“However, while Mr Joyce has released a detailed financial report on the deal prepared by corporate advisers KordaMentha, he has yet to release official advice about the social impact of allowing SkyCity an additional 230 pokie machines and 52 more gaming tables as well as ticket-in, ticket-out technology which increases gambling profits…….
Questioned by Greens co-leader Metiria Turei, Mr Joyce told Parliament those effects had not been quantified. Mr Joyce said the department’s advice would be released in time for the public to consider it before changes to the Gambling Act were made.
Ms Turei cited a 2010 Australian Productivity Commission gambling study which put the cost to society of each problem gambler as high as A$30,000 ($36,000).”
And a quote
“A corporation is an externalizing machine in the same way that a shark is a killing machine. Each one is designed in a very particular way to accomplish certain objectives. In the achievement of those objectives there isn’t any question of
malevolence or will. The enterprise has within it, and the shark has within it, thosecharacteristics that enable it do that for which it was designed.”
at least put her on Permanent Stand By status on all future bookings 🙂
might allow her time to think on life if her freedom of movement is handicapped for a change
Which might be simply to say that it’s unusual for the deserving “Gold Elite” to exhibit such cowish behaviour. The point made by Paul at 2.1 about “entitlement” transcending decency remains.
Improving Rob, but you still need to try harder. You probably just lost your honorary membership in the Blubber Army by mentioning Jacinda without the compulsory comments about teeth. Put your photo up, arsewipe.
Must say that prospect occurred to me immediately but I dismissed it on account of Judy’s related sense of “noblesse oblige”.
Further question – how did Ms “Gold Elite” obtain her status ? Frequent flying in performance of a public or quasi-public role ? A “consultant” (or spouse of ) to ShonKey Python’s Flying Circus, savouring good old troughing perhaps ?
I well recall the media uproar when Charles Chauvel got hoha with the in-flight ill-behaviour of the entitled spawn of an ACT Party official.
This needs investigation. To be entrusted to no less a figure than the award-winning John Armstrong !
I would have thought that if Ms gold Elite was an MP, it would have been hinted at. Also, the woman in the wheel chair is a TV spokesperson for disability rights, and probably quite politically aware. My guess is she would have known if the elitist woman was an MP.
I was thinking Jooolie Christie at first, but then an Attitude producer should have known the extent of her self-aggrandisement, and would not have been surprised.
Besides, I’m not sure if she has kuds, and if she does – my deepest sympathy to them
It wasn’t Winston who thought of her. It was an explicit statement by someone who posts under the identifier Adrian. Why not have a go at him (or her).
I commented yesterday about Angelina Jolie getting the double mastectomy, and followed up by saying I wasn’t sure if it was covered under the public system in NZ or not.
Turns out it is. The (expensive, patented) test for the BRCA gene mutations are covered, the mastectomy is covered and the follow-up reconstructive surgery is covered. Heard from a clip of an interview replayed at ~10:20pm last night on National Radio with the creator of the Gift Of Knowledge website who try to increase awareness of the BRCA gene defects.
I initially had the thought that if the gene was patented, then may be bearer of the the gene could sue those that held the patent. But sadly it was the test that is patented.
Well it now seems that, that nasty little mutation has screwed up her chances of living to a ripe old age, unless out come the Ovaries and other associated bits.
Approached with a massive dollop of skeptism, not a little cynicism and….thanks for the link. Need to look at it a bit more, but it looks, from a cursory run through, like it could be a very powerful tool for organising. Cheers. 😉
In support (apparently) of this headline Chapman and Watkins furnish comments from four separate quarters. THREE of FOUR comments unmistakeably give the lie to the headline for God’s Sake.
Only ONE of FOUR comments (from the Khandallah mother with kids – replete with smiling photograph) goes anywhere near supporting the soundbite headline. “Overall I would say things are better……” ????
Chapman and Watkins – is it standard in your joint journalistic brilliance to engage the clanging non-sequitur ?
The headline risibly misrepresents the article’s very terms. What’s this about please ?
Typical: government spin lines in the headlines and at the top of the article; the alternative views and evidence buried at the bottom of the article. This is what counts as balance in the MSM these days.
Actually WS most of them are deluded and will never acquire the wealth they think they are destined to have. Like Amway salesmen in a pyramid that traps them into subservient deference to those above them they aint going anywhere.
So what Winston ? What does that prove ? Akin to saying that your experience of life is conclusively reflective of the experience of life of the rest of the world.
You must develop the maturity to forgive others the rank temerity of not focusing on you and you alone. Hopeless case you are.
The problem being that most people are worse off while a selfish few are better off. The fact being that those few are better off because the rest of the population is worse off.
More likely he doesn’t have kids. From his statements here, you’d have to wonder why anyone (especially a woman with any self-respect) would care to breed with him.
from recent Q.Ts;
English-“our debts are relatively high”
Robertson- from the HLFS (supported by Key); “40,000 jobs behind target; above the worst-case scenario of the last budget”.
Joyce,- “not growing them (jobs) as fast as we would like to”.
Parker- “current account deficit amongst worst in the world; non-tradeables down 6.4%; unemployment above 7% in Auckland”.
Brent Edwards- “current account deficit will get worse”.
Norman- “sceptical NAct will use key (macro-economic) tools”.
Ardern- “material deprivation risen from 15-21%”.
ON HOUSE PRICES;
IMF- “overvalued by 25%; sudden economic shock could damage (modest) recovery, damage banks financial positions; low savings rates persist”- Patrick O’Mara.
factors behind high house prices
-supply
-high building costs; materials and compliance costs.
-earthquake; as an aside, heard a commentary “imagine what sort of economy NZ would have without the rebuild stimulus???
English- “they threaten the economy; more affordability in TWO YEARS time”!
Corin Dann- lying shill.
Darien Fenton- speaking to the Electronic Transactions (Contract Formation) Amendment Bill- flustered; “I may have the wrong bill”. Goodness gracious me Nana, easy to appreciate the criticism of sitting Labour MPs at times, still, correct assertion that the govt. should be bringing bills to the house that DO have a real impact on IT.
All-Blacks assault-on-female charge withdrawn.
McDonalds- Police “heavy-handed” towards protesters; perceived conflict of interest as 11,000 Police Association members receive discounted fast-food; 10-50% from various franchisees.Corruption?
More anonymous social-media bullying; ask.fm.
The average age of a New Zealand truck-driver is 51 years of age; shakes head.
48 women in New Zealand die of a heart-attack every week.
Dementia rates likely to double in the next 30 years.
17:9 He who covers over an offense promotes love yet whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
17:10 A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool.
17:17 A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity.
The interview panel consisted of Defence Ministry chief, Helene Quilter, NZ Post Group chief, Brian Roche and Secretary for Justice, Andrew Bridgman.
Who selected, or caused to be selected, this panel? – Judith Collins?
Why were they chosen? – because they knew what Judith Collins expected of them?
Why did they describe Susan Devoy in such over the top glowing language? – because they knew there were far better qualified candidates available, but because they weren’t former sports stars and didn’t fulfil the National Party affiliation test, they were not going to be acceptable to the minister?
In other words, they were ministerial ‘grease’ balls?
Indeed, Anne. With the Aaron Gilmore business, we have seen how nasty National can be to its own. Many right wingers seem so self unaware, and/or devious. They spend a lot of time projecting their own faults and weaknesses onto the left.
So Pop-Soap you’re saying that identifying the ugliness of “Gold Elite”, self-obssession, a defiant lack of broad social awareness, and ShonKey Python cargo-cultism – that’s sanctimony is it ?
Get a grip. Pick up your mate Winston Myth and off to Slater Porn. Your natural habitat.
I was thinking (in my entra – preen- urial dreams) that I might try a new summertime thirst quencher – one of those iced delicacies that satisfies the immediate desire, but has no nutritional value.
It’ll be called a Populuxicle. It’ll have a vast surface area one can suck on, but it’s longer term content and structure will be as useful as the last time I had to point Percy at the parquet. The populuxicle will of course feel the ultimate pleasure in its being devoured by its cast of thousands seeking to quench their thirst.
I admit my Popsicle competitors might unleash all hell to ensure their market has a superior product, but the Populuxicle – if only by virtue of its better labelling will provide the market with ‘choice’. Something we’ve been sadly lacking over recent times.
There’ll be various versions of the Populuxicle with appropriate labelling, but esentially based on the flavours used.
I aniticipate that Populuxicle 1 will be based on the humble mango, though later there’ll be 1.1 (with a coriander addition), a 1.2 (with a hint of capsicum) …. and so on
Populuxicle 2 will be based on the humble strawberry, and 3 – the banana
No, simply that there’s plenty of bullshit on both sides, so take your pick: the greedy neoliberal tories of the right or the sanctimonious career bureaucrats of the left.
The difference being that Gilmore left reasonably quickly whereas Labours erstwhile coilition partner NZfirst don’t seem to be able to convince horan to move on and of course MPs called Carter and Field seemed to hang around for an eternity…
Rubbish. Both Gilmore and Horan hung around for a couple of weeks. The difference is that NZF showed some spine and chucked him out of their party. National just relied on the dirty tricks brigade to destroy Gilmore’s reputation further to the point where he had no option but too resign from Parliament. He’s still a loyal, card carrying Nat.
ps, erstwhile coalition partner? I thought it was National sucking up to NZF last week. Desperate times for lil Johnny Sparkles.
Fact is Gilmore caused his own grief, Horan family is causing his, and so in order to protect MPs from those who would bully and use their knowledge of a particular MP to influence and so parliament, it stands to reason why Horan must not leave, least it becomes open session on the rest of them. Duh. In the week that the government offers up the biggest gambler pork in history of this country, its hard to beat Horan over the head over any alleged issues. Duh. It would certainly be opportune if the govt gave Horan a nice job outside parliament and take the smell away but that would require Key having some smarts. But I bet most MPs could quite easily find themselves hassled by family if the cards fell differently.
“I think you’ll find that Horan didn’t hang around for weeks rather that hes still there”
Not as a member of NZ First.
And at least Peters actually met with Horan and put the difficult questions to him directly. Key, being a gutless wonder, didn’t even speak to Gilmore. Just left it to Slater and Lusk.
Gilmore was staying till Lusk et al started blackmailing him into leaving
Meanwhile the PM was saying it was all up to Gilmore, and hesitated to start proceedings against him because it was expensive and took ages. The National party’s rules are like the USSR’s constitution; a pretty piece of paper with no relation to how the thing actually operates.
Wasn’t John Key claiming he was talking to Winston about cooperation over several things including the next term a few weeks ago? Before NZ First refuted it…
Bearing in mind the imminent death of Act and Tainted Future, the failing health of the Maori party, and what currently looks like the 1-3% abortion of Colin Craig’s ego party. National desperately needs a coalition party with some voting muscle in the next parliament. They are quite likely to wind up as being the biggest minority party – unable to form a viable government.
Which is why they get more and more desperate as Labour + Greens (mostly because of the Greens) edge closer to being able to govern together.
I’m going to be amused by the abrupt change of heart by National fools like yourself over the next 18 months as the electoral realities slowly chisel their way into your (alleged but never sighted) intelligence..
The free market doesn’t work in many most situations..
Latest example being Bill English’s admission that the free market is incapable of providing for the demand of low cost housing in Auckland.
“Free market can’t do it”, says Bill English, “hence we need central government intervention. In fact it is the same with dairy farmers who also need big government intervention. Oh and also the sharemarket the NZX who last week we gave MRP.”….. Bill English was wearing a red tie at the press conference..
A youngnster many years ago I dreamt, I also dreaded, I read about adventures in North America, South America, Middle East and more. I loved adventrure books, and despite of them being largely fictitious, they taught me heaps. There is a world out there, and I can tell a lot about it. But we have now a society, also in NZ, where all this does NOT matter, at least it seems that way.
We have overseas investors and others take away our rights and what we used to believe in. we are mere servants in our own country, more or less. The government wil l never admit this, but we are, and day to day busines will let you all know. It is time to call an end to this selling out, this self discapacitating nonsense, and to take hold again of your own affairs and country, that is NZ!
I have no answers at this stage, but offer a vague comment of a revolution of a sorts attached:
That is not what most of you want, but offer ideas and deliver, we are on the brink!!!
[lprent: corrected your email typo as i released from moderation. ]
Dare I say, the “left” in NZ is virtually non existent, you guys need to blod wake yup and get a damned life, as what I see is a total failure to deal with a “budget” of a “benevolent” “right wing” type. Yes, it is a bad budget, and it is full of hatred to the poor, but it serves most in middle class, and is this not the honest failure of Labour and the Left, to not have a better answer to cater for the middle class???
I declare to ALL of YOU, being Labour, National, or any party slightly a bit towards the “centre” MY WAR, and that is THE WAR, of many others, that are at the BOTTOM, the very BOTTOM, the LOSERS, in this society, that BOTH of your ROTTEN parties try to cater for, the rot, the betrayal, the lies we had for so damned long, that is against THE TRULY LEFT, that you spread, has to take and be an bloody END.
WE had bloody ENOUGH, of this crap, and no matter whether it is a shallow dealer like Shearer, or another right wing, attempted populist like Key, we hate and despise you both and all.
YOU are LIARS, TRAITORS, convenient servers to economic self serving key operators. There is NO TRUST many, if not most, have in YOU.
So get a LIFE, get off your target and carpet, YOU do NOT deserve TRUST and CREDIT to be part of AnY GOVERNMENT!
Go and go to HELL, Key, Shearer and ALL LIARS!
[lprent: Corrected your email typo as I released it from moderation. Since I had the comment open in an editor, I also fixed your excessive capitals, a type and an example of poor grammer. The former in a better type size making the max height of the characters of affected paragraphs the same as the expected average height, and the latter in bold and a strikeout. Perhaps you shouldn’t give me an opportunity to do so in the future? ]
Admittedly a bit over the top, but get to the facts, and caps are not really all that much of the post made. But then again, I will not bother arguing about nitty gritty. I will in future write everything in tiny letters then so it will not offend and will not even be noticed, I suppose.
nor was a protest outside vector arena in auckland city noticed today, by most, ahem, well, most media were there, even all tv stations, did film, and simon collins, useless social affairs journo from granny nz herald was there, but no reports, as if it did not take place.
democracy in nz is a sick joke, it does not exist, and being lectured about sizes of letters does not encourage. i indeed want to sign off for good from this unintelligent society called nz, where most do not give a shit for each other, and it is everyone for their own aggrandisement.
I think someone needs to have some time out on the naughty seat until they calm down. Democracy works here just fine, some of the parties need to sort their shit out.
I contest democracy works just fine here.
It can’t when peter jackson and sky city can buy laws.
It can’t when party members are denied a vote by at least 22 of caucus.
It can’t when ministers of the crown get off scot free for lying about receiving anonymous donations.
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Remember when a guy walked into a mosque and shot everyone inside? He killed 44 people. And he then drove to a second mosque and shot and killed 7 more. He was on his way to a third mosque in Ashburton when he was stopped and arrested by the New ...
This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler On Bluesky, it was pointed out that Asheville, NC was recently listed as a place to go to avoid the climate crisis. link Mother Nature sent a “letter to the editor” indicating that she didn’t agree: ...
On the weekend, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop admitted that not everyone will “like” his fast track wish-list, before adding: “We are a government that does not shy away from those tough decisions.” Hmm. IMO, there’s nothing “tough” about a government using its numbers in Parliament to bulldoze aside the public’s ...
First they came for Newshub, and I said nothing because I didn’t watch TV3. Then they came for One News, and I said nothing because I didn’t pay much attention to them either. Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak out because all the ...
Something I especially like about you all, you loyal and much-appreciated readers of More Than A Feilding, is that you are so very widely experienced and knowledgeable. Not just saying that. You really are.So I'm mindful as I write today that at least one of you has been captain of an ...
On Friday, Luxon and Reti were at Ormiston Private Hospital to talk up the benefits of private money in public health. [And defend Casey Costello - that’s a given for now by our National Party Ministers - including the medical doctor Shane Reti.]Luxon and Reti said we were going to ...
Hi,If you are unfortunate like me, you will have seen this image over the weekend.Donald Trump returned to the site of his near-assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania — except this time he brought Elon Musk with him. It’s difficult to keep up with Trump’s brain, but he seems to have dropped ...
Last week finally saw the first major release of detailed data from last year’s Census. There are a huge number of stories to be told from this data. Over the next few weeks we’ll be illuminating a few of them – starting today with an initial look at how New ...
The Government finance hand brake that stalled construction momentum in early 2024 remains firmly on. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāKia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Monday, October 7:Infrastructure and Housing Minister Chris Bishop ...
Change is coming to America. Next month’s elections are likely to pave the way for an overhaul of US foreign policy– regardless of whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris wins the presidency. Decisions made in Washington will also have a direct impact on Wellington. While the Biden administration started its ...
Those business leaders who were calling last week for some indication of an economic plan from the Government got their answer yesterday. In what amounted to the first substantial pointer to the future rather than the past from a Government Minister, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop set out the reasons for ...
A listing of 30 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, September 29, 2024 thru Sat, October 5, 2024. Story of the week We're all made of standard human fabric so it's nobody's particular fault but while "other" parts of the world ...
The National Government has sneakily reneged on protecting the Hauraki Gulf, reducing the protected area of the marine park and inviting commercial fishing in the depleted seascape. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the Government’s response to the report into the North Island weather events but urges it to push forward with legislative change this term. ...
The Green Party echoes a call for banks to divest from entities linked to Israel’s illegal settlements in Palestine, and says Crown Financial Institutions should follow suit. ...
Te Whatu Ora’s finances have deteriorated under the National Government, turning a surplus into a deficit, and breaking promises made to New Zealanders to pay for it. ...
The Prime Minister’s decision to back his firearms minister on gun law changes despite multiple warnings shows his political judgement has failed him yet again. ...
Yesterday the government announced the list of 149 projects selected for fast-tracking across Aotearoa. Trans-Tasman Resources’ plan to mine the seabed off the coast of Taranaki was one of these projects. “We are disgusted but not surprised with the government’s decision to fast-track the decimation of our seabed,” said Te ...
At Labour’s insistence, Te Whatu Ora financial documents have been released by the Health Select Committee today showing more cuts are on the way for our health system. ...
Fresh questions have been raised about the conduct of the Firearms Minister after revelations she misled New Zealanders about her role in stopping gun reforms prior to the mosque shootings. ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford still can’t confirm when the Government will deliver the $2 billion worth school upgrades she cut earlier this year. ...
Labour acknowledges the hundreds of workers today losing their jobs as the Winstone Pulp mill closes and what it will mean for their families and community. ...
In Budget '24, the National Government put aside $216 million to pay for a tax cut which mainly benefitted one company: global tobacco giant Philip Morris. Instead of giving hundreds of millions to big tobacco, National could have spent the money sensibly, on New Zealand. ...
Te Whatu Ora’s financials from the last year show the Government has manufactured a financial crisis to justify making cuts that are already affecting patient care. ...
Over 41,000 Palestinian’s have been murdered by Israel in the last 12 months. At the same time, Israel have launched attacks against at least four other countries in the Middle East including Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran. “You cannot play the aggressor and the victim at the same time,” said ...
Associate health minister Casey Costello has made a fool of the Prime Minister, because the product she’s been fighting to get a tax cut for and he’s been backing her on is now illegal – and he doesn’t seem to know it. ...
The Finance and Expenditure Committee’s inquiry into climate adaptation is something that must be built on for an enduring framework to manage climate risk. ...
The Government is taking tertiary education down a worrying path with new reporting finding that fourteen of the country’s sixteen polytechnics couldn’t survive on their own,” Labour’s tertiary education spokesperson Dr Deborah Russell says. ...
Today the government announced a $30m cut to Te Ahu o Te Reo Māori- a programme that develops te reo Māori among our kaiako. “This announcement is just the latest in an onslaught of attacks on te iwi Māori,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Rawiri Waititi. ...
The Government has shown its true intentions for the public service and economy – it’s not to get more public servants back to the office, it’s more job losses. ...
The National Government is hiding the gaps in the health workforce from New Zealanders, by not producing a full workforce plan nearly a year into their tenure. ...
Today, the Crown Mineral Amendment Bill was read for the first time, reversing the ban on oil exploration off the coast of Taranaki. It was no accident that this proposed law change was read directly after the Government started to unravel the ability of iwi and hapū Māori to have ...
Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Justice, Tākuta Ferris, has hit out at the Government, demanding the Crown prove its rights to the foreshore, following the Marine and Coastal Area Amendment Bill, passing its first reading. "Māori rights to the foreshore pre-exist the Declaration of Independence, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and ...
The one-stop-shop Fast-track Approvals Bill, and the 149 projects listed in the Bill, will help rebuild our struggling economy and kick-start economic growth across the country, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop says. “Since 2022, New Zealand has battled anaemic levels of economic growth. If we want Kiwi kids to stop ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today announced the appointment of Sir Brian Roche as the next Public Service Commissioner. “I am delighted to appoint Sir Brian to this crucial leadership position,” Mr Luxon says. “Sir Brian is a highly respected New Zealander who has held significant roles across the public and ...
Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced the establishment of a Forestry Sector Reference Group to drive better outcomes from the Forestry Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Registry. “We are committed to working with the forestry sector to provide greater transparency and engagement on the forestry ETS registry as we work to ...
New Zealand’s fuel resilience is being strengthened to ensure people and goods keep moving and connected to the world in case of disruptions, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says. “Fuel security is a priority for the Coalition Government. We are acutely aware of how important engine fuels are to our ...
The Government will reform New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) system to provide significant regulatory relief for businesses, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says. “Cabinet has approved an AML/CFT reform work programme which will ensure streamlined, workable, and effective regulations for businesses, law enforcement, and ...
Significant reforms are underway in the building and construction portfolio to help enable more affordable homes and a stronger economy, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “If we want to grow the economy, lift incomes, create jobs and build more affordable, quality homes we need a construction sector that ...
Minister Responsible for the GCSB and Minister of Defence Judith Collins will travel to Singapore and Brussels for Singapore International Cyber Week and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting. New Zealand has been invited to attend the NATO meeting alongside representatives from the European Union and the ...
Toitū ngā pōito o te kupenga a Toitehuatahi! A Government commitment to restoring the health and mauri of the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana will enhance the area for generations to come, Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka says. Cabinet recently agreed to pass the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill into law, ...
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour says the Government has committed to action on overseas investment, where the country’s policy settings are the worst in the developed world and holding back wage growth. “Cabinet has agreed to the principles for reforming our overseas investment law. At the core of these principles ...
The annual East Asia Summit (EAS) held in Laos this week underscored the critical role that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plays in ensuring a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. "My first participation in an EAS has been a valuable opportunity to engage ...
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says the feedback from the health and safety roadshow will help shape the future of health and safety in New Zealand and grow the economy. “New Zealand’s poorly performing health and safety system could be costing this country billions,” says Ms van ...
The Government has released the independent Advisory Group’s report on the 384 projects which applied to be listed in the Fast-track Approvals Bill, and further detail about the careful management of Ministers’ conflicts of interest, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. Independent Advisory Group Report The full report has now been ...
The Government Policy Statement (GPS) on electricity clearly sets out the Government’s role in delivering affordable and secure electricity at internationally competitive prices, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand’s economic growth and prosperity relies on Kiwi households and businesses having access to affordable and secure electricity at internationally competitive prices. ...
The Government has broadly accepted the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care whilst continuing to consider and respond to its recommendations. “It is clear the Crown utterly failed thousands of brave New Zealanders. As a society and as the State we should have done better. ...
The brakes have been put on contractor and consultant spending and growth in the public service workforce, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “Workforce data released today shows spending on contractors and consultants fell by $274 million, or 13 per cent, across the public sector in the year to June 30. ...
The Crown accounts for the 2023/24 year underscore the need for the Government’s ongoing efforts to restore discipline to public spending, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The Financial Statements of the Government for the year ended 30 June 2024 were released today. They show net core Crown net debt at ...
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will chair negotiations on carbon markets at this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) alongside Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and Environment, Grace Fu. “Climate change is a global challenge, and it’s important for countries to be enabled to work together and support each other ...
A new confirmation of payments system in the banking sector will make it safer for Kiwis making bank transactions, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “In my open letter to the banks in February, I outlined several of my expectations of the sector, including the introduction of a ...
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour is pleased to see Pharmac continue to increase availability of medicines for Kiwis with the Government’s largest ever investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our ...
The Government has released its long-term vision to strengthen New Zealand’s disaster resilience and emergency management, Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “It’s clear from the North Island Severe Weather Events (NISWE) Inquiry, that our emergency management system was not fit-for-purpose,” Mr Mitchell says. “We’ve seen first-hand ...
Today’s cut in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to 4.75 per cent is welcome news for families and businesses, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “Lower interest rates will provide much-needed relief for households and businesses, allowing families to keep more of their hard-earned money and increasing the opportunities for businesses ...
Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has asked Sport NZ to review and update its Guiding Principles for the Inclusion of Transgender People in Community Sport. “The Guiding Principles, published in 2022, were intended to be a helpful guide for sporting bodies grappling with a tricky issue. They are intended ...
The Coalition Government is restoring confidence to the rural sector by pausing the rollout of freshwater farm plans while changes are made to ensure the system is affordable and more practical for farmers and growers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “Freshwater farm plans ...
The latest report from the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and Stats NZ, Our air 2024, reveals that overall air quality in New Zealand is improving, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Statistics Minister Andrew Bayly say. “Air pollution levels have decreased in many parts of the country. New Zealand is ...
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has announced the appointment of Stuart Horne as New Zealand’s Climate Change Ambassador. “I am pleased to welcome someone of Stuart’s calibre to this important role, given his expertise in foreign policy, trade, and economics, along with strong business connections,” Mr Watts says. “Stuart’s understanding ...
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello have announced a pilot to increase childhood immunisations, by training the Whānau Āwhina Plunket workforce as vaccinators in locations where vaccine coverage is particularly low. The Government is investing up to $1 million for Health New Zealand to partner ...
The Government is looking at strengthening requirements for building professionals, including penalties, to ensure Kiwis have confidence in their biggest asset, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says “The Government is taking decisive action to make building easier and more affordable. If we want to tackle our chronic undersupply of houses ...
The Government is taking further action to tackle the unacceptable wait times facing people trying to sit their driver licence test by temporarily extending the amount of time people can drive on overseas licences from 12 months to 18 months, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The previous government removed fees for ...
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring New Zealand is a safe and secure place to do business with the launch of new cyber security resources, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Cyber security is crucial for businesses, but it’s often discounted for more immediate business concerns. ...
Investment in Apprenticeship Boost will prioritise critical industries and targeted occupations that are essential to addressing New Zealand’s skills shortages and rebuilding the economy, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston say. “By focusing Apprenticeship Boost on first-year apprentices in targeted occupations, ...
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia! If it’s good for the people, get on with it! A $35 million Government investment will enable the delivery of 100 affordable rental homes in partnership with Waikato-Tainui, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka says. Investment for the partnership, signed and announced today ...
This week’s inaugural Ethnic Xchange Symposium will explore the role that ethnic communities and businesses can play in rebuilding New Zealand’s economy, Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee says. “One of my top priorities as Minister is unlocking the economic potential of New Zealand’s ethnic businesses,” says Ms Lee. “Ethnic communities ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters are renewing New Zealand’s calls for restraint and de-escalation, on the first anniversary of the 7 October terrorist attacks on Israel. “New Zealand was horrified by the monstrous actions of Hamas against Israel a year ago today,” Mr Luxon says. ...
Kia uru kahikatea te tū. Projects referred for Fast-Track approval will help supercharge the Māori economy and realise the huge potential of Iwi and Māori assets, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says. Following robust and independent review, the Government has today announced 149 projects that have significant regional or national ...
The Fast-track Approvals Bill will list 22 renewable electricity projects with a combined capacity of 3 Gigawatts, which will help secure a clean, reliable and affordable supply of electricity across New Zealand, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Government has a goal of doubling New Zealand’s renewable electricity generation. The 22 ...
The Government has enabled fast-track consenting for 29 critical road, rail, and port projects across New Zealand to deliver these priority projects faster and boost economic growth, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “New Zealand has an infrastructure deficit, and our Government is working to fix it. Delivering the transport infrastructure Kiwis ...
The 149 projects released today for inclusion in the Government’s one-stop-shop Fast Track Approvals Bill will help rebuild the economy and fix our housing crisis, improve energy security, and address our infrastructure deficit, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop says. “The 149 projects selected by the Government have significant regional or ...
A new multi-purpose recreation centre will provide a valuable wellbeing hub for residents and visitors to Ruakākā in Northland, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The Ruakākā Recreation Centre, officially opened today, includes separate areas for a gymnasium, a community health space and meeting rooms made possible with support of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lizzy Lowe, Vice Chancellor’s Research Fellow in Ecology and Entomology, Edith Cowan University If you notice a tiny, strikingly coloured spider performing an elaborate courtship dance, you may have seen your first peacock spider. New species of peacock spider are discovered ...
The coalition would return to government, but both Christophers - Luxon and Hipkins - have lost popularity, according to the latest 1News-Verian poll. ...
The coalition would return to government, but both Christophers - Luxon and Hipkins - have lost popularity, according to the latest 1News-Verian poll. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julia Powles, Associate Professor of Law and Technology; Director, UWA Tech & Policy Lab, Law School, The University of Western Australia Since 2019, the Australian Department for Industry, Science and Resources has been striving to make the nation a leader in “safe ...
A View from Afar – In this episode of A View From Afar political scientist Paul Buchanan and host Selwyn Manning analyse how the state of Israel has gone rogue, attacking United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. At this juncture it is clear this is an intentional attack. ...
Exclusive: New leadership hires at the Human Rights Commission were contrary to recommendations made by the independent panel tasked with leading the process, documents released under the Official Information Act reveal.On a quiet Friday afternoon in August, justice minister Paul Goldsmith announced the appointment of three leadership roles at ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Eldridge, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry, Swinburne University of Technology Dmitrii Pridannikov/Shutterstock Heat can do amazing things to change your hairstyle. Whether you’re using a curling wand to get ringlets, a flat iron to straighten or a hair dryer to style, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clare Dix, Lecturer In Nutrition & Dietetics, University of the Sunshine Coast Queensland Premier Steven Miles has announced free school lunches if Labor is re-elected at the state’s upcoming election on October 26. The A$1.4 billion policy would cover primary students ...
By New Zealand Parliament failing to adequately address political corruption, Parliament fails to ensure a culture of integrity is led from the top. Human rights will always be better protected in countries that can demonstrate political integrity and transparency. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kellie Toohey, Associate Professor Clinical Exercise Physiology, Southern Cross University Ivan Samkov/Pexels When you think of lung cancer treatment, what comes to mind – chemotherapy, radiation, surgery? While these can be crucial, there’s another powerful tool that’s often overlooked: exercise. Our ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sasha Grishin, Adjunct Professor of Art History, Australian National University Installation view of OA_RR, 2016-2017 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia Photo Kate Shanasy Is Reko Rennie Australia’s equivalent of Keith Haring? Both Rennie, a Melbourne-based Aboriginal artist who celebrates ...
Alex Casey returns to a New Zealand classic on its 30th birthday. Just yesterday I walked a track through Christchurch’s Victoria Park and boy was it pleasant. The sunlight beamed through the canopy of trees, providing welcome warm zones in the cool forest air. Everyone grinned goofily as they passed ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The United States presidential election will be held on November 5. In analyst Nate Silver’s aggregate of national polls, Democrat Kamala Harris ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne A national Newspoll, conducted October 7–11 from a sample of 1,258, gave the Coalition a 51–49 lead, a one-point gain for the ...
Pete Douglas tunes in for Matt Heath’s first week in his new job on Newstalk ZB. There are two ways to view Newstalk ZB. One is that it is a boomer hellscape, full of ads for retirement care facilities, patronised by a pitchfork-wielding mob desperate to jump on the blower ...
The LIVE Recording of A View from Afar podcast will begin today, Monday at 12:45pm October 14, 2024 (NZST) which is Sunday evening, 7:45pm (USEST). In this episode of A View From Afar political scientist Paul Buchanan and host Selwyn Manning I will analyse how the state of ...
WWF-New Zealand’s CEO, Dr Kayla Kingdon-Bebb, says the news is a devastating blow for all those who’ve worked to revive the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana and protect it for future generations. ...
Last week, Robot Rampage hosted its Arena Grand Opening in Auckland. Gabi Lardies was there to check out the fighters.Robots are dangerous. Really dangerous. I did not realise robots were so dangerous until I saw them fight to the death in a bulletproof glass and iron cage. Most of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mia Cobb, Research Fellow, Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne Bigzumi/Shutterstock When you hear about “science focused on how dogs can live their best lives with us” it sounds like an imaginary job made up by a child. However, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Shaw, Professor of Politics, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University Getty Images Nearly a year on from its formation, it’s clear a three-party coalition is not quite the same as the two-party versions New Zealand is accustomed to. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Blackwell, Research Fellow (Indigenous Diplomacy), Australian National University It’s one year since the failed referendum to enshrine a First Nations Voice to Parliament in the Australian Constitution. The vote represents a moment of deep sadness and frustration for many First ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Glenn Savage, Associate Professor of Education Policy and the Future of Schooling, The University of Melbourne As Australian students begin the final term of 2024, governments are in the middle of a bitter standoff over public school funding for next year. ...
In Muriwhenua, iwi are working hard to maintain a vital connection to Ninety Mile Beach, Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe. There is a whakataukī where I come from in the Far North: “Ko Herekino tapoko rau, he iwi mākutu”, which roughly translates to “Herekino of a hundred valleys and a tribe skilled in ...
The Sky city deal..negative externalities
The Herald mentions these side effects
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10883937
“However, while Mr Joyce has released a detailed financial report on the deal prepared by corporate advisers KordaMentha, he has yet to release official advice about the social impact of allowing SkyCity an additional 230 pokie machines and 52 more gaming tables as well as ticket-in, ticket-out technology which increases gambling profits…….
Questioned by Greens co-leader Metiria Turei, Mr Joyce told Parliament those effects had not been quantified. Mr Joyce said the department’s advice would be released in time for the public to consider it before changes to the Gambling Act were made.
Ms Turei cited a 2010 Australian Productivity Commission gambling study which put the cost to society of each problem gambler as high as A$30,000 ($36,000).”
From the film, the Corporation, an explanation of Externalities.
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=aCGTD5Bn1m0&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DaCGTD5Bn1m0
And a quote
“A corporation is an externalizing machine in the same way that a shark is a killing machine. Each one is designed in a very particular way to accomplish certain objectives. In the achievement of those objectives there isn’t any question of
malevolence or will. The enterprise has within it, and the shark has within it, thosecharacteristics that enable it do that for which it was designed.”
Be interesting to know whom Ms “Gold Elite” is ?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10883942
Firstly to ask Ms “Gold Elite” whether this Herald report is accurate.
Secondly, if she were to confirm the bare facts, to pose a reverse Gilmore enquiry – “Who the fuck are you – bitch ?”
Facebook please assist.
That’s what happens in society when you tell people they’re ‘gold elite’.
A sense of entitlement.
Ah yes, some rich prick, willing to not just inconvenience a disabled woman reliant on a wheelchair, but 150 other people on a plane.
Make ’em news, and ask them to justify their self-centred shittiness.
Oh and please mention to them that National needs a new list candidate, this “Gold Elite” biyarch seems to have the qualifications to apply.
+1
In addition, it’s a statutory requirement to follow the instructions of flight crew if you are a passenger on a plane.
Charges should be considered.
at least put her on Permanent Stand By status on all future bookings 🙂
might allow her time to think on life if her freedom of movement is handicapped for a change
It’s the result of the me me me society that we’ve built over the last few decades.
Definite National supporter got that mememememe down pat!
The description points to Judith Collins.
They know it was a flight from Auckland to Wellington yesterday. Shouldn’t be too hard to find out which flight it was on. Just needs one tweet!
The Herald article provides the answer in the second to last paragraph:
“There was no issue with the availability of aisle chairs and the problem experienced on flight NZ247 did not occur often.”
Which might be simply to say that it’s unusual for the deserving “Gold Elite” to exhibit such cowish behaviour. The point made by Paul at 2.1 about “entitlement” transcending decency remains.
probably Jacinda
“well turned out” 40-something blonde -”
Rob, reading articles before commenting on them is a long accepted method of aiding comprehension
What, is she not well turned out in your opinion?
She doesn’t have the required personality type.
What made you bring up her name, Rob?
Probably the same thing that gives him the impression Ardern is blonde.
My bet is long-term and excessive drug use.
“Rob, reading articles before commenting on them is a long accepted method of aiding comprehension”
Improving Rob, but you still need to try harder. You probably just lost your honorary membership in the Blubber Army by mentioning Jacinda without the compulsory comments about teeth. Put your photo up, arsewipe.
Must say that prospect occurred to me immediately but I dismissed it on account of Judy’s related sense of “noblesse oblige”.
Further question – how did Ms “Gold Elite” obtain her status ? Frequent flying in performance of a public or quasi-public role ? A “consultant” (or spouse of ) to ShonKey Python’s Flying Circus, savouring good old troughing perhaps ?
I well recall the media uproar when Charles Chauvel got hoha with the in-flight ill-behaviour of the entitled spawn of an ACT Party official.
This needs investigation. To be entrusted to no less a figure than the award-winning John Armstrong !
I would have thought that if Ms gold Elite was an MP, it would have been hinted at. Also, the woman in the wheel chair is a TV spokesperson for disability rights, and probably quite politically aware. My guess is she would have known if the elitist woman was an MP.
I was thinking Jooolie Christie at first, but then an Attitude producer should have known the extent of her self-aggrandisement, and would not have been surprised.
Besides, I’m not sure if she has kuds, and if she does – my deepest sympathy to them
Judith Collins:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judith_Collins
In her 50s and has one son so probably not her
Interesting you thought it could have been though.
It wasn’t Winston who thought of her. It was an explicit statement by someone who posts under the identifier Adrian. Why not have a go at him (or her).
“In her 50s and has one son so probably not her”
I repeat it, in the hope you might think about it this time.
I wasn’t there so I can’t say for certain it wasn’t her, like I can’t say for certain it wasn’t Jacinda Adern (it probably wasn’t)
Fair enough, it was a good call. Given she failed the replicant test today I certainly wouldn’t assume she was any better than this either.
:shocked:
many more where she came from
I commented yesterday about Angelina Jolie getting the double mastectomy, and followed up by saying I wasn’t sure if it was covered under the public system in NZ or not.
Turns out it is. The (expensive, patented) test for the BRCA gene mutations are covered, the mastectomy is covered and the follow-up reconstructive surgery is covered. Heard from a clip of an interview replayed at ~10:20pm last night on National Radio with the creator of the Gift Of Knowledge website who try to increase awareness of the BRCA gene defects.
I initially had the thought that if the gene was patented, then may be bearer of the the gene could sue those that held the patent. But sadly it was the test that is patented.
Well it now seems that, that nasty little mutation has screwed up her chances of living to a ripe old age, unless out come the Ovaries and other associated bits.
So why is the waiting list for reconstruction after mascectomies very, very long?
Presumably because life-saving and essential surgeries take precedence? Just a guess.
I’ve said before that modern technology can allow us to make collaborative decisions. It appears that other have been thinking the same way:
https://www.loomio.org/about
Approached with a massive dollop of skeptism, not a little cynicism and….thanks for the link. Need to look at it a bit more, but it looks, from a cursory run through, like it could be a very powerful tool for organising. Cheers. 😉
Kate Chapman and Tracy Watkins on Stuff – What the hell are you up to ?
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8677608/Gains-after-five-years-of-pain
The headline is “Gains after five years of pain”.
In support (apparently) of this headline Chapman and Watkins furnish comments from four separate quarters. THREE of FOUR comments unmistakeably give the lie to the headline for God’s Sake.
Only ONE of FOUR comments (from the Khandallah mother with kids – replete with smiling photograph) goes anywhere near supporting the soundbite headline. “Overall I would say things are better……” ????
Chapman and Watkins – is it standard in your joint journalistic brilliance to engage the clanging non-sequitur ?
The headline risibly misrepresents the article’s very terms. What’s this about please ?
Typical: government spin lines in the headlines and at the top of the article; the alternative views and evidence buried at the bottom of the article. This is what counts as balance in the MSM these days.
I’m doing much better now than when Labour was last in power and I expect I’ll do better now after this budget then last year
Are you one of the 2%?
Working my way towards being the 1% through long hours, discipline and smart investing…
Ambitious for yourself, not for New Zealand.
Ahhh another randian self made super hero.
WS
Well, if aaron gilmore can do it…….
Smart Investing – SNORT!
“Working my way towards being the 1% through long hours, discipline and smart investing…”
Bully for you. Do you want a fucking medal or something?
Probably wants, and expects, a knighthood for being such a selfish arse-hole.
Newsflash Winston: life in NZ isn’t all about you.
No but I bet theres more people like me than you…like at the last two election results
You see that’s your mistake. Even the most self centred of those people would agree with me that life in NZ is not all about you Winston.
Some statistics for you, WS – not from Kiwiblog or Whaleoil
Duty rightie, WS, came on duty at 10.03am this morning and filed 8 comments in the 17 minutes, 10.03am to 10.20am.
Veuto……the dick Winston’s just showing off, or trying to.
He’ll be down New World by 12.00 midday, ostentatiously heaving premium brand products onto the checkout conveyor belt. “Look at Me Look at Me…….”
A thick Two-Bob-Tory I’d suggest.
Probably be stacking them on the shelves more like.
Is there something wrong with stacking shelves?
No, there’s something wrong with pretending you’re one of the elite while they eat you alive.
Maybe if you give them another pound of flesh they’ll let you join their club
Actually WS most of them are deluded and will never acquire the wealth they think they are destined to have. Like Amway salesmen in a pyramid that traps them into subservient deference to those above them they aint going anywhere.
“I’m doing much better now than when Labour……”
So what Winston ? What does that prove ? Akin to saying that your experience of life is conclusively reflective of the experience of life of the rest of the world.
You must develop the maturity to forgive others the rank temerity of not focusing on you and you alone. Hopeless case you are.
Its as valid a statement as other people saying they’re worse off
The problem being that most people are worse off while a selfish few are better off. The fact being that those few are better off because the rest of the population is worse off.
Well under Labour I was worse off (no WFF for me) and under National I’m better off
Didn’t we decide that governing a country is not all about you, Winston?
No WFF? So you are a top 2%er earning clear over $100K.
More likely he doesn’t have kids. From his statements here, you’d have to wonder why anyone (especially a woman with any self-respect) would care to breed with him.
And you’re better off because this government has, purposefully, made the majority of people worse off.
The prevaricating fool Winston Myth aye ?
Valid as to you maybe, you clever wee master of the universe, or so you claim.
That’s no proof of any other reality. Who’s interested in your Two-Bob-Tory reality anyway. Hardly a proud thing.
Corporate media ..what did you expect?
from recent Q.Ts;
English-“our debts are relatively high”
Robertson- from the HLFS (supported by Key); “40,000 jobs behind target; above the worst-case scenario of the last budget”.
Joyce,- “not growing them (jobs) as fast as we would like to”.
Parker- “current account deficit amongst worst in the world; non-tradeables down 6.4%; unemployment above 7% in Auckland”.
Brent Edwards- “current account deficit will get worse”.
Norman- “sceptical NAct will use key (macro-economic) tools”.
Ardern- “material deprivation risen from 15-21%”.
ON HOUSE PRICES;
IMF- “overvalued by 25%; sudden economic shock could damage (modest) recovery, damage banks financial positions; low savings rates persist”- Patrick O’Mara.
factors behind high house prices
-supply
-high building costs; materials and compliance costs.
-earthquake; as an aside, heard a commentary “imagine what sort of economy NZ would have without the rebuild stimulus???
English- “they threaten the economy; more affordability in TWO YEARS time”!
Corin Dann- lying shill.
Darien Fenton- speaking to the Electronic Transactions (Contract Formation) Amendment Bill- flustered; “I may have the wrong bill”. Goodness gracious me Nana, easy to appreciate the criticism of sitting Labour MPs at times, still, correct assertion that the govt. should be bringing bills to the house that DO have a real impact on IT.
All-Blacks assault-on-female charge withdrawn.
McDonalds- Police “heavy-handed” towards protesters; perceived conflict of interest as 11,000 Police Association members receive discounted fast-food; 10-50% from various franchisees.Corruption?
More anonymous social-media bullying; ask.fm.
The average age of a New Zealand truck-driver is 51 years of age; shakes head.
48 women in New Zealand die of a heart-attack every week.
Dementia rates likely to double in the next 30 years.
17:9 He who covers over an offense promotes love yet whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
17:10 A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool.
17:17 A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity.
Call The Doctor
Overseas; The CIA confiscate Associated Press records exposing a counter-insurgency operation.
Call the Doctor
Interesting episodes
Fascinating reading:
Dane Susan second choice for race job – OIA documents
The interview panel consisted of Defence Ministry chief, Helene Quilter, NZ Post Group chief, Brian Roche and Secretary for Justice, Andrew Bridgman.
Who selected, or caused to be selected, this panel? – Judith Collins?
Why were they chosen? – because they knew what Judith Collins expected of them?
Why did they describe Susan Devoy in such over the top glowing language? – because they knew there were far better qualified candidates available, but because they weren’t former sports stars and didn’t fulfil the National Party affiliation test, they were not going to be acceptable to the minister?
In other words, they were ministerial ‘grease’ balls?
And the OIA gets released under cover of budget day.
Seriously someone in the Labour party should stop MPs tweeting:
http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2013/05/the-nasty-party-returns-no-surprises-it-is-sue-moroney/
Seriously someone needs to inform Winston Smith that Chris73 likes to be the one providing the whale-crap links.
The Whale Blubber calling Labour “the nasty party”. What a glorious contradiction in terms.
Winston Smith, please go back to Whale Oil. It’s where you belong. It requires no intellectual substance. Perfect for right wing nut jobs.
Indeed, Anne. With the Aaron Gilmore business, we have seen how nasty National can be to its own. Many right wingers seem so self unaware, and/or devious. They spend a lot of time projecting their own faults and weaknesses onto the left.
And vice versa, but with more “Holier than thou” sanctimoniousness.
The irony.
No, that was sarcasm. It’s ironic you don’t know the difference.
Oh, the sanctimony.
So Pop-Soap you’re saying that identifying the ugliness of “Gold Elite”, self-obssession, a defiant lack of broad social awareness, and ShonKey Python cargo-cultism – that’s sanctimony is it ?
Get a grip. Pick up your mate Winston Myth and off to Slater Porn. Your natural habitat.
I was thinking (in my entra – preen- urial dreams) that I might try a new summertime thirst quencher – one of those iced delicacies that satisfies the immediate desire, but has no nutritional value.
It’ll be called a Populuxicle. It’ll have a vast surface area one can suck on, but it’s longer term content and structure will be as useful as the last time I had to point Percy at the parquet. The populuxicle will of course feel the ultimate pleasure in its being devoured by its cast of thousands seeking to quench their thirst.
I admit my Popsicle competitors might unleash all hell to ensure their market has a superior product, but the Populuxicle – if only by virtue of its better labelling will provide the market with ‘choice’. Something we’ve been sadly lacking over recent times.
There’ll be various versions of the Populuxicle with appropriate labelling, but esentially based on the flavours used.
I aniticipate that Populuxicle 1 will be based on the humble mango, though later there’ll be 1.1 (with a coriander addition), a 1.2 (with a hint of capsicum) …. and so on
Populuxicle 2 will be based on the humble strawberry, and 3 – the banana
priceless. I laughed until I cried.
No, simply that there’s plenty of bullshit on both sides, so take your pick: the greedy neoliberal tories of the right or the sanctimonious career bureaucrats of the left.
Who are you referring to as career bureaucrats? English? Williamson? Brownlee? Smith? Smith? Parata?
L O L ! ! !
The difference being that Gilmore left reasonably quickly whereas Labours erstwhile coilition partner NZfirst don’t seem to be able to convince horan to move on and of course MPs called Carter and Field seemed to hang around for an eternity…
Rubbish. Both Gilmore and Horan hung around for a couple of weeks. The difference is that NZF showed some spine and chucked him out of their party. National just relied on the dirty tricks brigade to destroy Gilmore’s reputation further to the point where he had no option but too resign from Parliament. He’s still a loyal, card carrying Nat.
ps, erstwhile coalition partner? I thought it was National sucking up to NZF last week. Desperate times for lil Johnny Sparkles.
I think you’ll find that Horan didn’t hang around for weeks rather that hes still there
Bollocks. He was kicked out of his party very quickly, something Key and National didn’t have the spine to do with Gilmore at all.
Fact is Gilmore caused his own grief, Horan family is causing his, and so in order to protect MPs from those who would bully and use their knowledge of a particular MP to influence and so parliament, it stands to reason why Horan must not leave, least it becomes open session on the rest of them. Duh. In the week that the government offers up the biggest gambler pork in history of this country, its hard to beat Horan over the head over any alleged issues. Duh. It would certainly be opportune if the govt gave Horan a nice job outside parliament and take the smell away but that would require Key having some smarts. But I bet most MPs could quite easily find themselves hassled by family if the cards fell differently.
“I think you’ll find that Horan didn’t hang around for weeks rather that hes still there”
Not as a member of NZ First.
And at least Peters actually met with Horan and put the difficult questions to him directly. Key, being a gutless wonder, didn’t even speak to Gilmore. Just left it to Slater and Lusk.
Laugh.
Gilmore was staying till Lusk et al started blackmailing him into leaving
Meanwhile the PM was saying it was all up to Gilmore, and hesitated to start proceedings against him because it was expensive and took ages. The National party’s rules are like the USSR’s constitution; a pretty piece of paper with no relation to how the thing actually operates.
Wasn’t John Key claiming he was talking to Winston about cooperation over several things including the next term a few weeks ago? Before NZ First refuted it…
Bearing in mind the imminent death of Act and Tainted Future, the failing health of the Maori party, and what currently looks like the 1-3% abortion of Colin Craig’s ego party. National desperately needs a coalition party with some voting muscle in the next parliament. They are quite likely to wind up as being the biggest minority party – unable to form a viable government.
Which is why they get more and more desperate as Labour + Greens (mostly because of the Greens) edge closer to being able to govern together.
I’m going to be amused by the abrupt change of heart by National fools like yourself over the next 18 months as the electoral realities slowly chisel their way into your (alleged but never sighted) intelligence..
If leaving quickly is such a virtue, WS, cya 🙂
Whale appears to be trying to rehabilitate himself prior tot he change of government:
http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2013/05/why-is-nathan-guy-lying/
More evidence that the fictional being the “market ” is a casino with loaded dice ie the fix is in.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-05-14/statoil-raided-by-competition-authorities-in-oil-price-probe.html
Similarly in us electricity markets with JP Morgan now suspended from electricity trading.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323744604578473432303787220.html
How free market is the Auckland gambling market now one player has a conference center paid out of future licensing concessions?
In a gala turf-turning ceremony to be named the “Sir ShonKey Python Fuck The Nation Centre”.
The free market doesn’t work in many most situations..
Latest example being Bill English’s admission that the free market is incapable of providing for the demand of low cost housing in Auckland.
“Free market can’t do it”, says Bill English, “hence we need central government intervention. In fact it is the same with dairy farmers who also need big government intervention. Oh and also the sharemarket the NZX who last week we gave MRP.”….. Bill English was wearing a red tie at the press conference..
Best thing on the internet today:
https://twitter.com/danylmc/status/334844888128573441
The next big Idea ; how symbols, language and intelligence evolved from our primate ancestors to modern humans.
Stanley I. Greenspan
Stuart G. Shanker
A youngnster many years ago I dreamt, I also dreaded, I read about adventures in North America, South America, Middle East and more. I loved adventrure books, and despite of them being largely fictitious, they taught me heaps. There is a world out there, and I can tell a lot about it. But we have now a society, also in NZ, where all this does NOT matter, at least it seems that way.
We have overseas investors and others take away our rights and what we used to believe in. we are mere servants in our own country, more or less. The government wil l never admit this, but we are, and day to day busines will let you all know. It is time to call an end to this selling out, this self discapacitating nonsense, and to take hold again of your own affairs and country, that is NZ!
I have no answers at this stage, but offer a vague comment of a revolution of a sorts attached:
That is not what most of you want, but offer ideas and deliver, we are on the brink!!!
[lprent: corrected your email typo as i released from moderation. ]
Dare I say, the “left” in NZ is virtually non existent, you guys need to blod wake yup and get a damned life, as what I see is a total failure to deal with a “budget” of a “benevolent” “right wing” type. Yes, it is a bad budget, and it is full of hatred to the poor, but it serves most in middle class, and is this not the honest failure of Labour and the Left, to not have a better answer to cater for the middle class???
I declare to ALL of YOU, being Labour, National, or any party slightly a bit towards the “centre” MY WAR, and that is THE WAR, of many others, that are at the BOTTOM, the very BOTTOM, the LOSERS, in this society, that BOTH of your ROTTEN parties try to cater for, the rot, the betrayal, the lies we had for so damned long, that is against THE TRULY LEFT, that you spread, has to take and be a
nbloody END.WE had bloody ENOUGH, of this crap, and no matter whether it is a shallow dealer like Shearer, or another right wing, attempted populist like Key, we hate and despise you both and all.
YOU are LIARS, TRAITORS, convenient servers to economic self serving key operators. There is NO TRUST many, if not most, have in YOU.
So get a LIFE, get off your target and carpet, YOU do NOT deserve TRUST and CREDIT to be part of AnY GOVERNMENT!
Go and go to HELL, Key, Shearer and ALL LIARS!
[lprent: Corrected your email typo as I released it from moderation. Since I had the comment open in an editor, I also fixed your excessive capitals, a type and an example of poor grammer. The former in a better type size making the max height of the characters of affected paragraphs the same as the expected average height, and the latter in bold and a strikeout. Perhaps you shouldn’t give me an opportunity to do so in the future? ]
Admittedly a bit over the top, but get to the facts, and caps are not really all that much of the post made. But then again, I will not bother arguing about nitty gritty. I will in future write everything in tiny letters then so it will not offend and will not even be noticed, I suppose.
nor was a protest outside vector arena in auckland city noticed today, by most, ahem, well, most media were there, even all tv stations, did film, and simon collins, useless social affairs journo from granny nz herald was there, but no reports, as if it did not take place.
democracy in nz is a sick joke, it does not exist, and being lectured about sizes of letters does not encourage. i indeed want to sign off for good from this unintelligent society called nz, where most do not give a shit for each other, and it is everyone for their own aggrandisement.
wish i had never come to this lost land!
I think someone needs to have some time out on the naughty seat until they calm down. Democracy works here just fine, some of the parties need to sort their shit out.
I contest democracy works just fine here.
It can’t when peter jackson and sky city can buy laws.
It can’t when party members are denied a vote by at least 22 of caucus.
It can’t when ministers of the crown get off scot free for lying about receiving anonymous donations.
No argument with the last ten words.