So the line that women who start talking about sexual assaults *should report them to the police needs to be understood in the context of those realities.

                      If you already understand the issues in reporting, then your advocating that women report seems suspect. If you don’t understand, then you are arguing from a place of ignorance.

                      You personally believe that Anne or whoever should report assaults they know about the police, but you haven’t argued why that would be useful or meaningful, whereas I’ve stated some pretty well known reasons for why telling women to do that is a problem.

                    • xanthe …
                      14 March 2018 at 12:47 pm

                      eeeeeeekkkkk

                    • AB …
                      14 March 2018 at 4:22 pm

                      “Where there are men gathered along with women, there you will find sexual harassment, abuse or assault.”
                      Yep.
                      And if you were tempted to soft-pedal it for sensitive wee souls you could say:
                      “Where there are men gathered along with women in sufficient numbers , there you will find sexual harassment, abuse or assault.”
                      Then it would be totally unarguable.

                  • Whispering Kate …
                    14 March 2018 at 12:28 pm

                    Hearing Weka’s comments, reminds me of occasions (plural) on the London Underground trains being “pressed up” against by guys with “hard ons” when it was crowded. On one occasion I said in the loudest voice I could manage “would the man behind me just take his body off mine, it’s not wanted”. On another occasion a friend and myself were in a carriage where the seats faced each other, a guy calmly undid his flies and exposed his appendage – to which my friend and I just broke out in hysterics, it was so appalling and funny at the same time.

                    I have never thought of it as assault, but then it happens so often that females become cynical and disgusted and just ignore it. I am quite sure as Weka says, in a free flowing chatter with a bunch of women these stories would be rife. A neighbour once said to me “a man’s brain is in his penis”. I often think of that comment.

                    • weka …
                      14 March 2018 at 12:35 pm

                      This is why I find the argument of ‘you should go do the police’ either ridiculous or part of an agenda. Imaging going to the police and telling them that some man who you don’t know and can’t identify just put his hand down your trousers. It’s beyond ridiculous. And that’s not even getting to the issues around power and intimidated, who believes who, the sexism, misogyny and rape culture within the police etc.

                    • Carolyn_Nth …
                      14 March 2018 at 12:44 pm

                      In my younger days, I was confronted by flashers in Shortland Street (broad daylight), near Long Bay, Auckland (broad daylight) and Spain and Portugal a few times. These are the ones I recall. Also sexually harassed and followed in Carlile in the north of England.

                      I got to thinking there was something wrong with me that I attracted these types. They seemed to be all over the world.

                    • Anne …
                      14 March 2018 at 1:04 pm

                      Yes. I lost count of the number of times men exposed themselves to me. Over time it became ho hum… here we go again. I recall an occasion many years ago when I was walking my two dogs round a local coast line. I looked behind me and there was this tall, gangly, bearded fellow, stark naked, leaping over rocks towards me. I took off… and my dogs followed suit. There we were flying over the rocks at the rate of knots… our feet barely touching the ground. The bearded torso gave up and wandered off. We arrived safely at a well patronised beach and I swear my dogs were grinning with sheer joy.They hadn’t enjoyed themselves so much in a long time.

                      I didn’t bother to tell the police because I knew they would do nothing.

                    • Anne …
                      14 March 2018 at 1:28 pm

                      Oh and for a bit of a giggle… a woman I knew had a similar experience at the same bit of coastline albeit a different naked body involved. She had a large dog with her who waltzed up to the offender and bit his appendage. She rapidly took herself and the dog as far away from the scene of the crime as was possible and never returned.

        • Baba Yaga 4.2.1.3
          14 March 2018 at 9:49 am

          “I am becoming convinced that this Youth Camp incident is being used by Labour’s opponents to destroy General Secretary, Andrew Kirton. ”

          Probably. But then Labour used texts by Chris Bishop to try to destroy his career. And ‘coincidentally’ around the same time as news of this whole business at the Labour camps started leaking out.

          • Draco T Bastard 4.2.1.3.1
            14 March 2018 at 9:54 am

            But then Labour used texts by Chris Bishop to try to destroy his career.

            [Citation needed]

            You really do need to be able to back up an accusation like that.

            • James 4.2.1.3.1.1
              14 March 2018 at 10:32 am

              Within a couple of days of the assaults the bishop “story” broke.

              From HDPA on newstalkzb: “I’ll be honest. I knew about this before the election. I knew there were messages about this. Guess how I found out? From the Labour Party. The Labour Party knew about this. So the only reason it has been delayed is probably because the parents would finally talk about it. The Labour Party has probably been working on the parents to try and get them to talk to the media. So this in my opinion is a Labour Party hit job. And I think it’s actually disgusting to be honest.”

              • Graeme …
                14 March 2018 at 11:04 am

                And yet Slater considered the attack on Bishop to be coming from within National at the time. https://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2018/02/bishop-victim-blue-blue-attack/

                “Several reliable sources are saying that Chris Bishop was the victim of some utu by Bill English and his faction after Bishop, Nikki Kaye and Todd Muller were held responsible for the chatter about Bill’s leadership and leaking to Barry Soper and Richard Harman.

                Apparently, Bill is pretty pissed off with the three of them, and had been saving up the “Chris Bishop is a pervert” story for when he next got out of line. ”

                In this case I’d tend to go with Slater’s view rather than someone who buys a firearm by impersonating a police officer. The girl has a strong track record of making shit up.

                • James …
                  14 March 2018 at 11:13 am

                  you have anything to back up that HDPA was telling porkies on this occasion?

                  • weka …
                    14 March 2018 at 11:44 am

                    Only her reputation, and you know, Dirty Politics.

                    What you quoted about is her opinion based on sweet fuck all. She has a theory about the timing, and no evidence.

                    • James …
                      14 March 2018 at 12:13 pm

                      It’s not an opinion she stated that she was told by “the Labour Party “

                      That seems fairly clear cut. I do not recall labour denying it.

                    • weka …
                      14 March 2018 at 12:37 pm

                      Well good for you if you believe her. I don’t see any reason to based on how she framed the whole thing. Which isn’t to say that someone in Labour didn’t say something to her, it’s just that we have no idea who or why or how or what the context was. In other words, this wasn’t journalism, it was some hack abusing her position of power by stating her partisan reckons on the radio. If you think that constitutes useful evidence, that’s up to you.

                    • Louis …
                      14 March 2018 at 1:41 pm

                      @ James. It’s the way she has worded it. Your quote doesn’t actually say Labour “told” her and at the end of your quote, she points out that it’s her opinion.

                  • Graeme …
                    14 March 2018 at 11:53 am

                    Should edit that to being party to impersonating a police officer. However, had Gun City done their job properly HDPA would have been answering hard questions in a bare room with a desk, and getting used to stainless steel decor.

                    Bottom line, she obtained a firearm without having a firearms licence. Naughty.

                • Baba Yaga …
                  14 March 2018 at 12:58 pm

                  Your willingness to believe Slater over anyone is touching.

                  • Graeme …
                    14 March 2018 at 2:08 pm

                    In this case he’s probably closer to the action and reality than HDPA.

                    • Baba Yaga …
                      14 March 2018 at 3:32 pm

                      “In this case he’s probably closer to the action and reality than HDPA.”

                      That may be true, but there are other factors at play here. Slater can’t stand English (there is deep set and long term personal history there), and so he was happy to implicate English in this. Yet even he accepted this came originally from a (failed) attempt by Labour:

                      “…Labour are behind the information; the girls and families involved all have close Labour links. It is disgusting that Labour parents are prepared to use their children as bait, but that’s Labour for you. The fact is that Labour tried and failed to run this hit BEFORE the elections.”
                      https://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2018/02/bishop-victim-blue-blue-attack/

                      And, as Carolyn points out below, Slater now blames labour squarely for the Bishop leak, based on https://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2018/03/now-we-know-why-bishops-snapchat-issues-were-leaked/.

                      If nothing else, Slater knows dirty politics when he sees it.

                • Chris …
                  14 March 2018 at 2:50 pm

                  Those remarks from slater weren’t just made in passing. He claims to have everything all sewn up and explained.

                  • Graeme …
                    14 March 2018 at 3:23 pm

                    Given what Bishop was doing, (communicating with “teenagers” on Snapchat) it’s more than possible that there were multiple hit files held by multiple entities relating to multiple and seperate occurrences.

              • Baba Yaga …
                14 March 2018 at 1:04 pm

                Yes, that. And the timing – something we better understand now that something of a timeline of the labour sex scandal stuff has emerged.

              • Draco T Bastard …
                14 March 2018 at 2:10 pm

                Within a couple of days of the assaults the bishop “story” broke.

                Which is probably just coincidence and you’re just trying to find a link where none exists.

                From HDPA on newstalkzb:

                That’s not what one would call a citation of value. HDPA has it in for Labour.

                What’s needed is a timeline of quotes that shows that it came first from Labour. After all, HDPA may have heard about it from Labour but Labour may have heard about it from National first. Or HDPA heard it from National first but didn’t say anything until she could say she heard it from Labour first.

                And the latter part of that paragraph is obviously a hit piece.

                • Carolyn_Nth …
                  14 March 2018 at 2:35 pm

                  I believe it was first reported in the Sunday star times on 11 Feb 2018.

                  In my google search, I found that Soper wrote about it a day or so after the story in SST, saying it was probably no coincidence that it came at a time when Labour was at a low point because of Charter Schools policy.

                  An I read the google blurb of a post on WO about 6 hours ago that says:

                  It was 11 February, just two days after the alleged sexual assaults at the Labour youth camp. Now we know why. Labour thought they were going to be the news after four youths were allegedly sexually assaulted at the camp. Cue the attack on Chris Bishop. Heather Du Plessis-Allan fingered Labour for it …

                  Soper and WO – just opportunists, seeding ideas without any evidence.

                  • Draco T Bastard …
                    14 March 2018 at 2:57 pm

                    Soper and WO – just opportunists, seeding ideas without any evidence.

                    That seems to be the typical MO of RWNJs. They simply invent shit to throw at their opponents and we’re seeing more of it now.

                    • JohnSelway …
                      14 March 2018 at 3:06 pm

                      “They simply invent shit to throw at their opponents and we’re seeing more of it now.”

                      yeah but it isn’t an exclusively RW phenomena – people here have been throwing around the idea that this whole Labour Youth Camp story is part of a media conspiracy to drown out embarrassing stories about National. Both sides do it

                    • Carolyn_Nth …
                      14 March 2018 at 3:11 pm

                      yeah. And the Timeline for the Labour Summer Camp abuse doesn’t really fit.

                      From RNZ:

                      Sat 10 February – A 20-year-old man at the camp assaults or harasses four 16-year-olds: two young men and two young women.

                      Sun 11 February – The 20-year-old is ejected from the camp. Young Labour consults with all four victims. They say they do not want to take the matter further. Some ask that their parents are not told.

                      Wed 14 February – Labour’s general secretary Andrew Kirton is told of the harassment. He said he then told Young Labour to ask if the victims wanted “support or take it further”.

                      So WO would have us believe that the Sunday Star Times article of Feb 11 was published at the same time as the Youth Camp organisers were made aware of the abuse, and 3 days before Kirton was informed.

                      An article appearing in the hard copy of SST, would likely have been prepared and printed the night before.

                    • Baba Yaga …
                      14 March 2018 at 3:43 pm

                      “So WO would have us believe that the Sunday Star Times article of Feb 11 was published at the same time as the Youth Camp organisers were made aware of the abuse, and 3 days before Kirton was informed. An article appearing in the hard copy of SST, would likely have been prepared and printed the night before.”

                      Hi Carolyn

                      I don’t think that is too much of a stretch. If you look at the news cycle in the era of digital communications, news gets on-line incredibly fast. Evidence of that is the amount of crappily written articles that appear on-line.

                    • Carolyn_Nth …
                      14 March 2018 at 3:49 pm

                      Baba, my link is to an article on Press Reader – that provides scans of the hard copy of newspapers.

                      So it first appeared in the hard copy of the SST on that Sunday morning.

                    • Baba Yaga …
                      15 March 2018 at 10:23 am

                      “So it first appeared in the hard copy of the SST on that Sunday morning.”

                      Hi Carolyn…It’s tight, but still possible. The alleged incidents at the camp took place on the 10th. Copy deadlines for the SST are into the early morning of the 11th. I know you’re using the timing of when the camp organisers were informed of the sexual abuse allegations, but that isn’t necessarily the first time this event was aired, social media and all that. Both HDPA and Slater (now) claim the Chris Bishop text story was a Labour hit job, and the timing fits.

                  • Graeme …
                    14 March 2018 at 3:29 pm

                    But on 13 February Slater was saying the Bishop thing was blue on blue.

                    https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-14-03-2018/#comment-1460536

                    • Carolyn_Nth …
                      14 March 2018 at 3:36 pm

                      Well, that’s the trouble with lying so often – you forget and start to contradict your own lies.

              • reason …
                14 March 2018 at 11:35 pm

                How does your posting now square up with your rather creepy and nasty defense of drunken Rugby players accused of sexual abuse James ? ….

                Specifically the Waikato chiefs ….. and their cover-up …. where the whole team took the fall ….. and the actual guilty perpetrators were Never named.

                It took place around the same time Key was always photographed pissing it up in the All Blacks changing room …. and was on the cover of some rugby mag.

        • Carolyn_Nth 4.2.1.4
          14 March 2018 at 9:50 am

          At this stage, it’s looking like the Labour Party needs to look at its systems. Of course Labour opponents will use such stories any way they can against Labour.

          But, by foregrounding politics, you are belittling the victims’ experiences of being abused .

          It may be hard to take for any strong Labour supporter. But the Labour summer camp was poorly managed – by Ardern and Kirton’s own admissions. And there is work that needs to be done there.

          At this stage, without all the facts, the prime consideration should be for the survivors/victims.

          • Anne 4.2.1.4.1
            14 March 2018 at 10:13 am

            But, by foregrounding politics, you are belittling the victims’ experiences of being abused .

            Yesterday weka wrote an excellent post where the victim’s experiences were exclusively discussed. She made it clear it was NOT to be used to discuss any political aspect and those who chose to ignore her instructions copped hefty bans. I applaud her for the stand she took, but that does not mean we can’t ever discuss other aspects of the case including the political fallout.

            Open Mike is the right place to do so and if you don’t like it Carolyn_Nth then don’t participate.

            • Carolyn_Nth 4.2.1.4.1.1
              14 March 2018 at 10:28 am

              Really? If I read something on TS that I disagree with, I am quite entitled to state that disagreement.

              In this case, I think it is very important to give consideration to the survivors. So I will state my views.

              Comparing allegations of sexual assault to the scurrilous attacks on Cunliffe’s form letters etc, IS diminishing the seriousness of sexual assault – and that needs to be said. Denial of the seriousness is not helpful in moving forward.

              I do think the left in NZ has a lot to learn about dealing with sexual harassment and abuse within the left. Unfortunately it happens – and it has been happening for a long time.

              The media also is beating up on the topic in ways that are not helpful. Judith Collins is throwing her oar in, in a very unhelpful way.

              I’m glad to see Labour are owning up to their mismanagement of the camp and aftermath, and are taking the time to investigate and and review their systems and protocols.

              The left needs to be looking at ways to improve on this issue.

              • Anne …
                14 March 2018 at 10:46 am

                No-one has said you aren’t entitled to state a disagreement. It was merely an alternate course of action which I’m equally entitled to promote.

                I refer you to a commnent @ 5 on today’s ‘Nicky Hager’s post – it would seem others are also thinking along similar lines to me and I don’t see any subsequent remonstrations.

            • Stunned Mullet 4.2.1.4.1.2
              14 March 2018 at 10:54 am

              “……those who chose to ignore her instructions copped hefty bans”

              To be fair the majority of bans handed out were only to those from the perceived political right who ignored the instructions, not those from the perceived political left who ignored the instructions.

            • weka 4.2.1.4.1.3
              14 March 2018 at 11:56 am

              Yesterday weka wrote an excellent post where the victim’s experiences were exclusively discussed. She made it clear it was NOT to be used to discuss any political aspect and those who chose to ignore her instructions copped hefty bans. I applaud her for the stand she took, but that does not mean we can’t ever discuss other aspects of the case including the political fallout.

              The post wasn’t about the victim’s experiences, it was about how we talk about sexual assault, esp on TS. I put some boundaries on that, including saying don’t politicise the issue. This doesn’t mean don’t talk about Labour’s responsibilities in this situation, it means don’t use sexual assault as an excuse for partisan attacks on Labour. If people want to critique Labour on this, that’s ok by me, although I think there are still issues there in terms of what information we have access to. Both the MSM vulturing, but also the needs to not dig into the information around the people who were assaulted.

              It’s a given for me that any time something happens that puts Labour at a disadvantage, or shows some weaknesses in them, the right will attack and those attacks are likely to include Dirty Politics. That’s the political environment we live in now. I think with sexual assault we need to be careful to not make the party politics more important than the rape culture politics, hence the post yesterday. But it doesn’t mean the party politics are unimportant completely.

              • Anne …
                14 March 2018 at 3:26 pm

                The post wasn’t about the victim’s experiences, it was about how we talk about sexual assault, esp on TS.

                Yes weka, that was what I meant but didn’t express it at all well. I value your efforts to provide a safe place where women in particular can talk about their personal experiences and discuss the ramifications of sexual misconduct and other forms of abuse primarily suffered by women.

          • lprent 4.2.1.4.2
            14 March 2018 at 10:37 am

            As far as I could see, the Young Labour summer camp has always been managed on a pretty amateur basis. That is because Labour doesn’t manage them. They are managed by Young Labour, an organisation that has permanent turnover issues for obvious reasons. They are pretty good at getting along luminaries from the Labour party and its MPs, but as much as anything else that is because they ask and many of those being asked have been to them in their youth.

            (I do feel that it is important to emphasize this for people who seem to ignore the important points).

            I have been to a few of them over the decades generally because one of my younger relatives wanted to go and I could provide transport. I have never noticed the Labour party organisation being in charge. Just some older Labour party members being drafted in from the local area and others like myself turning up as well.

            • Stunned Mullet 4.2.1.4.2.1
              14 March 2018 at 11:13 am

              Young Labour seem very much to me to be hand in glove with Labour.

              http://www.younglabour.org.nz/

            • Carolyn_Nth 4.2.1.4.2.2
              14 March 2018 at 11:34 am

              Thanks. Useful info.

              However, this seems to set up a problem, or potential problem that has surfaced with these sexual assault allegations.

              Young Labour IS a wing of the Labour Party, and all Labour Party members between 15 yrs and 26 yrs are automatically members. i also see that the Young Labour twitter account is authorised by Andrew Kirton.

              I can understand wanting to give Young Labour a fair amount of autonomy in their constitution, election of officers, and, by the sound of it, organising the summer camp.

              Nevertheless, when the sexual assault allegations were made, Kirton was brought in to deal with it. I get the impression he wasn’t called in until someone on Facebook contacted Megan Woods about it (one of the victims, though Woods didn’t know that). Woods referred it to Kirton. [didn’t Kirton also deal with the allegations about Labour Party interns last year?]

              And the PM is speaking about it and taking some responsibility for the management of the allegations, and an investigation. Though i would have thought the PM doesn’t have a lot of responsibility for the wider Labour Party? Isn’t there some degree of autonomy between Parliamentary Labour and the Party?

              However, the case does reflect on the Labour Party generally – Young Labour partly works to promote the Labour Party to young people. And, to some extent it is seen as an indication of the left in general.

              I’ve seen several comments on social media from older adults talking about the need for adequate adult supervision of 16 yr olds at parties.

              I’ll wait to see how the Labour Party investigation deals with this weakness in the Young Labour set up – affiliated but somewhat autonomous.

          • JohnSelway 4.2.1.4.3
            14 March 2018 at 10:43 am

            +1 Anne – we need to stop this tribalism bullshit. Labour has fucked this up.
            I like Labour, I vote Greens and I think Ardern is the best PM we have had in a long time but despite all that – Labor fucked it and it sounds like it isn’t the first time so they have work to do

        • Chris T 4.2.1.5
          14 March 2018 at 9:50 am

          Except it’s all coming from Labour

          A week after Ardern’s PI trip needing to get as much media as poss and a week before Parliament comes out of recess and there would be questions being hammered at them.

          Which is interesting coincidental timing in it’s own right if you were overly cynical.

          • alwyn 4.2.1.5.1
            14 March 2018 at 10:34 am

            That really does sound cynical, even if true.
            I guess it is as good a way as any for the Parliamentary Labour Party to get the spotlight off their own failures and to pin the attention onto someone else.
            Now they can insist on Kirton’s resignation and claim it illustrates how the strong minded(?) Labour leader won’t tolerate any misbehaviour in the party and …… Look a squirrel!

            • Chris T 4.2.1.5.1.1
              14 March 2018 at 10:37 am

              They just announced on the radio the police are launching an investigation

            • Stuart Munro 4.2.1.5.1.2
              14 March 2018 at 10:39 am

              Meh – the police will take it over soon, and a few more facts will come out. It’s not a scandal on the scale of Darren Hughes on the facts so far.

        • Cinny 4.2.1.6
          14 March 2018 at 10:47 am

          Wondering that as well Anne. Haven’t heard many public comments from the nats about it.

          I’m absolutely DISGUSTED in the right wingers on the kiwiblog, they are lapping it up and the comments are obscence and insincere with no regard for the victims, it’s filthy over there. No moderation, commentors are free to spread lies, no facts required. Tossing around words like orgy etc like that are getting their own perverse sexual rise out of it all. Freaking vulgar behaviour.

          Where were kiwiblog when other sexual assault issues were highlighted in the media? Not one dedicated thread re Russell McVeagh sexual assaults.

          Meanwhile rightwingers are not discussing Operation Burnham and I doubt very much that any nat mps will be asking questions about that in the house next week.

          • JohnSelway 4.2.1.6.1
            14 March 2018 at 10:51 am

            Come on now – you know just like I do that if this was the Young Nats the left would be lapping it up too. A case(s) like this – politics should be secondary. Sexual assault claims are the same no matter what stripe if originates

            (though I have no doubt commentators here would be far more circumspect and respectful than those angry old dicks at Kiwiblog. I haven’t even looked over there since this story broke).

            • Cinny 4.2.1.6.1.1
              14 March 2018 at 10:56 am

              Agreed re a case like this politics should come secondary.

              If you do look at kiwiblog, prepare yourself first, it’s repugnant.

              Really proud of the TS moderators re yesterdays thread on the subject, thanks for making it a safe place to comment and share.

              • Stunned Mullet …
                14 March 2018 at 11:04 am

                Were you really proud in relation to the comments regarding Chris Bishop ?

              • JohnSelway …
                14 March 2018 at 11:05 am

                I don’t think I can stomach Kiwiblog right now.

                They keep going on about the ‘illegitimate’ PM with her ‘bastard’ child….

                Makes me retch

              • Carolyn_Nth …
                14 March 2018 at 11:58 am

                I rarely go to KB. But judging by the kinds of comments I’ve seen on there in recent times, the right have no reason to be complacent or throw stones at the left on gender matters – there are too many misogynistic, racist, homophobic comments there – supports and promotes rape culture and abuse of relatively powerless groups. To be avoided if possible.

        • Tuppence Shrewsbury 4.2.1.7
          14 March 2018 at 11:13 am

          Maybe the 20 year old was a National party plant?

          Sheesh, i’ll fetch my tinfoil hat now. You’ll be seeing Nats under the bed soon

        • The Fairy Godmother 4.2.1.8
          14 March 2018 at 11:15 am

          I have the same feeling about it Anne. Also remember what happened to Len Brown. Bevan Chuang was involved with dirty politics maestro Jordan Williams. She was I think used as bait. Really fishy. Of course Brown shouldn’t have fallen for the bait but I wonder why the perpetuator was there is it chance or is someone else behind it. I think the same chanels are being used and Murphy has been up to his neck in DP too.

          • Stunned Mullet 4.2.1.8.1
            14 March 2018 at 11:26 am

            I beg your pardon ?

            Are you suggesting Ms Chuang was coerced or otherwise into a relationship with Len Brown by a party or parties unnamed ?

            • The Fairy Godmother 4.2.1.8.1.1
              14 March 2018 at 1:21 pm

              Well she was also in a relationship with Luigi Wewege from John Palinos camoaignand he leaks it to Williams from the “taxpayers union” and he went to the press so who knows what went on.

          • Anne 4.2.1.8.2
            14 March 2018 at 12:09 pm

            I have the same feeling about it Anne.

            Yes. It’s getting more obvious by the hour Fairy Godmother. Look at the way the rw trolls are now attempting to undermine individuals on this site.

            Andrew Kirton won’t resign. He’s proving to be far too valuable to the party.
            That is why he is being discredited.

            As lprent has already pointed out, Young Labour run their own youth camps – something which will now have to change. It’s to Kirton’s credit he’s shielding them and taking the hits for this apparent muck up.

            • JohnSelway 4.2.1.8.2.1
              14 March 2018 at 12:23 pm

              I personally don’t think anyone should resign over this but a public mea culpa by someone should be offered

        • Louis 4.2.1.9
          14 March 2018 at 11:22 am

          Increasingly, that’s the impression I’m getting Anne. The defender of John key, Mike Hoskings, is demanding Kirton’s resignation. Hope he ignores it.

        • Enough is Enough 4.2.1.10
          14 March 2018 at 11:55 am

          Anne

          For better or worse, the media will go to town on any sort of event which involves, political parties involved in allegations of sexual Impropriety. This isn’t a conspiracy and to compare it to the David Cunliffe incident is really diminishing the seriousness of a sexual assault.

          • Anne 4.2.1.10.1
            14 March 2018 at 12:15 pm

            It was not a comparison. It was merely an example (in inverted commas) that happened to spring to mind as I was typing, and which in my view typifies the sort of DP behaviour currently being run on this particular issue involving the recent Labour Youth camp.

            • Enough is Enough 4.2.1.10.1.1
              14 March 2018 at 1:11 pm

              Do you recall the media coverage around John Key inappropriately touching a pony tail.

              Its not dirty politics for the media to report on these things.

        • rightly or wrongly 4.2.1.11
          14 March 2018 at 8:39 pm

          Anne,
          The only acts of destruction here have been at Kirton’s own hands.

          1 He allowed an ill supervised event to go ahead with excess alcohol being drunk by underage children.

          2 When he became aware of the sexual offending, he closes it down and covers it up and hopes it goes away.

          His actions were never victim focused, they were party focused – hoping to avoid bad publicity.

          If he was so victim led with his responses why were the victims complaining to MP’s that nothing was being done?

          Why – now the parents have found out through the media – do we see that the victims are heading to complain to the Police. An option they should have been encouraged to pursue at the earliest opportunity.

          No one in their right mind should expect a vulnerable and confused 15 or 16 year old to have the ability to make a rational, adult decision around the best way to deal with something as personal as unwanted sexual assault.

          That’s why their parents and the Police are there to discuss support and legal options for redress.

          Minimizing sexual molestation and pretending it doesn’t matter is what you would expect from a cult or some inbred red neck community, not from a Political Party that prides itself on its progressive and diverse ‘inclusiveness.’

          Hint: Its not too ‘judgey’ to report sexual molesters to the Police no matter what their political colour.

      • Herodotus 4.2.2
        14 March 2018 at 10:50 am

        Sorry but disagree with the view on how AK and his advisors have handled this
        https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102201208/Labour-Party-confirms-sexual-misconduct-at-camp-parents-and-police-not-told
        “He said he wouldn’t change the way the party had handled the situation but in future would tell Ardern if that was what she wanted.”
        Question without telling our PM how does she know if she wants to know is that not what a good PM’s minder is there for, to shield them and allow plausible deniability ?
        Given how this story has grown, as we are feed more information. That AK would have only told our PM, displays for me his inability to discern how the media reacts to a political story (that was going to “get out”) and that it is part of his job description to minimise such damage from a story NOT feed it.

        • Craig H 4.2.2.1
          14 March 2018 at 11:00 am

          Shades of Yes Minister with the need to know discussion.

        • Cinny 4.2.2.2
          14 March 2018 at 12:07 pm

          Learning curve for AK, but I really feel he was sincere in his interviews this morning on the telly.

          PM is giving a presser about it at 3pm

          • Ms Fargo 4.2.2.2.1
            14 March 2018 at 5:16 pm

            Interestingly the nats are being very quiet. I wonder…?

            • chris73 4.2.2.2.1.1
              14 March 2018 at 7:29 pm

              When someones shooting themselves in the foot its best to keep quiet lest you take the focus away

    • mary_a 4.3
      14 March 2018 at 12:06 pm

      @ Chris T (4) … and information has been released that NZDF and the previous National government mislead, lied to and deceived NZ on the activities of Operation Burnham and the atrocities inflicted on civilians.

      But do we see this appalling event splashed across the headlines? No we do not. Why? Because there has been some alleged sexual assault incidents at a Labour Youth camp (which I’m not condoning by any means), media is using as a diversion tactic to take the heat off National, in an attempt to discredit the Labour led government!

  6. savenz 6
    14 March 2018 at 11:25 am

    Doesn’t seem like much of a penalty to me. They made over a million dollars on this speculation and have to pay $847k. So they still profit over $100,000+ after doing it. Great disincentive! sarcasm.

    Also where was the lawyer and real estate agent in all this, they should be fined!

    It should be made impossible though the real estate process
    for this to happen.

    If you encourage people to speculate who don’t speak English or live in the country this is bound to happen, of course they may not be aware of the rules!

    The OIA is a scam anyway because they just rubber-stamp everything anyway!

    Chinese buyers fined $847k after failing to get consent to buy $5m cliff-top Auckland mansion

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12011961

  7. Whispering Kate 7
    14 March 2018 at 12:37 pm

    The honeymoon is over for Labour and the PM. The sooner she gets a trouble shooter in who can run a tight ship the better. Heather Simpson should be shipped in and have this government whipped into shape. It’s not as though they didn’t know what was ahead of them with a very strong muck raking opposition on the benches who have many skilled personnel in the wings doing their work for them.

    Discipline is needed and its not evident at present. With this new infant on the way the PM is going to be out of the picture for a while, a perfect time for mischief, I just hope Winnie is on to it. If not, its a bleak time ahead for the Labour led government and they have been given full warning of it.

    • Carolyn_Nth 7.1
      14 March 2018 at 12:57 pm

      Heather Simpson was shipped in to work with the Labour-led government at the end of last year.

      Listener, Jan 2018, Mike Williams said,

      Ardern’s Government also has the benefit of having on tap such wise heads as Helen Clark, Dame Annette King and Sir Michael Cullen, as well as the reassuring presence of Heather Simpson in deep cover behind the scenes.

      • Bill 7.1.1
        14 March 2018 at 1:23 pm

        Kinda like NZ Labour’s very own House of Lords….or some of the more prominent people the voting public voted out of office some ten years ago finding a way to cling on in there.

        I don’t believe it’s going to end well.

    • JanM 7.2
      14 March 2018 at 1:01 pm

      I wouldn’t get too exercised just yet. The muckrakers will disgust all but the most dedicated Nat if they keep this up!

      • The Fairy Godmother 7.2.1
        14 March 2018 at 1:25 pm

        Yep I agree. The whole thing is just too convenient. Also Murphy is a totally discredited DP player so I don’t trust him at all to have an independent stance or actually do the job as a journalist.

  8. UncookedSelachimorpha 8
    14 March 2018 at 2:22 pm

    Yet again the media parrots a story complaining that an industry cannot get enough workers – workout any mention whatsoever of the pay and conditions currently on offer!!

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/country/352499/dairy-farmers-struggle-to-find-workers

    I live in a dairy farming area – and the pay and conditions are commonly complete rubbish. Their only acceptable solution – import third-world pay and conditions. If you want workers – pay for them!

    • Grey Area 8.1
      14 March 2018 at 2:34 pm

      Absolutely! We had the same thing today in HB Today about apple pickers. No mention of what orchardists are paying them. Time for a text to editor methinks.

      • mac1 8.1.1
        14 March 2018 at 2:47 pm

        I saw an article which said the HB pickers got paid above the minimum pay rate. But no actual sum mentioned. Very little actual uptake from the 5% HB unemployed.

        It perhaps is a bit like me in the 80s when out of work for a short period and on the unemployment benefit, that a garlic grower offered me about $10 per 40 hr week more than the benefit but he then told me that was only for days that were worked. Rainy days were not paid. More than one days’ rain in a three week period saw me worse off. No longer on the benefit, and probably earning less. I found another job.

    • Ed 8.2
      14 March 2018 at 3:31 pm

      This media is a neoliberal propaganda machine.

  9. eco maori 9
    14 March 2018 at 3:27 pm

    Thanks for unblocking me

    • eco maori 9.1
      14 March 2018 at 6:16 pm

      Good evening News Hub on TV 3 its a sad day when you hear that the Great Steven Hawkins died we have lost such a intelligent man Kia kaha Ka kite ano

      • eco maori 9.1.1
        14 March 2018 at 6:39 pm

        News Hub It a good day the America cup venue looks like they are going to agree on a plan that limites damage to our sea environment. Eco Maori says that the bad publicity that Labour is receiving at the minute was a set up how easy would it have been to pay someone to do that at the young Labour function there is a lot of nasty people out there who will not stop at anything to achieve there goal of undermining and damaging Labours Mana Ka kite ano

        • Stunned mullet 9.1.1.1
          14 March 2018 at 6:40 pm

          Good grief – just stop.

          • Muttonbird 9.1.1.1.1
            14 March 2018 at 6:48 pm

            Eco’s got a point. I’m hearing the mystery 20 year old man was a Young Nat plant.

            Once you consider that, everything makes sense.

            • Carolyn_Nth 9.1.1.1.1.1
              14 March 2018 at 6:53 pm

              At this stage repeating unfounded rumours are not helpful. it’s easy to start such a rumour.

              Everything makes sense to me without that conspiracy theory. Let the investigation roll, then we will see.

              • Muttonbird …
                14 March 2018 at 6:59 pm

                Fair enough. There’s evidence both these organisations attempt to infiltrate the other. That’s what you get when you mix kids and politics.

                • Carolyn_Nth …
                  14 March 2018 at 7:07 pm

                  I know many people would like to believe it didn’t happen. but I’ve seen some pretty atrocious behaviour from young people in my time, left and right – especially from young immature men.

                  I read somewhere the alleged perp was pretty mortified when confronted with his behaviour the next day.

                  It doesn’t help the investigation or the survivors to repeat rumours without solid evidence.

            • chris73 9.1.1.1.1.2
              14 March 2018 at 7:00 pm

              Every time I think someone can’t get anymore delusional someone else proves me wrong

              Either the National party sent a 20 year old into the party to commit a serious sexual crime (which if convicted for would no doubt have serious repercussions on travel, employment, probably end up on a list etc) just to discredit Labour

              or some guy got drunk and took advantage of the situation

              You are really scraping the bottom of the barrell

            • JohnSelway 9.1.1.1.1.3
              14 March 2018 at 7:32 pm

              ” I’m hearing the mystery 20 year old man was a Young Nat plant.”

              Jesus Christ man – are people that tribal with their politics they just accept what is in front of them? It has to somehow be a big conspiracy?

              • Carolyn_Nth …
                14 March 2018 at 7:35 pm

                Actually, what does it change if the guy was a Nat? Young Labour still failed to provide a safe environment.

                If it was a Nat plant set on discrediting the Labour Party, why has it taken so long to surface?

                And, basically, it just looks like the left trying to blame shift and avoid responsibility.

                So, let the investigation roll. Labour seems to now be making a very good response.

              • Muttonbird …
                14 March 2018 at 7:38 pm

                Nicky Hager’s book proved there are conspiracies of this nature. Any and all malevolence is possible from the right wing then they are desperate to regain or hold onto power.

              • JohnSelway …
                14 March 2018 at 7:49 pm

                I see a former young labour member on twitter saying she was asked by them to infiltrate the young nats so it works both ways. But regardless – it doesn’t matter if the person was a young Nat, a young labour or fucking young Freemason.

                What Carolyn said above – shifting blame to some conspiracy is completely unhelpful and stupid

            • alwyn 9.1.1.1.1.4
              14 March 2018 at 8:18 pm

              “Muttonbird’s got a point. I’m hearing the mystery 20 year old man was the son of a Labour Cabinet Minister
              Once you consider that, everything makes sense”.

              There, how’s that for another rumour?

            • rightly or wrongly 9.1.1.1.1.5
              14 March 2018 at 8:47 pm

              So does that mean Kirton’s below average response which has ended up embarrassing the PM and the party mean that he’s a Nat plant as well?

              Maybe the 4 victims are in on it too?

              Maybe Simon Bridges dropped off a trailer load of free booze to precipitate it all?

              Maybe he made the victims wear ‘hand magnets’ that unwittingly attracted the 20 year old’s hand down their pants?

              Seesh. I’ve heard of one eyed supporters but thats just being a bit too hopeful.

              • Muttonbird …
                14 March 2018 at 8:54 pm

                The Nats obviously rate Kirton highly to have the Dirty Politics machine engaged against him. It’s a risky business.

            • Monty 9.1.1.1.1.6
              16 March 2018 at 9:10 pm

              Wow what a comment. A person in NZ willing to risk a criminal sexual assault conviction with all the life time stigma for a political party. You should either have to put up evidence or withdraw. That is a massive accusation and should have to back that up.

          • Ed 9.1.1.1.2
            14 March 2018 at 7:22 pm

            Yes please do sm.

        • eco maori 9.1.1.2
          14 March 2018 at 6:57 pm

          News Hub more bad weather Ingrid its all good for Eco Maori has finished my outdoor mahi all this rain is good for farming . These a phenomenon when the townies are happy dry hot weather the farmers are unhappy and when its a wet season like we have now the farmers are happy ka kite ano

  10. Ad 10
    14 March 2018 at 3:46 pm

    Is anyone going to the “Climate Change & Business Conference Seminar – New Year, New Government, New Approach” with James Shaw tomorrow night?

    • alwyn 10.1
      14 March 2018 at 8:20 pm

      I gather two of the Green MPs have been coerced into attending.
      That’ll make three people there then.
      The other Green MPs are all on overseas jaunts I understand.

  11. McFlock 11
    14 March 2018 at 4:07 pm

    Damn, it’s easy to look through 150 comments when you ignore most of the threads where tory fuckwits are suddenly pretending they care about sexual assault of people they don’t know.

  12. Ed 12
    14 March 2018 at 4:30 pm

    Why is NZ’s environmental regulator trying to muzzle scientist Mike Joy?
    I wonder….

    https://thespinoff.co.nz/science/14-03-2018/why-is-nzs-environmental-regulator-trying-to-muzzle-scientist-mike-joy/

    • Drowsy M. Kram 12.1
      14 March 2018 at 5:19 pm

      Ed, thanks for the link to that story.

      Why do corporate/business interests seek to influence government regulatory agencies, Universities, etc., to silence expert critics? It’s because they can’t win evidence-based debates. Also, the chilling effect on others that might be in a position to speak out.

  13. Morrissey 13
    14 March 2018 at 4:43 pm


    Waikato University’s lame “international law expert” seems to be
    ignorant of Britain’s violations of international law.
    The Panel, RNZ National, Wednesday 14 March 2018
    Jim Mora, Mai Chen, Michael Moynahan, Caitlin Cherry

    Long time sufferers of this lightweight chat show will be familiar with the witterings of Waikato University’s “international law expert”, one Professor Alexander Gillespie. On one of his most infamously stupid guest appearances, back in 2015, he solemnly pronounced that the United States and Great Britain had tried to bring “freedom and democracy” to the Middle East.

    https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-04092015/#comment-1066917

    This afternoon Gillespie was back at it. When host Jim Mora asked him what he thought of Winston Peters’ suggestion that the Russian poisoning incidents should be subject to an international inquiry, the “international law expert” summoned up all the gravitas he could muster and intoned: “The British have a great legal system, and they have a lot of integrity.”

    In an impressive display of self-discipline, no one in the studio even snickered.

    More Al Gillespie idiocy if you can bear it….

    https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-05102016/#comment-1240290
    https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-17082015/#comment-1059852

  14. Southern Man 14
    14 March 2018 at 4:45 pm

    At least two AMI insurance branches in Christchurch (Riccarton and Hornby) were closed indefinitely from today. My first thought was that AMI management have found a new way to cheat their policy holders. But a security guard told me it was in response to death threats to staff. I have searched through Stuff, past reports on Dairies ditching ciggies, Spy drama on Queen Street, the Harry and Meghan movie, and Reusable toilet paper, but can find no report on the AMI story. Clearly the news is being suppressed – but why? Surely a report on a threat of violence would be a perfect fit with Stuff’s editorial direction?

  15. Cinny 15
    14 March 2018 at 5:20 pm

    RIP Stephen Hawking

  16. JohnSelway 16
    14 March 2018 at 5:33 pm

    Damn – I loved Hawkings work

  17. chris73 17
    14 March 2018 at 5:35 pm

    Considering how the media (and posters on here) reacted to John Key pony tail pulling or Chris Bishop texting I’d say Labour is getting off pretty lightly considering thats now three separate instances of sexual assault in the media

    • Carolyn_Nth 17.1
      14 March 2018 at 5:43 pm

      Has the current PM been accused of sexually harassing a young man regularly over time – and using her power to laugh it off?

      Has a Labour MP been accused of inappropriate communications with young people? (I’m not someone who went into major attacks on Chris Bishop). Todd Barclay’s another matter – but even then – not sure I spent much time attacking him – then he ran away.

      John Key’s behaviour, though, was appalling. He deserved everything thrown at him.

      Labour failed in it’s care of young people, have owned it, and are trying to develop a better way of providing a safe environment.

      • Cinny 17.1.1
        14 March 2018 at 5:50 pm

        Proud of Jacinda.

      • chris73 17.1.2
        14 March 2018 at 5:57 pm

        I’m pretty sure that if anything similar came out at a young Nat event the media would be all over it worse than what Labour is copping now plus there would be post after post on here about it

        John Keys behavior was bizarre but theres been three separate incidences of sexual assault, one which we’ll never know about due to suppression orders and thats now starting to sound more like business as usual then some one off incidences

        The media love a political scandal, a political sex scandal even more and yet people talk of a conspiracy

        I personally think that there are some (not all) on here that really do believe that the left are completely blameless and only the right do bad things and so this scandal must somehow be the rights fault or the medias fault or anyone elses fault

        • Louis 17.1.2.1
          14 March 2018 at 6:58 pm

          “I’m pretty sure that if anything similar came out at a young Nat event the media would be all over it”

          Bet they wouldnt, pretty quiet on the princess parties.

          “John Keys behavior was bizarre”

          Is that it? He was the PRIME MINISTER for petes sake, he physically abused a young woman over a period of months.

          “one which we’ll never know about due to suppression orders and thats now starting to sound more like business as usual”

          In what what way is it business as usual?

          “I personally think that there are some (not all) on here that really do believe that the left are completely blameless and only the right do bad things”

          No one thinks like that.

          • chris73 17.1.2.1.1
            14 March 2018 at 7:15 pm

            “Bet they wouldnt, pretty quiet on the princess parties.”

            Read what he has to say about it but as far as I’m aware there were no complaints raised

            https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2014/08/how_hager_got_it_wrong_on_the_princess_party.html

            “Is that it? He was the PRIME MINISTER for petes sake, he physically abused a young woman over a period of months.”

            For which the media went at him, hard, hell it went global big time (at least as far John Oliver)

            “In what what way is it business as usual?”

            Once Is Chance, Twice is Coincidence, Third Time Is A Pattern.
            Theres now three incidences that we’ve heard of and if its difficult to come forward then that means theres been more than three incidences. So its starting to sound like sexual assault is business as usual at young Labour parties (I’m saying sounding like not that it is business as usual)

            “No one thinks like that.”

            Muttonbird 9.1.1.1.1
            14 March 2018 at 6:48 pm
            Eco’s got a point. I’m hearing the mystery 20 year old man was a Young Nat plant.

            Once you consider that, everything makes sense.

            • Louis 17.1.2.1.1.1
              15 March 2018 at 2:55 am

              The media didn’t report on it. Why?

              So youre defending former Prime Minister John key physically abusing a young women over a period of months that caused her much distress?

              “Once Is Chance, Twice is Coincidence, Third Time Is A Pattern.”

              so you have come to that conclusion on 3 incidents that occurred over a span of how many years?

              Are you saying Labour forced the courts to suppress the case? you know all the details do you? And do you realize that you have contradicted yourself? you said its business as usual then you end by saying “I’m saying sounding like not that it is business as usual”
              so, which is it?

              Frankly, you are not making much sense.
              You didn’t make a reference to the 20 year old. What you said was “I personally think that there are some (not all) on here that really do believe that the left are completely blameless and only the right do bad things”

              That’s what I responded to when I said no one thinks like that.

    • AB 17.2
      14 March 2018 at 5:59 pm

      It’s raining false equivalences here. Going to put out the sick bag.

      • chris73 17.2.1
        14 March 2018 at 6:12 pm

        Agreed, what happened at the young Labour parties are much, much worse yet not as much coverage in the media

        • Louis 17.2.1.1
          14 March 2018 at 7:03 pm

          “much, much worse” compared to what? and what planet are you on? its getting a lot of media coverage.

          • chris73 17.2.1.1.1
            14 March 2018 at 7:20 pm

            I assumed AB was referring to pony tail pulling and texting so I was agreeing with him that sexual assault is much, much worse (in my opinion anyway)

            “its getting a lot of media coverage.”

            Go to the stuff homepage and you have to scroll down to the National page to get any coverage but some dead ells and jobs kiwis are up the top

            • Ed 17.2.1.1.1.1
              14 March 2018 at 7:22 pm

              You are busy today.
              Overtime?

            • Louis 17.2.1.1.1.2
              15 March 2018 at 3:03 am

              You dont think the former PM physically abusing a young woman at her work over a period of months is not assault? If it had of been anyone else that person would have been charged.

              All media outlets are covering it. Stuff has a fair amounts of articles on it, did you not check out the politics section? the Herald too and Newshub, NH in particular is loaded with articles on it and not much else.

              Yet barely anything on the Defence force having lied. In fact, its getting suitably buried.

  18. chris73 18
    14 March 2018 at 7:37 pm

    “It’s no worse than what appears to have happened at the former Princess parties – young Nat women being plied with alcohol and well… you can guess the rest.”

    Yes it is worse because something happened at the young Labour party, we don’t know what exactly happened (and quite frankly we don’t need to know) but something wen’t down whereas you have one snippet of an email making reference to a party that no ones any details of and no complaints have been raised so yeah it is worse

    If you care to consider what he has to say about it you can read it here:

    https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2014/08/how_hager_got_it_wrong_on_the_princess_party.html

    “All hushed up and the MSM didn’t touch it with a barge poll.”

    They didn’t touch it because no complaints were made

    “Same set of circumstances with the Labour Party version but this time the MSM are all over it like venomous vultures. What a stark contrast in the responses.”

    Its not the same set of circumstances because we’re now up to three separate incidences, that we know of, including one which went to court

    • Ed 18.1
      14 March 2018 at 7:51 pm

      Very busy…
      Are you being paid well?

      • chris73 18.1.1
        14 March 2018 at 7:54 pm

        Thats a freebie, the comment I was replying to must have been deleted

        • Drowsy M. Kram 18.1.1.1
          14 March 2018 at 8:01 pm

          Your chief ‘concern’ appears to be the ‘party political’ dimension, so please consider that no Labour party politician or staffer has been accused of being the perpetrator of these regrettable assaults.

          Whereas repeated unsolicited hair pulling by a sober PM and National Party leader was (rightly) international news. Of course, the motivation for Key’s assaults was not sexual in any way; honest John might just as well have been tugging on the ponytail of a male waiter. Nevertheless, by a ponytail puller we were led.

          The assaults committed by an allegedly drunken 20-year old are of a more serious nature, but using these assaults to manufacture smears of sexual nature against Labour is simply desperate.

          Labour mismanaged the camp, and will have to face the consequences. But we all know who has dirty politics ‘form’, and who the misogynistic movers and shakers are.

          Establish what happened, and support the victims (whose wishes are paramount.)

          • chris73 18.1.1.1.1
            14 March 2018 at 8:05 pm

            Thats three separate incidences at similar events, run by the same organisation
            and that means, whether you like it or not, that there is something rotten in the state of Denmark

            • Ed 18.1.1.1.1.1
              14 March 2018 at 8:06 pm

              Busy……

            • Drowsy M. Kram 18.1.1.1.1.2
              14 March 2018 at 8:25 pm

              “Something rotten in the state of Denmark” – are you being deliberately vague?

              Can you be more precise, or is smearing the name of ‘chris73’s’ game?

              • chris73 …
                14 March 2018 at 8:34 pm

                http://www.dictionary.com/browse/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-denmark

                “Note: “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” is used to describe corruption or a situation in which something is wrong.”

                Thats three separate incidences at similar events, run by the same organisation which suggests something is wrong

                • Drowsy M. Kram …
                  14 March 2018 at 8:40 pm

                  Establish what happened, and support the victims (whose wishes are paramount.)

                  What, precisely, do you (‘chris73’) know or suspect Labour party MPs and/or staffers are ‘guilty’ of? Perhaps something more than poor planning/oversight of these events?

                  What do you think is the ‘something’ that is wrong – be as precise as possible. [Don’t worry, my expectations are low.]

                  Because if you know something, it’s your duty to come forward (with the agreement of the 16-year old victims, of course.)

                  C’mon chris73, be a hero.

                  • chris73 …
                    14 March 2018 at 8:47 pm

                    I know that there have been three separate incidences. I know one of those incidences went to court. I know that of the latest incident the police were not specifically mentioned. I know that the very next day of the latest incident a smear attack on Chris Bishop was launched. I know that at young Labour parties young men and women are being sexually assaulted.

                    And I know that people like you are trying to minimize whats happened

                    • Drowsy M. Kram …
                      14 March 2018 at 8:57 pm

                      Although remote from it, I’m concerned about what has happened to the 16-years olds; I hope that they are being supported, as (I’m sure) do you.

                      And I hope that it doesn’t happen again – although after reading your comments I’m less certain that we share that hope.

                      I KNOW that you’re talking it up (Something Rotten, etc.) – and fair enough, it’s useful to understand your reason for being here.

                    • chris73 …
                      14 March 2018 at 9:02 pm

                      “Labour mismanaged the camp, and will have to face the consequences. But we all know who has dirty politics ‘form’, and who the misogynistic movers and shakers are.”

                      Yup no minimizing or misdirection going on here: even though this happened under young Labour we all that the right are the bad ones…

                    • Drowsy M. Kram …
                      14 March 2018 at 9:11 pm

                      You (almost) said it. [“we all that the right are the bad ones…”]

                      Will admit to ‘minimising’ when you admit to ‘maximising’.

                      But I’ll cop to misdirection; it wasn’t fair to mention the National party’s record of dirty politics and misogyny.

              • Carolyn_Nth …
                14 March 2018 at 8:38 pm

                Methinks he has daddy issues.

            • Psycho Milt 18.1.1.1.1.3
              14 March 2018 at 9:44 pm

              Thats three separate incidences at similar events…

              My God, it’s almost like sexual assault were a common occurrence or something – surely that couldn’t be possible?

    • Louis 18.2
      15 March 2018 at 3:17 am

      No complaint to the police had been laid either until Newsroom published the story without the victims consent.

      So in your mind because nothings been published msm re Young Nats, there’s never been an incident and they are squeaky clean and everyone else is evil?
      Princess parties and other material showing the mindsets of Nats were published in Dirty Politics.
      Your excuses still dont explain why the media never covered it.

  19. Jenny 19
    14 March 2018 at 9:24 pm

    Stephen Hawking has died

    Aggression has had definite advantages for survival, but when modern technology meets ancient aggression the entire human race and much of the rest of life on Earth is at risk.

    Today in Syria we see modern technology in the form of bombs, chemicals and other weapons being used to further so-called intelligent political ends.

    But it does not feel intelligent to watch as more than 100,000 people are killed or while children are targeted. It feels downright stupid, and worse, to prevent humanitarian supplies from reaching clinics where, as Save the Children will document in a forthcoming report, children are having limbs amputated for lack of basic facilities and newborn babies are dying in incubators for lack of power.

    What’s happening in Syria is an abomination, one that the world is watching coldly from a distance. Where is our emotional intelligence, our sense of collective justice?

    We must work together to end this war and to protect the children of Syria. The international community has watched from the sidelines for three years as this conflict rages, engulfing all hope. As a father and grandfather, I watch the suffering of Syria’s children and must now say: No more.

    Stephen Hawking February 14, 2014

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/stephen-hawking-syrias-war-must-end/2014/02/14/a71dea72-94f0-11e3-83b9-1f024193bb84_story.html?utm_term=.78bb28c43d4b

  20. Jenny 20
    14 March 2018 at 9:30 pm

    Stephen Hawking lives forever in the hearts of the Palestinian people. And all those who value justice and peace.

    “I accepted the invitation to the Presidential Conference with the intention that this would not only allow me to express my opinion on the prospects for a peace settlement but also because it would allow me to lecture on the West Bank. However, I have received a number of emails from Palestinian academics. They are unanimous that I should respect the boycott. In view of this, I must withdraw from the conference. Had I attended, I would have stated my opinion that the policy of the present Israeli government is likely to lead to disaster.”

    Stephen Hawking May 3, 2013

    https://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/may/08/hawking-israel-boycott-furore

  21. Jenny 21
    14 March 2018 at 10:43 pm

    Dr Abu Bashir

    We don’t have enough medicine for patients.

    We don’t have enough medical equipment.

    I want to say to all people: trying to help us, stop the killing, just stop the killing.

    Every day you just try to earn some food to be alive.

    Every day you are under, maybe tomorrow I will not have my food, and maybe I will be under the ruins, destroyed home, and hospital. Maybe I will be passed away.

    I want the people of Eastern Ghouta to live in peace.
    So no siege, no shelling, no bombing.

    That’s what we need. We have rights like everybody in this world.

    https://www.facebook.com/NowThisReports/videos/831536047032842/

  22. OncewasTim 22
    15 March 2018 at 12:59 am

    I’m no bizzniss whizzzz (going forward, on the back of….) but over at Newsroom Pro there’s a vestigayshun into Fonterra and Beingate??? Asking why nothing was learned from Sanlu amonst other issues.
    I reckon there’s a more fundamental question. Why did farmers allow their co-op to be bastardised and corporatised, and now that it may very well be going cow teets up, I’ll be wondering if we’re all supposed to feel pity for those that allowed it all to happen (going forward, on the back of failed Chinese vestmints)

  23. eco maori 23
    15 March 2018 at 6:27 am

    Good morning The AM Show on TV3 Is it common for Both TV 1 an TV 3 news to fan the farcical flames that is around TE Labour Party both channels had this issue in there head line News . And then I see david seenothing trying to lay the blame on Jacinda as if she put a t-shirt on and supported that kind of bad behavior david has heaps of money to get his publicity . You news people need to stop blowing this situation out of proportions as you do on many occasions I hope you like having ECO MAORI back to correct your wrongs against the 99.9% of people. Kia Kaha Labour don’t panics YOU good people have done nothing wrong chin up and keep up the GOOD Battle for the 99.9 % of common Kiwis Ka kite ano

    • eco maori 23.1
      15 March 2018 at 6:58 am

      The AM Show I agree that alcohol should not have consumed at that function.
      But alcohol is so ingrained in OUR society it causes hundreds of deaths fills our prisons with people who don’t understand the side effects of consuming alcohol
      the minimie age of alcohol consumption should be razed to 19 I prefer 20 but 19 one year is a easier target one year up at a time . We worship ALCOHOL it in our face every day advertised by many as a drug of choice ??????????. I say someone has to go to put that issue in the past.
      Mark Steven Hawking was a brilliant man Mark nobody is going to solve the theory of everything we are on Papatuanuku mother earth for a very short period of time in its self I say if we had a culture of leaving be hind a better world for the mokos and all the creatures on Papatuanuku we would all be living in utopia now if all our for Fathers had this as a Phenomenon to worship enough said Kia Kaha Labour ka kite ano

      • eco maori 23.1.1
        15 March 2018 at 7:28 am

        The Am Show it makes me proud of the mokos Grandchildren of America are staying true to there cause of GUN LAW reforms in America they know that it is them who will have to clean up any mess we the parents grandparents leave for them Kia Kaha USA mokos .
        For people to feel happy you need to feel your own self worth to feel like you have the same rights as the wealthy neighbor have a society were every culture is respected .Amanda it baffles me why Aotearoa has not topped the charts of HAPPIEST society and the Scandinavian country’s top the charts the big picture is we have to stop the control that the 00.1 have on our society we should copy the Scandinavian with there government systems I will bet that there systems are designed to benefit the 99.9% and not just the 00.1 are benefiting from that type of government system. For one to have a happy society don’t have to be rocket scientist we just have to copy the people that are doing the best of look into the vast past to see what system did the best for everyone .Ka kite ano

        • eco maori 23.1.1.1
          15 March 2018 at 7:48 am

          Am Show Mark I have a couple of tips I am going to give Prime TV News I will give them to Eric Young at 530 Kia Kaha Eric ka kite ano P.S The salt water hammers ones hands when I first went Scampi fishing I was told to wear gloves I did not listen after 4 days my hands were that swolen that I could just barely move my fingers I made sure to wear gloves after that the scampi have a lot of spikes lol

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  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    4 hours ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 hours ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    7 hours ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    8 hours ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    10 hours ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    11 hours ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    11 hours ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    14 hours ago

  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    16 hours ago

  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    16 hours ago

  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    16 hours ago

  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    17 hours ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    17 hours ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    18 hours ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    20 hours ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    21 hours ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    23 hours ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 day ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    2 days ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    5 days ago

  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
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  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    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 ...
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  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    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 ...
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    12 hours ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    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 ...
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    13 hours ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    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 ...
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  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
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  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    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 ...
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  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
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    17 hours ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    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 ...
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  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    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 ...
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    1 day ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    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 ...
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    1 day ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    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 ...
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    2 days ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
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  • Government focused on getting people into work
    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 ...
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    2 days ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    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 ...
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    2 days ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    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 ...
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  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    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 ...
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  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    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 ...
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    3 days ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
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    3 days ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
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    3 days ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
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    3 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
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  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
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  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
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    4 days ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
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    4 days ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
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  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
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    4 days ago

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
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    4 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
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    4 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
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    5 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
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    5 days ago

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
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  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
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    1 week ago

  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
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  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
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    1 week ago

  • Navigating an unstable global environment
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    1 week ago

  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
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    1 week ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
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    1 week ago

  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
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    1 week ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
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    1 week ago

  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
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