Another day in John Key’s neo-liberal nightmare.
We have become a cruel, greedy, uncaring and selfish nation under his wretched leadership.
It was 7 degrees in Auckland last night.
It was 3 degrees in Dunedin last night.
It was 0 degrees in Christchurch last night.
Not very warm to be sleeping in a car.
Not very warm to be sleeping in a container.
Not very warm to be sleeping in a garage.
Not very warm to be sleeping on the street.
It appears that the public meeting of our dearest Ms. Bennet, Housing Mis Manager – MP National Party, Nick Smith – Aint no Housing Crisis here – MP National Party and Alfred Ngaro – Still only a List MP – National Party did not go quite as lovely as they thought.
So why isn’t the cyber bulling case against Paula Bennet (beneficiaries details up on the Internet ) being prosecuted? After all, she bragged she’d do it again.
Because she is part of the campaign to stamp out cyber bullying, white is black & black is white in topsy turvey Planet Key. I put up on Open Mike last night a couple incidents of Amy Adams (or her office anyway) leaking stuff to Whaleoil to ‘cyber bully’ Cunliffe, Amy Adams is all teary eyed about ‘cyber bullying’ at the mooment too. They think they are celebrities FFS.
I think there probably are if owners were not keeping them empty to save on wear and tear.
Then what about the ‘P’ state houses which with a rub down of ledges be reasonably fit for habitation with a reduction in rent. I have rented both expensive and cheap places and one tolerates either depending on need at the time.
and if I was in London i’d be walking down some rich estate looking for the nicest home with swimming pool etc that’s empty and squatting it.
If I was homeless in NZ there are some lovely beachfront homes on the North shore, I’d be squatting in the nicest land banked one I could find.
If the government cannot do it’s job by ensuring demand in housing and rental accommodation is always in surplus so people can find a place to live like any civilized government would manage then i’d freaking well sort it out myself, trash the place, then move on to the next one till all those home owners got the message there empty houses will get trashed and stopped banking them.
I bet if P cooks were breaking into empty landbanked houses cooking up and wrecking them, landbanking would disappear real fkn fast wouldn’t it?
and where there’s an opportunity it’ll happen I wouldn’t be surprised if they are not thinking it now with the amount of empty homes having now been publically shared.
Yeah but if you went off on the squatting buzz the local cops would do you for burglary…….they’d protect the interests of the wealthy. It’s always been that way. Cops look after the interests of the wealthy. Cops serve the rich. And smash over the poor. As do judges. While prattling on about their love of justice. No. I see it every day. Been seeing it for 40 years. Judges look after their own three hundy a year. And their sense of superiority. It’s only when you get quite old like me that you actually see what’s been in front of your face for decades. Fuk’n sick ! And no respect for them. And they wonder why more perspicacious people than me very early on say “Fuck You !”
I take it you have not read the retraction. Anyone who quotes the old and now debunked version claiming psychopathy is a feature of conservatives is wrong.
The old version was widely disseminated on this blog and assumed to be true.
I am simply pointing out that they now acknowledge that they got it completely reversed.
Act is derived from Labour and National has been infiltrated by rampant lefties, hence why Nationals not removing WFF or interest free student loans…damn clever of the lefties I have to admit 🙂
I give you a complete list of National’s policies in every portfolio.
Care to point out any policy therein that is psychotic.
On the contrary it is self evident that progress is being made across all portfolios. NZ is now obviously a far better place than in 2008. Our economy is growing, Wages are far ahead of inflation, record numbers are employed.
Imagine the shit we would be in if National had been the Government for the previous nine years. Tax cuts and borrowing.
Median wages are down. Living standards for most are down. Quoting an average wage pushed up by 100k rises at the top end, while the rest are dropping, is a favourite right wing fudge.
Also failing to mention that 1 hour a week, and zero hour McJobs, are now counted as employed.
Not sure what psychotic is or means but record numbers merely reflects the return of hard working kiwis who believe NZ is not as bad as where they were.
Like Coleman trying to defend the neglect of the health service by quoting the increase in dollars allocated since 2008 which like most government pronouncements ignores true inflation, not the artificial cherry picking COI, and immigration increasing the need.
For some, things are obviously better ,but not for those at the bottom of the heap not seeing their investment in property rising but having to live on the streets etc.
No mate – they’re leaving Oz because that fuckwit Turnbull is doing the same damage there Key has already done to NZ, so the job market is collapsing – and they have no rights to social welfare in Oz. Second class citizens cos our weak government wouldn’t protect our traditional equality there.
Care to point out any policy therein that is psychotic.
Every single bloody one of them.
Attacking beneficiaries
Selling state assets
Subsidies to big business while undermining small business
And the list goes on and on and on.
On the contrary it is self evident that progress is being made across all portfolios.
If what you’re after is increasing poverty and more and more failure by government then progress is certainly being made.
Of course, the only people who want that happens to be psychotics but it does happen to be what National are achieving.
Our economy is growing, Wages are far ahead of inflation, record numbers are employed.
Once we remove the housing bubble and the spurt of economic activity caused by the Christchurch quakes we’ll find that the economy has been going backwards since 2008. The only people getting wages rises are in the top 20%. Everyone else is either stagnant or going backwards. Record numbers of people employed in part time jobs is a sign of desperation.
All the indicators we have show that the economy and our society is going backwards.
Wage increases are Nationals propaganda statistical fiction, most workers are lucky to get inflationary rises, a few might be lucky to get over 3% a very very few.
Tourism industry is having a boom, yet according to Seek, its wage increases are only 0.6%.
Its a recession time after winter.
I guess this just shows that these particular researchers have demonstrated that they have a sever lack of ability to interpret their data. Any conclusions, past or present, that they have come up with should be taken with a grain of salt.
I can see why more conservative people would want to gloat over it though. I know I would if the shoe was on the other foot.
A further analysis of recently released GPS data from the Government’s fleet of ministerial limousines is giving fresh evidence as to why, perhaps, officials really didn’t want their details exposed to public view. For not only does the data expose a pattern of repeated speeding infringements by the cars, it also gives some valuable insights into how they are used.
It’s psychotic actions like this that really piss people off.
No, you see Labour did it, so now it’s ok, apparently.
/sarc
Also on the grand scale of shit this governments been up to, this is a mere spec on the display screen to brush aside, so we can get a better view of the real snidey stuff they get up too.
You just keep moving to the right, you natural home is so national.
Wow on the sexism – I thought you clinton supporter opposed that sort of thing. Must have had you all wrong.
[lprent: Ok, now I am moderating.
Off topic. Moved to OpenMike. Banned for a week for being off topic, and attacking an author rather than their argument. You have been doing way too much of it.
Next time I see you do a irrelevant diversion or a attack on an author without a argument about their argumenmt, you will get a three month ban. I’m getting tired of that again. ]
I think you crossed some line advantage, not sure what that line is – but I think you crossed it.
Or using the razor, possibly you aren’t that nuanced or clear on how international politics has operated over recent centuries and how it now operates.
Certainly your comment didn’t show any obvious familiarity with the topic, instead preferring to deal with a trivial aspect of it without even defining scarcity were talking about.
Ad’s contribution was interesting. Your one demonstrated stupidity and the pig ignorance I’d expect at whaleoil.
Good thing I was not in moderating mode when I read it..
Btw: in my opinion, it’d be a close race between Trump and Sanders about who is the most ignorant about international politics. Having just one Woodrow Wilson in a century is more than enough.
“It was a terrible, turmultous time for us. We were being supeanared by the US goverment. We didn’t have confidentiality agreements with our employers because we were government employees…”
Talks (amongst many other things) about utilitarianism and equality, but is a realist and acknowledges that such idealism does not lead to redistribution across society.
Where to start with this sycophantic clap trap?
I live in the US.
I voted for Obama twice.
More fool me!
He has not done one thing I wanted when I voted for him.
He has surely been Bush II.
Lets start with……”That would be a legacy and role for the U.S. as useful for the world as Obama’s has been in domestic policy.”
What has been Obama’s legacy and role in domestic politics?
Lets start there…..
I’m waiting with baited(!) breath.
[lprent: Moving your topic to OpenMike. I suggest that you read the last section of our about.
No – you must….
Have you read this page? We must do nothing. The posters post on the topics they want to (with a few limitations from the sysop). If you really absolutely want your ideas to be heard, then start a blog and start learning to write. You can probably find a more compatible blog on our blogroll. Or you can comment on the posts that our posters write and follow our rather lenient rules.
I’d suggest that you don’t demand that people talk on YOUR topic again outside of OpenMike. Authors set the debate. We then allow a wide latitude once debate starts, but it must start on the topic that the author addressed. The next time I see you deliberately try to divert a post, you will also get a holiday long enough to allow you to make your own outlet for your thoughts, and time to find out why simple minded ranting for a fool doesn’t gain an audience. ]
I thought I was going mad – or a sudden case of dementia.
On several overnight RNZ National hourly news bulletins and also on the first part of Morning Report, it was reported that Cameron Slater – and Carrick Graham – are being sued by three health researchers for defamation in relation to posts on WO. Then it went quiet with no further mentions.
I tried to find items on the RNZ website and via Google on this earlier this morning without success. RNZ now has an item up on the website proving that I am not going mad etc.
As it is reasonably short, here is the article in full (minus photo of CS).
Three public health researchers have filed defamation proceedings against the Whale Oil blogger Cameron Slater and the tobacco industry lobbyist Carrick Graham.
The proceedings were filed in the High Court in Auckland by Professor Doug Sellman from the University of Otago, Professor Boyd Swinburn from the University of Auckland and Shane Bradbrook, and relate to a series of blog posts and comments published on the Whale Oil website.
Mr Slater and his site, as well as Mr Graham, were featured in a book by the investigative journalist Nicky Hager, Dirty Politics. [Photo of CS removed.]
The book revealed Mr Graham was involved in the articles targetting the applicants.
The case focuses on articles with a negative focus on public health experts and advocates, which the three applicants claim is still going on.
Another case to keep CS occupied … [Edit – this issue is now being picked up by other media, eg Stuff etc.]
A couple of weeks ago, Slater dropped his appeal against an earlier decision by Judge Asher in relation to this defamation case against Slater, so it will be interesting to see the outcome of today’s conference, although it may not be made public.
Nationals Dirty Politics attacks on health professionals ( and some police officers ), took place when the Nat Government was intent on ignoring this …….”Women, children and young adults experience more harm from others drinking” … and
“It is evident that the burden of alcohol-related injuries and violence falls disproportionately on some population groups, for example those living in more deprived neighbourhoods, Māori, Pacific peoples, children and young people.” …and
“It is clear that alcohol use in New Zealand is contributing to increased inequalities ”
These Alcohol facts…. and another one hundred and one just like them were ignored by the nats in The New Zealand Law Commission report on New Zealand alcohol abuse:
Even the Law Commission’s corrupted. It’s membership includes the pungently flatulent and spittle-ent ‘Wayne’ of some time TS fame. Whose wife got ‘appointed’ to the District Court bench a few years ago……..ha ha ha.
by veutoviper at 13. Intriguing news. It sounds like the three academics have had enough of the continual slander and misrepresentation directed at them by whaleblah.
I was always thought it was extremely arrogant or incredibly stupid, not sure which one, for whaleblah to continue with his attacks after Dirty Politics was published.
Goodness, it looks like one of those little ghosts in a video game. Someone who actually played those games might know. Not quite an 80’s pacman ghost, maybe something more up to date.
You have a legitimate grievance and I’m sure many on here support you like I do.
Probably the best thing to do is when you come back, do not comment on TRP’s posts or any guest posts (as TRP probably has moderator control over those too). That should improve your chances of not getting banned from the Standard. Such is life.
…”Deutsche Bank predicts the British stock market could actually benefit from Brexit, as a drop in the value of the pound would give a boost to UK exports.
Although the bank forecasts a 5 percent fall in the FTSE100, this dip will still be outperforming the German DAX which will fall as much as 10 percent in the event of Brexit…
Let’s not forget that at an earlier stage Teina Pora while out on licence had forbidden contact with a mate whom he’d met in prison…….who was probably a soul who helped Teina to preserve his sanity. Stopped him from topping himself.
And then all the authorities, Parole Board et al, were clutching their fucking pearls because apparently Teina out on licence after 21 years had hooked up with some woman. Oh how fucking gross of that boy !!!!!
You’re still treating Teina like a piece of shit you bastards. Ten, twenty million bucks wouldn’t be enough !
And what of Super Detective Steve Rutherford ? Who DID IT to Teina. Living happily (not if he has a conscience) in retirement in Ohope or somewhere. On a goodish pension which probably exceeds 100 grand a year.
I well remember seeing him in the public area of the Papakura District Court easily a couple of decades ago. Young greenhorn cops approaching him in utter supplication, genuflecting. And Rutherford accepted the adoration with a smug, self-satisfied smile. How many other people’s lives did this ‘Super-Cop’ destroy ?
This beast who destroyed Teina’s life…….because the vanity of ‘Super-Cop’ over-rode all……even justice. A curse on you Steve Rutherford, ‘Super-Cop’. There’s much more than two mill’ allocated to you from when you did this to Teina and in the years ahead. Hope you feel ashamed man. Doubt it. You’re an unrepentant bastard. Shit karma to you man.
I suspect Scott Watson is one….the water taxi driver said he did NOT deliver the victims to Watson’s boat, but to another…his evidence was ignored
David Bain would be another….travesty of justice….his sister’s pimp mysteriously disappeared to Australia for the court case …also disappeared or destroyed was her notebook with her clients
Wondered about Watson when part of the evidence was that he was cleaning up the cassette tapes in his boat after a trip. This was considered suspicious?
I read that when I was wiping down all my boat electrics etc after a long trip. As you do.
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Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
The protest outside the White House correspondents’ dinner hotel. Image: Anatolu video screenshot APR More than two dozen Palestinian journalists had called for a boycott of the dinner, writing an open letter urging their American colleagues not to attend. “You have a unique responsibility to speak truth to power and ...
“Our exporters should, therefore, be deeply concerned that the Fast-track Approvals Bill was not assessed for consistency with any of our free trade commitments prior to being introduced to the House,” says Gary Taylor, Chief Executive of the Environmental ...
NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff is calling on all political parties to support the new Member’s Bill from Labour’s workplace relations and safety spokesperson Camilla Belich MP that would ensure negligent companies are held accountable when their employees ...
A historian with a track record of predicting US election winners tells RNZ's Sunday Morning that President Biden looks to be on track for another term, but things could still go wrong for him. ...
A historian with an uncanny track record of predicting US election winners tells RNZ's Sunday Morning that President Biden looks to be on track for another term, but things could still go very wrong for him. ...
Ngaio Marsh House is one of Christchurch’s best kept secrets – and contains more than a few mysteries of its own.Trust Ngaio Marsh to leave more than a few mysteries scattered through her house long after her departure. For a start, there’s the curious concrete portal in the garden, ...
Appointment viewing has been lost to the mists of time, but memories of Montana Sunday Theatre can still be conjured by hitting play on a particular piece of classical music. “You’re not going to be able to sell it.” Over 30 years on, Karen Bieleski still recalls how the task ...
Performance Review King Luxon sat behind His massive polished oak desk. It is Performance Review time. There is a knock on the door. “Enter!” says the King. In steps Minister of Disabilities and Carer Pedicures, Penny Simmonds. “I can explain everything …” she begins. “Fine,” says King Luxon, pressing the ...
The pair opened their first fully collaborative exhibition, Nina for Flowers, last Saturday. Gabi Lardies visited their studio to find out who Nina is and what working together was like.‘It didn’t start out like, ‘This is a show about Nina,’” says Josephine Jelicich, gripping a thermos of peppermint tea. ...
Thank you, Dr Maximilian Oskar Bircher-Benner, for your brilliant invention. I’m another mid-20s Kiwi who had an OE last year. I hopped on my bicycle where France meets the Atlantic and cycled east. I pedalled through the Loire Valley, down rivers lined with willows and ancient wisteria-draped chateaus. I relished ...
Asia Pacific Report From France to Australia, university pro-Palestine protests in the United States have now spread to several countries with students pitching on-campus camps. And students at Columbia and other US universities remain defiant as campuses have witnessed the biggest protests since the anti-Vietnam war and anti-apartheid eras in ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards, Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)New Zealand Government’s Fast Track legislation. Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government ...
Tara Ward talks to presenter Naomi Toilalo about the new TV show that turns food waste into a three course feast. Naomi Toilalo is standing in the warehouse at Good Neighbour Tauranga, helping unpack the two-and-a-half tonnes of rejected food that will arrive at the community support hub that day. ...
Scout is our latest Dog of the Month. This feature was offered as a reward during our What’s Eating Aotearoa PledgeMe campaign. Thank you to Scout’s human, Avril, for her support. Dog name: Scout (named after the little girl in To Kill a Mockingbird – she inherited the independent spirit ...
Megan Alatini takes us through her life in TV, including ‘terrible’ daytime TV, the class of Carol Hirschfeld and her most embarrassing TrueBliss moment. When she responded to a vague newspaper ad asking “do you have what it takes to be a popstar?” 25 years ago, Megan Alatini never guessed ...
A new exhibition in Wellington showcases the faces behind your local goods and services. Back in 1977, when I was a fine arts student at the University of Canterbury, I took a series of photographs of Christchurch shopkeepers. The photos were for a calendar – a project for my end ...
Toomaj and his resistance to tyranny through his songs have become an icon for the youth of Iran, so his sentence has hit the nation hard. Toomaj Salehi is not the first artist to pay the price for standing with the people. ...
My cousin Dylan and I spotted these big eels under the bridge that summer. We watched them lounging under the dark weed, facing into the flow of water, their mouths frozen open. Dylan and I couldn’t stop thinking about those eels. The night we went down to the creek, we ...
Newsroom, home of satire. My long-running weekly satirical series The Secret Diary has moved to Newsroom and will appear every Saturday, with Victor Billot’s wildly popular satirical Odes continuing to appear every Sunday. Diaries, Odes – while serious political columnists toil at meaningful opinions and stroke their chins to an ...
Tara Ward unravels the many nuanced layers of a cartoon about talking dogs.This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. It’s not often an episode of a children’s cartoon has adults sobbing into their sleeves, but that’s exactly what happened this week when ...
Working as a doctor in developing countries to help communities achieve better health outcomes is nothing short of a life goal for Jessica Tater. The University of Otago medical student has her sights firmly set on joining the international humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) when she qualifies ...
There’s an island in the far reaches of Auckland’s territory, sitting off the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, 30 minutes by air from the city or four hours on the slow boat. Aotea Great Barrier is off-grid, it has a population of fewer than a thousand people … and most ...
Asia Pacific Report An Australian author and advocate, Jim Aubrey, today led a national symbolic one minute’s silence to mark the “blood debt” owed to Papuan allies during the Second World War indigenous resistance against the invading Japanese forces. “A promise to most people is a promise,” Aubrey said in ...
Asia Pacific Report The Freedom Flotilla is ready to sail to Gaza, reports Kia Ora Gaza. All the required paperwork has been submitted to the port authority, and the cargo has been loaded and prepared for the humanitarian trip to the besieged enclave. However, organisers received word of an “administrative ...
Pacific Media Watch Palestine solidarity protesters today demonstrated at the Auckland headquarters of Television New Zealand, accusing the country’s major TV network of broadcasting “propaganda” backing Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. About 50 protesters targeted the main entrance to the TVNZ building near Sky Tower and also picketed a side ...
Opinion by Lynley Hood. Forty years on from my 1985 Fulbright Grant, my disquiet over the war in Gaza evoked some troubling questions. The answer to my first question – What is the primary purpose of the Fulbright Programme? – was on the Fulbright NZ website. It says: US Senator, ...
The ministers responsible for green-lighting major projects need to be open about potential conflicts of interest, says Transparency International. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Professor, Family and Sexual Violence, RMIT University It has been a particularly distressing start to the year. There is little that can ease the current grief of individuals, families and communities who have needlessly lost a loved one to men’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Lichen, the first described example of symbiosis.AdeJ Artventure/Shutterstock Once known only to those studying biology, the word symbiosis is now widely used. Symbiosis is the intimate ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kim Hemsley, Head, Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University Olena Ivanova/Shutterstock “Childhood” and “dementia” are two words we wish we didn’t have to use together. But sadly, around 1,400 ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Whiteford, Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The government’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee has just published its second report. It was set up by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth in 2022 to provide: ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The Queensland state election will be held in October. A YouGov poll for The Courier Mail, conducted April 9–17 from a sample ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Naeni, PhD candidate at Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University There’s been much talk in recent months about what a possible second Donald Trump presidency in the United States could mean for Europe, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the ...
A brief round-up of submissions on the controversial proposed law. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week, submissions on the controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill closed just hours after the government released a list of stakeholder organisations who were sent letters advising how they could ...
A poem from Robin Peace’s new collection Detritus of Empire: feather / grass / rock. Cereal giving I see a woman’s hands, see her curious hands break a stalk as she walks through the tall prairie, the savannah, the steppe, wherever it was. See her idly bite the grass that ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38)A handsomely produced (debossed cover, lovely ...
The Commissioner's decision validates the longstanding efforts of the local community and ensures that Awataha Marae will be managed to serve the needs of the local community, particularly for hosting tangihanga. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tristan Salles, Associate professor, University of Sydney Examples of Australian landscapes.Unsplash Seventy thousand years ago, the sea level was much lower than today. Australia, along with New Guinea and Tasmania, formed a connected landmass known as Sahul. Around this time – ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Castagna, Lecturer, Creative Writing, Western Sydney University Day Day Market, ParramattaPhoto: Garry Trinh I live on the edge of Parramatta, Australia’s fastest-growing city, on the kind of old-fashioned suburban street that has 1950s fibros constructed in the post-war housing boom, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Ryan, Teaching Fellow in Economics, University of Waikato GettyImagesfatido/Getty Images There is an ongoing global debate over whether the high inflation seen in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic can be lowered without a recession. New Zealand is not ...
The ‘Wicked Game’ heartthrob is in his late 60s now. That didn’t stop him putting on a lively, goofy and very sparkly show. Apart from ‘Wicked Game’, which graces a sultry playlist of mine simply called 💋, my last sustained Chris Isaak listening session took place when I was about ...
Analysis - Two ministers were stripped of portfolios in a warning to Cabinet, drama broke out at the Waitangi Tribunal, and the gang patch ban bill ran into opposition. ...
Tara Ward makes an impassioned plea for some vital pop culture merch. In April 1999, I became obsessed with a new reality television show called Popstars. Every Tuesday night, five strangers transformed into music royalty before my very eyes as Joe, Keri, Carly, Erika and Megan were chosen to form ...
PNG Post-Courier In the early hours of ANZAC Day, aerial photographs captured an impressive gathering of Australians and Papua New Guineans at Isurava in the Northern (Oro) Province. The solemn dawn service yesterday was held at a site steeped in history, where some of the fiercest battles of World War ...
The PSA is shocked that Oranga Tamariki has used the cost cutting drive to downgrade its commitment to Te Ao Māori and remove many specialist Māori roles. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Kemish, Adjunct Professor, School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, The University of Queensland There can be no more powerful symbol of the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea than the prime ministers of these neighbouring countries walking together on the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sharon Robinson, Distinguished Professor and Deputy Director of ARC Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF), University of Wollongong, University of Wollongong Andrew Netherwood Over the last 25 years, the ozone hole which forming over Antarctica each spring has started to shrink. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Viktoria Kahui, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Economics, University of Otago Getty Images/Amy Toensing Biodiversity is declining at rates unprecedented in human history. This suggests the ways we currently use to manage our natural environment are failing. One emerging concept focuses on ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Colin Bednall, Associate Professor in Management, Swinburne University of Technology marvent/Shutterstock Finding the best person to fill a position can be tough, from drafting a job ad to producing a shortlist of top interview candidates. Employers typically consider information from ...
Wondering where to host your next BYO? Whether its a small gathering or a massive party, we’ve got some recommendations. I was first introduced to the concept of BYOs at Dunedin’s India Gardens, a legendary but sadly defunct establishment, which purveyed enormous quantities of mango chicken to Aotearoa’s drunkest future ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julien Cooper, Honorary Lecturer, Department of History and Archaeology, Macquarie University Julien Cooper The hyper-arid desert of Eastern Sudan, the Atbai Desert, seems like an unlikely place to find evidence of ancient cattle herders. But in this dry environment, my new ...
The sector says it’s hopeful her replacement Paul Goldsmith will be able to throw it a lifeline, after six months with a minister deemed missing in action, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign ...
The government can't just rely on axing public sector jobs and has to do more to cut spending, says the chief economist at a free market think tank. ...
Rock The Vote NZ, known for its advocacy for minor party unity and its role within the Freedoms NZ Coalition during the 2023 General Election, celebrates this merger as a strategic enhancement of its operational strength and outreach. ...
Another day in John Key’s neo-liberal nightmare.
We have become a cruel, greedy, uncaring and selfish nation under his wretched leadership.
It was 7 degrees in Auckland last night.
It was 3 degrees in Dunedin last night.
It was 0 degrees in Christchurch last night.
Not very warm to be sleeping in a car.
Not very warm to be sleeping in a container.
Not very warm to be sleeping in a garage.
Not very warm to be sleeping on the street.
People are renovating, haw haw haw, our leader quips in Parliament.
I am?
GCSB even know i’m laying laminate flooring.
FUCK YOU KEY!
New Guardian/ICM poll has Leave pulling out to a 6 point lead over Remain in both online and phone polls.
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/13/eu-referendum-leave-campaign-takes-six-point-lead-in-guardianicm-polls
It appears that the public meeting of our dearest Ms. Bennet, Housing Mis Manager – MP National Party, Nick Smith – Aint no Housing Crisis here – MP National Party and Alfred Ngaro – Still only a List MP – National Party did not go quite as lovely as they thought.
Anyone who was there could give us an update? 🙂
Whats wrong with being a list mp? Seems to work well for the Greens and Andrew Little 🙂
i think that might be a reference to ngaro rather than list MPs
just a guess of course
I was also hoping someone would report on the meeting. The only thing I have seen today is this twitter exchange via Andrea Vance:
https://twitter.com/avancenz/status/742483650051080192
As I don’t belong to Facebook, and don’t want to, I am unable to see more than a couple of photos on Shearer’s Facebook page.
So why isn’t the cyber bulling case against Paula Bennet (beneficiaries details up on the Internet ) being prosecuted? After all, she bragged she’d do it again.
cause she is speshial, and from the National Party – the party of do as I say not as I do?
Because she is part of the campaign to stamp out cyber bullying, white is black & black is white in topsy turvey Planet Key. I put up on Open Mike last night a couple incidents of Amy Adams (or her office anyway) leaking stuff to Whaleoil to ‘cyber bully’ Cunliffe, Amy Adams is all teary eyed about ‘cyber bullying’ at the mooment too. They think they are celebrities FFS.
Interesting to hear Andrew Little say on Morning Report that there were enough houses in NZ to house the homeless.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/201804381/little-sets-out-case-for-raising-refugee-quota
I think there probably are if owners were not keeping them empty to save on wear and tear.
Then what about the ‘P’ state houses which with a rub down of ledges be reasonably fit for habitation with a reduction in rent. I have rented both expensive and cheap places and one tolerates either depending on need at the time.
That there are enough houses is irrelevant because our own people either can’t afford to live in them, or they aren’t allowed to.
There is, way more than the homeless.
and if I was in London i’d be walking down some rich estate looking for the nicest home with swimming pool etc that’s empty and squatting it.
If I was homeless in NZ there are some lovely beachfront homes on the North shore, I’d be squatting in the nicest land banked one I could find.
If the government cannot do it’s job by ensuring demand in housing and rental accommodation is always in surplus so people can find a place to live like any civilized government would manage then i’d freaking well sort it out myself, trash the place, then move on to the next one till all those home owners got the message there empty houses will get trashed and stopped banking them.
I bet if P cooks were breaking into empty landbanked houses cooking up and wrecking them, landbanking would disappear real fkn fast wouldn’t it?
and where there’s an opportunity it’ll happen I wouldn’t be surprised if they are not thinking it now with the amount of empty homes having now been publically shared.
So you break into a house, which is probably got cameras or is security monitored and cook up P.
You’d have to be one dumbest Mofo of all time to do that.
Yeah but if you went off on the squatting buzz the local cops would do you for burglary…….they’d protect the interests of the wealthy. It’s always been that way. Cops look after the interests of the wealthy. Cops serve the rich. And smash over the poor. As do judges. While prattling on about their love of justice. No. I see it every day. Been seeing it for 40 years. Judges look after their own three hundy a year. And their sense of superiority. It’s only when you get quite old like me that you actually see what’s been in front of your face for decades. Fuk’n sick ! And no respect for them. And they wonder why more perspicacious people than me very early on say “Fuck You !”
http://nypost.com/2016/06/09/science-says-liberal-beliefs-are-linked-to-pyschotic-traits/
So Science finally realises that the Left are the problem.
If you believe that you will believe anything 🙂
I take it you have not read the retraction. Anyone who quotes the old and now debunked version claiming psychopathy is a feature of conservatives is wrong.
The old version was widely disseminated on this blog and assumed to be true.
I am simply pointing out that they now acknowledge that they got it completely reversed.
I believe the correct phrase to use is: The science is settled 🙂
lol
Nah.
We just have to figure out another reason why people support a government that’s happy with kids living in cars.
Here you go:
http://41.media.tumblr.com/48feddbb8b0e6ee9c5d2cca6eeee5f94/tumblr_mywejlIefq1t5l954o1_500.jpg
NZ is a country full of Vulcans
Yeah, nah.
A new coffee machine from Farmers’ isn’t a need. Shelter is.
Nice. I see your pun and raise you a:
Great images.
I made a pun?
You weren’t?
lol nope.
Huh…ah well still a good song though
not intentionally anyway
More like Farengi. But without the entrepreneurship.
But it was pretty funny while it lasted.
Great article in the NY Post …..Along side these gems…..
“Professor who donates sperm in city bathrooms has sired 22 kids.”
and
“I quit my job to breastfeed my boyfriend every two hours.”
Good to read a serious and authentic ‘newspaper’. (sarc)
Well then, can you explain why it’s National and act that are putting in place psychotic policies and the Left that are against them?
Act is derived from Labour and National has been infiltrated by rampant lefties, hence why Nationals not removing WFF or interest free student loans…damn clever of the lefties I have to admit 🙂
I give you a complete list of National’s policies in every portfolio.
Care to point out any policy therein that is psychotic.
On the contrary it is self evident that progress is being made across all portfolios. NZ is now obviously a far better place than in 2008. Our economy is growing, Wages are far ahead of inflation, record numbers are employed.
https://national.org.nz/plan/our-policies
2008 was the bottom of a world wide recession.
Imagine the shit we would be in if National had been the Government for the previous nine years. Tax cuts and borrowing.
Median wages are down. Living standards for most are down. Quoting an average wage pushed up by 100k rises at the top end, while the rest are dropping, is a favourite right wing fudge.
Also failing to mention that 1 hour a week, and zero hour McJobs, are now counted as employed.
Okay KJT, here are Median (not Mean as you mention above) incomes over the Labour years and over the National including increases in real terms: http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-08062016/#comment-1185466
No fudging necessary.
Not sure what psychotic is or means but record numbers merely reflects the return of hard working kiwis who believe NZ is not as bad as where they were.
Like Coleman trying to defend the neglect of the health service by quoting the increase in dollars allocated since 2008 which like most government pronouncements ignores true inflation, not the artificial cherry picking COI, and immigration increasing the need.
For some, things are obviously better ,but not for those at the bottom of the heap not seeing their investment in property rising but having to live on the streets etc.
No mate – they’re leaving Oz because that fuckwit Turnbull is doing the same damage there Key has already done to NZ, so the job market is collapsing – and they have no rights to social welfare in Oz. Second class citizens cos our weak government wouldn’t protect our traditional equality there.
Every single bloody one of them.
Attacking beneficiaries
Selling state assets
Subsidies to big business while undermining small business
And the list goes on and on and on.
If what you’re after is increasing poverty and more and more failure by government then progress is certainly being made.
Of course, the only people who want that happens to be psychotics but it does happen to be what National are achieving.
Once we remove the housing bubble and the spurt of economic activity caused by the Christchurch quakes we’ll find that the economy has been going backwards since 2008. The only people getting wages rises are in the top 20%. Everyone else is either stagnant or going backwards. Record numbers of people employed in part time jobs is a sign of desperation.
All the indicators we have show that the economy and our society is going backwards.
Not quite correct DTB. The only ones getting pay rises are the top ) 0 .5% of wage earners, (17% pay rises) and Union members (2.5%).
Though you could argue that the Institute of Directors and the Managers old boy Club/association, are Unions.
Perfectly correct that any economic gains under National have been due to an Earthquake and speculation.
More wealth leaves the country now, to bankers and finance, than all our export earnings.
Wage increases are Nationals propaganda statistical fiction, most workers are lucky to get inflationary rises, a few might be lucky to get over 3% a very very few.
Tourism industry is having a boom, yet according to Seek, its wage increases are only 0.6%.
Its a recession time after winter.
Fisiani is here again, you must love skating the thin line of getting banned.
Cause your here again.
I love Fizzer.
Excellent satire, as always!
I met a Texan while sailing in the Bay of Islands recently. Perfect stereotype of a Gun-tot-ng, kill the rag heads, return the Mexicans, Southerner.
Reminded me of Fizzer.
Don’t let anyone ever accuse you of using the comments thread to cyberbully…
LOL.
I guess this just shows that these particular researchers have demonstrated that they have a sever lack of ability to interpret their data. Any conclusions, past or present, that they have come up with should be taken with a grain of salt.
I can see why more conservative people would want to gloat over it though. I know I would if the shoe was on the other foot.
The science is settled 🙂
Felix Marwick: Govt’s use of Crown cars during Northland by-election unethical
It’s psychotic actions like this that really piss people off.
No, you see Labour did it, so now it’s ok, apparently.
/sarc
Also on the grand scale of shit this governments been up to, this is a mere spec on the display screen to brush aside, so we can get a better view of the real snidey stuff they get up too.
Did you just write an apologist piece for the misadventures in USA foreign policy?
And you painted a social democrat as a extremist.
I think you crossed some line advantage, not sure what that line is – but I think you crossed it.
[lprent: You certainly did. Moved to OpenMike as being off topic. ]
Thought you moisties would just love that little Sanders tweak. 😉
You just keep moving to the right, you natural home is so national.
Wow on the sexism – I thought you clinton supporter opposed that sort of thing. Must have had you all wrong.
[lprent: Ok, now I am moderating.
Off topic. Moved to OpenMike. Banned for a week for being off topic, and attacking an author rather than their argument. You have been doing way too much of it.
Next time I see you do a irrelevant diversion or a attack on an author without a argument about their argumenmt, you will get a three month ban. I’m getting tired of that again. ]
Or using the razor, possibly you aren’t that nuanced or clear on how international politics has operated over recent centuries and how it now operates.
Certainly your comment didn’t show any obvious familiarity with the topic, instead preferring to deal with a trivial aspect of it without even defining scarcity were talking about.
Ad’s contribution was interesting. Your one demonstrated stupidity and the pig ignorance I’d expect at whaleoil.
Good thing I was not in moderating mode when I read it..
Btw: in my opinion, it’d be a close race between Trump and Sanders about who is the most ignorant about international politics. Having just one Woodrow Wilson in a century is more than enough.
https://youtu.be/qMcYKbaEbt8
“It was a terrible, turmultous time for us. We were being supeanared by the US goverment. We didn’t have confidentiality agreements with our employers because we were government employees…”
Interesting BBC Radio Hardtalk episode (25 min) with Prof Peter Singer (philosopher).
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03xdkqs
Talks (amongst many other things) about utilitarianism and equality, but is a realist and acknowledges that such idealism does not lead to redistribution across society.
Where to start with this sycophantic clap trap?
I live in the US.
I voted for Obama twice.
More fool me!
He has not done one thing I wanted when I voted for him.
He has surely been Bush II.
Lets start with……”That would be a legacy and role for the U.S. as useful for the world as Obama’s has been in domestic policy.”
What has been Obama’s legacy and role in domestic politics?
Lets start there…..
I’m waiting with baited(!) breath.
[lprent: Moving your topic to OpenMike. I suggest that you read the last section of our about.
I’d suggest that you don’t demand that people talk on YOUR topic again outside of OpenMike. Authors set the debate. We then allow a wide latitude once debate starts, but it must start on the topic that the author addressed. The next time I see you deliberately try to divert a post, you will also get a holiday long enough to allow you to make your own outlet for your thoughts, and time to find out why simple minded ranting for a fool doesn’t gain an audience. ]
This was a post about US foreign policy.
Do your own one on US domestic policy.
I thought I was going mad – or a sudden case of dementia.
On several overnight RNZ National hourly news bulletins and also on the first part of Morning Report, it was reported that Cameron Slater – and Carrick Graham – are being sued by three health researchers for defamation in relation to posts on WO. Then it went quiet with no further mentions.
I tried to find items on the RNZ website and via Google on this earlier this morning without success. RNZ now has an item up on the website proving that I am not going mad etc.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/306338/health-researchers-sue-whale-oil
As it is reasonably short, here is the article in full (minus photo of CS).
Three public health researchers have filed defamation proceedings against the Whale Oil blogger Cameron Slater and the tobacco industry lobbyist Carrick Graham.
The proceedings were filed in the High Court in Auckland by Professor Doug Sellman from the University of Otago, Professor Boyd Swinburn from the University of Auckland and Shane Bradbrook, and relate to a series of blog posts and comments published on the Whale Oil website.
Mr Slater and his site, as well as Mr Graham, were featured in a book by the investigative journalist Nicky Hager, Dirty Politics. [Photo of CS removed.]
The book revealed Mr Graham was involved in the articles targetting the applicants.
The case focuses on articles with a negative focus on public health experts and advocates, which the three applicants claim is still going on.
Another case to keep CS occupied … [Edit – this issue is now being picked up by other media, eg Stuff etc.]
This afternoon a case management conference is also being held in the Auckland High Court before Judge Asher re the ongoing case between Slater and Matthew Blomfield, with each of them representing themselves. https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/business/calendar/daily-lists/2Tue14062016.pdf
A couple of weeks ago, Slater dropped his appeal against an earlier decision by Judge Asher in relation to this defamation case against Slater, so it will be interesting to see the outcome of today’s conference, although it may not be made public.
http://www.defamationupdate.co.nz/sites/all/pdf/2014/Slater-v-Blomfield-2014-NZHC-2221.pdf
Good. I’ve missed the slater…Chardonnay & schadenfreude sandwiches all round.
well spotted veutoviper ……
Nationals Dirty Politics attacks on health professionals ( and some police officers ), took place when the Nat Government was intent on ignoring this …….”Women, children and young adults experience more harm from others drinking” … and
“It is evident that the burden of alcohol-related injuries and violence falls disproportionately on some population groups, for example those living in more deprived neighbourhoods, Māori, Pacific peoples, children and young people.” …and
“It is clear that alcohol use in New Zealand is contributing to increased inequalities ”
These Alcohol facts…. and another one hundred and one just like them were ignored by the nats in The New Zealand Law Commission report on New Zealand alcohol abuse:
http://www.ahw.org.nz/resources/Briefing%20papers/2012/Policy%20Briefing%20Paper%20Alcohol%20Injuries%20and%20Violence%20final%20draft%2012.11.12.pdf
and they also ignored the serious but simple recommendations to lower alcohol abuse contained in the report…..
Now we are at the point in time in New Zealand where 50% of police work is domestic and family violence ………. much of it associated with alcohol.
Key, Collins, Bennett, Tolley and that cow Adams all voted for pro-booze profits legislation.
Adams is still fighting against advertising restrictions …….
How much needless extra domestic violence and child abuse have the Nats been responsible for ??? .
A couple of Sercos worth ?.
Even the Law Commission’s corrupted. It’s membership includes the pungently flatulent and spittle-ent ‘Wayne’ of some time TS fame. Whose wife got ‘appointed’ to the District Court bench a few years ago……..ha ha ha.
Merit-Ocracy ?
No. Old-Boy-Ocracy !
http://www.roymorgan.com/morganpoll
OK so it’s one poll, of course, but Australia is Labour’s for the taking …. if …..
Voting intention:
Australian Labor 32.5%
Liberal-National 37.5%
Greens 13%
Independents 17%
Two-Party Preferred:
Australian Labor 51%
Liberal-National 49%
This is tight. But a win would be a great signal for us here.
a poll of one Melbournian has both parties equally disdained and is causing paralysis….
“Three top health professionals have lodged a defamation claim against blogger Cameron Slater and PR consultant Carrick Graham alleging a long running campaign against them on the Whale Oil website. ”
Has this already been noted?
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/81040297/blogger-cameron-slater-faces-defamation-action-from-health-researchers
“Has this already been noted?”
Yep,
by veutoviper at 13. Intriguing news. It sounds like the three academics have had enough of the continual slander and misrepresentation directed at them by whaleblah.
I was always thought it was extremely arrogant or incredibly stupid, not sure which one, for whaleblah to continue with his attacks after Dirty Politics was published.
Oops. Thanks Rosie. Surely you don’t think Cameron is stupid? Perhaps he has been promised protection from some elevated person. Ha!
I’ve got to say I thought I was hearing things when I heard it on RNZ this arvo.
Rancid lamp oil stupid? Nooooooooo, never. ……. 😀
Good for them. About time more people started standing up and doing something about Dirty Politics.
Lolz Graham thinking cupcakes.
Give ’em enough rope… 🙂
The losing campaign managers for Bush, Rubio, and Cruz walk into a bar, and dish it out on losing, on Trump, and on Hilary:
http://highline.huffingtonpost.com/articles/en/sad/
You have to be a bit of a political nerd for this interview, but it’s honest and straight about The Game.
Can anyone tell me what the Greens’ twitter logo is about?
https://twitter.com/NZGreens
Goodness, it looks like one of those little ghosts in a video game. Someone who actually played those games might know. Not quite an 80’s pacman ghost, maybe something more up to date.
http://dotageeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Pacman-Ghost-5.jpg
If Stephanie is around she may be able to advise.
Off topic but I found this doco quite an education.
I was thinking braille, Casper the ghost, superimposed over a forest, which would be strange. Must be some young ‘un thing 😉
Its the snapchat ghost
A ghost, pictured from behind, about to give someone a friendly hug
http://thenextweb.com/apps/2015/05/04/you-can-now-download-your-snapchat-qr-code-to-customize-it/#gref
ta. So if had a Snapchat account and I used the QR app on my phone I could add the GP as a friend by pointing my phone at one of their tweets?
yup, here’s the how to
https://support.snapchat.com/en-US/a/add-nearby
Oh dear, well this makes me feel shamefully far behind. Good grief.
Thanks for being alert to the techno joe90.
[You’re currently banned. You’re welcome back next Tuesday. TRP]
Prepare for the bold font.
Hey, at least I didn’t extend the ban 😉
You have a legitimate grievance and I’m sure many on here support you like I do.
Probably the best thing to do is when you come back, do not comment on TRP’s posts or any guest posts (as TRP probably has moderator control over those too). That should improve your chances of not getting banned from the Standard. Such is life.
‘Our Daily Brexit: ‘UK leaving EU could spell end of Western political civilisation’, EC chief’
https://www.rt.com/uk/346523-brexit-tusk-civilisation-orlando/
…”Deutsche Bank predicts the British stock market could actually benefit from Brexit, as a drop in the value of the pound would give a boost to UK exports.
Although the bank forecasts a 5 percent fall in the FTSE100, this dip will still be outperforming the German DAX which will fall as much as 10 percent in the event of Brexit…
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11656425
What a fucking joke ! Two million shitty bucks ?
Let’s not forget that at an earlier stage Teina Pora while out on licence had forbidden contact with a mate whom he’d met in prison…….who was probably a soul who helped Teina to preserve his sanity. Stopped him from topping himself.
And then all the authorities, Parole Board et al, were clutching their fucking pearls because apparently Teina out on licence after 21 years had hooked up with some woman. Oh how fucking gross of that boy !!!!!
You’re still treating Teina like a piece of shit you bastards. Ten, twenty million bucks wouldn’t be enough !
And what of Super Detective Steve Rutherford ? Who DID IT to Teina. Living happily (not if he has a conscience) in retirement in Ohope or somewhere. On a goodish pension which probably exceeds 100 grand a year.
I well remember seeing him in the public area of the Papakura District Court easily a couple of decades ago. Young greenhorn cops approaching him in utter supplication, genuflecting. And Rutherford accepted the adoration with a smug, self-satisfied smile. How many other people’s lives did this ‘Super-Cop’ destroy ?
This beast who destroyed Teina’s life…….because the vanity of ‘Super-Cop’ over-rode all……even justice. A curse on you Steve Rutherford, ‘Super-Cop’. There’s much more than two mill’ allocated to you from when you did this to Teina and in the years ahead. Hope you feel ashamed man. Doubt it. You’re an unrepentant bastard. Shit karma to you man.
Makes you wonder how many others were “fitted up” that we do not know about.
I suspect Scott Watson is one….the water taxi driver said he did NOT deliver the victims to Watson’s boat, but to another…his evidence was ignored
David Bain would be another….travesty of justice….his sister’s pimp mysteriously disappeared to Australia for the court case …also disappeared or destroyed was her notebook with her clients
Wondered about Watson when part of the evidence was that he was cleaning up the cassette tapes in his boat after a trip. This was considered suspicious?
I read that when I was wiping down all my boat electrics etc after a long trip. As you do.