Open mike 15/09/2015

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, September 15th, 2015 - 171 comments
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171 comments on “Open mike 15/09/2015 ”

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  1. Gangnam Style 1
    15 September 2015 at 6:22 am

    Audrey Young, the article is about the Australian coup, but instead its just a hype piece for Key & English & little Murray, should have an ‘advertorial’ warning. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11513094

  2. Ad 2
    15 September 2015 at 6:43 am

    A sheep and beef farmer on the Silver Farms takeover.

    Silver Fern Farms is our biggest sheep and beef exporter.
    It is seeking $100m to pay down debt. Farmers aren’t happy with them.
    Enter, a Bright Foods subsidiary, waving a cheque.

    John McCarthy, the immediate past President of the Meat Industry Excellence Group, sticks it to Bill English in the Otago Daily Times today:

    “…Chinese money, with government backing, has cost of capital around 1%. Maybe our Government, if it is serious about our sovereignty, our rural communities and family farm as a regional cornerstone should, in an attempt to level the playing field, provide farmers with an equivalent concessional rate. Similar perhaps to their investment in South Canterbury Finance.

    There is a sad irony this Government seems quite comfortable to promote deals with Saudi farmers to the tune of $11m, but it is disinclined to asset or even be involved on the home front.”

    Come on Bill, lift your finger and help.

    • Paul 2.1
      15 September 2015 at 7:05 am

      The cession of land to foreign ownership is nothing less than treason and economic sabotage.

    • b waghorn 2.2
      15 September 2015 at 7:42 am

      It would be the sort of thing the pension fund could be investing in could it not ?

    • Tautoko Mangō Mata 2.3
      15 September 2015 at 7:48 am

      $100 million- National Govt can give that much to an Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank but not to save our own land for our own people.

      “Finance Minister Bill English says New Zealand can play an honest-broker role in the planned Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank.
      Finance Minister Bill English says New Zealand can play an honest-broker role in the planned Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank. Photo / Jason Oxenham
      Finance Minister Bill English says New Zealand and Singapore have been at the forefront of negotiations with the Chinese Government over the governance of the proposed Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

      Former Treasury Secretary John Whitehead has been conducting the negotiations on New Zealand’s behalf, he said.

      “It’s one of these things where New Zealand and Singapore have a comparative advantage as internationally accepted honest brokers negotiating on behalf of a broader range of countries,” English told the Herald in his first interview on the bank.

      About 20 countries indicated initial interest in the bank last year, including New Zealand.

      When last Tuesday’s deadline passed to apply to become a founding member, 46 countries applied, including Australia and South Korea which had previously been sceptical.

      Others include Germany, France, Britain, Brazil, Russia, and Sweden.

      The United States, which opposed the bank, and Japan have not signed up.

      “Early on, Australia indicated it would not participate at a time when we did step up,” English said. “As it has become a more attractive option, the Australians have become interested again.

      “There are a number of other countries who think this now could be a genuine multilateral institution and therefore they see it could be a positive vehicle for investment in a region that is pretty critical to growth for most developed countries.”

      English said New Zealand did not want to see the bank completely controlled by the Chinese Government so began talks on governance.

      “We got involved early because we saw an opportunity to influence the way the organisation is set up,” he said. “We want to see a genuine multilateral organisation where there are influences alongside the Chinese Government.”

      He would not comment on the substance of the negotiations and exactly what the governance structure would look like.

      Prime Minister John Key last year indicated that New Zealand’s initial capital contribution could be about $100 million – part of an initial subscribed capital value of US$50 billion.”
      http://i.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/63300110/Bank-of-China-gets-NZ-registration

    • save NZ 2.4
      15 September 2015 at 7:59 am

      It is not just farms, it is businesses and residential property. Overseas buyers can borrow at 1% interest or less, Kiwis are measured at around 7% and paying 5% in case interest rates rise. It is not a level playing field out there for Kiwis against foreign nationals when it comes to buying (or borrowing) for property.

      Yet another major investment of NZ going into offshore control.

    • Kevin 2.5
      15 September 2015 at 8:31 am

      I think there will be some former Richmonds workers and shareholders having a wee smile to themselves this morning.

    • The Chairman 2.6
      15 September 2015 at 11:02 am

      @ Ad (2)

      BREAKING NEWS Silver Fern Farms signs 50/50 deal with Shanghai Maling

      http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/agribusiness/72053160/silver-fern-farms-in-5050-deal-with-shanghai-maling

      • The Chairman 2.6.1
        15 September 2015 at 11:37 am

        Meanwhile, Little is focused on throwing his support behind the Red Peak flag.

        http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/72052281/red-peak-andrew-littles-pick

        The way this country is going, we’ll have a Chinese flag soon.

      • Ad 2.6.2
        15 September 2015 at 1:24 pm

        That’s the one.

        I have only limited sympathy for the farmer shareholders in reality.
        They have had plenty of years to unify their farmer vote and merge with the other meat industry players in New Zealand.
        They have also elected farmer reps that have watched over the piling debt.
        They were also given the opportunity to raise capital to cover at least $100m.

        Silver Fern had already paid down $100m in debt over the last financial year.
        But it wasn’t enough.

        It reminds me strongly of Synlait three years ago.
        Here was a New Zealand startup milk producer, going hard against Fonterra in Canterbury.

        So they went to the public – particularly farmers – seeking capital to expand.
        Not a blip. Nada.

        The New Zealand public by and large kept their capital in housing, and farm equity.

        So the Chinese stepped in, get over half the company, and there’s no looking back.

        Be very interesting to see if the farmers really vote for this: if they shut it down they better have a decent alternative up their sleeves.

        • The Chairman 2.6.2.1
          15 September 2015 at 2:13 pm

          It’s not the farmers I feel for. It’s the loss of revenue and control, thus the impact it has on the economy.

        • b waghorn 2.6.2.2
          15 September 2015 at 3:53 pm

          It will be interesting to see if sff keeps processing animals in nz or if we’re going to see carcasses being shipped whole to China.

    • Chooky 2.7
      15 September 2015 at 10:43 pm

      +100 Ad

  3. One Anonymous Bloke 3
    15 September 2015 at 6:46 am

    Never miss a chance to smear The Daily Blog.

  4. Dialey 4
    15 September 2015 at 6:54 am

    Seems the Herald is having problems with accepting comments on the Young article. I tried with this “Just goes to show that Oz has replaced one idiot with another, if the best he is aspire to is emulate John Key – the master obfuscator, the Crosby Textor muppet, the pony tail fetishist, the man is seems to be incapable of telling the truth or even making a decision without the input of David Farrer’s focus groups.”

  5. Bill Drees 5
    15 September 2015 at 6:56 am

    David Shearer’s recent pronouncements on UK politics and in-depth interview on the Middle East with Dr Larry Williams are building blocks in his campaign to be the next General Secretary of the United Nations.

  6. Murray Simmonds 6
    15 September 2015 at 7:01 am

    Turnbull on Key:
    “New Zealand had a leader whose style should be emulated, Turnbull was saying. You have to be able to bring people with you by respecting their intelligence in the way you explain things. “Let me point to just one international leader – John Key, for example”

    Key had been able to achieve significant economic reforms by doing just that: “By explaining complex issues and then making the case for them.”

    Ho, ho ho, ho, ho, ho ho, ho,ho ho, ho, ho, ho ho, ho.

    The lies, the under-the-counter shuffling to avoid the truth becoming public, the abysmal lack of political and personal integrity . . . I could go on, but really the only answer to this example of political stupidity is : Ho, ho ho, ho, ho, ho ho, ho,ho ho, ho, ho, ho ho, ho.

    Look forward to a pretty short stint as PM before YOU are rolled, Malc!

  7. Karen 7
    15 September 2015 at 9:07 am

    This BBC interview with veteran MP Denis Skinner is brilliant! You need to keep watching until the very end – after the reporter does her summing up and then misrepresents Skinner’s position. If you are really short of time just go from 3:30 onwards.

    • weka 7.1
      15 September 2015 at 9:22 am

      Good on him! The whole thing is worth watching just to see someone with potitical memory going back to post-WW2.

      She was patronising and interesting to see she lies when confronted about her spin.

    • ianmac 7.2
      15 September 2015 at 9:36 am

      Wow. And she has the cheek to say that she was joking that Dennis would not accept a job from Jeremy. As Dennis called it she was spinning!

    • maui 7.4
      15 September 2015 at 10:47 am

      Brilliant, a perfect illustration of how those “trustworthy” media orgs aren’t actually telling people the truth at all. Of course it’s the same over here too,

      • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 7.4.1
        15 September 2015 at 5:25 pm

        There should be more people with duck’s arse haircuts in politics.

  8. Penny Bright 8
    15 September 2015 at 9:13 am

    FYI – I have speaking rights at today’s meeting of the Auckland Council Audit and Risk Committee, 10am Auckland Council ‘Tower’, 135 Albert St. Auckland City.
    _____________________________________________________________________________________

    Request for Speaking Rights under Public Forum at the upcoming meeting of the Auckland Council Audit and Risk Committee:

    Tuesday, 15 September 2015 10.00am Room 1, Level 26 135 Albert S

    Subject Matter will include:

    1) The Auckland Council Quality Assurance mechanisms which are in place to ensure that Auckland Council Rates Assessment Notices and Rates Invoices are checked for statutory compliance with sections 45 and 46 of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002, before they are sent out to Auckland citizens and ratepayers.

    45 Contents of rates assessment

    http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2002/0006/latest/DLM132294.html?search=ts_act_Local+Government+(Rating)+Act+2002_resel&p=1

    46 Rates invoice

    http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2002/0006/latest/DLM132297.html?search=ts_act_Local+Government+(Rating)+Act+2002_resel&p=1

    2) The Auckland Council Quality Assurance mechanisms which are in place to ensure that s.17 of the Public Records Act 2005, is complied with in a proper (LAWFUL) way, regarding Auckland Council and Auckland CCOs:

    a) Spending
    b) Investment
    c) Borrowing

    http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2005/0040/latest/DLM345729.html

    17 Requirement to create and maintain records

    (1)Every public office and local authority must create and maintain full and accurate records of its affairs, in accordance with normal, prudent business practice, including the records of any matter that is contracted out to an independent contractor.

    (2)Every public office must maintain in an accessible form, so as to be able to be used for subsequent reference, all public records that are in its control, until their disposal is authorised by or under this Act or required by or under another Act.

    (3)Every local authority must maintain in an accessible form, so as to be able to be used for subsequent reference, all protected records that are in its control, until their disposal is authorised by or under this Act.

    (In particular – the failure of Auckland Transport to provide details of the amount of public subsidies paid to private transport providers of bus, ferry and rail services).

    OIA to Auckland Transport:

    http://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Open/2015/06/GB_20150625_MAT_5792.PDF

    OIA reply from Auckland Transport:

    http://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Open/2015/08/COU_20150804_MAT_5945.PDF

    3) The extent of Auckland Council and Auckland CCOs exposure to derivatives.

    4) The corruption risk assessment of Auckland Council and Auckland CCOs being members of the private sector lobby group – the Committee for Auckland – whose member companies contract to Auckland Council and Auckland CCOs.

    http://www.committeeforauckland.co.nz/membership/members

    Yours sincerely,

    Penny Bright
    ……..

    ‘Anti-corruption / anti-privatisation Public Watchdog’

  9. weka 9
    15 September 2015 at 9:24 am

    Kim Dot Com’s extradiction hearing starts next week. He still has the opportunity to ask for a delay once the hearing starts.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/284198/dotcom's-extradition-hearing-to-go-ahead

    • Puckish Rogue 9.1
      15 September 2015 at 11:17 am

      Hopefully the courts will stop indulging him in his antics I mean whats the delay count now, double figures at least

  10. Puckish Rogue 10
    15 September 2015 at 10:08 am

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/72052281/red-peak-andrew-littles-pick

    Really?

    This is why National pay so much for advice, so they don’t look look desperate and like they’re jumping on every single bandwagon going

    • BM 10.1
      15 September 2015 at 10:33 am

      Yeah Labour look petty and pathetic, again

      Great opportunity to look the statesman but he blew it, Little really doesn’t have what it takes.

      • John Shears 10.1.1
        15 September 2015 at 11:22 am

        In your LTHO. Read the article , the flag changeit is Key’s idea and he is losing control. Fancy a National Party Leader asking the Labour Party Leader to help him out of the hole he is digging (has dug) for himself.

        • Ed 10.1.1.1
          15 September 2015 at 11:49 am

          I thought Andrew Little spoke well this morning. He pointed out that Key could add the extra flag in himself; he does not need to put it before parliament; but if he wants to get Labour to agree too a Bill to do more, he would need to agree to an extra question. I would have preferred him to also ask for the whole vote to be deferred until the election, but that would be a step too far for National, as it would emphasise the poor process put in place by National. The principle here is that it should be a vote by New Zealanders on options that are wide enough to give all a reasonable choice – the bungled process has not made that happen; what flag either Key or Little personally prefer is irrelevant.

    • Colonial Viper 10.2
      15 September 2015 at 10:48 am

      Key is on the wrong side of this issue trying to manipulate his fav corporate fern options as the only options.

    • maui 10.3
      15 September 2015 at 10:51 am

      Oh, so like not jumping on the increasing benefits, increasing refugees, capital gains tax bandwagons?

  11. Ovid 11
    15 September 2015 at 10:12 am

    Couldn’t the current flag brouhaha be resolved with a single referendum? Have six options. Include red peak and the current flag. If people want to retain the flag, they can rank it as number one.

  12. Tracey 12
    15 September 2015 at 11:21 am

    Groser 90% certain TPP will be finalised this year…. and look who he thought needed reassurances?

    :Trade Minister Tim Groser says he remains 90 per cent certain that negotiations towards the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement will be successfully completed later this year.

    “There is no formal timetable, but as I have now been arguing for a long time, the absence of a formal timetable is essentially irrelevant,” Groser told business leaders at a Business Growth Agenda event in Auckland this morning. “Formal timetables are themselves, in my opinion, not worth the paper they are written on.”

    What did matter, he said, was the “informal consensus” and the only areas that remained to be resolved were issues around intellectual property in pharmaceuticals, dairy and the automotive industry.

    “Everything else is pretty clear where the landing zone is,” Groser said. “When we have the right basis for taking some quite tough political decisions in those three areas … then we will get this [the TPP] over the line.”

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11513173

    • maui 12.1
      15 September 2015 at 11:36 am

      In other words it’s no closer to being resolved, the large stumbing blocks that were always there still remain and no one really knows how to resolve them. Countries are going to have be threatened to get it over the line.

    • Ad 12.2
      15 September 2015 at 2:32 pm

      Groser’s predictions have no credibility now at all.

    • Draco T Bastard 12.3
      15 September 2015 at 4:35 pm

      “Formal timetables are themselves, in my opinion, not worth the paper they are written on.”

      LOL

      Try getting a loan down the bank for your business with no formal timetables in the business plan.

      What did matter, he said, was the “informal consensus” and the only areas that remained to be resolved were issues around intellectual property in pharmaceuticals, dairy and the automotive industry.

      In other words all the bits that the people don’t want to change but the corporates do.

      “When we have the right basis for taking some quite tough political decisions in those three areas … then we will get this [the TPP] over the line.”

      Translation: When we can do it without the people realising then it will be done whether they like it or not.

  13. Tracey 13
    15 September 2015 at 11:24 am

    Little puts the Fag ball back into John Key’s court….

    If key is all about choice, says Little…

    “Andrew Little
    Opposition Leader

    15 September 2015

    Labour to table new flag referendum bill

    Labour will this week table a bill in Parliament including both Red Peak and a Yes/No question in the first flag referendum, Opposition Leader Andrew Little says.

    “John Key has responded to public pressure over the final flags chosen – now it’s time to also hear those who want to vote no in the first referendum.

    “Labour’s bill, which we will seek cross party support for this week, will provide a meaningful referendum that all New Zealanders can have confidence in. Whether you want to keep the current flag, vote for Red Peak, a fern or the koru, this bill will allow all views to be heard.

    “Then, if more than half the country votes for some kind of change, the second referendum will put the winning new design up against the current New Zealand flag.

    “What we don’t want to happen is for two referendums at enormous cost to take place, and for New Zealanders to feel cheated by the whole process. Labour has disagreed with the timing of the flag change and the process was botched from the beginning but there is still time to make this right.

    “Come on John Key: you’ve opened the door to more choice. Now let’s make this a referendum where everyone has something to vote for.

    “Say yes to adding Red Peak and give New Zealanders the chance to choose the current flag in the first referendum,” Andrew Little says.”

    http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1509/S00235/labour-to-table-new-flag-referendum-bill.htm

  14. The Chairman 14
    15 September 2015 at 11:45 am

    Calls for wealthy migrant investors to put more into local start-ups

    Read more: http://www.3news.co.nz/business/calls-for-wealthy-migrant-investors-to-put-more-into-local-start-ups-2015091409#ixzz3ll9jNqxi

    Thoughts?

    • The Chairman 14.1
      15 September 2015 at 11:50 am

      I think the notion has merit.

      • The Chairman 14.1.1
        15 September 2015 at 11:59 am

        One wonders where Labour will position themselves on this?

        From what I gather, it might rob them of their thunder. Aren’t Labour considering giving start-ups a taxpayer helping hand?

        • The Chairman 14.1.1.1
          15 September 2015 at 12:08 pm

          Start-ups are high risk.

          Therefore, it’s effectively a entry fee, as they’d be lucky to get their investment back, let alone a return.

          • tracey 14.1.1.1.1
            15 September 2015 at 12:10 pm

            Yeah it’s essentially making them venture capitalists of they want PR. What qualifies as a start up and how can it be circumvented and so on… We haven’t managed to make a reasonably simple process work now.

            • The Chairman 14.1.1.1.1.1
              15 September 2015 at 12:16 pm

              Once Little stops focusing on the flag, perhaps he might have something to offer us in that regards.

      • Draco T Bastard 14.1.2
        15 September 2015 at 5:08 pm

        I don’t. Much better idea to tell the wealthy migrant investors to fuck off and thus try to keep NZ affordable for the NZers already here.

        • The Chairman 14.1.2.1
          15 September 2015 at 5:15 pm

          Bit late for that, sunshine. NZ hasn’t been affordable for a good number of Kiwis for some time.

          At least this way we may be able to create some jobs and new industries, thus boost our wealth.

          • Draco T Bastard 14.1.2.1.1
            15 September 2015 at 7:18 pm

            No, not too late. Just need to change a few policiy setting and NZ will become affordable for NZers again. Stopping wealthy immigrants would such policy change.

            At least this way we may be able to create some jobs and new industries, thus boost our wealth.

            That would be a big if and it would simply be better if we did it ourselves.

            • The Chairman 14.1.2.1.1.1
              15 September 2015 at 8:45 pm

              It may not be to late to turn things around (and wealthy immigrants investing can assist this, opposed to not requiring them too) but if you’re implying NZ is affordable then you clearly haven’t seen income ratios to house prices.

              The local private sector is currently struggling to turn the economy around and grow our wealth.

              Labour and National largely support offshore investment to help fill this void. So who exactly do you think is going to make the policy changes you aspire too?

              Sometimes we have to play with the cards we are dealt, thus in that context, it has my support.

              I’m not suggesting this (wealthy immigrants investing) is the sole solution, far from it, but seeing as they are already getting in, this is a far better option.

              Of course, we are going to have to do far more ourselves, which is fiscally more prudent, thus preferable .

              At the end of the day, they will be Kiwis (albeit, new ones) investing in Kiwi businesses.

              To be clear, are you advocating closing the borders to all immigrants? Or just the wealthy ones?

              • Draco T Bastard …
                15 September 2015 at 9:45 pm

                but if you’re implying NZ is affordable

                I really don’t know how you got that from: Just need to change a few policiy setting and NZ will become affordable for NZers again.

                Really? Don’t you read what you’re replying to?

                The local private sector is currently struggling to turn the economy around and grow our wealth.

                That’s because of our financial system creating money and importation of money that pushes inflation.

                To be clear, are you advocating closing the borders to all immigrants?

                I’ve been saying that we should put a moratorium on all immigration for awhile now so that we can take care of who’s here first. That said, I figure that we’re going to closing the borders in a few years as climate change continues to wreak havoc and the financial system collapses.

                • The Chairman …
                  15 September 2015 at 10:08 pm

                  You initially stated you wanted to keep NZ affordable. I pointed out you’re a bit late for that. Then you stated, no, it’s not to late.

                  One minute you claim NZ is affordable, next post your claim it’s not, but with a few changes we can make it so

                  Some consistency would help strengthen your argument, allowing others to grasp your position.

                  Of course a debt based money supply is inflationary, but who do you think is going to change that?

                  Not only are you failing to deal with the cards that have been dealt, you seem to be in a totally different casino.

                  • Draco T Bastard …
                    16 September 2015 at 11:04 am

                    One minute you claim NZ is affordable, next post your claim it’s not, but with a few changes we can make it so

                    I didn’t claim that NZ was affordable. I said that we should stop immigration of the rich because a) they don’t actually do anything for NZ and b) they push up prices and thus stopping them would help to keep prices down. This would be one of the changes that we need to make to make NZ affordable again.

                    Really, your problem seems to be your inability to think dynamically and place what’s said within it’s own context.

                    Of course a debt based money supply is inflationary, but who do you think is going to change that?

                    Nobody if we don’t inform people of it and the solutions to it.

                    • The Chairman …
                      16 September 2015 at 11:50 am

                      Do you read what you write? You clearly stated: ‘try to keep NZ affordable.’ Then of course when on to change your position.

                      Now you’ve gone and changed it again. Compare what you initially wrote to what you just expressed.

                      A good number already know (especially leading MPs) that our money supply is debt based.

        • The Chairman 14.1.2.2
          15 September 2015 at 5:20 pm

          By the way, Draco (or anybody else) you wouldn’t happen to know Labour’s position on the matter?

    • Tracey 14.2
      15 September 2015 at 11:51 am

      Well, didn’t a recent Chinese immigrant promise to build an apartment block and hotel with his investment, but no one followed up and enforced it? I would make enforcement and punishable by revocation of PR or Citizenship and confiscation of any funds invested, number 4.

      • The Chairman 14.2.1
        15 September 2015 at 11:53 am

        Hence, we better ensure the money is fronted up first.

        • Tracey 14.2.1.1
          15 September 2015 at 11:55 am

          I get that. It is supposed to be evidenced and moved to NZ under current policy but sitting in a bank or other investment fund seems to be all that our recent governments worried about .

          • The Chairman 14.2.1.1.1
            15 September 2015 at 12:12 pm

            The proposal (investing in start-ups) is far better than the current arrangement, with money going into banks helping fuel property speculation.

  15. Penny Bright 15
    15 September 2015 at 1:02 pm

    I look forward to a resounding NO amalgamation vote in the Hawke’s Bay.

    At least they got a vote.

    Aucklanders didn’t.

    Penny Bright

    • Barbara 15.1
      15 September 2015 at 4:25 pm

      Hi Penny

      I wrote to quite a few of my rellies in Hawkes Bay and told them what life was like up here in Auckland post amalgamation, rates going sky high annually and folks having to leave Auckland because they couldn’t keep up with the costs of living here, central government meddling where they should keep their noses out, if they don’t want to help financially with public transport and the traffic problem then the council should be allowed to get on with the job without them, we have the high cost of water useage, apartments going up everywhere and blocking out the sun, the city looking unkempt and unloved with weeds everywhere, money spent on really excessive salaries in the council and junkets overseas. It goes on and on. Hopefully they took it all on board and voted a no – anyway I did my bit. Yes, I agree they at least got a vote on the matter.

  16. BM 16
    15 September 2015 at 1:29 pm

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11513340

    I actually thought Little had some potential, seriously though what an utter fuckwit.
    Does he not think before he opens his mouth?

    He’s not a prime ministers ring piece.

    • arkie 16.1
      15 September 2015 at 1:37 pm

      What’s your problem with what he said?

      • BM 16.1.1
        15 September 2015 at 1:49 pm

        Seriously?, he abuses the new PM of Australia, what a complete dumb arse, did he believe that was funny or clever?, has he no diplomatic skills?.

        How does Little think he’d work with Turnbull if he ever got elected NZ PM.

        I’d rather have Helen back any day than Little, at least she had a bit of nous.

        • arkie 16.1.1.1
          15 September 2015 at 1:51 pm

          He only ‘abused’ Turnbull if you think being compared to Key is a slight.

          • BM 16.1.1.1.1
            15 September 2015 at 1:53 pm

            And you wonder why the left continues to rot on the side lines.

            • arkie 16.1.1.1.1.1
              15 September 2015 at 1:56 pm

              No I wonder why you bother with your faux outrage on this blog.

            • Muttonbird 16.1.1.1.1.2
              15 September 2015 at 2:44 pm

              arkie got you good there, BM.

              Own it.

              • Puckish Rogue …
                15 September 2015 at 3:05 pm

                Maybe Turnbull was referring to NZs rate of unemployment which is lower than Australias or NZs economic growth which is better than Australias

                • One Anonymous Bloke …
                  15 September 2015 at 5:46 pm

                  He was very clear that he admires a bunch of things about Key that Key doesn’t exhibit on Earth. Are you saying he really meant what you reckon and is too incompetent to articulate it for himself?

        • One Anonymous Bloke 16.1.1.2
          15 September 2015 at 5:47 pm

          What’s not to abuse about some delusional Tory trash who prefers John Key?

    • b waghorn 16.2
      15 September 2015 at 5:33 pm

      “He said Mr Key had presided over seven deficits, a growing public debt, and an economy that did not have much to show for seven years of a National Government”
      Did you read article or just the head line ? Plenty of reasons not to be like key right there.

  17. adam 17
    15 September 2015 at 2:09 pm

    “No one makes me submit”

    I say we offer these women solidarity.

    Be warned. This gets violent very quickly.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM-wxU86v8g

    http://www.france24.com/en/20150914-femen-topless-protest-french-islam-conference

  18. Penny Bright 18
    15 September 2015 at 4:20 pm

    Seems that the voting public in Hawke’s Bay HAVE overwhelmingly rejected the amalgamation proposal.

    Excellent!

    High time for some form of ‘cost-benefit’ analysis of the Auckland ‘Supercity’ – particularly Auckland Council (yeah right) Controlled Organisations (CCOs) – to find out for whom exactly this forced amalgamation has been ‘super’?

    Penny Bright

  20. Muttonbird 20
    15 September 2015 at 4:31 pm

    Phil must be having a bad day…

    https://twitter.com/philquin/status/643594725425963008

    Such an angry little person.

    • Morrissey 20.1
      15 September 2015 at 4:50 pm

      Phil Quin excreted the following: “The Standard’s comments section is vile. It makes the average YouTube thread read like correspondence between the Bronte sisters.”

      I would bet Bill Clinton’s monthly whoring budget that Quin has not read one novel by any of the Brontës, leave alone any of the letters they wrote to one another.

      • greywarshark 20.1.1
        15 September 2015 at 9:22 pm

        Fish called Wanda
        Wendy – You think you’re an intellectual don’t you ape.
        Otto – Apes can’t read philosophy.
        Wendy – Yes they can, they just don’t understand it.

  21. Morrissey 21
    15 September 2015 at 4:45 pm

    More insulting crap on The Panel today:
    “Ahhh, the daily update on the flag referendum.”
    Radio NZ National, Tuesday 15 September 2015
    Jim Mora, Mark Inglis, Ellen Read, Julie Moffett

    inane /ɪˈneɪn/ adj. 1. senseless, unimaginative, or empty; unintelligent; “silly, empty-headed,” 1819, earlier “empty” (1660s)

    At 3:45, host Jim Mora runs through the menu for the program, which includes the enticing regular item: “….ahhh, the daily update on the flag referendum. There’s ALWAYS something new about that….”

    Mora, or his producers, make a point of avoiding serious topics which people actually care about, such as the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement. But he, or his producers, have made a point of talking about the flag referendum every day for months now.

    That dedication to triviality perfectly illustrates why The Panel has lost all claims to credibility it might have once had.

    • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 21.1
      15 September 2015 at 5:22 pm

      Morrisey,

      Have you ever worried that your obsession with the Panel is unhealthy? Maybe you should do something else between 3:45 and 5:00.

      • Morrissey 21.1.1
        15 September 2015 at 5:33 pm

        Thanks for your concern, my friend. I don’t actually listen to it EVERY day, and I only transcribe snatches of it occasionally. I’m not quite as obsessive as it might appear.

        Mind you, that’s exactly what an obsessive person would say, isn’t it. Oh my God, LOOK at me….

        • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 21.1.1.1
          15 September 2015 at 5:41 pm

          Get a dog. Take it for a walk.

          • North 21.1.1.1.1
            16 September 2015 at 7:05 am

            Gormless, Morrissey’ll be at your kennel within the hour……do you want him to use your lead or should he bring one with him ? Hope you’re registered…….

        • Kevin 21.1.1.2
          15 September 2015 at 11:22 pm

          One of the highlights on The Standard in my opinion and I hope he keeps writing about it.

      • Paul 21.1.2
        15 September 2015 at 9:01 pm

        I enjoy Morrissey’s transcripts.

    • cogito 21.2
      15 September 2015 at 5:30 pm

      “inane”

      like this pathetic piece by Key butt-kisser Matthew Hooton on the flag
      http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/on-the-inside/284285/better-to-wait-than-botch-it

      • Matthew Hooton 21.2.1
        17 September 2015 at 4:45 am

        What bit don’t you agree with?

        • vto 21.2.1.1
          17 September 2015 at 6:47 am

          I agree with what you say mr matthew

          Except this bit … “Mr Key is the most brilliant political tactician in a generation ”

          Everyone says that about every PM who makes it to three terms. The last PM Helen Clark was called the most brilliant political tactician. It is like every few years it is shouted that the current ABs are the best ever. Like McCaw is the best captain ever. Like our farmers are the best in the world. Like we are the greenest in the world. Like Lydia Ko should become a dame already.

          my 2c on the flag says dump all the colonial reference, the crown reference, te tiriti reference, dump all that baggage. Reason being it excludes huge and growing swathes of our communities. The flag should reference the land only and people generally, not specifically. Red peak suits this to an extent – the 4 finalists do not.

          further 2c says the silver fern is a feather.

          the whole world will see a feather Matthew – why is this reality ignored?

          for this reason the silver fern is, or should be, doomed to be dumped. The silver feather is good on the corporate sports organisations uniforms and should remain there, plus on boxes of butter and apples, but that is the extent of it

        • Ad 21.2.1.2
          17 September 2015 at 7:26 am

          You read the mood right there.
          Rugby World Cup hasn’t generated sufficient momentum for it, and it’s a fleeting moment.
          As for “most brilliant political tactician in a generation”, fully agree. Key makes Clark look bubbly, bumbly and frivolous in comparison. And I still prefer her to him.

        • Tracey 21.2.1.3
          17 September 2015 at 7:41 am

          the most brilliant political tactician ever who totally misread the love of the nation for the silver fern on black…

          by most brilliant do you mean able to successfully lie time and time again and still be popular?

  22. Draco T Bastard 22
    15 September 2015 at 5:05 pm

    Another rich person whinging:

    One young couple went to use KiwiSaver to build their new house and discovered they couldn’t.

    It was December 2013 when Peter and Jocelyn Kendrick bought a bare piece of land, but it wasn’t until February 2014 that they could pay for and start building the actual house. It was at that point Peter tried to access his KiwiSaver funds.

    That’s a $400k piece of land and a $500k house and they were delayed by a few months by not getting access to the Kiwisaver funds.

    Basically, not a story of any significance at all and yet it’s treated as national news.

    • Anne 22.1
      15 September 2015 at 9:31 pm

      Saw an item on TV3’s “Story” tonight which fell into the same category. All about an under 5 year old precocious brat child whose ‘yummy mummy’ ordered a fancy dress outfit for a party which never arrived. It turned out the kid had a chestful of fancy dress outfits and viewers were subjected to her swlrling around in them one by one. That was the entire story.

      A current affairs show? Jesus wept!

  23. greywarshark 23
    15 September 2015 at 9:09 pm

    This comment on Greece vs EU from Slavoj Zizek puts the situation clearly. He says that Eu technocrats want to push regulations and rules onto Greece, while Greece wants to discuss the matter as a political problem. Regulations and demands won’t solve the crisis that Greece is in. Yet the technocrats maintain that they are neutral, not ideological.

    The comment also speaks to our situation with TPPA and so many other things.
    This passage from politics proper to neutral expert administration characterises our entire political process: strategic decisions based on power are more and more masked as administrative regulations based on neutral expert knowledge, and they are more and more negotiated in secrecy and enforced without democratic consultation.
    http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2010/apr/18/heather-brooke-uk-secret-state

    I’m just reading the 2010 book The Silent State by Heather Brooke on the surveillance and secretive state.
    http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2010/apr/18/heather-brooke-uk-secret-state
    What did your investigation expose about the UK system compared to other countries?
    There is a very intense culture of secrecy in Britain that hasn’t yet been dismantled. What passes for transparency here would serve any secret society well. There’s a paranoia about the public knowing anything, even innocuous things like restaurant inspections. There are all these food safety inspectors who go around, paid for by the public, and yet I can’t see the results of this. What an odd country where simple things are hidden away as if they’ll destabilise the country!

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookreviews/7544797/The-Silent-State-Secrets-Surveillance-and-the-Myth-of-British-Democracy-by-Heather-Brooke-review.html

    • Tracey 23.1
      17 September 2015 at 7:48 am

      I notice that stories in NZ on Greece have dried up, despite them going into a crucial election. Was a time it was daily here.

  24. The Chairman 24
    15 September 2015 at 10:16 pm

    Have you seen this, Penny?

    The people have spoken, yet the Government fails to listen.

    Voters’ overwhelming reject Hawke’s Bay local government amalgamation, but the Government insists it will still press ahead with some sort of reform

    The establishment of council-controlled organisations (CCOs), similar to those operating in the Auckland super-city are a likely option.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/72085935/local-government-change-still-on-the-cards-despite-hawkes-bay-merger-vote

    • Chooky 24.1
      15 September 2015 at 11:17 pm

      Yes well the people have spoken against amalgamation…so that is the victory !

      ….and if the jonkey nact government wants to override this …then this is a whole new ball game…a flagrant abuse of power and overriding of democracy…the way that happened with the take over of democratically elected Environment Canterbury

      ….this could mean mass civil disobedience …

      • Pat 24.1.1
        16 September 2015 at 12:23 am

        but as with Canterbury, it wont

        • Chooky 24.1.1.1
          16 September 2015 at 9:02 am

          unfortunately Christchurch and Canterbury was hit by the Earthquake and this did take their eye off the ECAN ball

          …the travesty of democracy violation by jonkey Nact

      • The Chairman 24.1.2
        16 September 2015 at 12:49 pm

        @ Chooky

        A victory indeed.

        However, public celebrations will be short-lived once people get wind the Government is insisting to still press ahead with some sort of reform.

        It highlights National’s contempt and undermining of the democratic process.

        Voters need to show this lot (National and those who support this underhandedness) the door.

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