The retired New Zealand cricketing superstar Martin Crowe recently
staged a fiery protest against New Zealand cricket authorities
following their dumping of the NZ captain Ross Taylor…
Good on him, more boys club members with no clue on how to run a professional code. mcullam is a bad choice to replace Taylor and WTF was wrong with Taylor anyway?
We haven’t come a long way since Turner had beefs with these old boys over playing county and representing NZ we’ve just produced enough decent players to mask the real issues. Bad management and no consistent academy structure for bringing talent through combined with bias at rep level to mates and boys club members over talent.
Its an all too familiar tale in NZ sporting codes.
What is it with the US, and individuals shooting people/children in educational establishments – this time an elementary school? Land of the free? Champion of democracy?
Ha! WYSIWYG link button working again.
And the blockquote button? Nope. Not working at all.
That’s right. The more freedom there is to carry a gun the safer they will be. And we need to remember, of course, that guns don’t kill people, people do. /sarc
One of England’s leading philosophers, one TONY PARSONS, has written thoughtfully and philosophically on the issue….
‘The problem is not the gun laws of American but the limitless cruelty of the human race.’ https://twitter.com/TonyParsonsUK/status/279647164337106944
Thus he has proved, irrefutably and elegantly, that it is not guns that kill children in kindergartens, it is people of limitless cruelty.
Agree about the limitless cruelty thing, just also think there are two issues to deal with 1. how to stop having a society with cruel people 2. how to limit the weapons in a community when limitlessly cruel people are among us. It’s not either/or – and one before the other. They need to be addressed in tandem.
That’s all he wrote, Rosy. In other words, instead of writing something sensitive and thoughtful, which would have required a degree of sensitivity and thoughtfulness, Parsons simply chose to recycle a ridiculous cliché. He had to write SOMETHING of course; as a handsomely remunerated “pundit” he is expected to deliver an opinion, no matter how ill-informed, on a range of topics.
Well, to be fair to Parsons, he was good for two years in the mid seventies, but that was more to do with speed, punk and his genius missus. The Boy Looked at Johnny is still a great read; no heroes any more.
1.) “Well, to be fair to Parsons, he was good for two years in the mid seventies,”
Let me hazard a guess, Te Reo—you love old issues of the NME as much as you love Private Eye. You appear to be a scholar as well as a gentleman.
2.) “but that was more to do with speed, punk and his genius missus.”
She wrote some interesting pop music comments in the 1970s, but her subsequent career has demonstrated that horrible woman is no genius. She’s a nasty piece of work, as well as being cast-iron ignorant.
Spent last weekend clearing out my old stuff from the oldie’s attic; lots of NME’s, PE’s, posters of Bowie etc. The NME really was superb from 77-83, Burchill, Parsons, Nick Kent, Paul Morley, Ian Penman through to Steven Wells and X Moore. Linking pop music to politics and philosophy was a liberation for me.
I still rate Burchill, (listening to her talking to DJ Steve Wright in ’93 as I write). There is little I agree with her about these days, but our mis-named mate The Contrarian really should look her up, as she’s been genuinely contrarian for 35 years:
1: Who manufactures the guns and weapons
2: Who sells the guns and weapons
3: Who ensures that the guns and weapons are in continual use domestically/internationally
4: Who controls the legislations/contracts of those who manufacture the guns and weapons
5: Who cares if innocent people domestically/globally are dying through use of the guns and weapons, as long as *business remains good and retains control*
6: Who pulls the trigger on the gun or weapon, or issues the order for the weapons to be used
etc…
The anwer to any of the above does NOT include the word, gun or weapon
Well Karol, the idea is to instill the most fear, commit the attrocities which cover illicit the maximum emotive reaction . We have recently seen *attacks* on movie goers, then quickly followed by the sikh religious attacks, now followed by another attack on a school.
Fear, shock, horror, fear, emotive responses all geared at ramping towards a pre conceived outcome.
Lets see where the shit trail leads this time and which…
The suspected shooter, 24, was armed with four weapons and wearing a bullet-proof vest, WABC reported.
Yes, here we have the continuation of the repeated lone wolf meme again….
There were unconfirmed reports of a second shooter.
Here we have the standard confusion being created around a *second shooter*, which like the Cinema, Temple shootings will be quickly discarded..
Those who say that the guns are the problem, are simplistically wrong! The people commiting these *attrocities* are the problem, whoever they are, and the reasons behind it, complex, deliberate, and opaque!
I’d like to know who thought it was a good idea to interview a child who was at the school, on the day of the shooting, and broadcast that all over the world. That lack of care and restraint is a big part of the picture too. It’s so much more sensational to broadcast the words of a child who was there, never mind that the child is traumatised or that listening to a traumatised child should not be news.
I’d like to know who thought it was a good idea to interview a child who was at the school, on the day of the shooting, and broadcast that all over the world.
Hi Weka,
Very observant line of questioning again from you.
Further questions to ask are…Was this *girl* actually at the school, and is the *girl* being quoted, someone who has been brought in specifically to be *interviewed* for the *news*.
Was the *interview* even at, or near the location where the *news* was assumed to be reported from!
*sigh* I don’t know Muzza – does the school exist? Did the shooting happen? Is it all a big plan to bring about gun control so the population will have no defence against the government?
But as for questioning of one of the school children. Was parental consent required for that? – it’s an appalling example of ‘rolling’ news coverage.
*sigh* I don’t know Muzza – does the school exist? Did the shooting happen? Is it all a big plan to bring about gun control so the population will have no defence against the government?
The American Administration, or more accurately those behind it, will be just as happy to see the people killing eachother. Don’t forget the rulers do not give a toss about the masses, they have consistantly proven this decade in decade out, and the repeated attempts of remove the 2nd amendment, and attack the gun laws etc, is IMO, just for show. They don’t care for human life these people, and so for mine, there is little I would consider to be *out of the question*, so far as what else is in play!
But as for questioning of one of the school children. Was parental consent required for that? – it’s an appalling example of ‘rolling’ news coverage.
Rolling news coverage – stages, props, actors, manipulation, controlling of narratives, telling stories and *creating history*.
The narrow channels of the supply of *news*, has made it ever more possible to *create news*, even any given event happened or not. Now I am not saying that this is/is not a real event, only that the hollywood, news media with its hstorical links to military and so on, can manufacture anything they want, and report it to the world within minutes.
Total control of *the news*, to take control of the emotional states, and state of helplessness of the masses. The desired nessages are continually reinforced through movies, tv, video games music videos etc!
Yet again the conspiracy meme. While you may get some vicarious thrill at imagining some shadowy conspiracy behind the US Administration ‘controlling the narrative’. The more obvious (and either boring or unbelievable for you) explanation is that the nature of the media coverage is simply the profit motive.
More hits, readers, viewers, hence more advertising revenue and profit – is the ultimate goal. With multiple internet and TV stations all providing non-stop 24-hr coverage, the way to get the ‘customers’ is to dramatise the story, make it more thrilling, horrible, contentious….
You may be right in saying that some of the many competing media outlets may ‘stage manage’ to make their ‘news’ more ‘interesting’ but don’t doubt for one second that these were real people killed by a lone madman.
Despite all the media saturation and dramatisation… the horror and shock is evident in the stark gut wrenching reality that 20 children …. 28 people…. have been killed in an awful way.
Like the tragedy of 9-11, this is a defining event that will have a profound effect on the mood, thoughts and subsequent actions of all Americans.
THIS IS WHY WE HAVE POVERTY – government employees not doing their jobs properly, or even taking the time to ensure people are receiving their full and correct entitlement.
government employees not doing their jobs properly, or even taking the time to ensure people are receiving their full and correct entitlement.
More likely it’s government employees being either under-resourced to do their jobs properly or being prevented from doing them properly by interference and mismanagment direct from the political level.
My younger brother who has a life-long disability (and while he can paint roofs, you would not wish what he has on your worst enemy) says he can always tells when National is in power because WINZ or it’s equivalent of the day, go from being merely depressing to deal with … to utterly miserly, malicous and mind-fucking.
I also have a permanent disability, and notice a big difference in WINZ between left and right governments. That’s why it fucks me off when people say there is no difference between Labour and NACT. There is, a very real difference. Depressing vs utterly miserly, malicious and mind-fucking is a good way to describe it, and anyone who thinks that isn’t a significant difference has too easy a life.
3)Her child support should have dropped to the minimum $12 a week from the time she lost her job.
Writing or phoning the IRD and referring to an income reduction under s.40 should get it cut back.
WINZ should know this and as the IRD arrange to have all sorts of other things notified to them why are they not writing to someone who goes onto a benefit asking them if they need to apply for a payment reduction.
I tried to post on stuff but my password was not accepted so my comment is probably erased.
When it comes to down sizing a bedroom Bernadette will lose her TAS and she will be no better off. I assume she gets most if not all of tempoary additional support (TAS) for the rent.
Unless there is an increase in the accommodation supplement (AS) or affordable housing is made available the daily struggle on an empty stomach is not going to change. As well jobs are required, but I think that housing cost is easier to fix as the government could increase the AS or only review the TAS every 26 weeks and not the current 13 weeks and possibly increase TAS as well.
I have not read up on if people will lose $42 per week when on the invalid benefit (IB) if they are eligible for part time work testing as changes are to be made for those on IB next July.
People on IB are already stressed out enough due to chronic health conditions, (sometimes a few/ several) and reducing the IB for those who may be able to work part time on a good day is planet Key mentality.
I strongly object to restructuring a health benefit on the ground that a person is eligible for a benefit which is REQUIRED because of incapacity when it comes to employment and that the incapacity for employment is unknown on any given day.
I’d like to see confirmation of that IB policy, and the actual rules. Nevertheless Jenny Shipley cut medical benefits by $20/wk in 1990, so we know that NACT don’t give a shit, and are stupid beyond belief as well (what happens to ill people when they don’t have enough to live on? That’s right, they become even more dependent on the state).
Thank you for asking for clarification re IB changes as I saw an error I have made. Yesterday on Open Mike 4.
“Under the Bill, an invalid beneficary who is reclassified as a ‘job – seeker’ will face a cut in income from $256 to $213 a week – effectively a benefit cut of $213 a week.”
What is reclassified and how is this determined I am left asking myself?
Current Work Capacity Medical Certificate for Invalid Benefit asks:
Do the conditions listed previously limit the person’s capacity to work for 30 hours or more per week?
Do the conditions listed previously limit the person’s capacity to work regularly in open employment for 15 hours or more a week?
Is the person’s incapacity for work expected to last for at least 2 years?
Is the person’s life expectancy less than 2 years?
Is the person receive active treatment or under the care of specialist for any of the conditions listed previously? (their error receive)
When is the person likely to be capable of:
Work planning
Limited training (less than 15 hours per week)
Part-time work (at least 15 hours per week)
Full-time work (30 hours or more per week)
Are there any more treatments or interventions that could assist the person into work?
Unable to work from
When should the person’s capacity for work next be assessed?
Basically a person has to be unable to work for 15 hours a week for the next 2 years to currently qualify for the IB. I do not know if this is going to be reclassified or how as then you get the situation I described in 3.4 paragraph 5&6. As well sickness benefit is going to be absorbed as job seeker, IB will be supported living and a parenting one.
Full-time work is at least 30 hours a week.
How can a person who is forced to come off the IB then be expected to be available to work 30 hours a week as a job seeker when they can only work 16 hours a week?
Thanks for that. btw, I know SBs who are being refused IB. I think mostly WINZ is using the 30hr category now. Anyone capable of working 15 hrs will be on SB.
The only thing I’ve found so far is this –
Under the new system three benefits will replace all of the main benefit payments by 2013. Benefit rates will remain at current levels and continue to be increased annually for inflation.
Jobseeker Support includes:
Unemployment Benefit
Sickness Benefit
DPB Sole Parents – with youngest child 14 years and older
Widow – with youngest child 14 years and older
DPB Women Alone
Sole Parent Support includes:
DPB Sole Parents with children younger than 14 years
Widows with children younger than 14 years
Taking that at face value, I think what they will be doing is trying to shift some people off IB and onto SB, just using new names. That explains the drop in rate. Still looking for the new criteria.
“Thanks for that. btw, I know SBs who are being refused IB”
I’m one All the letters and medical certificates went in and some faceless tame doctor, who I have never seen said No I was able to work. And that was that, they said I could ask for a review, but as I told them at the time, whats the point, as you have already made up your minds.
I went back to the specialists and they say there’s nothing they can do as the risks of surgery are so bad that they won’t even try. But WiNZ don’t give a toss. I have probably been underpaid by 40 odd buck’s a week, and that’s really hard on the finances, with a toddler and a teen. Oh well the next installment is clothes for the Teen that’ll be fun.
I am waiting for Bennet to put a stop to your GP being able to do IB medical certificate assessment and go back to the gravy train designated doctors who will lick her boots.
By this time next year I dread to think how high unemployment, hospital admissions and crime will be.
Good on the woman for going public, although that probably speaks more to desperation than anything else.
SNGs for anything other than food will create more debt 🙁 If she has a sudden unexpected bill she should pay that, and then get WINZ to pay for her food for that week (thus avoiding more debt). There is a limit on the SNGs per year though.
Reducing the debt repayment to $5/wk is a not brainer and should have been done as a matter of course.
She’s probably not getting her full disability allowance either.
Probably not as WINZ staff have been getting worse over the years. It’s as if Bennet has put out a missive allowing the staff to be as difficult and non informing of entitlement’s as they want to be.
Also why was she made to stand down for 3 weeks or so?? She recieved NO redunduncy payment, so WINZ HAD to make sure she was really suffering before they will do anything.
Kate Middleton prank call: Royal hoax nurse’s anger at hospital in suicide note
14 Dec 2012
In one emotional letter Jacintha Saldanha criticises senior colleagues at the King Edward VII hospital over her treatment after she was duped by two Aussie DJs….
This is a terrible tragedy for Jacintha and her family. The Aussie DJ’s prank was despicable. But they were following the infotainment logic of our MSM.
Why is no one questioning the celebrity-focused role of the MSM at large? Why do they create a feeding frenzy around a royal pregnancy? Our MSM gave it more front page, prime-time coverage than the TPP talks that were happening in Auckland at the same time. The TPP is far more crucial to the future of NZers.
The charade that makes up the *news*, and the actors who play the parts is becoming too transparent these days, forget about the microscope its in front of the face. *News* is to be considered almost completely staged manipulation, with actors playing/presenting or editing/writing the scripts, and the truth is unlikely to ever see the light of day, even if the *news* event, ever happened or not.
Ther hysteria which surrounds the trash media and propagates as *news*, can be considered as simply this.
“The Aussie DJ’s prank was despicable.”
No it was not “despicable”, it was simply a prank, and a light-hearted, good-humoured one. Nobody—absolutely nobody—could have predicted what later happened.
Clearly not light-hearted and good-humoured for the person on the receiving end. The people who broadcast this stuff without permission don’t/didn’t have any understanding of the trauma and humiliation some victims of their ‘pranks’ might feel. Mr/Ms Everyday person might not be as extrovert as they are, nor be able to brush of a perceived humiliation that easily.
Really? No one could predict a prank would go wrong? It’s only the plot of every second sitcom episode of all time.
And it’s “light-hearted” and “good-humoured” to attempt to access a person’s medical records by deception?
Sure, if you don’t understand the latter, and have no empathy for the people being pranked and how they might feel like they’ve betrayed a sacred trust, sure, I suppose it’s just an innocent little joke.
The DJs work on a station which previously hooked a 14-year-old up to a polygraph to ask her about her sex life. When she revealed having been raped – and the immediate follow-up question from the DJ was “okay, but is that the only sexual experience you’ve had?” I suppose that was just a bit of light-hearted fun which no one could’ve predicted would go wrong either.
Prank-calling a hospital where a royal family member has checked in for an almost certainly bogus reason is entirely acceptable. You can go all North Korean if you want, but the rest of the (sane) world sees these publicly funded parasites as fair game.
The other prank you mention WAS despicable, and I share your contempt for the perpetrators. Your deliberate twisting of my argument to suggest I would approve of that is unworthy of you.
Exactly! The frenzied attack upon these two DJ’s is dreadful and right out of proportion (for all that we rightly sympathise with the nurse). Others must also be held to account.
I think the hospital also has some culpability.
It seems odd that they did not have a filtering process in place that all calls about celebrities went through to ensure appropriate confidentiality.
“I think the hospital also has some culpability.”
Wrong. The person responsible for Jacintha Soldana’s suicide was Jacintha Soldana. Any blaming of the radio DJs or the hospital is mere recycling of the hysteria whipped up by the steaming hypocrites in the Murdoch empire.
Morrisey would the suicide have happened IF there was no prank call, if the media had not published it and if the Nurse had a filtering mechanism on the calls.
Jacinta was responsible for her actions BUT there is a chain of culpability.
“Jacinta was responsible for her actions BUT there is a chain of culpability.”
Then all these people must also be prosecuted: the cafetaria worker who did not smile at her, the bus driver who was gruff and taciturn instead of being sunny and positive, the BBC news readers who read out grim economic and political news each day, the hospital patient who grumbled about something the day before….
There is one person culpable for this death, and it’s not either of the light-hearted pranksters.
Gee Morrisey
You don’t understand anything about some people’s desire to maintain high standards in their work and to do an excellent job which they take pride in and are esteemed for, and also needing to receive a good salary for that high standard of work.
You ought to put yourself forward to your electorate to stand in the next election. You sound very suitable because of your narrow focus and lack of understanding of society to fit you to be a politician.
Sorry about that. But I see your brain is working just fine again. I think you’ll find that my meaning will become clear after repeated reading, followed by deep thought, perhaps with a panel discussion to follow.
My apologies to the family for mis-spelling her name.
Now, explain how that equates with a lack of empathy. And after you’ve done explaining that, explain why you’ve taken your lead in this from the tender-hearted, empathetic folk who work for the Murdoch papers and Sky TV.
Yeah i agree with you on that, a hospital such as this with regular ‘important people’ as patients would surely have had protocols on what could and couldn’t be said about patients over the phone,
“The Royals” themselves with all the trials and tribulations that they have been through with the media can hardly cry about their privacy being breached as you would think that there would have been in place a system whereby any enquiries were transferred to a royal media minder,
The facets of a prank phone call having many real consequences is a big learning curve to everyone involved and a lesson on how tragic a prank can be.
I do hope that the bereavement counselling offered to the family of Jacintha is not connected with the hospital as their notes could be accessed by the hospital. The hospital cannot be trusted as they have been caught out not knowing that they were critcised in one of the three letters which Jacintha wrote.
When it comes to culture I also hope that the counsellor can identify with cultural practice pertaining to Jacintha’s reaction as it would differ from my European/Polish identity.
LOOKALIKE
Can YOU spot the difference between these violent men?
Professional musician Jimmy Mason was convicted of assaulting a child after an incident on the Bridge of Remembrance in central Christchurch in 2007. The 49-year-old Christchurch man admitted to flicking his son’s ear to “reprimand” him for “riding dangerously near a busy street”.
The case became a cause célèbre for the Kiddy-Whackers Association fronted by Bob McCoskrie, and the S.S. Trust fronted by Garth “Mac the Knife” McVicar. To these kinds of people, assaulting a child on the street means a man is not a thug, but an exemplar of family values, and the very model of the “good parent”.
If you do NOT belong to one of these psychotic organizations, and retain some measure of moral and ethical normality, you probably thought that, after his disgraceful display of self-pity and defiance following his conviction for assault, Jimmy Mason would slither away into deserved obscurity.
However, the emergence of his doppelganger in England has brought back all the horrifying memories….
This forum is a bear pit containing a large sub-group of haters and wreckers exhibiting psychopathic traits. Their prefered means of attack is to latch on to the victim using the most vile language possible, then, having done as much damage as they can (to the enormous satisfaction of a blood-thirsty crowd observing the sport) they sanctimoneously pretend they are people of peace and reason who selflessly spend their lives protecting the weak and innocent. I have an extremely bad taste in my mouth. I will now leave the arena and attempt a ritual purification to rid myself of the stench. Good luck gentle-folk in your search for a fairer, kinder world….
Other than “fatty” and Brett Dale, who are probably one and the same person, is Grant Hay the most bewildered person to post on this forum in the past year? I’d like to know if there has been a more confused contribution from anyone.
Thoughts and wishes to the people of Connecticut, what
can one say about this tragic event. As someone who has
family in CT, including younger relatives, this is an awful day.
Here’s hoping there is not a day like this again in CT or
anywhere.
Of one thing we can be sure: Brett Dale will not say anything intelligent or insightful about this tragedy.
“Here’s hoping there is not a day like this again in CT or anywhere.”
Far worse than this is happening in Iraq and Afghanistan every day. You have been loud in your support of it. And your blood-soaked cheerleading for the carnage in Gaza last month makes your words of solicitude nothing but the most callous hypocrisy.
As someone whos got family in the area, including younger relatives, I think I have just as much as right to comment as anyone else. This is a tragic event.
Again my sympathy goes out to the victims and the families and the children who
survived and who will now be terrified, here’s hoping again, they get the help they need.
I will become sympathetic to the Gazans when they stop firing rockets into Israel. But, when they stop firing rockets, then the Israelis will stop trying to stop the rockets, which means peace will return. and then I won’t need to be sympathetic.
Hey, maybe that means its in the Gazans own hands. That is IF they want peace of course. Or maybe what they want is what they always say they want and that is to push the Israelis into the sea. But that would be mean, wouldn’t it. It can’t be right.
Yep, because in a conflict between an economically-repressed, militarily-occupied people and powerful military occupiers supported by the United States, it’s definitely the people whose land got invaded who need to prove they’re interested in peace. 🙄
Calling All Sports-Loving Prank Callers
It’s time to step up and do your duty
Let’s proceed on the assumption that prank calls DO actually lead to the receiver committing suicide. If that is true, then every sports lover in the country needs to do THIS as often as he/she can, until the inevitable happy result comes about …
Another gun tragedy in the USA. The biggest since the last one according to the media. More will follow, followed by the wails and sadness of all ad infinitum. Without any meaningful legislation likely to limit gun ownership and easy use. The latest is that some people want to take guns to their workplace. Handy for a Post employee pushed to the limit. And a sign of the deterioration of civil life and attitudes in ‘the greatest little country on the planet’ with the best democracy and political system and military and private weapons that money can buy.
In China there have been a number of knife killings at schools.
Can anybody direct me to a study of this type of crime, the drivers and the perpetrators. Why children? In this USA one the guy wanted to kill his mother but took out bunches of unconnected children too. Were they her class?
We are probably lucky that China and Russia have tried to get UN to allow bigger state controls over the internet. That meant that USA would be against it, though they are anxious themselves to box and contain it. And NZ wouldn’t agree either because we are the USA’s dingy dinghy bouncing behind in their wake. So we’re OK for the present but wait for the next attack on the freedom of the internet that go beyond a reasonable minor level.
<b>DEAKER-WATCH No. 4 “Anders” Deaker stands up for Christian civilization
No action by Sky over Deaker’s SBW comment</b> 7:24 AM Monday Mar 12, 2012
Sky TV says it will take no action against broadcaster Murray Deaker after he reportedly said All Black star and boxer Sonny Bill Williams made him “uncomfortable” because “he is a Muslim in a so-called Christian country”.
Deaker reportedly made the slur about Williams, who converted to Islam in 2009, on the Deaker on Sports show on February 29.
Sky Television spokeswoman Kirsty Way said today that the remark was made during a live discussion and its meaning was taken out of context when read in isolation.
No action would be taken by Sky TV against Deaker.
A copy of the tape could be released only with Deaker’s approval because he had editorial control of the show, Ms Way said.
Deaker could not be reached for comment last night. Williams’ manager Khoder Nasser did not wish comment further when contacted yesterday evening. He earlier said he was disgusted by what Deaker said.
“As you get older, they say you get wiser. You are closer to the grave, which gives you a sense of realism, you become humbled and more accepting of other human beings. But the older this man gets, the more bigoted he becomes.”
Hundreds of comments have been posted on Twitter condemning Deaker’s remarks. “If Sky won’t cancel Deaker’s show…”
What are you on Morrissey? I hope that you have something lined up to occupy you for Christmas as it would be discouraging to see your pseudo every second or third comment.
Morrisey
Carrots – so good for one. Healthy, good for your eyes etc. And watch Brett Dale DFT. Save your time for your other good comments. I like your reporting of some of the discourses on the media.
Earlier this morning, I launched into an intemperate tirade against our good friend “fatty”, calling him “ignorant” and “arrogant”. Of course, I turned out to have mis-identified him; his comments are in fact well thought out, and clearly well informed.
Was reading a book last evening and it reflected upon Leadership and Management.
In New Zealand in a political view I considered the countries Leaders.
Like it or not Key and Norman have Leadership qualities, whereas it would appear that Shearer has Management.
The view considered was that Leaders are naturals whereas Managers can be taught, but perhaps are not, nor ever can be, Leaders.
Key is not a Manager ie a details man
Norman is a Leader, maybe with some Management – not sure, as he is an enigma.
But Shearer lacks the vital empathy to be a Leader – but he has Management skills learned overseas
Cunliffe has neither – cannot see a Labour Leader though, Shearer is the best bet as a good Manager.
Not sure what your criteria are for deciding who is which, especially the claim that Cunliffe has neither managerial nor leadership qualities. From what I have seen and heard he is very competent and energetic, and I have seen that has a very good relationship with his electorate.
Fortran
The support and admiration that Cunliffe has earned among the majority of rank and file might suggest sifnificant LEADERSHIP qualities?
The success Cunliffe has had taking a National seat and growing his majority in five elections might suggest significant LEADERSHIP and MANAGEMENT qualities?
Cunliffe’s impeccable run in ministerial positions, Health, Immigration and Telecommunications/ITmight might suggest significant LEADERSHIP and exceptional MANAGEMENT qualities?
Cunliffe’s sticking with his core LABOUR values and turning the other cheek while some people do their “tall poppy” act on him is the mark or a great leader.
Fortran, your comment on Cunliffe is wrong. He will prove that he is streets ahead of Key, when he becomes PM.
I was shocked to hear on the news that a spokesperson for a church saw nothing wrong about having a paedophile in a group at a school as part of some project/ outreach the church was doing. He said that the school did not have any rules about this so he thought it was perfectly okay. WTF.
He sounded like a youngish man, just my impression, and it underlines that young men need to be aware and thoughtful about people’s problems in society. Someone on the radio recently said that some paedophiles automatically fall in to grooming mode when around youngsters. They will present themselves as friends to the child who appears vulnerable, feeling lonely or bored even, and its a big boost to a child to have someone who takes an interest. And the devious background thinking would be unknown.
I think you’re right, my friend. The fraught tempers are probably caused by a combination of hot weather and the presence of a cynical provocateur like Brett Dale.
Tonight I read a report in a leading European paper, on Greece and the absolutely shocking situation there, where a society is split into those still struggling to manage and those falling down through the former social net. It is SHOCKING reading.
Now crime is rampant, social division is the rule, there is even talk of civil war.
The foreign banks get blamed, and some of them carry some blame, but I fear it goes beyond that now. There is racism, nazism, unrest and worse taking place there, and I fear it will spread across many other countries in Southern Europe.
Now does this not ring a bell? Have you heard of crime, tension, poverty and so forth?
Do the ones still living in middle class comfort not get it? Do you want to taste the full blow perhaps? I fear you have another thing coming very soon!
NZ is on the verge of explosion too, once we have the next welfare “reforms” being pushed through. Force poor, sick and disabled, mums not able to get a job, to look for work that does not exist. John Key, you are asking for another Queen Street Riot, I am afraid!
Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
Peter Dunne writes – The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious: we live in a troubled ...
1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
…it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisitionNOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes – The High Court ...
Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same?Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
Open access notablesIce acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment:In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
Mr Bombastic:Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder.In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére SosouMarket gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
Buzz from the Beehive Melissa Lee – as may be discerned from the screenshot above – has not been demoted for doing something seriously wrong as Minister of ...
Morning in London Mother hugs beloved daughter outside the converted shoe factory in which she is living.Afternoon in London Travelling writer takes himself and his wrist down to A&E, just to be sure. Read more ...
Mike Grimshaw writes – The recent announcement of the University Advisory Group, chaired by Sir Peter Gluckman, makes very clear where the Government’s focus and priorities lie. The remit of the Advisory Group is that Group members will consider challenges and opportunities for improvement in the university sector including: ...
Eric Crampton writes – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand desperately wants to find reasons to have workstreams in climate change. It makes little sense. They’ve run another stress test on the banks looking to see if they could find a prudential regulation case. They couldn’t. They ...
Rob MacCullough writes – Pundits from the left and the right are arguing that National’s Fast Track Bill that is designed to speed up infrastructure decisions could end up becoming mired in a cesspool of corruption. Political commentator ...
Looking at the headlines this morning it’s hard to feel anything other than pessimistic about the future of humanity.Note that I’m not speaking about the future of mankind, but the survival of our humanity. The values that we believe in seem to be ebbing away, by the day.Perhaps every generation ...
Swabbing mixed breed baby chicks to test for avian influenzaUh oh. Bird flu – often deadly to humans – is not only being transmitted from infected birds to dairy cows, but is now travelling between dairy cows. As of last Friday, Bloomberg News reports, there were 32 American dairy herds ...
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
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SPORTS NEWS
Martin Crowe’s fiery protest
The retired New Zealand cricketing superstar Martin Crowe recently
staged a fiery protest against New Zealand cricket authorities
following their dumping of the NZ captain Ross Taylor…
http://www.thewitness.org/archive/mayjune2003/img/BurningMonk.jpg
Good on him, more boys club members with no clue on how to run a professional code. mcullam is a bad choice to replace Taylor and WTF was wrong with Taylor anyway?
We haven’t come a long way since Turner had beefs with these old boys over playing county and representing NZ we’ve just produced enough decent players to mask the real issues. Bad management and no consistent academy structure for bringing talent through combined with bias at rep level to mates and boys club members over talent.
Its an all too familiar tale in NZ sporting codes.
Splendid letter from Crowe in this morning’s Herald. Good for him!!
What is it with the US, and individuals shooting people/children in educational establishments – this time an elementary school? Land of the free? Champion of democracy?
Ha! WYSIWYG link button working again.
And the blockquote button? Nope. Not working at all.
The important thing to remember is its not the NRA’s fault, it’s the parents. If the toddlers had been armed they could have defended themselves.
That’s right. The more freedom there is to carry a gun the safer they will be. And we need to remember, of course, that guns don’t kill people, people do. /sarc
One of England’s leading philosophers, one TONY PARSONS, has written thoughtfully and philosophically on the issue….
‘The problem is not the gun laws of American but the limitless cruelty of the human race.’ https://twitter.com/TonyParsonsUK/status/279647164337106944
Thus he has proved, irrefutably and elegantly, that it is not guns that kill children in kindergartens, it is people of limitless cruelty.
Agree about the limitless cruelty thing, just also think there are two issues to deal with 1. how to stop having a society with cruel people 2. how to limit the weapons in a community when limitlessly cruel people are among us. It’s not either/or – and one before the other. They need to be addressed in tandem.
Rosy, I was pointing out the stupidity of Tony Parsons. He’s one of the shallowest and glibbest people in England.
Ah – sorry – the page you linked to doesn’t work, so I didn’t note the tone – can you summarise what he said?
That’s all he wrote, Rosy. In other words, instead of writing something sensitive and thoughtful, which would have required a degree of sensitivity and thoughtfulness, Parsons simply chose to recycle a ridiculous cliché. He had to write SOMETHING of course; as a handsomely remunerated “pundit” he is expected to deliver an opinion, no matter how ill-informed, on a range of topics.
Well, to be fair to Parsons, he was good for two years in the mid seventies, but that was more to do with speed, punk and his genius missus. The Boy Looked at Johnny is still a great read; no heroes any more.
1.) “Well, to be fair to Parsons, he was good for two years in the mid seventies,”
Let me hazard a guess, Te Reo—you love old issues of the NME as much as you love Private Eye. You appear to be a scholar as well as a gentleman.
2.) “but that was more to do with speed, punk and his genius missus.”
She wrote some interesting pop music comments in the 1970s, but her subsequent career has demonstrated that horrible woman is no genius. She’s a nasty piece of work, as well as being cast-iron ignorant.
Spent last weekend clearing out my old stuff from the oldie’s attic; lots of NME’s, PE’s, posters of Bowie etc. The NME really was superb from 77-83, Burchill, Parsons, Nick Kent, Paul Morley, Ian Penman through to Steven Wells and X Moore. Linking pop music to politics and philosophy was a liberation for me.
I still rate Burchill, (listening to her talking to DJ Steve Wright in ’93 as I write). There is little I agree with her about these days, but our mis-named mate The Contrarian really should look her up, as she’s been genuinely contrarian for 35 years:
“Bob Dylan broke his neck; close, but no cigar.”
Did you read that magazine (short-lived but very readable) she put out with Toby Young in the 1990s?
Modern Review? I think the ex liberated the few copies I had!
Yes, that’s it. I have a couple of copies in my basement, somewhere.
Guns in America ARE causes for much limitless cruelty of the human race! (Including high death rate among police persons).
Hi Dr T..
1: Who manufactures the guns and weapons
2: Who sells the guns and weapons
3: Who ensures that the guns and weapons are in continual use domestically/internationally
4: Who controls the legislations/contracts of those who manufacture the guns and weapons
5: Who cares if innocent people domestically/globally are dying through use of the guns and weapons, as long as *business remains good and retains control*
6: Who pulls the trigger on the gun or weapon, or issues the order for the weapons to be used
etc…
The anwer to any of the above does NOT include the word, gun or weapon
Well Karol, the idea is to instill the most fear, commit the attrocities which cover illicit the maximum emotive reaction . We have recently seen *attacks* on movie goers, then quickly followed by the sikh religious attacks, now followed by another attack on a school.
Fear, shock, horror, fear, emotive responses all geared at ramping towards a pre conceived outcome.
Lets see where the shit trail leads this time and which…
Yes, here we have the continuation of the repeated lone wolf meme again….
Here we have the standard confusion being created around a *second shooter*, which like the Cinema, Temple shootings will be quickly discarded..
Those who say that the guns are the problem, are simplistically wrong! The people commiting these *attrocities* are the problem, whoever they are, and the reasons behind it, complex, deliberate, and opaque!
Edit: Nice post above Morrissey
I’d like to know who thought it was a good idea to interview a child who was at the school, on the day of the shooting, and broadcast that all over the world. That lack of care and restraint is a big part of the picture too. It’s so much more sensational to broadcast the words of a child who was there, never mind that the child is traumatised or that listening to a traumatised child should not be news.
Hi Weka,
Very observant line of questioning again from you.
Further questions to ask are…Was this *girl* actually at the school, and is the *girl* being quoted, someone who has been brought in specifically to be *interviewed* for the *news*.
Was the *interview* even at, or near the location where the *news* was assumed to be reported from!
*sigh* I don’t know Muzza – does the school exist? Did the shooting happen? Is it all a big plan to bring about gun control so the population will have no defence against the government?
But as for questioning of one of the school children. Was parental consent required for that? – it’s an appalling example of ‘rolling’ news coverage.
The American Administration, or more accurately those behind it, will be just as happy to see the people killing eachother. Don’t forget the rulers do not give a toss about the masses, they have consistantly proven this decade in decade out, and the repeated attempts of remove the 2nd amendment, and attack the gun laws etc, is IMO, just for show. They don’t care for human life these people, and so for mine, there is little I would consider to be *out of the question*, so far as what else is in play!
Rolling news coverage – stages, props, actors, manipulation, controlling of narratives, telling stories and *creating history*.
The narrow channels of the supply of *news*, has made it ever more possible to *create news*, even any given event happened or not. Now I am not saying that this is/is not a real event, only that the hollywood, news media with its hstorical links to military and so on, can manufacture anything they want, and report it to the world within minutes.
Total control of *the news*, to take control of the emotional states, and state of helplessness of the masses. The desired nessages are continually reinforced through movies, tv, video games music videos etc!
Yet again the conspiracy meme. While you may get some vicarious thrill at imagining some shadowy conspiracy behind the US Administration ‘controlling the narrative’. The more obvious (and either boring or unbelievable for you) explanation is that the nature of the media coverage is simply the profit motive.
More hits, readers, viewers, hence more advertising revenue and profit – is the ultimate goal. With multiple internet and TV stations all providing non-stop 24-hr coverage, the way to get the ‘customers’ is to dramatise the story, make it more thrilling, horrible, contentious….
You may be right in saying that some of the many competing media outlets may ‘stage manage’ to make their ‘news’ more ‘interesting’ but don’t doubt for one second that these were real people killed by a lone madman.
Despite all the media saturation and dramatisation… the horror and shock is evident in the stark gut wrenching reality that 20 children …. 28 people…. have been killed in an awful way.
Like the tragedy of 9-11, this is a defining event that will have a profound effect on the mood, thoughts and subsequent actions of all Americans.
THIS IS WHY WE HAVE POVERTY – government employees not doing their jobs properly, or even taking the time to ensure people are receiving their full and correct entitlement.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/8083554/Christmas-on-the-breadline
1) I suspect the TAS amount is wrong
2) the amount deducted for repayments can be reduced at the case managers discretion. Why is she paying $15 then? Clearly she can’t afford it.
3) the amount of child support needs to be reviewed. Clearly this is an unaffordable level for her.
4) has she been advised that she can apply for special needs grants such as food, clothing, etc etc??
government employees not doing their jobs properly, or even taking the time to ensure people are receiving their full and correct entitlement.
More likely it’s government employees being either under-resourced to do their jobs properly or being prevented from doing them properly by interference and mismanagment direct from the political level.
My younger brother who has a life-long disability (and while he can paint roofs, you would not wish what he has on your worst enemy) says he can always tells when National is in power because WINZ or it’s equivalent of the day, go from being merely depressing to deal with … to utterly miserly, malicous and mind-fucking.
I also have a permanent disability, and notice a big difference in WINZ between left and right governments. That’s why it fucks me off when people say there is no difference between Labour and NACT. There is, a very real difference. Depressing vs utterly miserly, malicious and mind-fucking is a good way to describe it, and anyone who thinks that isn’t a significant difference has too easy a life.
No, that is not why we have poverty. We have poverty because capitalism demands it.
3)Her child support should have dropped to the minimum $12 a week from the time she lost her job.
Writing or phoning the IRD and referring to an income reduction under s.40 should get it cut back.
WINZ should know this and as the IRD arrange to have all sorts of other things notified to them why are they not writing to someone who goes onto a benefit asking them if they need to apply for a payment reduction.
I tried to post on stuff but my password was not accepted so my comment is probably erased.
When it comes to down sizing a bedroom Bernadette will lose her TAS and she will be no better off. I assume she gets most if not all of tempoary additional support (TAS) for the rent.
Unless there is an increase in the accommodation supplement (AS) or affordable housing is made available the daily struggle on an empty stomach is not going to change. As well jobs are required, but I think that housing cost is easier to fix as the government could increase the AS or only review the TAS every 26 weeks and not the current 13 weeks and possibly increase TAS as well.
I have not read up on if people will lose $42 per week when on the invalid benefit (IB) if they are eligible for part time work testing as changes are to be made for those on IB next July.
People on IB are already stressed out enough due to chronic health conditions, (sometimes a few/ several) and reducing the IB for those who may be able to work part time on a good day is planet Key mentality.
I strongly object to restructuring a health benefit on the ground that a person is eligible for a benefit which is REQUIRED because of incapacity when it comes to employment and that the incapacity for employment is unknown on any given day.
I’d like to see confirmation of that IB policy, and the actual rules. Nevertheless Jenny Shipley cut medical benefits by $20/wk in 1990, so we know that NACT don’t give a shit, and are stupid beyond belief as well (what happens to ill people when they don’t have enough to live on? That’s right, they become even more dependent on the state).
Thank you for asking for clarification re IB changes as I saw an error I have made. Yesterday on Open Mike 4.
“Under the Bill, an invalid beneficary who is reclassified as a ‘job – seeker’ will face a cut in income from $256 to $213 a week – effectively a benefit cut of $213 a week.”
What is reclassified and how is this determined I am left asking myself?
Current Work Capacity Medical Certificate for Invalid Benefit asks:
Do the conditions listed previously limit the person’s capacity to work for 30 hours or more per week?
Do the conditions listed previously limit the person’s capacity to work regularly in open employment for 15 hours or more a week?
Is the person’s incapacity for work expected to last for at least 2 years?
Is the person’s life expectancy less than 2 years?
Is the person receive active treatment or under the care of specialist for any of the conditions listed previously? (their error receive)
When is the person likely to be capable of:
Work planning
Limited training (less than 15 hours per week)
Part-time work (at least 15 hours per week)
Full-time work (30 hours or more per week)
Are there any more treatments or interventions that could assist the person into work?
Unable to work from
When should the person’s capacity for work next be assessed?
Basically a person has to be unable to work for 15 hours a week for the next 2 years to currently qualify for the IB. I do not know if this is going to be reclassified or how as then you get the situation I described in 3.4 paragraph 5&6. As well sickness benefit is going to be absorbed as job seeker, IB will be supported living and a parenting one.
Full-time work is at least 30 hours a week.
How can a person who is forced to come off the IB then be expected to be available to work 30 hours a week as a job seeker when they can only work 16 hours a week?
Correction paragraph 2 – effectively a benefit cut of $42 (even though it is $43).
Thanks for that. btw, I know SBs who are being refused IB. I think mostly WINZ is using the 30hr category now. Anyone capable of working 15 hrs will be on SB.
The only thing I’ve found so far is this –
http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/newsroom/media-releases/2011/welfare-reform.html
Taking that at face value, I think what they will be doing is trying to shift some people off IB and onto SB, just using new names. That explains the drop in rate. Still looking for the new criteria.
Just like the ACC swindle (pushed from ACC to invalids).
“Thanks for that. btw, I know SBs who are being refused IB”
I’m one All the letters and medical certificates went in and some faceless tame doctor, who I have never seen said No I was able to work. And that was that, they said I could ask for a review, but as I told them at the time, whats the point, as you have already made up your minds.
I went back to the specialists and they say there’s nothing they can do as the risks of surgery are so bad that they won’t even try. But WiNZ don’t give a toss. I have probably been underpaid by 40 odd buck’s a week, and that’s really hard on the finances, with a toddler and a teen. Oh well the next installment is clothes for the Teen that’ll be fun.
I am waiting for Bennet to put a stop to your GP being able to do IB medical certificate assessment and go back to the gravy train designated doctors who will lick her boots.
By this time next year I dread to think how high unemployment, hospital admissions and crime will be.
and homelessness.
Good on the woman for going public, although that probably speaks more to desperation than anything else.
SNGs for anything other than food will create more debt 🙁 If she has a sudden unexpected bill she should pay that, and then get WINZ to pay for her food for that week (thus avoiding more debt). There is a limit on the SNGs per year though.
Reducing the debt repayment to $5/wk is a not brainer and should have been done as a matter of course.
She’s probably not getting her full disability allowance either.
Probably not as WINZ staff have been getting worse over the years. It’s as if Bennet has put out a missive allowing the staff to be as difficult and non informing of entitlement’s as they want to be.
Also why was she made to stand down for 3 weeks or so?? She recieved NO redunduncy payment, so WINZ HAD to make sure she was really suffering before they will do anything.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/kate-middleton-prank-call-royal-1488880
Kate Middleton prank call: Royal hoax nurse’s anger at hospital in suicide note
14 Dec 2012
In one emotional letter Jacintha Saldanha criticises senior colleagues at the King Edward VII hospital over her treatment after she was duped by two Aussie DJs….
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/kate-middleton-prank-call-royal-1488880
This is a terrible tragedy for Jacintha and her family. The Aussie DJ’s prank was despicable. But they were following the infotainment logic of our MSM.
Why is no one questioning the celebrity-focused role of the MSM at large? Why do they create a feeding frenzy around a royal pregnancy? Our MSM gave it more front page, prime-time coverage than the TPP talks that were happening in Auckland at the same time. The TPP is far more crucial to the future of NZers.
Hi Karol,
The charade that makes up the *news*, and the actors who play the parts is becoming too transparent these days, forget about the microscope its in front of the face. *News* is to be considered almost completely staged manipulation, with actors playing/presenting or editing/writing the scripts, and the truth is unlikely to ever see the light of day, even if the *news* event, ever happened or not.
Ther hysteria which surrounds the trash media and propagates as *news*, can be considered as simply this.
Mass manipulation of the public – a global psyop!
“The Aussie DJ’s prank was despicable.”
No it was not “despicable”, it was simply a prank, and a light-hearted, good-humoured one. Nobody—absolutely nobody—could have predicted what later happened.
Clearly not light-hearted and good-humoured for the person on the receiving end. The people who broadcast this stuff without permission don’t/didn’t have any understanding of the trauma and humiliation some victims of their ‘pranks’ might feel. Mr/Ms Everyday person might not be as extrovert as they are, nor be able to brush of a perceived humiliation that easily.
Really? No one could predict a prank would go wrong? It’s only the plot of every second sitcom episode of all time.
And it’s “light-hearted” and “good-humoured” to attempt to access a person’s medical records by deception?
Sure, if you don’t understand the latter, and have no empathy for the people being pranked and how they might feel like they’ve betrayed a sacred trust, sure, I suppose it’s just an innocent little joke.
The DJs work on a station which previously hooked a 14-year-old up to a polygraph to ask her about her sex life. When she revealed having been raped – and the immediate follow-up question from the DJ was “okay, but is that the only sexual experience you’ve had?” I suppose that was just a bit of light-hearted fun which no one could’ve predicted would go wrong either.
Prank-calling a hospital where a royal family member has checked in for an almost certainly bogus reason is entirely acceptable. You can go all North Korean if you want, but the rest of the (sane) world sees these publicly funded parasites as fair game.
The other prank you mention WAS despicable, and I share your contempt for the perpetrators. Your deliberate twisting of my argument to suggest I would approve of that is unworthy of you.
has checked in for an almost certainly bogus reason
No please, do go on, this should be fascinating.
jaysus.
Exactly! The frenzied attack upon these two DJ’s is dreadful and right out of proportion (for all that we rightly sympathise with the nurse). Others must also be held to account.
I think the hospital also has some culpability.
It seems odd that they did not have a filtering process in place that all calls about celebrities went through to ensure appropriate confidentiality.
“I think the hospital also has some culpability.”
Wrong. The person responsible for Jacintha Soldana’s suicide was Jacintha Soldana. Any blaming of the radio DJs or the hospital is mere recycling of the hysteria whipped up by the steaming hypocrites in the Murdoch empire.
Morrisey would the suicide have happened IF there was no prank call, if the media had not published it and if the Nurse had a filtering mechanism on the calls.
Jacinta was responsible for her actions BUT there is a chain of culpability.
“Jacinta was responsible for her actions BUT there is a chain of culpability.”
Then all these people must also be prosecuted: the cafetaria worker who did not smile at her, the bus driver who was gruff and taciturn instead of being sunny and positive, the BBC news readers who read out grim economic and political news each day, the hospital patient who grumbled about something the day before….
There is one person culpable for this death, and it’s not either of the light-hearted pranksters.
Gee Morrisey
You don’t understand anything about some people’s desire to maintain high standards in their work and to do an excellent job which they take pride in and are esteemed for, and also needing to receive a good salary for that high standard of work.
You ought to put yourself forward to your electorate to stand in the next election. You sound very suitable because of your narrow focus and lack of understanding of society to fit you to be a politician.
Then all these people must also be prosecuted:
DUH.
Poor old baffled Dv had this to contribute to the discourse….
“DUH.”
Perhaps a good lie-down would get that brain working again. Certainly something needs to be done, and pronto.
Yes Morrissey, it is your very carefull analysis of cause and effect that has confused me.
Sorry about that. But I see your brain is working just fine again. I think you’ll find that my meaning will become clear after repeated reading, followed by deep thought, perhaps with a panel discussion to follow.
Morrissey’s level of empathy for Jacintha Saldanha is aptly demonstrated by his refusal to take the time to spell her name properly.
My apologies to the family for mis-spelling her name.
Now, explain how that equates with a lack of empathy. And after you’ve done explaining that, explain why you’ve taken your lead in this from the tender-hearted, empathetic folk who work for the Murdoch papers and Sky TV.
[citation needed]
Yeah i agree with you on that, a hospital such as this with regular ‘important people’ as patients would surely have had protocols on what could and couldn’t be said about patients over the phone,
“The Royals” themselves with all the trials and tribulations that they have been through with the media can hardly cry about their privacy being breached as you would think that there would have been in place a system whereby any enquiries were transferred to a royal media minder,
Cheap pricks got what they paid for…
The facets of a prank phone call having many real consequences is a big learning curve to everyone involved and a lesson on how tragic a prank can be.
I do hope that the bereavement counselling offered to the family of Jacintha is not connected with the hospital as their notes could be accessed by the hospital. The hospital cannot be trusted as they have been caught out not knowing that they were critcised in one of the three letters which Jacintha wrote.
When it comes to culture I also hope that the counsellor can identify with cultural practice pertaining to Jacintha’s reaction as it would differ from my European/Polish identity.
LOOKALIKE
Can YOU spot the difference between these violent men?
Professional musician Jimmy Mason was convicted of assaulting a child after an incident on the Bridge of Remembrance in central Christchurch in 2007. The 49-year-old Christchurch man admitted to flicking his son’s ear to “reprimand” him for “riding dangerously near a busy street”.
The case became a cause célèbre for the Kiddy-Whackers Association fronted by Bob McCoskrie, and the S.S. Trust fronted by Garth “Mac the Knife” McVicar. To these kinds of people, assaulting a child on the street means a man is not a thug, but an exemplar of family values, and the very model of the “good parent”.
If you do NOT belong to one of these psychotic organizations, and retain some measure of moral and ethical normality, you probably thought that, after his disgraceful display of self-pity and defiance following his conviction for assault, Jimmy Mason would slither away into deserved obscurity.
However, the emergence of his doppelganger in England has brought back all the horrifying memories….
Consider this picture of James Mason….
http://media.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2010/11/03/mason_460x23046423.feature-image_t300.jpg
And now look at the bloke in this article….
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/keep-jlc-off-cbb-justin-lee-1489893
Creepy… or what?
This forum is a bear pit containing a large sub-group of haters and wreckers exhibiting psychopathic traits. Their prefered means of attack is to latch on to the victim using the most vile language possible, then, having done as much damage as they can (to the enormous satisfaction of a blood-thirsty crowd observing the sport) they sanctimoneously pretend they are people of peace and reason who selflessly spend their lives protecting the weak and innocent. I have an extremely bad taste in my mouth. I will now leave the arena and attempt a ritual purification to rid myself of the stench. Good luck gentle-folk in your search for a fairer, kinder world….
Without the slightest hint of self-awareness.
The lack of self-awareness makes it hilarious, though, you have to admit.
Other than “fatty” and Brett Dale, who are probably one and the same person, is Grant Hay the most bewildered person to post on this forum in the past year? I’d like to know if there has been a more confused contribution from anyone.
Grant Hay 5.1
Citation? The whole forum is a bear pit? Bears have feelings too you know.
Thoughts and wishes to the people of Connecticut, what
can one say about this tragic event. As someone who has
family in CT, including younger relatives, this is an awful day.
Here’s hoping there is not a day like this again in CT or
anywhere.
“…what can one say about this tragic event.”
Of one thing we can be sure: Brett Dale will not say anything intelligent or insightful about this tragedy.
“Here’s hoping there is not a day like this again in CT or anywhere.”
Far worse than this is happening in Iraq and Afghanistan every day. You have been loud in your support of it. And your blood-soaked cheerleading for the carnage in Gaza last month makes your words of solicitude nothing but the most callous hypocrisy.
Morrissey:
As someone whos got family in the area, including younger relatives, I think I have just as much as right to comment as anyone else. This is a tragic event.
Then condemn the far greater massacres being perpetrated in the middle east, instead of applauding them, you hypocrite.
Dont see the connection, at the moment my concern is how upset my
younger relatives are in CT, maybe you should stick to prank calling murray deaker.
“Dont see the connection…”
You don’t? Then you are either dimmer or even more depraved than I thought you were.
Again my sympathy goes out to the victims and the families and the children who
survived and who will now be terrified, here’s hoping again, they get the help they need.
Is that sympathy expressed for the victims, the families, and the survivors of the massacre in Gaza? If not, your words are insincere and worthless.
Again. dont see the connection, shouting out Gaza or Iraqi everytime an unrelated tragic event happens in the USA,is cliche.
Again, this is a tragic event and my thoughts and wishes goes out to people in CT.
Its a shame people have a a problem with people giving sympathy to Americans.
“Its a shame people have a a problem with people giving sympathy to Americans.”
I have no problem with people giving sympathy to Americans. I have a great problem with people who applaud mass murder expressing selective sympathy.
It’s like if someone were to loudly, publicly, speak out in support of the PERPETRATOR of a knife-murder, then pretend that he is a VICTIMS advocate.
I will become sympathetic to the Gazans when they stop firing rockets into Israel. But, when they stop firing rockets, then the Israelis will stop trying to stop the rockets, which means peace will return. and then I won’t need to be sympathetic.
Hey, maybe that means its in the Gazans own hands. That is IF they want peace of course. Or maybe what they want is what they always say they want and that is to push the Israelis into the sea. But that would be mean, wouldn’t it. It can’t be right.
Yep, because in a conflict between an economically-repressed, militarily-occupied people and powerful military occupiers supported by the United States, it’s definitely the people whose land got invaded who need to prove they’re interested in peace. 🙄
El Stupido blithered moronically: “But that would be mean, wouldn’t it. It can’t be right.”
You are an ignoramus.
Fracking ‘could create 7000 jobs’
All while not poisoning and killing flora/forna/human beings…what a sales pitch!
A genuine win-win-win for all.
I shouldn’t need the use the /sarc tag, but just in case!
Ghost jobs.
Calling All Sports-Loving Prank Callers
It’s time to step up and do your duty
Let’s proceed on the assumption that prank calls DO actually lead to the receiver committing suicide. If that is true, then every sports lover in the country needs to do THIS as often as he/she can, until the inevitable happy result comes about …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z14jFni1pjM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R83ZKfEibo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3VnMFQUPcI
Another gun tragedy in the USA. The biggest since the last one according to the media. More will follow, followed by the wails and sadness of all ad infinitum. Without any meaningful legislation likely to limit gun ownership and easy use. The latest is that some people want to take guns to their workplace. Handy for a Post employee pushed to the limit. And a sign of the deterioration of civil life and attitudes in ‘the greatest little country on the planet’ with the best democracy and political system and military and private weapons that money can buy.
In China there have been a number of knife killings at schools.
Can anybody direct me to a study of this type of crime, the drivers and the perpetrators. Why children? In this USA one the guy wanted to kill his mother but took out bunches of unconnected children too. Were they her class?
I’ll have a post up about this shortly.
We are probably lucky that China and Russia have tried to get UN to allow bigger state controls over the internet. That meant that USA would be against it, though they are anxious themselves to box and contain it. And NZ wouldn’t agree either because we are the USA’s dingy dinghy bouncing behind in their wake. So we’re OK for the present but wait for the next attack on the freedom of the internet that go beyond a reasonable minor level.
<b>DEAKER-WATCH No. 4
“Anders” Deaker stands up for Christian civilization
No action by Sky over Deaker’s SBW comment</b>
7:24 AM Monday Mar 12, 2012
Sky TV says it will take no action against broadcaster Murray Deaker after he reportedly said All Black star and boxer Sonny Bill Williams made him “uncomfortable” because “he is a Muslim in a so-called Christian country”.
Deaker reportedly made the slur about Williams, who converted to Islam in 2009, on the Deaker on Sports show on February 29.
Sky Television spokeswoman Kirsty Way said today that the remark was made during a live discussion and its meaning was taken out of context when read in isolation.
No action would be taken by Sky TV against Deaker.
A copy of the tape could be released only with Deaker’s approval because he had editorial control of the show, Ms Way said.
Deaker could not be reached for comment last night. Williams’ manager Khoder Nasser did not wish comment further when contacted yesterday evening. He earlier said he was disgusted by what Deaker said.
“As you get older, they say you get wiser. You are closer to the grave, which gives you a sense of realism, you become humbled and more accepting of other human beings. But the older this man gets, the more bigoted he becomes.”
Hundreds of comments have been posted on Twitter condemning Deaker’s remarks. “If Sky won’t cancel Deaker’s show…”
Read more, then <b>prank-call him</b>….
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10791405
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
DEAKER-WATCH is a series dedicated to highlighting the contributions of Murray Deaker to New Zealand public life.
DEAKER-WATCH No.1… http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-13032012/#comment-446445
DEAKER-WATCH No. 2…http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-14032012/#comment-447110
DEAKER-WATCH No. 3…http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-15032012/#comment-447518
DEAKER-WATCH No. 4…
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-21032012/#comment-449711
Why on earth would sky cancel the rantmeister bigot and all the publicity he generates.
Its not there’s competition is there.
The best reason to cancel his show must be his ratings. Nobody watches it.
What are you on Morrissey? I hope that you have something lined up to occupy you for Christmas as it would be discouraging to see your pseudo every second or third comment.
Okay, Viper, I’m hip with that “Less is more” philosophy. I’ll tone it down from now on.
Meanwhile, enjoy this amusing vegetable…
http://lovecarrots.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/ronnie_hoggan_carrot.jpg
Morrisey
Carrots – so good for one. Healthy, good for your eyes etc. And watch Brett Dale DFT. Save your time for your other good comments. I like your reporting of some of the discourses on the media.
Public Apology to “fatty”
Earlier this morning, I launched into an intemperate tirade against our good friend “fatty”, calling him “ignorant” and “arrogant”. Of course, I turned out to have mis-identified him; his comments are in fact well thought out, and clearly well informed.
I therefore retract all the comments I made against “fatty” and beg his forgiveness….
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42723000/jpg/_42723661_slavery_pa203b.jpg
That’s a very weird photo to put with an apology.
Was reading a book last evening and it reflected upon Leadership and Management.
In New Zealand in a political view I considered the countries Leaders.
Like it or not Key and Norman have Leadership qualities, whereas it would appear that Shearer has Management.
The view considered was that Leaders are naturals whereas Managers can be taught, but perhaps are not, nor ever can be, Leaders.
Key is not a Manager ie a details man
Norman is a Leader, maybe with some Management – not sure, as he is an enigma.
But Shearer lacks the vital empathy to be a Leader – but he has Management skills learned overseas
Cunliffe has neither – cannot see a Labour Leader though, Shearer is the best bet as a good Manager.
Not sure what your criteria are for deciding who is which, especially the claim that Cunliffe has neither managerial nor leadership qualities. From what I have seen and heard he is very competent and energetic, and I have seen that has a very good relationship with his electorate.
Fortran
The support and admiration that Cunliffe has earned among the majority of rank and file might suggest sifnificant LEADERSHIP qualities?
The success Cunliffe has had taking a National seat and growing his majority in five elections might suggest significant LEADERSHIP and MANAGEMENT qualities?
Cunliffe’s impeccable run in ministerial positions, Health, Immigration and Telecommunications/ITmight might suggest significant LEADERSHIP and exceptional MANAGEMENT qualities?
Cunliffe’s sticking with his core LABOUR values and turning the other cheek while some people do their “tall poppy” act on him is the mark or a great leader.
Fortran, your comment on Cunliffe is wrong. He will prove that he is streets ahead of Key, when he becomes PM.
I was shocked to hear on the news that a spokesperson for a church saw nothing wrong about having a paedophile in a group at a school as part of some project/ outreach the church was doing. He said that the school did not have any rules about this so he thought it was perfectly okay. WTF.
He sounded like a youngish man, just my impression, and it underlines that young men need to be aware and thoughtful about people’s problems in society. Someone on the radio recently said that some paedophiles automatically fall in to grooming mode when around youngsters. They will present themselves as friends to the child who appears vulnerable, feeling lonely or bored even, and its a big boost to a child to have someone who takes an interest. And the devious background thinking would be unknown.
Is it just me, or is ts more fractious than normal today?
I think you’re right, my friend. The fraught tempers are probably caused by a combination of hot weather and the presence of a cynical provocateur like Brett Dale.
Tonight I read a report in a leading European paper, on Greece and the absolutely shocking situation there, where a society is split into those still struggling to manage and those falling down through the former social net. It is SHOCKING reading.
Now crime is rampant, social division is the rule, there is even talk of civil war.
The foreign banks get blamed, and some of them carry some blame, but I fear it goes beyond that now. There is racism, nazism, unrest and worse taking place there, and I fear it will spread across many other countries in Southern Europe.
Now does this not ring a bell? Have you heard of crime, tension, poverty and so forth?
Do the ones still living in middle class comfort not get it? Do you want to taste the full blow perhaps? I fear you have another thing coming very soon!
NZ is on the verge of explosion too, once we have the next welfare “reforms” being pushed through. Force poor, sick and disabled, mums not able to get a job, to look for work that does not exist. John Key, you are asking for another Queen Street Riot, I am afraid!