Open mike 14/09/2011

87 comments on “Open mike 14/09/2011 ”

• Comments are now closed

1. rosy 1

   14 September 2011 at 8:27 am

   So… what’s NZ’s position on voting for non-member state status at the UN if they don’t go to the Security Council for full recognition?

   The U.S has already said it will veto at the Security Council, but maybe the General Assembly is a different matter.

   The truth is that, by itself, a positive UN vote will not change the lives of too many Palestinians. But a negative response would be a disaster, boosting Israeli hardliners, weakening Palestinian peacemakers and choking the near-dead two-state solution.
2. William Joyce 2

   14 September 2011 at 8:30 am

   Topical image to send to friends and foes
3. John Dalley 3

   14 September 2011 at 8:45 am

   @WJ. LoL
4. marty mars 4

   14 September 2011 at 8:45 am

   It is worth noting that key, as prime minister of this country, at the opening of the RWC chose not to make any greeting or any attempt in te reo Māori. He deliberately decided not to

   “I could have of course, and for the most part I generally do, but I decided not to on that occasion.”

   http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/5614656/PM-I-could-have-said-kia-ora-I-didn-t

   So why not? At the biggest occasion this country has seen for a while, vacant key decided not to.

   I see a three way explanation

   1. he doesn’t give a shit
   2. nothing between his ears
   3. he was astucually making a point

   The point being – that tangata whenua should be happy to allow our culture to be used as window dressing for the grand illusion and when the dust has all settled it will be back to business, back to pretending to care about Mäori whilst dismantling everything Mäori care about.

   This, going around at the moment, sums it up

   “Miss half a game of rugby because a train breaks down: personal apology from John Key and compensation up for discussion.

   Have your doors kicked in, automatic rifles pointed at your kids, and four years of your life stolen because of police incompetence. Apology and compensation immediately ruled out.”

   http://mars2earth.blogspot.com/2011/09/that-tongue-is-forked.html
   • Pete George 4.1

     14 September 2011 at 9:33 am

     It was Key’s speech, he should say what he wants. I don’t think politicians must have a regulated quota of everything that should be included in every speech.

     I don’t mind other people using whatever languages they like in their speeches. I don’t mind people greeting me in the language of their choice. But like anyone else I should be able to use the language/s of my choice when I speak. So should Key.

     I’m comfortable with traditional Maori culture, sometimes I think it’s quite moving, but it can be overdone, and done too much, especially when some people deem it a necessity rather than a natural inclusion.
     • Bill 4.1.1

       14 September 2011 at 9:40 am

       It wasn’t Key’s speech. This wasn’t some private affair. It was a speech by the PM of NZ. And in that role, he doesn’t (or shouldn’t) get to just say ‘what he wants’. It’s all about appropriate deportment etc befitting of the occasion/situation.
       • Pete George 4.1.1.1

         14 September 2011 at 9:48 am

         His speech sounded befitting to me.

         And I thought there was more than adequate attention given to Maori culture in the opening ceremony – of Maori by Maori, seemed befitting too.
         • logie97 4.1.1.1.1

           14 September 2011 at 4:42 pm

           Jokey Hen deemed that he didn’t have enough time to include even a simple mihi.
           He did apparently have enough time to make the most important statement as far as he was concerned however. This most dignified of gentlemen – couldn’t acknowledge the head if the IRB next to him. That’s because he wasn’t talking to the world – he was talking to the louts in the ground and he gave it to them full on – “GO THE ALL BLACKS”.

           Just how many world leaders in an international forum like that would have finished their opening speech in such an undignified way… he appeared to be like some excited adolescent – yet to grow up.
         • Morrissey 4.1.1.1.2

           14 September 2011 at 11:18 pm

           His speech sounded befitting to me.

           Key was obviously intoxicated, and he boorishly refused to speak even one word of Te Reo. Yet you say that this is “befitting” conduct.

           I have seen several other people keel-haul you on this forum for your fatuous and ignorant views; your immediate endorsement of Key, no matter how loutishly he behaves, only serves to underline how smug and complacent you are.
           • Pete george 4.1.1.1.2.1

             15 September 2011 at 7:03 am

             Most boorishness I have seen related to Key is on this blog.

             Most of New Zealand seems to fit your category of “smug and complacent” with “fatuous and ignorant views”on Key. Keep bathing in bitterness if you like, but it’s likely to reman a paltry pool.
             • Morrissey …

               15 September 2011 at 8:19 am

               Most of New Zealand seems to fit your category of “smug and complacent” with “fatuous and ignorant views”on Key.

               You have merely reheated my post and bounced it back, sans thought. That’s quite sad, seeing you’re actually running for public office.

               I hope you treat public debates in Dunedin with a deal more seriousness and rigour than you have managed here.
               • Pete George …

                 15 September 2011 at 8:44 am

                 It shouldn’t be difficult, that will be with people prepared to debate.
                 • felix …

                   15 September 2011 at 8:57 am

                   Most of us are here to do just that, Anakin.

                   The problem is you behave as if this place is a soapbox for your thoughts to air untested, and as if anyone who disagrees with you has a nefarious motive.
                   • Pete George …

                     15 September 2011 at 9:03 am

                     Joke of the day. If anyone tests ideas soapboxed here they get incessantly niggled and accused of having nefarious motives.

                     I’ve never minded having my ideas tested, why do you think I keep coming here? It’s not to have conversations with you, you’re just a convenient prop.
                   • felix …

                     15 September 2011 at 9:07 am

                     Pete, you do have a motive you fool – you’re running for office!

                     Accordingly you get criticised for the quality of your ideas, and it’s your problem if and you can’t handle it.

                     I’ve demonstrated this many, many times but it’s straight down the memory hole with you as you move on to the next slogan of the day.
                   • Pete George …

                     15 September 2011 at 9:40 am

                     Yes felix, you’ve demonstarted how clever you are many many times.
                   • felix …

                     15 September 2011 at 10:14 am

                     Only in a relative sense Pete.

                     But this is typical of your level of engagement here: as soon as your ideas are criticised you cry foul and pretend it’s all about you personally.

                     Don’t you understand that people genuinely disagree with your ideas, Anakin?
                 • Morrissey …

                   15 September 2011 at 9:10 am

                   It shouldn’t be difficult, that will be with people prepared to debate.

                   You have the perfect forum to debate here. So far, you have failed to engage at all.

                   Robotically defending the emptiness of John Key is not “debate”.

                   Having said that, your evident eagerness to toe the party line will see you go a long way in national politics. Oh, sorry, I forgot—you’re in Benighted No Future….
     • marty mars 4.1.2

       14 September 2011 at 9:51 am

       the point is he DID say what he wanted – why is the question

       nice that you are comfortable – all sorted then

       Do you think MP’s have an obligation to actively understand Māori culture and values when they get elected to the House? As a potential voter I ask you, as a potential member of Parliment, to outline what you have done in this regard, please.
       • Pete George 4.1.2.1

         14 September 2011 at 10:04 am

         I have some understanding of Maori culture and values, enough for someone who is standing to represent people who are on general roll. I’ll leave most undertanding and representing of Maori interests to those who are standing on rolls where people with more of a Maori interest have chosen to vote.

         I don’t expect Pita Sharples or Hone Harawira to actively understand my culture and values either. New Zealand is multicultural, it would be nonsensical to expect all cultures to fully understand every other culture.
         • marty mars 4.1.2.1.1

           14 September 2011 at 10:10 am

           I’m pretty sure Pita and Hone understand the values of the dominant culture whether you expect them to or not.

           I am not sure what ‘some understanding’ means, can you give me an idea say around your understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi or any attempt made to learn te reo Māori for instance.
         • marty mars 4.1.2.1.2

           14 September 2011 at 10:20 am

           Can you confirm that it your Party’s policy to “leave most understanding and representing of Maori interests to those who are standing on rolls where people with more of a Maori interest have chosen to vote.”
           • Pete George 4.1.2.1.2.1

             14 September 2011 at 10:48 am

             I speak for myself here as usual, unless I make it clear I’m speaking for the party.

             Arts, Culture & Heritage

             As New Zealanders enjoy and recognise their cultural diversity; the celebration of those cultures, their histories and the arts associated with them has risen to be of great importance. UnitedFuture is committed to promoting an environment where the cultural identities of a diverse people are recognised and actively upheld.

             It is UnitedFuture’s position to:

             Recognise the special place of Maori and Pacific culture in New Zealand society.

             http://www.unitedfuture.org.nz/arts-culture-heritage/

             Treaty of Waitangi

             UnitedFuture recognises the Treaty of Waitangi as the founding document of New Zealand and believes it still has an important role to play. The Treaty provides the framework for a unique relationship between tangata whenua and the many other people of diverse cultures who make New Zealand their home.

             http://www.unitedfuture.org.nz/treaty-of-waitangi/

             Authorised by Hon Peter Dunne MP, leader UnitedFuture NZ, Parliament Buildings

             Maori culture is not something I see a need to put a lot of focus on in a general electorate in Dunedin. Neither will I pretend to be an expert on Auckland Public Transport, or Taranaki dairy farming. Other things are more important to most people here.

             I am focussing on violence and child abuse issues that do have a strong Maori connection. I work together with people Maori backgrounds that are capable of representing their cultural interests, and I contribute my own experience based on my own culture.
             • marty mars …

               14 September 2011 at 11:18 am

               “The Treaty provides the framework for a unique relationship between tangata whenua and the many other people of diverse cultures who make New Zealand their home.”

               Quite true, I’d suggest you mull over that policy a bit more because I can’t see Auckland Public Transport or Taranaki dairy farming in there and you obviously don’t understand what ‘unique relationship’ means. You really just don’t care – just like key – yet you are all tears and weeping when the negative effects of not caring come in. Effects have causes and effects have to be dealt with, no argument there, but I expect politicans to look at the causes too. What have you learned about the causes pete, from the interactions you have had with Māori, what have they told you?
               • Pete George …

                 14 September 2011 at 11:36 am

                 You really just don’t care

                 Nonsense, you’re jumping to conclusions because I won’t climb on board your Maori Correctness bandwagon.

                 What have you learned about the causes pete, from the interactions you have had with Māori, what have they told you?

                 I’m being told quite a bit, daily on forums I’m involved with. There are many complex causes. One contributing factor we are working on is a shared Maori and non-Maori culture of silence. We need to speak up about important things. We don’t need to be told what we should say in speeches.
                 • marty mars …

                   14 September 2011 at 3:31 pm

                   ‘Maori Correctness bandwagon’ I’m putting that up there with Pablo’s ‘doing a Mutu’.

                   play your politics but I wasn’t telling anyone to do anything – I asked the question – big difference – a lesson every budding politician should know. I still think you are delusional maybe deliberately, maybe not – for me I will vote for a different party than the one you represent but I do thank you for answering my questions.
                 • felix …

                   15 September 2011 at 9:03 am

                   Ooh, that is good.

                   Does the hairpiece know you’re throwing around terms like “Maori Correctness” Pete?

                   Are you a mole?
                 • Morrissey …

                   15 September 2011 at 9:16 am

                   One contributing factor we are working on is a shared Maori and non-Maori culture of silence.

                   Perhaps he’s talking about the silence of “Sir” Jerry (“Saw nothing, heard nothing, know nothing”) Mateparae.

                   He is a very silent Maori.

                   Though he may well have to speak at his war crimes trial.
     • felix 4.1.3

       14 September 2011 at 9:56 am

       In this role he’s supposed to speak for all of us, to the world.

       It seems to me that he was actually speaking to NZ voters, for himself.
       • Pete George 4.1.3.1

         14 September 2011 at 10:07 am

         How many languages do you think he should have used?
         • Draco T Bastard 4.1.3.1.1

           14 September 2011 at 10:18 am

           Just one – NZ lingua which just so happens to include Maori and English.
           • DavidW 4.1.3.1.1.1

             14 September 2011 at 11:41 am

             For the benefit of those whose analytical abilities stop at the first full stop, Signing is also an official language in NZ. (Part of the “NZ lingua” as it were). I don’t see the deaf or their apologists making a fuss that Key did not sign part of his delightfully short and appropriately adequate speech. Some of you need to get something useful to do instead of this predictably boring negativity that is blighting your demented souls.
             • freedom …

               14 September 2011 at 12:09 pm

               I did notice that the Sign Interpreter John Key has made wide and varied use of over his term in office was noticeably absent from RWC proceedings
         • Kevin Welsh 4.1.3.1.2

           14 September 2011 at 12:56 pm

           ANYTHING would be better than the usual gibberish he comes out with.
         • felix 4.1.3.1.3

           14 September 2011 at 1:29 pm

           “How many languages do you think he should have used?”

           Not really the point, Pete.

           The point is that he made a decision not to use any te reo. We’re just asking why, when speaking on behalf of NZ in an official capacity, he would consciously make such a decision.
           • Pete George 4.1.3.1.3.1

             14 September 2011 at 1:56 pm

             He probably consciously (and subconsciously) made many decisions on what to say and what not to say. What’s your point?

             Apart from a few MC nitpickers and someone who likes to try and score points based on what people don’t say I doubt anyone is worried about it.
             • felix …

               15 September 2011 at 8:32 am

               I told you what the point is – it wasn’t “his” speech, he was supposed to be representing New Zealand to the world. And he did so poorly.

               I realise you’re speaking on behalf of a party in Government so you can’t criticise Key publicly, but even a straight white conservative middle-aged middle-class man like yourself should be able to recognise that in his official capacity, the PM of NZ has a responsibility do do better than “Come in and grab a beer, we’re watching the footy!”.

               I see the self-serving populist politician in you coming to the fore too, Pete, in that last sentence. Only concerned with what you think others might be concerned with, and pouring scorn on anyone who disagrees.

               Oops. Thought you had a “new way of doing politics”.
               • Pete George …

                 15 September 2011 at 8:48 am

                 I can criticise Key publicly if I want to, I have before. I don’t see a need to here.

                 Your’e the master of pouring scorn, as you demonstrate again here.
                 • felix …

                   15 September 2011 at 9:01 am

                   If you’re going to assume the mantle of “the bigger person” then you really ought to address the points raised.

                   Otherwise it just looks like cynical posturing.
                   • Pete George …

                     15 September 2011 at 9:10 am

                     Don’t you read before jumping in with your daily dissing? I’ve addressed the points raised. I’ll repeat.

                     I don’t think Key should have to include in a short speech everything that might avoid annoying nitpicking critics that would never be happy. You’re a prime example, you diss what he says, and you diss what he doesn’t say. You come across as more than a bit dissperate.

                     I don’t think everything done by government, nor every speech made by anyone from government, should have to include Maori tokenism. Maori representatives are quite capable of speaking for and with their own culture. The opening ceremony included more than adequate levels of Maori culture.
                   • felix …

                     15 September 2011 at 9:15 am

                     I’m not asking for tokenism Pete.

                     Can you get your head around that?
                   • Pete George …

                     15 September 2011 at 11:07 am

                     But you are. Can’t you get your head around that?

                     it wasn’t “his” speech, he was supposed to be representing New Zealand to the world. And he did so poorly.

                     In your opinion. He didn’t say “hi” or “gidday” or “hey bro” either.

                     My guess is that no matter how many token phrases and how much token representation Key included in his speech you would have come up with something he didn’t say to grizzle about.
                   • marty mars …

                     15 September 2011 at 1:00 pm

                     “annoying nitpicking critics that would never be happy”

                     I’m assuming you are talking about me because you’ve mentioned it a few times – you are a ‘nit’ pete and I sure as hell enjoy picking you.

                     do you think Mäori have too many rights or something – that seems to be what you are implying, like “what are you moaning for there was plenty of Mäori stuff in there, you should be bloody happy” and why add the “hey bro” in there – what’s that about? Why don’t you say what you really think instead of the ‘token’ innuendo?
           • Ianupnorth 4.1.3.1.3.2

             14 September 2011 at 9:58 pm

             I’d go as far as saying about 19 – to represent the languages of the other countries (acknowledging that, for example, English could do NZ, four of the six nation teams, Canada, the US, Namibia; French could do Canada and France, etc….)
             Surely acknowledging each country in their own lingo would be too hard for a genius like Key?
             • felix …

               15 September 2011 at 8:34 am

               That would’ve been a wonderful gesture, Ian.

               Bit much to expect from someone who can’t manage a “kia ora” though.
       • Mac1 4.1.3.2

         14 September 2011 at 10:20 am

         I think you’re right, Felix. “Go the All Blacks” was directed at NZ voters.

         I also think that Key did not want to associate Brand Key with Maori culture- a form of dog whistle by omission. The people who would have ‘heard’ this message are the same as the bold heroes who attacked the kaihoe of the waka on the wharf.
         • felix 4.1.3.2.1

           14 September 2011 at 12:44 pm

           Precisely. Even Key admits it was a deliberate decision not to use any te reo in his speech.

           His moves are very calculated when it comes to knowing which audience he’s speaking to and what they want to hear. He made the decision not to use any te reo for a reason and I think it’s exactly the reason you describe.
           • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 4.1.3.2.1.1

             14 September 2011 at 1:02 pm

             A dog whistle by omission. WTF? Anything he says is a dog whistle. Anything he doesn’t say is also a dog whistle. Any wind expelled from his body is a dog whistle. As is any wind or liquid.
             • felix …

               14 September 2011 at 1:26 pm

               It’s not my fault that you don’t understand the terms used in this discussion Ole.
               • freedom …

                 14 September 2011 at 2:18 pm

                 * polite applause from the gallery *

                 (I am wondering if our old friend biscuithead is One Anonymous Bloke that invaded the Ten Years Later post with some serious wackiness, expressed a [faulty] familiarity with the respondants’ views and ideals, yet has nothing to say on any other issue at all, ever ! )
                 • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell …

                   14 September 2011 at 4:38 pm

                   Umm. No. Why would I have done that? Because I was worried it would make me unpopular or something?

                   And if 911 conspiracy has become received wisdom in your world and denial of it wackiness, you need to spend less time on the internet.
                   • freedom …

                     14 September 2011 at 4:56 pm

                     ‘And if 911 conspiracy has become received wisdom in your world and denial of it wackiness, you need to spend less time on the internet.”

                     Mr biscuit, please do not put words in my mouth
                     i can do that for myself, along with the odd foot as we have witnessed here 🙂
   • Vicky32 4.2

     14 September 2011 at 5:46 pm

     I see a three way explanation
     1. he doesn’t give a shit
     2. nothing between his ears
     3. he was astucually making a point

     Four. He hasn’t a clue where to begin!
5. joe90 5

   14 September 2011 at 10:09 am

   The Fracking Song: My Water’s On Fire Tonight
6. Adrian 6

   14 September 2011 at 10:43 am

   Thank God Key didn’t try to speak Te Reo, can you imagine how he would have sounded with being pissed as usual. Now we just have to win the ” Wib Illis Trobee “.
   • uke 6.1

     14 September 2011 at 6:10 pm

     Yeah, maybe some cannibalism joke would’ve accidentally slipped out, too.
   • Deadly_NZ 6.2

     15 September 2011 at 8:41 pm

     Naa my missus says he looks more stoned than pissed.
7. Dave 7

   14 September 2011 at 10:47 am

   So what I really want to know is what happend to the plastic waka the country was up in arms about. I havent seen anything on it I cant just whip down and have a look im in the south but it would be good to know what the story is were our money went.
   • sophie 7.1

     14 September 2011 at 12:13 pm

     I’ve been wondering that myself Dave.
     • Janice 7.1.1

       14 September 2011 at 12:41 pm

       Me too.
       • Chris 7.1.1.1

         14 September 2011 at 1:08 pm

         Pretty sure it was only ever going to be coming for the last few weeks of the world cup. So not meant to be around yet.
         • freedom 7.1.1.1.1

           14 September 2011 at 1:38 pm

           when first announced Chris it was to be a ‘flagship marriage of technology and culture’ situated on the Waterfront for all people to enjoy during the entire event. This got whittled back to a $120,000 a day dinner hall for some VIP’s. Certainly it has a very small stage where some performances will take place and it is going to have some trade hall display stands to show some NZ tourism posters and maybe a few photos of great moments in Corporate welfare. There are rumoured to be a few hours a day it will be open to the public BUT it is primarily a venue that has been made available to Corporate Clients for Corporate Entertainment.

           Not really worth it if you consider what $2 million dollars can buy if you purchase food for hungry families, or Adult Education classes, or paid for kids dental work, or maybe a few Army Corps Engineers. Or it could have funded a wider Te Reo Maori education strategy. No , when you add that $2 million to the other tens of millions we have spent, as the IRB reaps the real monies from TV rights etc, why bother considering the complex and troubled community of New Zealand. Let’s just give those fat wallets and wide waistlines another 18 nights of gorging and grandstanding.
           • freedom 7.1.1.1.1.1

             14 September 2011 at 2:08 pm

             p.s. does anyone know who recieves the income generated from this venture. It is bound to be substantial and as the Government paid for it don’t we get to know where the cash goes?
           • Deadly_NZ 7.1.1.1.1.2

             15 September 2011 at 10:55 pm

             Oh and when they are finished with it, it will be scrapped cos NO-ONE wants to pay for the storage..
8. joe90 8

   14 September 2011 at 11:04 am

   Slate: “Let Him Die”

   Wolf Blitzer put a terrific question to Rep. Ron Paul at last night’s CNN/Tea Party Express Republican debate in Tampa, Fla. What should happen, the moderator asked hypothetically, if a healthy 30-year-old man who can afford insurance chooses not to buy it—and then becomes catastrophically ill and needs intensive care for six months? When Dr. Paul ducked, fondly recalling the good old days before Medicare and saying that we should all take responsibility for ourselves, Blitzer pressed the point. “But, Congressman, are you saying the society should just let him die?” At that point, the rabble erupted in cheers and whoops of “Yeah!”
9. Herodotus 9

   14 September 2011 at 11:17 am

   Interesting bumper sticker I noticed ” Don’t blame me, I voted Labour” had a wee chuckle !!!
   • kriswgtn 9.1

     14 September 2011 at 4:49 pm

     O i want one 🙂
     • Anne 9.1.1

       14 September 2011 at 8:07 pm

       I think that’s a rehash of a rear window car sticker in… I think it was 1984. Labour should use it again. Very apt.
       • ak 9.1.1.1

         14 September 2011 at 9:45 pm

         1975
         • Anne 9.1.1.1.1

           15 September 2011 at 8:51 pm

           Did the Nats start it in 1975? “Don’t blame me, I voted National”. We were the govt. in 1975 so Labour’s version must have been later – maybe 1978 or 81? 1984 was a snap election so I was well out there.
   • mickysavage 9.2

     14 September 2011 at 9:02 pm

     Contact Paula Gillon, our Northcote candidate, if you want one.
     • Deadly_NZ 9.2.1

       15 September 2011 at 8:43 pm

       Poor Paula now she is going to be swamped with requests lol.
10. freedom 10

    14 September 2011 at 12:02 pm

    At a very recent International Hearing (that shall remain nameless 😉 ) when i joined the on-line panel on Day One my first words were ” Kia ora my name is… ”
    and lo’ the others recognised and identified me immediately as a New Zealander.
    Many even referred to me as Kiwi.

    Key was pissed, forgot the protocol that would have been carefully explained to him, held onto the lecturn like it was a tiller in a squall, called the Webb Ellis Cup a Trogty and forgot to introduce his guest.
    All in all not a New Zealand Prime Minister’s best day on a World stage.
    ——————-
    regarding the Plastic Waka (cannot find the link with the listed dates)
    RWC2011 finishes on October 23 and the Waka is installed for 18 (very expensive) days,
    so that makes installation of the Waka sometime before October 5
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/4852407/Govt-funding-of-plastic-waka-slammed
    • prism 10.1

      14 September 2011 at 12:25 pm

      Thanks for that freedom. Where in the world is the waka I wondered?
11. kriswgtn 11

    14 September 2011 at 4:48 pm

    Driving into Palmerston North I saw quite afew Nat billboard signs with

    Hapeta(tick)
    National (tick)

    blah blah

    Then

    “A brighter future”

    I dont think people can be so fuking dumb to believe this bullshit a second time

    but then………………………………………………………………..
    • The Voice of Reason 11.1

      14 September 2011 at 9:38 pm

      Saw some in central HB with ‘building a brighter future’. The implication being they’ve moved on from aspirational, they’re actually gonna do something this term. Nothing good, natch, but something.
    • Bill 11.2

      14 September 2011 at 9:46 pm

      In WINZ office today. “A Brighter Future” as a blaring footer to some poster or other that I wasn’t paying much attention to in the passing. But I did notice that not so quietly ironic footer
12. Kiwisimplexity 12

    14 September 2011 at 6:30 pm

    Microsoft comes up with something original?
    Mac is about to suck big time. Windows 8 is going to take over again.
    http://kiwi-linkwhore-simplexity.wordpress.com/2011/09/14/microsoft-comes-up-with-something-original/

    Police solve reckless driving with a coffee
    South Dunedin has turned into a haven for empty headed asocials with their tuned up skylines to break as many road rules as possible.
    http://kiwi-linkwhore-simplexity.wordpress.com/2011/09/14/police-solve-reckless-driving-with-a-coffee/

    Greece/Europe/World doomed
    There is no hope. No way to avoid it. Just close your eyes and get hit by the downward force of the world’s economy.
    http://kiwi-linkwhore-simplexity.wordpress.com/2011/09/14/greeceeuropeworld-doomed/

    Surprise! Gov’t money not spent correctly
    A shocker in The Press today. It seems that money reserved by the Government for a Maori and Pacific Islander family wellbeing plan is not really going to the people who it’s intended for.
    http://kiwi-linkwhore-simplexity.wordpress.com/2011/09/13/surprise-gov%E2%80%99t-money-not-spent-correctly/

    Blog: http://kiwi-linkwhore-simplexity.wordpress.com/

    [ You’re welcome to participate in discussion here, but not to advertise. Will let it through this time, not again. r0b]
13. Cassie 13

    14 September 2011 at 6:35 pm

    >It is worth noting that key, as prime minister of this country, at the opening of the RWC chose not to make any greeting or any attempt in te reo Māori.

    And outside NZ – the outside world the ceremony was meant to impress, as a showcase for the country – precisely no one noticed. Or realised it might be a deal in some way. Or gave a damn.
    • McFlock 13.1

      15 September 2011 at 12:45 pm

      “And outside NZ – the outside world the ceremony was meant to impress, as a showcase for the country – precisely no one noticed. Or realised it might be a deal in some way. Or gave a damn.”
       
      But that’s kind of the point – at the very least, even if including PC nonsense (as tories like to call it) wasn’t his cup of tea, as minister for tourism Key should be aware of our international brand, that which differentiates us from any other damned country. A lot of people wouldn’t really notice or care if the Shell or Coca Cola logos were used incorrectly or ommitted once or twice, but it harms brand cohesion. At a “showcase for the country”. This dickhead of a PM fails on so many levels it’s like a spectacular traffic accident.
14. freedom 14

    14 September 2011 at 6:45 pm

    I am sure he will be relaxed about it asa he does not talk about security issues
    meanwhile the local media has the current position of the SAS in Kabul
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10751784
15. Ianupnorth 15

    14 September 2011 at 10:21 pm

    OK, here’s a thought. After Bill English’s brother landed himself a nice contract at the Ministry of Health, tasked with getting rid of over 400 jobs comes this news
    http://www.rotoruadailypost.co.nz/news/end-of-successful-era-on-health-board-as-chief-goe/1101194/
     

    Lakes District Health Board chief executive Cathy Cooney has resigned after a decade at the helm.

    Mrs Cooney’s resignation takes effect from June 30 next year.

    Now, I know that CEO’s have to give long periods of notice, but nine months? The cynic in me suspects some people have been tipped off about changes that will happen in the next financial year. How long before Lakes DHB does a ‘Southland’ and gets merged with either BOP or Waikato? How long before Tairawhiti DHB becomes a part Hawkes Bay DHB? What about Wanganui as a part of Midcentral?
     
    My prediction – 12 DHB’s by the end of 2012.
    • Adele 15.1

      15 September 2011 at 12:18 am

      Ian,

      It could actually be less than that. Regionalisation is definitely a real possibility. In terms of Midlands a regional dhb would incorporate not just Lakes, BOPDHB, and Waikato but also Tairawhiti and Taranaki. In terms of Auckland, perhaps Auckland, Waitemata and South. Many PHOS have already coagulated into mass structures.

      Regionalisation isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as some back office functions merging would create efficiencies and probably save money – which then could be redirected towards the front-line.

      On the downside would be the impact on local communities, whereas before they had a relatively easy path to management, in a regional environment the path becomes a state highway with a series of toll gates to manoeuvre through. Also, there would be a loss of jobs, mainly back office and management.
16. Peter 16

    15 September 2011 at 4:49 am

    Clean renewable Energy Abounds in Canada

    http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Clean+renewable+energy+abounds+under+Canadians+feet+report/5399731/story.html

    No doubt it is the same in NZ but we will go “fracking” instead
    • freedom 16.1

      15 September 2011 at 12:31 pm

      Joe90 posted agreat fracking video above
      http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-14092011/#comment-374555
17. Jenny 17

    15 September 2011 at 5:51 am

    The “financialisaion” of food is good say Feds:

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/5626342/Opposing-views-on-the-price-of-milk-at-todays-special-inquiry

    At the government’s Special Inquiry into the affordability of milk, Guy Ritchie, the head of the right wing Farmers Federation defends the high price of milk by saying that it is a result of the “financialisation of the food industry” which in the context of his argument is something the Fed supports.

    Below are some selected quotes on the Feds submission to the inquiry:

    Ritchie will tell the committee that a complex range of global factors has resulted in the rapid increase of the price of milk and other foods, including the financialisation of the food industry and increasing domination of transnational companies in the production, processing, distribution, and retailing of food.

    A Federated Farmers spokesman said the farmer lobby group would defend its case that the domestic dairy markets in New Zealand were operating effectively under existing legislation.

    Federated Farmers will recommend the committee conclude Kiwis are not paying too much for milk relative to other countries.
    • Ianupnorth 17.1

      15 September 2011 at 10:21 am

      So that’s what he did after he divorced Madonna

• Comments are now closed

• Log in
• Donate
• Contribute post

• Articles RSS