Open mike 15/11/2023

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, November 15th, 2023 - 58 comments
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58 comments on “Open mike 15/11/2023 ”

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  1. gsays 1
    15 November 2023 at 6:45 am

    As a reprieve from the nogotiations and the horrors in Gaza.

    From Together – the digital campaigning arm of the New Zealand union movement, an outline and a petition request for the Auckland Mayor and councilors.

    https://www.together.org.nz/don_t_privatise_the_ports_of_auckland

    • Tiger Mountain 1.1
      15 November 2023 at 7:21 am

      Wayne Brown can be defeated, and like so many issues it just takes some people power and organisation. In the late 90s businessmen including Mr Brown in the Far North, proposed a sizeable Marina for picturesque Mangonui Harbour. It was inappropriate for a number of reasons that I don’t need to go into here.

      The upshot was a public campaign of colourful banners, talking, signing, media campaigning, exploring legal avenues–and the proposers grumpily pulled their heads in. A small Marina in nearby Whangaroa Harbour was undersubscribed and soon turned into a rusting eyesore.

      When “Brownie” became FNDC Mayor in the 00s he raised it again, at a slightly different location–near his new apartment development–and was soundly put down for a second time.

      Make Bruce Jesson proud and sign the Together petition, not everything is for sale!

      • gsays 1.1.1
        15 November 2023 at 10:35 am

        Chur TM, that's the spirit.

        You are right about the power in acting collectively and achieving.

        A sadly all too infrequent occurrence nowadays.

  2. observer 2
    15 November 2023 at 7:00 am

    If you think we got problems … check out the Tory meltdown in the UK.

    The following is not an attack by the opposition. These are the words of the (ex) Home Secretary to the PM who has just sacked her:

    "Despite you having been rejected by a majority of party members during the summer leadership contest and thus having no personal mandate to be prime minister, I agreed to support you because of the firm assurances you gave me on key policy priorities.

    You have manifestly and repeatedly failed to deliver on every single one of these key policies. Either your distinctive style of government means you are incapable of doing so. Or, as I must surely conclude now, you never had any intention of keeping your promises."

    "Your response has been uncertain, weak, and lacking in the qualities of leadership that this country needs …"

    And so it goes on. New Zealand politicians are cuddly BFFs by comparison.

    ‘A betrayal of our agreement’: Suella Braverman’s letter to Rishi Sunak in full | Suella Braverman | The Guardian

    • Bearded Git 2.1
      15 November 2023 at 8:06 am

      The current mob of Conservatives are so bad that this may actually threaten the survival of the party.

      Normally the vote splitting between Labour and the Libdems helps the Cons to win electoral seats under the UK's terrible FPP system. But at the next election it is feasible that the Cons will poll so badly in each electorate that tactical voting will enable either Labour or the Libdems (and the SNP) to win almost all of the seats.

      Get the popcorn out in a years time.

      The only problem here is that Starmer, who is proving to be a wanker, will almost certainly be PM.

      https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/nov/14/starmer-under-pressure-to-back-labour-amendment-on-gaza-ceasefire

      • bwaghorn 2.1.1
        15 November 2023 at 9:39 am

        As a middle aged white cis male I'm enjoying it a little bit to much watching old blighty being run by nasty /hopless people of colour, maybe we ain't the only baddies on the planet 😉

      • Mike the Lefty 2.1.2
        15 November 2023 at 12:08 pm

        Modern UK seems to have comfortably taken the position that the Tories are the natural party of government and Labour are elected only when the country has had an absolute gutsfull of them, such as happened in 1997 when the Labour leader was Tony Blair. Labour recently won a by-election in Mid Bedfordshire, which they had never held before and had been Conservative since 1918.

        • Corey 2.1.2.1
          16 November 2023 at 2:39 pm

          To be fair that's pretty much true every of every Labour party including pre MMP NZLP. Labour parties only get elected when capitalism fails.

          Blair is the only UK Labour pm in history to serve two full terms and while it's been 26 years since he was elected, you have to go back 50 years to see a pre Blair pm be elected.

          Nuts.

          Other than Hawke/Keating Aussie labor usually gets one term and is chucked into opposition for a decade or two, if they are lucky they get a second term but they fall apart mid way.

          Prior to MMP NZLP was exactly the same, other than the initial govt, Labour would win a term then be in opposition for a decade or more until labour stopped being a Labour party in 84 and won a second term for the first time in 50 years.

          Nowadays that to MMP NZLP is able to be somewhat competitive, but even then it's only one the popular vote twice in 20 years.

          It's weird because the centre left in Canada is basically perpetually in government and the democrats are in office 50% of the time

    • tc 2.2
      15 November 2023 at 10:45 am

      Revisit that comment in a year. IMO they're all cut from the same cloth and the gloves haven't come off here yet.

      Once they do I reckon it'll make Keys tenure look benevolent by comparison.

    • weka 2.4
      15 November 2023 at 11:50 am

      And so it goes on. New Zealand politicians are cuddly BFFs by comparison.

      Pretty sure Peters knows how to get the jandal out when he needs to.

      Why did Braverman get fired?

      • Belladonna 2.4.1
        15 November 2023 at 12:08 pm

        She lost her job following days of a political firestorm sparked when she wrote an article for the Times newspaper, accusing the police of applying a "double standard", by taking a tougher stance with right-wing demonstrations.

        It later emerged Mrs Braverman had defied a Downing Street request to tone the article down.

        Labour, the Liberal Democrats and some Tory MPs had called for Mrs Braverman to be sacked.

        Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said Mrs Braverman's actions were "highly irresponsible" and inflamed tensions, making the job of the police harder.

        https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-67401753

        Of course, we don't know what was really going on in Sunak's mind. But Braverman refusing to follow the party line, when specifically asked to tone down inflammatory comments – must be high on the list. Of course, Braverman being a standard-bearer for the right wing of the Conservatives – will also be a factor. Politicians rarely do anything for a single reason…..

      • tc 2.4.2
        15 November 2023 at 12:53 pm

        The guardian line summed it up for me being she took the dog whistle and swapped it for a loudhailer.

  3. Tiger Mountain 3
    15 November 2023 at 7:32 am

    Back to the Gaza horrors–ban Israeli products from your homes and business activities, support BDS, call for trade bans and cut diplomatic relations.

    A small rally was run last week in Kaitaia outside the local supermarket in sync with other centres around the country and it was 99% support from shoppers and motorists.

    Butchers like the IDF that can turn off baby incubators!! deserve the strongest sanctions available to civilised humanity. Before any of the usual suspects start, I do not support Hamas due to the religious and undemocratic elements of their operations. But what can Palestinians do? There is a land and sea blockade of their shameful prision. The international community and mainly US Imperialism have bought about the rise of Hamas by funding the Israeli Military and state and not respecting the hundreds of UN resolutions.

    Hit the Israelis where it hurts–economically and culturally.

    • Bearded Git 3.1
      15 November 2023 at 8:11 am

      Unfortunately my Israeli-made Sodastream is fundamental to my existence. If it claps out I think there is another brand out there that makes fizzy drinks that I will buy instead.

      Does anyone have a list of any other Israeli-made products that should be avoided?

      • Belladonna 3.1.1
        15 November 2023 at 8:58 am

        There seems to be a high-level list here – very little of which would be purchasable individually.

        https://tradingeconomics.com/new-zealand/imports/israel

        The totals don't seem to be high.

        I suspect that at a supermarket level, it's going to be things like dates and pomegranate molasses – i.e. specialist purchases, rather than everyday essentials.

      • Tiger Mountain 3.1.2
        15 November 2023 at 10:01 am

        Ditto, it has long been a problem for those that like fizz but not the IDF!, there is this one now…
        https://ohbubbles.co.nz

        • Bearded Git 3.1.2.1
          15 November 2023 at 10:14 am

          Thanks Tiger….and Bella above.

          Having said that, the Oh Bubbles marketing could come straight from the IDF’s propaganda machine:

          “This bottle is not just an addition to your kitchen; it’s an embodiment of your commitment to crafting, savoring, and preserving the joy of bubbles. Bubbles for Life opens the door to endless possibilities, where flavors intertwine with sustainability.”

          • Tiger Mountain 3.1.2.1.1
            15 November 2023 at 12:43 pm

            Your comment re the marketing blurb was a genuine LOL from me…

            And by the way…some of the online slang sites are saying that there is a newish ‘lol’ alternative–IJBOL–meaning “I Just Burst Out Laughing.”

            What ’ev…

  4. SPC 4
    15 November 2023 at 8:08 am

    The investor class are back in the housing market.

    Riding population demand to go even higher under NACT's worker migrant and foreign student policy.

    Reduced incentive to build new supply with the restoration of mortgage deduction against rent income being restored for existing property.

    Thus rents will increase and so will house prices.

    And their tenants will have less rights under a NACT regime.

    So FOMO is back.

    Those first home buyers who can buy will note, mortgage cost has peaked and rents will continue to rise.

    https://www.oneroof.co.nz/news/tony-alexander-why-kiwis-shouldnt-bet-against-a-rapid-rise-in-house-prices-44639

    ADVICE

    For those who will be renting awhile yet, two couples buying a 2 double bedroom flat/apartment is an option and for those starting a family – there is the option of two couples buying a three bedroom house (and having two children share a bedroom)(then with second children – one couple moves to a sleepout).

  5. SPC 5
    15 November 2023 at 8:20 am

    Australasian wins New Zealand bird of the century contest.

    From the bat (not a bird) to the superbird (not a kiwi), popularised by John Oliver

    (John Oliver is an English import to the Last Week Tonight show only seen for half an hour once a week – where he preens himself live).

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-11379407/Elle-Macpherson-58-transforms-gothic-queen-ball-Transylvania.html

    • Belladonna 5.1
      15 November 2023 at 8:59 am

      I think your link is not what you intended (unless the connection is to 'meta' for me to comprehend)

      • SPC 5.1.1
        15 November 2023 at 9:08 am

        Oh, so an Australian superbird attending a vampire ball in Transylvania getting "celebrity" publicity in the UK Daily Mail is not related to some hack import in American exploiting us down under for his own media celebrity publicity …

        • Belladonna 5.1.1.1
          15 November 2023 at 9:09 am

          OK – definitely to 'meta' for me to comprehend.

          • SPC 5.1.1.1.1
            15 November 2023 at 9:15 am

            It's too meta, as in too sophisticated.

            Otherwise, so meta. So transcending.

            Playing dumb, only understanding the obvious – raw data, simplistic meaning.

            Playing the explaining is losing tactic, until this is exposed for what it is.

          • Barfly 5.1.1.1.2
            15 November 2023 at 9:30 am

            Frankly while it's sstaggering for me to agree with Belladonna I have to say I would have to smoke a hella lot of weed to get that connection.
            Mind you cryptic crosswords are a mystery to me as well.

            • SPC 5.1.1.1.2.1
              15 November 2023 at 9:44 am

              Yeah sure, cryptic crosswords are for the crowd stoned on weed … whatever … .

              It only requires being informed about a topic to get the inferences about it. If everything is dumbed down to the level where everyone gets it, it all becomes a bit meh.

              There is concept in the area of film and other art of semiology – it relates to levels (and creation) of meaning. So the intellectual can also be entertained.

    • Adrian 5.2
      15 November 2023 at 9:54 am

      A lot of our birds have had their origin in Australia, the Puteketeke is one of them along with waxeyes, plovers, even the parakeet with its own support group, it fact shit loads of them, blame the wind. I’ve had first hand experience of a Puteketeke, which by the way is not an Aussie word, I attempted to rescue it off the road and got it home and can testify to its Australianess, its argumentative, prickly, agressive, a show off, loud and opinionated, in fact come to think of it, it would right in here at the Standard, oh and its an immigrant just like the rest of us here. Just thank Christ snakes can't fly.
      It survived btw, made a home in our reservoir found a mate, and raised a family the following year, all without a word of thanks. Bloody Australians.

  6. Belladonna 6
    15 November 2023 at 9:14 am

    Swinging rate rises predicted for Wellington.

    And I don't think this even factors in the increases needed to repair the ageing water infrastructure (pipes more than 100 years old). Which will be (based on the Auckland experience) hugely expensive and disruptive.

    https://www.thepost.co.nz/a/nz-news/350109260/wellington-warned-unprecedented-rates-rises?utm_source=+stuff_website&utm_medium=+stuff_referral&utm_campaign=mh_stuff&utm_id=mh_stuf

  7. Barfly 7
    15 November 2023 at 9:35 am

    Swinging Swingeing (apologies)

    • Belladonna 7.1
      15 November 2023 at 12:04 pm

      Thanks for the spelling correction. Missed this one….

      [NB: not /sarc/, really do appreciate people quietly fixing obvious errors]

  9. tsmithfield 9
    15 November 2023 at 12:27 pm

    I am thinking of putting a hundy on NZ to win the cricket tonight. They were paying $3.40 last time I looked.

    But, what the odds don't seem to take into account is the high impact of the toss on the outcome. They were talking about that on the news last night. Apparently at that ground the team batting first has averaged around 350 while the team batting second has averaged around 160. And the only team to win batting second in the pool stage was Australia against Afghanistan. And Australia was around 90 for 7 at one stage before Maxwell went mental.

    So, if it comes down to the toss, then there is basically a 50% chance to triple my money.

    • gsays 9.1
      15 November 2023 at 5:23 pm

      Good 'investment'.

      Our team had a few wobbles after a great start, team basically fully fit, a couple of players coming into form against a team that has pressure and expectation on it that dwarfs anything the ABs experience.

      Kohli is the key, get him early and hear the alarm bells ringing.

    • Spa 9.2
      15 November 2023 at 5:44 pm

      I think you will see the price change after the toss. If we win the toss we might come into 2:80 or 3:00 if we lose it then out to 4:00.

      Whoever wins the toss will have a better chance of winning the match but it doesn't make you a certain winner.

    • gsays 9.3
      16 November 2023 at 6:41 am

      Oh well, I was off the mark.

      Congratulations India, thoroughly deserved, well done Black Caps for making a competition of it till the last 8 or so overs.

  10. adam 10
    15 November 2023 at 1:51 pm

    Hearing about labour in the US. Which is a good thing, a slow rise of the interests of labour. Step by step.

    Then included in the below video the question that needs to be asked.

    How insane is the US senate. Republican Shrill front and center.

    At the 39th minute if you think you need any more proof the far right are scumbags.

  11. Mike the Lefty 11
    15 November 2023 at 4:07 pm

    Results of the other two electorate recounts are in.

    Helen White holds onto Mt Albert for Labour, majority now 20.

    Takutai Kemp confirmed winner for Te Pati Maori in Tamaki Makaurau, majority increased to 42.

  12. Craig H 12
    15 November 2023 at 4:12 pm

    https://www.districtcourts.govt.nz/all-judgments/re-an-application-for-a-recount-of-electorate-votes-in-the-maori-electorate-of-tamaki-makaurau-2023-nzdc-24875/

    https://www.districtcourts.govt.nz/all-judgments/re-an-application-by-melissa-lee-for-a-recount-of-electorate-votes-in-the-mt-albert-district-2023-nzdc-25093/

    Tamaki Makaurau and Mt Albert recounts are finished, no change in the outcomes. Takutai Tarsh Kemp's majority was increased by 38 votes to 42 and Helen White's majority was reduced by 2 votes to 18.

    Both had discrepancies in the counts, and there are some suggestions for future elections – particularly the statement that you get 2 votes seems to have caused some electors to cast 2 votes for the parties and candidates ie 4 votes in total. Hopefully the forms are updated to avoid that.

    • Mike the Lefty 12.1
      15 November 2023 at 4:25 pm

      I'm pretty sure that the instructions on the ballot paper say explicitly that you can only make one mark (vote) on each side of the ballot paper. Perhaps it is a literacy problem.

      • Craig H 12.1.1
        15 November 2023 at 11:41 pm

        The judge surmises it's the increase in numbers of voters with English not being their first language.

  13. newsense 13
    16 November 2023 at 1:23 am

    Everyone immediately spots the problem:

    Checkpoint also spoke to several Aucklanders for their views on the charge.

    Emily said it was "outrageous" because not everyone could choose when they started and finished work.

    "Firstly, we need more access to public transport and probably more affordability for that as well."

    Simon said he thought congestion charges only worked in cities with viable alternative transport options.

    "It seems pretty steep. I don't know what it is overseas but … if you're doing that everyday, with no other way to do it, then ($5) would be quite expensive."

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/502518/auckland-councillor-residents-industry-groups-against-congestion-charge