I’m agreeing with The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell
Chris will say what he likes in the defence of social democracy. I give him beans for being a social democrat -Trotter that is. But I have never doubted in all the time I’ve know him, that he is a social democrat.
The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell …
No the labour party is just another liberal party, and some of us support the interests of labour. You know, working people who deserve more than sad platitudes from the weak and pitiful liberal class who goes after corporate money. The same liberals who say very little on workers rights, and are deathly silent on the poor and struggling in this country.
When was the last time the labour party said anything to offer hope to the unemployed?
When was the last time the labour party did anything to enhancing democracy?
I know a lot of you are the labour party cheer squad, but you are stuck at 30% with an ever increasing percentage of the population unwilling or unable to engage in politics.
If one, just one of this current crop was half the man Peter Fraser was, I would cut you some slack. But not one of them is fit enough, nor humanistic, nor even socialist enough to come even close.
It’s not about labour failing, it would be nice if the labour party acknowledged they were the ones who opened the door to the ideology of extreme liberalism. That they hurt people by shifting the wealth away from the poorest in this country towards the already wealthy.
I don’t see that happening – do you?
Oh, and poppet’s, criticism does democracy make. If you wet liberals canny handle it, you can always go join the national party, they don’t take criticism well either.
When was the last time the labour party did anything to enhancing democracy?
Well, you got me there. Labour no more wants democracy than does National. Individuals don’t get rich when the people make the rules rather than the elites.
If one, just one of this current crop was half the man Peter Fraser was, I would cut you some slack. But not one of them is fit enough, nor humanistic, nor even socialist enough to come even close.
Probably true there as well. The First Labour Government actually had a vision about the change that they wanted to bring about. The present Labour caucus seems more about keeping things as they are despite the obvious failings.
We need a new vision and we need to organise and work towards that vision.
And exactly what is that the Labour Party is proposing regarding the UBI?
All they have said is that they are proposing that there should be a debate about the concept. Everything else has simply been, as the comments on this site have been, about what people like to think it would mean.
Until Little comes out with at least a bit of detail they can’t really be said to have “done” anything.
I came up with one idea that I have suggested to my local MP, a good Labour fellow, I proposed that while Andrew is in bank-bashing mode he should instruct the banks that they must provide 1% mortgage loans to all union members who want them.
That would help the working people and revive the moribund union movement. Membership of the unions would rocket I should think.
He seemed very interested so I can imagine it being Labour policy in a week or two. It wouldn’t be any sillier than some of their other ideas.
“When was the last time the labour party said anything to offer hope to the unemployed?” becomes a demand for a details and that something have been “done”.
You asked when was the last time Labour said anything that offered hope to the unemployed. DTB gave two recent examples. Alwyn then spun away as if you’d asked for something more than what you’d requested. Hence the parrot reference.
So an admission of guilt of what? Doing something other than gnashing my teeth whenever Labour caucus members open their mouths? If that’s a demonstration of your personal hope and vision, I’ll stick with dreary old “actually reading what the left wing parties say, rather than making shit up”.
Neither I, nor anyone else has the faintest idea of the details.
However if you are going to say that Little has done something for the unemployed with the little he has said about a UBI you would have to regard Key’s statements so far as doing something for the low and middle income New Zealanders.
I certainly wouldn’t say that about either of the parties announcements. You appear to be willing to go along with airy-fairy waffle though, at least as long as it is by your side.
I apologise. You did contribute to the UBI comments but yours were not in the category of “Oh how wonderful is Labour”.
I shall grovel for a few minutes.
I’m not sure on their take on the UBI. The framing is – well lose, and it is not being presented as a message of hope.
I think Bill here did a great piece on UBI and presenting it as something which can offer people hope.
The other thing is, a UBI is fine, but what about the homeless and hungry right now – not some mythical time in the future?
The hope I’m talking about is for people on benefits and not on benefits now!
And the end of zero hour contracts is a win, but a defensive win. Which has been what the liberal elites have convince people they should do ever since big money came into the game.
The other thing is, a UBI is fine, but what about the homeless and hungry right now – not some mythical time in the future?
You do realise that it’s possible for a political party to work on more than one thing at a time don’t you? And haven’t you forgotten that Labour promised 10,000 per year homes?
And the end of zero hour contracts is a win, but a defensive win. Which has been what the liberal elites have convince people they should do ever since big money came into the game.
To some degree that’s all we’ve been getting since forever but it’s managed to change things for the better over time.
Nora the explorer, Of course I get how political parties work.
My problem is a party who uses the name labour, is weak on issues of labour. Especially the underemployed and the unemployed.
Defensive politics is a lose, lose proposition. Ever since, the fall of the third labour government, political, labour, and human rights have been on the decline. The left has been suckered into an endless back footed defensive position. You would think after 40 odd years, they might wake up to the fact it is not a winner.
People who vote – know it’s not a winner, and they don’t like it.
People want results, and to feel they are getting somewhere for themselves and/or their children. The style of politics which is defensive in nature, will never give people that feeling.
I’d like to see more comment on what could be done, along side the criticism. When I start asking for detail often I get brushed off or told off. It’s very easy to see what is wrong with Labour. Not so easy to see what they or we can do about it given the realities.
Labour are in opposition, hard to know how they could have offensive wins, but perhaps you could explain what you mean by that?
ffs adam, can we try and not talk in ideological stereotypes? Who are the liberal class exactly? Which of the people you talk to here do you consign to that? Who is the Labour cheer squad? I’ve had people insinuate that I’m part of that which tells me that the people saying that are either idiots, or disingenuous, or are not actually listening to what I am saying.
Yes there are Labourites here, and yes the odd one is rightish, but most aren’t. Then there is the larger number of people like myself who aren’t Labourites (many don’t even vote Labour) and who have a different perspective to yourself and to the Paganis of the world. I just wish the people who want Labour to be a labour party would realise that they aren’t anymore and haven’t been for a long time and continually attacking Labour isn’t going to change that. CV’s strategy appears to be that if Labour collapsed something would rise in its place, but he won’t be up front about that and have an honest discussion about. I also really think much of what he does here re Labour is personal and as such it skews his behaviour and probably his politics.
Misrespresenting Labour and Little on immigration today is a low point even for him. I’m all for dissent, I just want honest dissent.
” I’ve had people insinuate that I’m part of that “.
That is ridiculous weka. You are part of the Green party Cheer Leaders organisation. Got your training from the Dallas Cowboys no doubt.
” I just wish the people who want Labour to be a labour party would realise that they aren’t anymore and haven’t been for a long time and continually attacking Labour isn’t going to change that.”
I agree, I’m not wanting to change the labour party. Indeed I thought it I framed my argument as such. The labour party need to realise they are not the only people who want a better future for working people. My beef, is the fact they can’t handle criticism, especially when it is pointed out they are a liberal party.
Which raises the question, are you happy to hand the ideological debate to the Tories? Seriously, think about what you said – to me, it sound like you were happy to have the political debate framed in classical liberal terms. I know you are not, I’ve read what else you have written.
Colonial Viper has a right to be mad. It seems, rightly or wrongly that the labour party use Chinese as their fall guy. If it is concious decision to play on the hangover of the “yellow peril” argument, I’m standing with Colonial Viper all the way. It just feels like we are back to the same debate we had when the twit Twyford brought up home buying in Auckland.
So new low, I’m not so quick to judge. Lets wait and see.
I don’t know what ‘classical liberal terms’ means. When you start talking about people here on ts as liberals I have no idea who you are talking about and it just comes across as an easy pejorative (I don’t know why liberal is a pejorative, but it has a different meaning where I come from).
Hence I don’t understand what you said here,
Which raises the question, are you happy to hand the ideological debate to the Tories? Seriously, think about what you said – to me, it sound like you were happy to have the political debate framed in classical liberal terms. I know you are not, I’ve read what else you have written.
Can you please clarify in lay person terms?
*
Of course CV has a right to be mad. I’m seriously fucked off with Labour too, and with Labour party members, including CV. And all the lefties who moan about Labour but won’t vote Green. You have to remember I’ve never voted Labour, I’ve always been to the left of them. CV’s big problem now is that so many people here don’t trust him, including many of us who also don’t trust Labour, and they’ve got a right to that too.
I don’t know what Little did. To me it looks much more like his naive relationship with the media as anything. And I agree there may be conscious or even unconscious bias or prejudice against Asians. I’d guess it’s because it’s politically convient rather than overt racism, but CV knows Labour far better than I and I also know that racism is racism on the receiving end no matter the intent, so it’s not acceptable that Labour are still making these mistakes, or god forbid, making these political moves intentionally.
But, and it’s a big but, we simply don’t know. And all CV has done is throw some petrol on the fire of resentment on the standard about his Labour-bashing. He’s also taken an important issue and completely fucked up the narrative and pushed a whole bunch of people into a stupid arse conversation that will never get anywhere because now it’s contaminated with too many variables including his own bigotry about the left.
I’m also mindful of the fact that CV has had to put up with significant racism here on ts in previous conversations about Asian people in NZ. The conversation I’m remembering must be one of the standard’s lowest points and he and other people of Asian whakapapa shouldn’t have to deal with that.
Classical liberalism is a political ideology that values the freedom of individuals — including the freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and markets — as well as limited government. It developed in 18th-century Europe and drew on the economic writings of Adam Smith and the growing notion of social progress. Liberalism was also influenced by the writings of Thomas Hobbes, who argued that governments exist to protect individuals from each other. In 19th- and 20th-century America, the values of classical liberalism became dominant in both major political parties. The term is sometimes used broadly to refer to all forms of liberalism prior to the 20th century. Conservatives and libertarians often invoke classical liberalism to mean a fundamental belief in minimal government.
So I’d argue it is a set of ideas which means debate is discusses in a certain way. So it’s good to talk about, markets, individual rights, but bad to make any assertions of collectivity, culture or the environment.
National are very much a liberal party, thus when Hooton rants against them being liberal – he is being either disingenuous, or a totalitarian turd of epic proportions.
And whilst I think liberalism was great in the 18th century, in the 21st century it is the enemy. It ignores women, it ignores race, it accepts poverty as part of the human condition, it makes wealth the expression of good, and has made markets a god.
I’m a Christian Anarchist, as you know, so for me communality, the environment, and people living rewarding lives – is always my main goal. I don’t want limited government, I want us to work toward living without a state.
So framing of an argument becomes important. For example, not using sexist language, but that is not enough, actually think about ways when we write and talk to put to an end to patriarch. It’s about not writing in a way which assumes male privileged and power, and indeed challenges it. Note I’m still not the best at that, so I sorely miss the great women who use to write on the standard.
Long rant, I hope that clarifies what I was meaning.
A government is necessary – you have to have governments, it is essential, 7 billion people on the earth, we must have governments – it is imperative. There is so much to look after, leaving it up to a mass of individuals who are too busy with their own lives – would be a catastrophe.
And there is nothing wrong with men in power, I see nothing wrong with it, but all men, need a strong leader, especially a male role model, they can look up too. Men ‘in society’ need ‘strong male role models’.
Men (regarding their careers and professional lives) look up to other men, as women look up to other woman. It is because we relate to the same sex as ourselves – we just do. Not all the time, but most of the time.
We shouldn’t demean Men by taking away their patriarchal power, why? We should enhance it – and allow them to have the power they so rightfully deserve, men by nature are more naturally aggressive, and with an intelligent mind to match – tend to be great leaders, and protectors.
We must enhance this, and nurture this, so men become ‘whole’ – then when a strong woman comes along, they do not feel threatened, but intrigued, a non-threatened man will integrate with another power-house (a female), because she has different attributes to offer, and then success is more likely.
I think men and women, working together is how we will acquire ‘balance’.
But men, they are great leaders, and extremely inspirational, this should never be taken away from the man.
Little boys need STRONG men to look up too. We must have strong men IN POWER – we must.
Apart from Little saying nothing but “dairy crisis” I don’t know what he could have done. When you see the statements in context there is nothing radical in what he was saying. He expressed a preference for local workers to be used and wanted immigration regulated depending on conditions.
The pile up supported by some must have CT grinning from ear to ear. We have a PM who regularly redefines meanings of simple words depending on how much spin he applies but we have an opposition leader whose words are parsed and misconstrued and he is then attacked and written off by a bunch of nodding heads. Trotter should be ashamed of himself.
+100
In the last 8 years Labour has been controlled opposition, the illusion of choice.
I hate John Key, understand that, he is instrumental in destroying New Zealand sovereignty and stripping our assets,
but attacking the opposition doesn’t win votes, you have to demonstrate that your party is better for the country and the voters, otherwise voters wont give you the power to change anything.
Every political utterance must be part of a coherent comms strategy, or it is easily misused by others. Ooh, look what’s happening – who could have predicted it?
Sure, that’s the easy bit. But how do you do that and engage competently with the media? Some people are suggesting that whatever Little says and does is going to get manipulated because of CT and because of the media approach.
That’s a given,yes – so you plan your framing and key messages thoroughly anticipating it, and do not get led off-message or go all lawyerly and prevaricating on it.
I just have no idea why Labour does not seem to grasp this most fundamental ingredient of organised politics after years of having their noses rubbed in it.
Thousands of passengers will not have to pay to travel on some Auckland buses today, as part of a series of driver strikes.
First Union represents bus drivers working for Howick & Eastern Buses, and said its members would be refusing to take cash or AT HOP card fares today.
Howick & Eastern Buses serves many of the routes in east Auckland.
The action is the latest in a series of industrial actions by bus drivers across Auckland, who remain locked in disputes with the region’s bus providers.
A union spokesperson said the Howick & Eastern Buses drivers were fed up with attempts to remove overtime and weekend rates.
Thing is, considering the way that bus services in Auckland are now set up, I doubt if it’s going to hurt the bus companies at all. They’re paid by Auckland Transport and the money that they’re not collecting goes directly to Auckland Transport and not to the bus companies.
When will Andrew Little realise that anything he says that is mildly controversial will immediately be twisted and spun by the right and used by the Henrys and Hoskings of the media and their enablers to attack him, Labour and left politics generally?
Don’t they have the media training to ensure they keep statements clear with a few repetitive bullet points that everyone repeats?
Commentators here going on about Andrew Little not being able to get across in concise language what we need to hear and that Labour need media training. At least he looks and attempts to get it across in an honest manner, although he does speak quietly. He also has a pair of honest eyes. Our leader cannot articulate the English language at all, sounds like he is drunk all the time and lies so openly even a half wit would read through them. He also owns a pair of dead eyes which give me the creeps. Give Andrew a break, its National running scared and a MSM which is in the pay of the right. Labour has to dig deep and sock it to the government, anyone who lives in Auckland knows he is telling it as it is, something has to happen to this country and curbing immigration in the interim until we can get housing, employment and our traffic problem sorted is so sensible it beggars belief anyone would question otherwise.
and they also just voted to remove Tax Credits for 800.000 people (mainly on lower income) and to remove 30quid from disabled people who will sign up for a disability benefit from 2017 onwards.
fuck the sugar tax is just hogwash, like the cigarette tax. Peoples future health would be better if they could afford decent food at decent prices.
Removing GST from food would be a decent way to go about that.
“Short shift is meaningless”.
No it’s not. It is what you are likely to get if you are currently on a zero hour contract. Luckily our Government is changing that.
Judging by the unwillingness of the Herald to publish the comments section following opinion pieces critical of Labours’ stance on banks and immigration – I reckon Littles’ comments have struck a chord with voters.
Leaving National and its apologists (hi Claire,Audrey , Baz ,and Hosko) defending the Banks’ greed and uncontrolled immigration .
It’s a pity to see them all misusing the word ‘troll’ too, which has quite specific definitions online and isn’t the same as calling someone names. But I guess Hoskings and the Herald journalist still don’t know how the internet works.
Glen Grenwald on “objective” journalism and Donald Trump
“Large corporations hate controversy (it alienates consumers) and really hate offending those who wield political power (bad for business). Imposing objectivity rules on the journalists who work for their media divisions was a means to avoid offending anyone by forcing journalists to conceal their perspectives, assumptions, and viewpoints, and, worse, forcing them to dishonestly pretend that they had none, that they float above all that.” https://theintercept.com/2016/03/14/the-rise-of-trump-shows-the-danger-and-sham-of-compelled-journalistic-neutrality/
People up and arms and saying that Little’s comments weren’t targeting all immigrants, and that he was being carefully selective as to what he said, and it was all taken out of context… blah, blah, blah
It would be like National targeting specific groups that rort the benefit system, and wanting to take decisive action, but being accused by the left of bashing everyone on a benefit…
I don’t think I can voter Labour anymore. They really don’t do anything for me, and are so stupid, they make announcements and give the whole media of New Zealand ammo to shoot them with. I’m talking immigration. Is Andrew a complete and utter dick or what. I mean did he think for a minute. A second on this.
In a climate where the press are looking to avenues to denigrate the opposition and have never written a pro piece since I can remember on any party Not National or right wing leaning, Andrew blathers on about immigration. When he does speak it’s a complete cock up and gets twisted all over the media with everyone laughing at him.
Seriously needs a slap to the head.
Between Labours multitude of own goal gaffs on and on stupidity of character and nationals piss poor performance on running the Nation you are wrecking the place.
If you cannot get it together and put up a decent publicity campaign, mindful of the press and attractive to voters on a professional level like Keys machine, fuck off.
If that sounds mean Labour needs it. Needs a bloody good kick up the arse, you send me multitudes of begging letters wanting money for this and that.. Money..
Do I have any Money.
Then you just do stupid things like bring up immigration when your opposition. Real popular subject, a favorite amongst the press of NZ who get a free kick labours leader and party card.
yessss, come to the dark side. Feel the fear and anger coursing through you. Unleash the power of your hate, young jedi, and take Jason Ede’s place at my side…
The absolute nadir of the chattering class is Mike “Contra” Hosking, with Mora just a tad better than he is. Mora is clearly more educated, smarter and sharper. He has a pleasant manner, only occasionally letting the mask slip and speaking curtly to guests who irritate him for whatever reason. Unlike Hosking or the equally dire Paul Henry, Mora is capable of speaking thoughtfully about most subjects.
Despite the massive advantage he has over the likes of Hosking, Henry and Larry “Lackwit” Williams, there is precious little difference in the quality of their programmes. Mora almost entirely eschews serious discussion, instead choosing to dwell on insultingly puerile topics straight off teenage-level Facebook pages, and employing dog-whistle appeals to bigotry as shamelessly as any Crosby Textor-driven National Party politician.
So, yes, Mora is the epitome of chattering class vacuity and vanity, but his superficial charm and (sadly under-used) intellect lift him just above the horror shows on the commercial stations.
They should be in prison of course, but at least these
two scoundrels have been forcefully repudiated by the voters
In the same week that President Hopey Changey presumes to lecture Cuba about human rights, and as two of the most loathsome people in the United States look to be heading for victory in the Republican and Democratic races, here’s something that makes you realize there’s still some decency in at least some voters over there….
Black Lives Matter Voters Oust Tamir Rice Prosecutor
About time.
“Police will have to smash a cloned hard drive and memory card seized during an “unlawful” search of the home of investigative journalist Nicky Hager before returning seized computer equipment and files tomorrow.
Hager and his lawyer Steven Price will be at the High Court at Auckland to witness the destruction of the hard drive and memory card, which contain copies of files made by detectives during the 2014 raid, according to a press release this afternoon.”
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What Kind Of Empire? The thing for Kiwis to decide is what kind of empire they want to belong to. The kind that, while offering its own citizens democratic rights, demands absolute obedience from its “friends”? Or, the kind that, while authoritarian at home, takes a relaxed attitude to the ...
It hasn't been a good week for the Conservatives, pollwise. All major recent polls are showing their lead shrinking.Comparing each pollster's current (between 29/11 and 22/11) and previous most recent poll.Com Res - Conservative lead down 3 points.You Gov - Conservative lead down 1 point.Kantar - Conservative lead down 4 ...
Within quick succession, Countdown maths wizard and twitterer Rachel Riley, alleged comedian David Baddiel and prominent lawyer Andrew Julius have all expressed very similar opinions / ideas:
These #3billboards are going round London today, organised by ex-Labour people, horrified by what their party has become. Their principles haven’t changed, they’re ...
So, there have been a bunch of bad polls out for Labour, and even the Leftie's friend, Survation, have recently given the Conservatives a rip-snorting 11% lead. You Gov's much vaunted MRP poll - which pretty much nailed the result in 2015 - is currently predicting a comfortable majority for ...
The European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly to declare a climate emergency:The European parliament has declared a global “climate and environmental emergency” as it urged all EU countries to commit to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The vote came as scientists warned that the world may have already crossed ...
Pure Fear: Worse than Heroin, this drug’s addictive power was terrifying. People under its influence didn’t drift off to Elysium. Nor did it persuade inadequate individuals that they could conquer the world. No, this drug – pure crystal methamphetamine, “P” for short – unlocked the gates of Hell itself. It ...
As the rate of measles infection, and of deaths, continues to climb in Samoa, antivaccination activists infectious disease proponents seem intent on doubling down on their claims about vaccination. (Check pretty much any news-media FB post about measles & you’ll see exactly what I mean.) Unfortunately, some of them have ...
Samoa are experiencing a devastating measles epidemic. It is possible that 2-3% of the population will ultimately be infected by the time it is over. Hopefully the mass immunisation campaign currently under way can mitigate some of this, for many it is too late. The first question many people ask ...
Meghan Murphy is a Canadian writer and journalist She runs the Feminist Current website which she founded in 2012. She was a keynote speaker for the Feminism2020 conference in Wellington this month. When Massey University cancelled the original venue booking Feminism2020 was hosted in Parliament by MP David Seymour. Meghan ...
Text and photos by Gearóid Ó Loingsigh Colombia has lived through one week of protests against the economic measures taken by president Duque. What looked like a protest that would fizzle out after its first day on November 21st is still going strong. Part of the reason for the continuance ...
Around a million billion pass through you each second, almost all originating from our sun, but few of them are likely to interact with you enroute. I was reading in a physics magazine earlier in the week about the nature of neutrinos. These are extremely numerous elementary particles, but only ...
By Pallab GhoshThere’s value in covering new research advances, even when the underlying science is unsettled. But there are also risks.The recent announcement that scientists discovered water on the planet K2-18b, 110 light years away, prompted a media swoon. News stories, including a piece written by me, billed ...
I wrote this review a couple of years ago when I was still in the process of getting my head around the politics of transgenderism, and specifically the claim that intersex conditions lend support to the notion that sex is ‘socially constructed’. Since writing this review I have come across ...
Climate Explained is a collaboration between The Conversation, Stuff and the New Zealand Science Media Centre to answer your questions about climate change.If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, please send it to climate.change@stuff.co.nzHow much does our use of air travel contribute to the ...
Minor planet/asteroid (2309) Mr. Spock is named not for the character in Star Trek, but for a cat that was itself imperturbable, logical, intelligent and had pointed ears. In a preceding blog post I introduced one of my favourite asteroids, (2472) Bradman, and also mentioned (6581) Sobers amongst a few ...
Today the death toll from measles in Samoa rose to 32. All but four of the dead were less than 5 years old. Absolutely terrible, heartbreaking, news. That statistic alone should be enough to give the lie to the common claim by antivaccination activists plague enthusiasts that “measles is a ...
by Gearóid Ó Loingsigh It is late here in Bogotá, almost 11.30pm on Monday the 25th of November as I write this. The day began full of hope with yet more massive marches throughout the country, a mix of the International Day of Non-Violence Against Women and the National Strike. ...
Anti-fluoride activists are rubbing their hands in glee over what they claim is “yet another study” showing fluoride harms the brains of children. But their promotion relies on IQ relationships which the paper’s authors acknowledge disappearing when outliers or other factors are considered. And they completely ignore other relationships ...
The feature below is the conclusion of A History of Economic Thought, whose author was a leading Marxist economist in Russia in the early 20th century, Isaac Ilyich Rubin. The book arose from a course he ran at Moscow University following the Russian Revolution. First published in Russian in 1929, ...
There are many thousands of asteroids with formal names, some humdrum but other more noteworthy (depending on your predilections). One of my favourites, the name of which I was involved in suggesting, is (2472) Bradman, named for the Australian cricketing great. As a minor planet (synonym: asteroid) spotter, I have ...
Tory manifesto: big on austerity, low on promise, non-existent on delivery. The Tories: the party so big on ambition they couldn't be arsed writing a manifesto. MLK: "I have a dream!"BJ: "I'll just have a nap." Labour: Broadband!Tories: Narrow minds! Labour have hope, dreams and ambition. The Tories will save ...
The Ministry of Health has announced that “people under the age of 50 travelling from New Zealand to Samoa, Tonga, Philippines and Fiji” are now on the list of national priorities for MMR vaccination. Given the outbreaks of measles in Samoa, Tonga, Philippines and Fiji, the Ministry of Health is ...
Hong Kong has been protesting for six months for, demanding democracy, human rights, and an end to police violence. Today, they went to the polls in district council elections - a low-level of government with virtually no power, similar to community boards in New Zealand. But while the positions themselves ...
Text and photos by Gearóid Ó Loingsigh On Friday 22nd of November a curfew came into effect and troops were deployed on the streets, here in Bogota. It was the first time since September 1977 that a curfew had been imposed on the city. The decision was a cynical pre-planned ...
Meanwhile, while the government is planning to restore voting rights to prisoners, National is promising to turn our prisons into US-style slave-labour camps:The Opposition is proposing compulsory education, training or employment for prisoners who are serving sentences of two years or more. [...] On Sunday, National Party Leader Simon Bridges ...
Excerpts from Being and Being Bought, by Kajsa Ekis Ekman Spinifex Press, 2013. Ekman, a Swedish journalist and critic, brings together a Marxist and feminist analysis of prostitution and surrogacy in this groundbreaking book. This is the second part of a synopsis and brief commentary of the book by Daphna ...
Dalmeet Singh ChawlaIn 2008, psychologists proposed that when humans are shown an unfamiliar face, they judge it on two main dimensions: trustworthiness and physical strength. These form the basis of first impressions, which may help people make important social decisions, from who to vote for to how long a ...
Claas Kirchhelle, University of Oxford; Adam Roberts, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, and Andrew Singer, Centre for Ecology & HydrologyAntibiotics are among the most important medicines known to humankind, but we are running out of this crucial resource. Decisive action is needed if we are to retain access to ...
Things That Make You Go - Hmmmm: “All right. Let me come at this another way. I’m guessing that what you’ve got in that box contains names, dates, bank account numbers – all the details you need to put Winston Peters and Jacinda Ardern squarely in the cross-hairs. So, the first ...
Coasters Turn Out In Droves: It’s precisely the widening gulf between those with actual experience of things like guns, chainsaws and drilling machines, and those who regulate their use, that accounts for the angry crowd at Greymouth’s Messenger Park on Sunday, 17 November 2019. In the rarefied atmosphere where decisions ...
There are perennial arguments about the circumstances of the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963, and in particular whether more than one shooter is required by the evidence (such as the Zapruder film). Those who know little about physics frequently claim that the sharp backwards motion of JFK’s head as ...
Apparently, some people enjoy washing their cars. Each to his or her own, I suppose. I mean, some people like duck shooting, some people follow Coronation Street, and some people’s idea of a good day out is to sit on a grass bank at Seddon Park and watch cricket all ...
Last week we learned that New Zealand First had apparently tried to enrich itself from public office, with a dodgy forestry company linked to a number of NZ First figures sticking its hand out repeatedly for government money. Today in Question Time Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones had his ...
Finally, governments seem slowly to be beginning to act on climate change. But its not enough. While they're publicly signing up to targets, they're planning to destroy the world by continuing fossil fuel extraction:The world’s nations are on track to produce more than twice as much coal, oil and gas ...
Stuff has begun interviewing NZ First's secret donors, and it turns out that its as bad as we expected. They start with racing industry figure Garry Chittick, who is predictably grumpy about NZ First's coalition choices. Meanwhile, I'm looking at the list of pork NZ First has effectively given its ...
Mark Patterson, Spokesperson for Primary Industries New Zealand First spokesperson for Primary Industries, Mark Patterson, has called for awareness to be raised and more stringent biosecurity checks to be put in place for African Swine Fever (ASF), a widespread virus that is uncontrolled in most of Asia and a serious ...
Jenny Marcroft MP, Spokesperson for Human Rights A critical step has been taken to end gender based violence against women and girls in Parliament this evening. New Zealand First Spokesperson for Human Rights Jenny Marcroft MP has welcomed the passing of the first reading of the Crimes (Definition of Female ...
New Zealand First MP Shane Jones says it's time to recognise market forces haven't led to the expected reduction in Māori smoking rates and try a new approach. The Party had recently invoked the agree to disagree clause in their Coalition Agreement with the Labour Party, and will not support ...
Live from the Whanganui Opera House, on the final day of the 2019 Labour Party Conference, Jacinda Ardern announced the largest investment in school property in 25 years. ...
The Coalition Government will be banning foreign donations to political parties and candidates, ahead of next year’s general elections. Legislation will be introduced to Parliament and passed under urgency – emphasising the need for such restrictions to safeguard our democracy. The bill introduces a new requirement that party secretaries and ...
Associate Transport Minister Shane Jones opened Taipā's $19 million bridge recently, improving transport infrastructure in the Northland region. The two-lane bridge is 107m long with a 2.5m-wide shared walking and cycling path, and will reduce the congestion that the old one-lane bridge was notorious for. The project had also included ...
The Overseas Investment Office have rejected the application of Mercury Agriculture LP, which is 92 per cent controlled by Canadian interests, to purchase more than 2000 hectares of South Canterbury and Otago land. Mercury wanted to buy 2000ha at Rangitata, 1494ha near Ashburton, 816ha near Cromwell and 212ha near Temuka. ...
This weekend was Labour's 103rd Party Conference! We welcomed over 500 of our Labour whānau in red to Whanganui, where we reflected on the last two years in Government, and looked ahead to 2020 and beyond. We know the long-term challenges facing New Zealand won't be tackled overnight, but we're making ...
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced that the Provincial Growth Fund will invest $9.6 million to seal the final unsealed section of State Highway 43 from Stratford to Taumarunui. The Minister said sealing the 12-kilometre gravel section of the highway – also called the “Forgotten World Highway” - through ...
Former Finance Minister and former chair of the Tax Working Group, Sir Michael Cullen, has voiced his support for New Zealand First’s decision to oppose the planned increase in tobacco excise tax. In an interview with The Weekend Collective, he said that increasing the price was no longer effective in ...
Māori are natural storytellers. On the marae we use stories to tell our history, to teach the next generation life lessons and to let people know, in our most creative of ways, who we are and where we have come from. ...
Rt Hon Winston Peters, New Zealand First Leader New Zealand First has invoked the ‘Agree to Disagree’ provisions of the Coalition Agreement because it cannot support the announced 11.46 percent increase in the tobacco excise from 1 January 2020. “Studies show that the automatic tobacco excise increases are having less effect ...
Taupō-based company Geo40 has made a breakthrough in extracting near battery-grade lithium from geothermal fluid which its says could be a gamechanger. Its chief executive John Worth said the earth mineral was highly prized, with battery-grade lithium selling for US$10,000 (NZ$15,600) a tonne. Geo40 was founded in 2010 to find ...
Crown research institute AgResearch Ltd, as part of its Future Footprint plan, had intended to relocate top scientists and support staff — particularly those focused on sheep genetics and genomics — from Invermay to Lincoln. However, those plans seem to have been shelved at the request of the Coalition Government. ...
Ten engineering firms in Southland are receiving a total of $2.13 million in Provincial Growth Fund funding to lift productivity and create new jobs. Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced in Invercargill that the 10 engineering and manufacturing firms would receive funding to assist them with buying equipment that ...
The number of new residents to New Zealand is the lowest it has been in nearly two decades and it has earned the ire of the immigration industry. The industry alleges that 'Trump-style extreme vetting' is being put in place aimed at keeping a lid on immigration numbers. June Ranson, ...
The Royal New Zealand Air Force is one step closer to modernising its fleet after the United States State Department recently approved the sale of five new C-130J Hercules aircraft to New Zealand. Arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin, in Fort Worth, Texas, will provide the aircraft, but as a "foreign military ...
Forestry Minister Shane Jones wants to create a log barging facility at Hicks Bay and turn the area into a Special Economic Zone. The move would be part of protecting New Zealand's forests from being depleted by India and China, he said. It follows his announcement last week to strengthen ...
New Zealand First supports the changes recommended by the Winter Grazing Taskforce to improve animal welfare outcomes through the winter months, and the establishment of a pan-sector action group to implement them. New Zealand First Primary Industries Spokesperson Mark Patterson says the report highlights areas of concern about the animal ...
Former prime ministers Helen Clark and Sir John Key, formerly from the Labour and National parties respectively, have joined forces in support of New Zealand First’s plan to relocate Auckland's port to Whangārei. While Ms Clark and Sir John spent their political careers on opposite sides of the political divide, ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is in Japan for the Foreign Ministers' meeting of the G20 grouping of countries as one of nine "invited" countries. He has used the opportunity to cast a spotlight on the plight of Pacific countries, calling out countries which still offered subsidies or Government assistance to ...
It's been a great week of progress: we've celebrated Children's Day, we've made communities safer with 1800 new police, and we've seen almost 90% of eligible schools take up Government funding to scrap school donations - taking pressure off the families of more than 416,000 students. ...
Hon Shane Jones, Minister of Forestry The Government will further strengthen New Zealand’s wood processing sector as part of our focus on ‘value over volume’ in our forestry industry, Forestry Minister Shane Jones says. Minister Jones will today meet with forestry representatives in Northland to signal new measures to help the ...
New Zealand First are celebrating the announcement of an investment of $3.5 million into five new trapping devices. These are a range of bait and trap devices, all designed to be left unattended for long periods of time. NZ First conservation spokesperson Jenny Marcroft says that this latest development will ...
Jenny Marcroft, Spokesperson for Conservation New Zealand First is proud to announce the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) has allocated $3.5 million to develop innovative predator control approaches which will reduce the need for repeated 1080 use. $19.5 million of PGF funding was announced for Predator Free 2050 Limited in February ...
Darroch Ball, Spokesperson for Police New Zealand First is proud to have delivered on a key Coalition Agreement commitment to adding 1800 new frontline police, with the graduation of Recruit Wing 332 in Porirua today. Law and Order Spokesperson Darroch Ball says increasing police numbers and boosting their resources was one ...
Clayton Mitchell, Spokesperson for Consumer Affairs The ‘wheel clamping’ Bill that will cap clamper fees to $100 passed its third readinginParliament today. New Zealand First welcomes The Land Transport (Wheel Clamping) Amendment Bill to combat predatory wheel clamping behaviour in what is currently a largely unregulated business. Cowboy clampers are: gouging ...
Jenny Marcroft, Spokesperson for Health New Zealand First welcomes the passage of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Bill through its first reading in Parliament. “Today’s progress takes serious action on the mental health and addiction crisis the country is facing,” says New Zealand First Health Spokesperson Jenny Marcroft. “The re-establishment ...
Mark Patterson, Spokesperson for Primary Industries Today the Government announced the delivery of the promise to protect New Zealand interests by applying a new National Interest Test to the sales of our most sensitive and high risk assets to overseas buyers. This further strengthening of the Overseas Investment Act will ...
Rt Hon Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced further support as the Government of Samoa responds to a serious measles outbreak. “New Zealand will deploy a further 18 vaccination nurses, bringing the total to 30 working in Samoa over the next ...
The Coalition Government is delivering on its promise to protect New Zealanders’ interests by applying a new national interest test to the sales of our most sensitive and high-risk assets to overseas buyers. Under current Overseas Investment Act (OIA) rules, assets such as ports and airports, telecommunications infrastructure, electricity and ...
Rt Winston Peters, Leader of New Zealand First Allegations raised this morning by Stuff Limited / Fairfax concern a party matter but I am confident that New Zealand First has operated within electoral laws, now and for the last 27 years. Declarable donations were declared to the Electoral Commission. Our ...
The chairman of the Upper North Island Supply Chain Strategy (UNISCS) working group, Wayne Brown, has hit back at critics of his group’s recommendations to relocate the Ports of Auckland cargo operations to Whangarei’s deepwater port of Northport. The working group's recommendation to close Auckland waterfront to all but cruise ...
International education continues to thrive as the Government focuses on quality over quantity, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said. The tuition revenue from international education increased to $1.16 billion last year with the average tuition fee per student increasing by $960. The total number of international students enrolled in New Zealand ...
Health Minister Dr David Clark says new appointments to DHBs represent a significant changing of the guard, with 13 new chairs including four Māori chairs. Today 76 appointments have been announced to complement elected board members, as well as eight elected members appointed as either chair or deputy chair. Four ...
Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Fletcher Tabuteau, is travelling to Germany, Poland, Austria, and Spain next week to bolster New Zealand’s political and trade relationships in Europe. While in Spain, Mr Tabuteau will represent New Zealand at the 14th Asia-Europe (ASEM) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Madrid. “New Zealand strongly supports ...
“I’ve spoken to Minister Faafoi, who has apologised for his poor handling of this issue,” Jacinda Ardern said. “I have confidence in Kris as a hardworking and effective Minister, but this should have been dealt with in a much clearer manner, and I’ve made my views on that very clear ...
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters met with Tongan Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa in Wellington today. The pair signed a Statement of Partnership setting out joint priorities for cooperation out to 2023. “We welcomed Prime Minister Tu'i'onetoa on his first visit to New Zealand as Prime Minister. Tonga ...
The Minister of Police Stuart Nash says his sympathies are with the family of a man who died after being shot by Police in Kurow. “Initial reports are that Police were called by a family member to help the man who was threatening to harm himself,” Mr Nash says. “However ...
Healthier waterways, better productivity and farmer wellbeing are front and centre in a new project involving more than 1000 Southland farmers and growers. Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor today announced that the Thriving Southland Change and Innovation Project is the first region-wide extension programme supported by the $229 million Sustainable ...
Work to look after nature and restore freshwater quality in Te Hoiere/Pelorus River catchment is getting a significant boost, thanks to new Government funding support Minister for Conservation Eugenie Sage announced in Canvastown today. “Every New Zealander should be able to swim in their local river without getting sick, and ...
Eight Queen’s Counsel have been appointed under a process that includes the new criterion of a commitment to improving access to justice, Attorney-General David Parker announced today. “The new criterion was included this year. It emphasises that excellence and leadership in the profession can be seen through a wider, community ...
Onslow College in Wellington will get 20 new classrooms for more than 400 students, Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced today. The much-needed investment will relieve growth pressure the school has been experiencing for some time. Seven existing classrooms which have deteriorated over time will also be replaced, bringing the total ...
More than 250 young New Zealanders will add international experience to their education, thanks to the latest Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia (PMSA) and Latin America (PMSLA), Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced today. This round of scholarships supports 252 recent graduates or current students to undertake study, research or internships ...
Consumers will benefit from a more competitive, transparent retail fuel market as a result of changes the Government will be making in response to the findings of the Commerce Commission’s study of the fuel sector. “We accept the Commission’s findings and, as the Prime Minister has said, we’re ready to ...
Five new cancer medicines have now been funded this year, meaning thousands of people have more treatment options PHARMAC has today announced that it has approved two new medicines for funding – fulvestrant for breast cancer and olaparib for ovarian cancer. This follows earlier decisions on advanced lung cancer treatment alectinib, ...
The Minister of Local Government, Hon Nanaia Mahuta says the Government will consider making changes to local electoral legislation before the 2022 elections to fix the problems that have arisen where elections are settled by a coin toss. The Minister says the recount process in the Murupara- Galatea ward at ...
New Zealand will sign up to new international maritime regulations to reduce ship emissions and lift air quality around ports and harbours, Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter announced today. Subject to completion of the Parliamentary treaty examination process, New Zealand will sign up to Annex VI of MARPOL, an ...
New legislation to transform our urban areas and create sustainable, inclusive and thriving communities will tomorrow be introduced to Parliament, Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford said. “The Urban Development Bill gives Kāinga Ora-Homes and Communities the tools it needs to partner with councils, communities, mana whenua and private developers to ...
Today’s launch of He taonga te Tamaiti: Every child a taonga: The Early Learning Action Plan 2019-2029 provides the foundation for long-lasting changes to early learning, Education Minister Chris Hipkins says. “Early learning will be one of the Government’s top education priorities going into 2020,” Chris Hipkins said. ...
Major decisions made by the Government will now be considered under a climate change lens, Minister for Climate Change James Shaw announced today. “Cabinet routinely considers the effects of its decisions on human rights, the Treaty of Waitangi, rural communities, the disability community, and gender – now climate change will ...
Education Minister Chris Hipkins today announced the appointment of Māori education specialist Dr Wayne Ngata and Business NZ head Kirk Hope to the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). Dr Alastair MacCormick has been reappointed for another term. “Wayne Ngata, Kirk Hope and Alastair MacCormick bring a great deal ...
The next phase of the Pike River Re-entry project is underway, Minister Responsible for Pike River Re-entry Andrew Little says. “Fresh air will be pumped into the Pike River Mine drift this week, following acceptance of the plan for re-entry beyond the 170m barrier by New Zealand’s independent health and ...
New Zealand consumers will have greater certainty about their insurance cover when they need to make claims as a result of proposed government changes. “Insurance is vitally important in supporting consumers and businesses to be financially resilient when unexpected events happen,” Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Kris Faafoi said. ...
The Crown is providing an opportunity for the hapu of Ngāpuhi to rebuild its framework from the ground up for collective negotiations to deal with its historical Treaty claims, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Andrew Little and Minister for Māori Development Nanaia Mahuta announced today. The Crown is also ...
A Bill enabling referendums to be held with the 2020 General Election has passed its third reading. Justice Minister Andrew Little says the Act is important for upholding the integrity of New Zealand’s electoral process. “The Government has committed to holding a referendum on legalising recreational cannabis at the next ...
The first release of public information on the two referendums to be held at next year’s General Election was made today with an informative new Government website going live. Additionally, the draft Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill has been released, showing the strict controls on cannabis that will apply if ...
The Government is taking action to protect New Zealand from foreign interference in our elections by banning foreign donations to political parties and candidates, Justice Minister Andrew Little announced today. Legislation will be introduced to Parliament this afternoon and passed under urgency. “There’s no need for anyone other than New ...
Governments and tech companies are holding a two-day workshop, hosted by YouTube/Google in Wellington, to test the Christchurch Call Shared Crisis Response Protocol. The workshop aims to refine and strengthen the response in the event of a terrorist attack with online implications. Companies, governments, civil society experts and NGOs will ...
The new independent Cancer Control Agency has formally opened today, delivering on the Government’s plan to improve cancer care in New Zealand. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Minister of Health David Clark marked the occasion by announcing the membership of the Advisory Council that will be supporting ...
Small businesses who deal with government departments are set to be paid faster and have improved cash flow as a result, under a new strategy released today. The Government is backing recommendations from the Small Business Council (SBC) and has agreed to implement three initiatives immediately to support business and ...
The Education and Training Bill 2019, introduced in Parliament today, proposes the biggest education changes in decades and is an important step towards improving success for all our learners, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said. “The Bill’s rewrite of education legislation is long overdue. Indeed one Education Act, parts of which ...
Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio will travel to Bali to represent New Zealand at the 12th Bali Democracy Forum that will be held on the 5-6 December. “The Forum is a valuable opportunity for Asia-Pacific countries to share experiences and best practice in building home-grown democracy and fostering ...
A package of new and expanded technology and other tools will encourage responsible camping and help communities and local councils better manage freedom camping this summer, Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis announced today. “Our Government has been investing to improve the freedom camping experience for everyone because we want to support ...
The government is laying the groundwork to understanding our genes – work that can help us tackle some of our biggest health challenges, like heart disease and diabetes, says Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods. $4.7 million has been invested in the Genomics Aotearoa Rakeiora programme. The programme will ...
Nearly every state schools will receive a capital injection next year valued at $693 per student to bring forward urgent school property improvements, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced today. The one-off cash injection is the first project to be announced from the Government’s infrastructure package ...
The Government has decided to bring forward major investments in New Zealand’s infrastructure to future proof the economy. “Cabinet has agreed to a significant boost to infrastructure investment. I have directed the Treasury to help bring together a package of projects that can be brought into the Government’s short and ...
It is a great pleasure to be with you today in Whanganui. Like the Prime Minister I grew up with the TV clip of Selwyn Toogood booming “What do you say Whanganui, the money or the bag?” to an unsuspecting ‘It’s in the Bag’ audience. For those under the age ...
New Zealand’s newest Great Walk, the Paparoa Track, was officially opened in Blackball today by the Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage alongside the family members of the Pike 29 and Ngāti Waewae. Local mayors and MP for the West Coast Hon Damien O’Connor were also in attendance. “Paparoa National Park ...
Minister of Defence Ron Mark turned the first sod of earth on the infrastructure works for the new P-8A Poseidon fleet at RNZAF Base Ohakea today. “The Coalition Government’s investment in Ohakea will ensure the Royal New Zealand Air Force can manage, maintain and task the new fleet efficiently ahead ...
Civil Defence Minister Hon Peeni Henare today announced the establishment of the new National Emergency Management Agency from 1 December 2019. The National Emergency Management Agency will replace the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management. It will be an autonomous departmental agency, hosted by the Department of the Prime ...
New Zealand tertiary students with top grades and a passion for space will once again be offered the opportunity to work with the world’s best and brightest at NASA, Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford announced today. Recipients of the New Zealand Space Scholarship are nominated by the Ministry of Business, ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further support to Samoa in the wake of an ongoing measles outbreak in the country. Additional medical supplies and personnel, including a third rotation of New Zealand’s emergency medical assistance team (NZMAT), further nurse vaccinators, intensive care (ICU) specialists and Samoan-speaking medical professionals, will ...
ASMS message to DHB Chairs and appointees The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) welcomes the District Health Board Chairs and board appointees announced by Health Minister David Clark. ...
Eight Queen’s Counsel have been appointed under a process that includes the new criterion of a commitment to improving access to justice, Attorney-General David Parker announced this week. The new criterion, he explained, ” … emphasises that excellence and leadership in the profession can be seen through a wider, community ...
“CEAC – University of Auckland asks ‘Can democracy survive’? Subject; Can democracy survive? https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2019/12/03/can-democracy-survive-.html Citizens Environmental Advocacy Centre Incorporated (CEAC) Press release 8th December ...
The Minister of Health’s announcement to appoint a new chair to the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board has come as a surprise and with some disappointment, especially given he had personally asked me to stand again with his confidence to continue in ...
Hell’s bells it’s Gone By Lunchtime, with Annabelle Lee, Ben Thomas and Toby Manhire shooting the breeze on Kris Faafoi, Jason Kerrison, Winston Peters, NZ First donations, a cannabis referendum, and the year to come.Just when you thought politics was tucking under the duvet for Christmas, along comes the guy ...
Tis the season for hangovers, so we convinced some of New Zealand’s most experienced consumers of food and/or drink (OK, Spinoff staff and a bunch of chefs/hospo people) to share their tried-and-true culinary remedies.A hangover is a very individual thing. For some, it manifests as a splitting headache and extreme ...
Before Britain’s Got Talent: Champions hits our screens tonight, let’s take a fond look back at some of the show’s weirdest and most wonderful acts.Place your hands on your Golden Buzzer, because Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions kicks off this weekend. Champions is BGT bigger and better than it’s been before, ...
Following the raging success of the 2018 non-goat ethical Christmas gift guide, here for you today – responsibly wrapped in reusable gift wrap – is the 2019 list of ethical, sustainable, socially conscious, or charitable gift ideas to satisfy all kinds of family members and budgets.Budget Category: ‘Can we pay ...
Lime brought e-scooters to Auckland and changed the way we travel in less than a year. Now, the council is replacing it and Wave with three new contenders. Josie Adams goes to the Lime warehouse to say goodbye to the original scooters.In a warehouse in Eden Terrace, almost a thousand ...
Analysis - The government's first crack at cannabis legislation runs into trouble, a foreign donations bill is rammed through Parliament and a select committee refuses to listen to former NZ First officeholders. ...
Dr Ben Jansen is Oceania's leading prescriber of cannabis medicines, and a co-founder of the Hemp Foundation.org.nz “I’d like to thank the Labour Party and Chris Woodney. Thanks to his policy remit at Labours national conference, and Labours full support, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hannah Soong, Senior Lecturer in Teacher Education Practice, School of Education, University of South Australia Australian 15 year olds were around three and a half years behind their counterparts in China in maths, according to the OECD’s latest results for education systems ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dimitri Perrin, Senior Lecturer, Queensland University of Technology More than a year ago, the world was shocked by Chinese biophysicist He Jiankui’s attempt to use CRISPR technology to modify human embryos and make them resistant to HIV, which led to the birth ...
Cabinet minister Kris Faafoi has apologised to the Prime Minister for his messages to Jason Kerrison regarding an immigration case, but will not lose his job. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julian Meyrick, Professor of Creative Arts, Flinders University The decision to merge the Department of Communications and the Arts with Transport, Infrastructure and Regional development (dropping the “Arts” entirely) ends a year in which Australian politics has been deeply confused over its ...
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Chris Trotter is doing a hatchet job on Little and labour on henry at the moment.!!
Its probably not as impressive as the self-inflicted hatchet job that Littles carrying out on himself
Polly want cracker!
So true.
So fucking true
Pagani and Quinn must be rostered off today so compliant chris obliges with more muddle of the road criticism from his paid soapbox.
You don’t get the gig unless you stick to the Weldon script.
Trotter is part of the VRC now? Fuck me.
He is a paid commentator fulfilling a messaging requirement at weldons outlet. Thats your whacky conspiracy meme dude.
I repeat: fuck me.
It is a cold day in hell.
I’m agreeing with The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell
Chris will say what he likes in the defence of social democracy. I give him beans for being a social democrat -Trotter that is. But I have never doubted in all the time I’ve know him, that he is a social democrat.
…and how offensive, to claim he’s allowed himself to be bought off.
What are Dipshit Henry’s ratings like these days?
yep and CV is doing it on the other thread.
Labour must fail, or else the purists an dis-enchanted have a sad.
really who cares.?
So predictable, must be a smear or two due soon to prop up a meme they’ve chosen to go with.
I’ve always stayed away from the t word but trotter was concern trolling like pro
Thats his role as a mr reasonable. Another comfy well looked after tool of the machine.
No the labour party is just another liberal party, and some of us support the interests of labour. You know, working people who deserve more than sad platitudes from the weak and pitiful liberal class who goes after corporate money. The same liberals who say very little on workers rights, and are deathly silent on the poor and struggling in this country.
When was the last time the labour party said anything to offer hope to the unemployed?
When was the last time the labour party did anything to enhancing democracy?
I know a lot of you are the labour party cheer squad, but you are stuck at 30% with an ever increasing percentage of the population unwilling or unable to engage in politics.
If one, just one of this current crop was half the man Peter Fraser was, I would cut you some slack. But not one of them is fit enough, nor humanistic, nor even socialist enough to come even close.
It’s not about labour failing, it would be nice if the labour party acknowledged they were the ones who opened the door to the ideology of extreme liberalism. That they hurt people by shifting the wealth away from the poorest in this country towards the already wealthy.
I don’t see that happening – do you?
Oh, and poppet’s, criticism does democracy make. If you wet liberals canny handle it, you can always go join the national party, they don’t take criticism well either.
Unconditional Basic Income
End of Zero Hours
So, not that long ago.
Well, you got me there. Labour no more wants democracy than does National. Individuals don’t get rich when the people make the rules rather than the elites.
Probably true there as well. The First Labour Government actually had a vision about the change that they wanted to bring about. The present Labour caucus seems more about keeping things as they are despite the obvious failings.
We need a new vision and we need to organise and work towards that vision.
And exactly what is that the Labour Party is proposing regarding the UBI?
All they have said is that they are proposing that there should be a debate about the concept. Everything else has simply been, as the comments on this site have been, about what people like to think it would mean.
Until Little comes out with at least a bit of detail they can’t really be said to have “done” anything.
I came up with one idea that I have suggested to my local MP, a good Labour fellow, I proposed that while Andrew is in bank-bashing mode he should instruct the banks that they must provide 1% mortgage loans to all union members who want them.
That would help the working people and revive the moribund union movement. Membership of the unions would rocket I should think.
He seemed very interested so I can imagine it being Labour policy in a week or two. It wouldn’t be any sillier than some of their other ideas.
Nice spin.
“When was the last time the labour party said anything to offer hope to the unemployed?” becomes a demand for a details and that something have been “done”.
Polly wanna cracker?
“Polly wanna cracker?”
An admission of guilt.
Hope or a vision. Nothing a liberal like yourself McFlock can understand ah?
“Admission of guilt” my arse.
You asked when was the last time Labour said anything that offered hope to the unemployed. DTB gave two recent examples. Alwyn then spun away as if you’d asked for something more than what you’d requested. Hence the parrot reference.
So an admission of guilt of what? Doing something other than gnashing my teeth whenever Labour caucus members open their mouths? If that’s a demonstration of your personal hope and vision, I’ll stick with dreary old “actually reading what the left wing parties say, rather than making shit up”.
So Alwyn what are the announced tax cuts in 2017?
Neither I, nor anyone else has the faintest idea of the details.
However if you are going to say that Little has done something for the unemployed with the little he has said about a UBI you would have to regard Key’s statements so far as doing something for the low and middle income New Zealanders.
I certainly wouldn’t say that about either of the parties announcements. You appear to be willing to go along with airy-fairy waffle though, at least as long as it is by your side.
I apologise. You did contribute to the UBI comments but yours were not in the category of “Oh how wonderful is Labour”.
I shall grovel for a few minutes.
Only a FEW minutes!!!!
Thank you
I’m not sure on their take on the UBI. The framing is – well lose, and it is not being presented as a message of hope.
I think Bill here did a great piece on UBI and presenting it as something which can offer people hope.
The other thing is, a UBI is fine, but what about the homeless and hungry right now – not some mythical time in the future?
The hope I’m talking about is for people on benefits and not on benefits now!
And the end of zero hour contracts is a win, but a defensive win. Which has been what the liberal elites have convince people they should do ever since big money came into the game.
You do realise that it’s possible for a political party to work on more than one thing at a time don’t you? And haven’t you forgotten that Labour promised 10,000 per year homes?
To some degree that’s all we’ve been getting since forever but it’s managed to change things for the better over time.
Nora the explorer, Of course I get how political parties work.
My problem is a party who uses the name labour, is weak on issues of labour. Especially the underemployed and the unemployed.
Defensive politics is a lose, lose proposition. Ever since, the fall of the third labour government, political, labour, and human rights have been on the decline. The left has been suckered into an endless back footed defensive position. You would think after 40 odd years, they might wake up to the fact it is not a winner.
People who vote – know it’s not a winner, and they don’t like it.
People want results, and to feel they are getting somewhere for themselves and/or their children. The style of politics which is defensive in nature, will never give people that feeling.
I’d like to see more comment on what could be done, along side the criticism. When I start asking for detail often I get brushed off or told off. It’s very easy to see what is wrong with Labour. Not so easy to see what they or we can do about it given the realities.
Labour are in opposition, hard to know how they could have offensive wins, but perhaps you could explain what you mean by that?
ffs adam, can we try and not talk in ideological stereotypes? Who are the liberal class exactly? Which of the people you talk to here do you consign to that? Who is the Labour cheer squad? I’ve had people insinuate that I’m part of that which tells me that the people saying that are either idiots, or disingenuous, or are not actually listening to what I am saying.
Yes there are Labourites here, and yes the odd one is rightish, but most aren’t. Then there is the larger number of people like myself who aren’t Labourites (many don’t even vote Labour) and who have a different perspective to yourself and to the Paganis of the world. I just wish the people who want Labour to be a labour party would realise that they aren’t anymore and haven’t been for a long time and continually attacking Labour isn’t going to change that. CV’s strategy appears to be that if Labour collapsed something would rise in its place, but he won’t be up front about that and have an honest discussion about. I also really think much of what he does here re Labour is personal and as such it skews his behaviour and probably his politics.
Misrespresenting Labour and Little on immigration today is a low point even for him. I’m all for dissent, I just want honest dissent.
” I’ve had people insinuate that I’m part of that “.
That is ridiculous weka. You are part of the Green party Cheer Leaders organisation. Got your training from the Dallas Cowboys no doubt.
Even you should be able to tell the difference between one party and another. Hint, they have different names.
And don’t worry, I have plenty of criticisms of the Green Party.
” I just wish the people who want Labour to be a labour party would realise that they aren’t anymore and haven’t been for a long time and continually attacking Labour isn’t going to change that.”
I agree, I’m not wanting to change the labour party. Indeed I thought it I framed my argument as such. The labour party need to realise they are not the only people who want a better future for working people. My beef, is the fact they can’t handle criticism, especially when it is pointed out they are a liberal party.
Which raises the question, are you happy to hand the ideological debate to the Tories? Seriously, think about what you said – to me, it sound like you were happy to have the political debate framed in classical liberal terms. I know you are not, I’ve read what else you have written.
Colonial Viper has a right to be mad. It seems, rightly or wrongly that the labour party use Chinese as their fall guy. If it is concious decision to play on the hangover of the “yellow peril” argument, I’m standing with Colonial Viper all the way. It just feels like we are back to the same debate we had when the twit Twyford brought up home buying in Auckland.
So new low, I’m not so quick to judge. Lets wait and see.
I don’t know what ‘classical liberal terms’ means. When you start talking about people here on ts as liberals I have no idea who you are talking about and it just comes across as an easy pejorative (I don’t know why liberal is a pejorative, but it has a different meaning where I come from).
Hence I don’t understand what you said here,
Which raises the question, are you happy to hand the ideological debate to the Tories? Seriously, think about what you said – to me, it sound like you were happy to have the political debate framed in classical liberal terms. I know you are not, I’ve read what else you have written.
Can you please clarify in lay person terms?
*
Of course CV has a right to be mad. I’m seriously fucked off with Labour too, and with Labour party members, including CV. And all the lefties who moan about Labour but won’t vote Green. You have to remember I’ve never voted Labour, I’ve always been to the left of them. CV’s big problem now is that so many people here don’t trust him, including many of us who also don’t trust Labour, and they’ve got a right to that too.
I don’t know what Little did. To me it looks much more like his naive relationship with the media as anything. And I agree there may be conscious or even unconscious bias or prejudice against Asians. I’d guess it’s because it’s politically convient rather than overt racism, but CV knows Labour far better than I and I also know that racism is racism on the receiving end no matter the intent, so it’s not acceptable that Labour are still making these mistakes, or god forbid, making these political moves intentionally.
But, and it’s a big but, we simply don’t know. And all CV has done is throw some petrol on the fire of resentment on the standard about his Labour-bashing. He’s also taken an important issue and completely fucked up the narrative and pushed a whole bunch of people into a stupid arse conversation that will never get anywhere because now it’s contaminated with too many variables including his own bigotry about the left.
I’m also mindful of the fact that CV has had to put up with significant racism here on ts in previous conversations about Asian people in NZ. The conversation I’m remembering must be one of the standard’s lowest points and he and other people of Asian whakapapa shouldn’t have to deal with that.
Short handed cut and paste from Chegg.
Definition of Classical Liberalism
Classical liberalism is a political ideology that values the freedom of individuals — including the freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and markets — as well as limited government. It developed in 18th-century Europe and drew on the economic writings of Adam Smith and the growing notion of social progress. Liberalism was also influenced by the writings of Thomas Hobbes, who argued that governments exist to protect individuals from each other. In 19th- and 20th-century America, the values of classical liberalism became dominant in both major political parties. The term is sometimes used broadly to refer to all forms of liberalism prior to the 20th century. Conservatives and libertarians often invoke classical liberalism to mean a fundamental belief in minimal government.
http://www.chegg.com/homework-help/definitions/classical-liberalism-53
So I’d argue it is a set of ideas which means debate is discusses in a certain way. So it’s good to talk about, markets, individual rights, but bad to make any assertions of collectivity, culture or the environment.
National are very much a liberal party, thus when Hooton rants against them being liberal – he is being either disingenuous, or a totalitarian turd of epic proportions.
And whilst I think liberalism was great in the 18th century, in the 21st century it is the enemy. It ignores women, it ignores race, it accepts poverty as part of the human condition, it makes wealth the expression of good, and has made markets a god.
I’m a Christian Anarchist, as you know, so for me communality, the environment, and people living rewarding lives – is always my main goal. I don’t want limited government, I want us to work toward living without a state.
So framing of an argument becomes important. For example, not using sexist language, but that is not enough, actually think about ways when we write and talk to put to an end to patriarch. It’s about not writing in a way which assumes male privileged and power, and indeed challenges it. Note I’m still not the best at that, so I sorely miss the great women who use to write on the standard.
Long rant, I hope that clarifies what I was meaning.
A government is necessary – you have to have governments, it is essential, 7 billion people on the earth, we must have governments – it is imperative. There is so much to look after, leaving it up to a mass of individuals who are too busy with their own lives – would be a catastrophe.
And there is nothing wrong with men in power, I see nothing wrong with it, but all men, need a strong leader, especially a male role model, they can look up too. Men ‘in society’ need ‘strong male role models’.
Men (regarding their careers and professional lives) look up to other men, as women look up to other woman. It is because we relate to the same sex as ourselves – we just do. Not all the time, but most of the time.
We shouldn’t demean Men by taking away their patriarchal power, why? We should enhance it – and allow them to have the power they so rightfully deserve, men by nature are more naturally aggressive, and with an intelligent mind to match – tend to be great leaders, and protectors.
We must enhance this, and nurture this, so men become ‘whole’ – then when a strong woman comes along, they do not feel threatened, but intrigued, a non-threatened man will integrate with another power-house (a female), because she has different attributes to offer, and then success is more likely.
I think men and women, working together is how we will acquire ‘balance’.
But men, they are great leaders, and extremely inspirational, this should never be taken away from the man.
Little boys need STRONG men to look up too. We must have strong men IN POWER – we must.
The Opposition need to stay on target. They started the week with Fonterra and banks.
PM is exposed so looks for a new hook.
Opposition obliges.
Labour Comms team needs far greater discipline.
Apart from Little saying nothing but “dairy crisis” I don’t know what he could have done. When you see the statements in context there is nothing radical in what he was saying. He expressed a preference for local workers to be used and wanted immigration regulated depending on conditions.
The pile up supported by some must have CT grinning from ear to ear. We have a PM who regularly redefines meanings of simple words depending on how much spin he applies but we have an opposition leader whose words are parsed and misconstrued and he is then attacked and written off by a bunch of nodding heads. Trotter should be ashamed of himself.
Trotter has no shame along with all these rent a quote DP tools like farrar, hooten, pagani etc
+100
In the last 8 years Labour has been controlled opposition, the illusion of choice.
I hate John Key, understand that, he is instrumental in destroying New Zealand sovereignty and stripping our assets,
but attacking the opposition doesn’t win votes, you have to demonstrate that your party is better for the country and the voters, otherwise voters wont give you the power to change anything.
Labour Comms team needs far greater discipline
How long have we been saying that? Since 2008?
“KEEP CHINESE CHEFS OUT, WE NEED MORE DECENT KIWIS COOKING IN OUR CHINESE RESTAURANTS”, jesus…
Have words lost their meaning? It was a comment to a question. It was not part of a PR strategy.
Every political utterance must be part of a coherent comms strategy, or it is easily misused by others. Ooh, look what’s happening – who could have predicted it?
What do you think Little should have said/done instead? (a guess given we don’t know what the original question was).
Um, not used Chinese as an example, at the bare minimum.
Sure, that’s the easy bit. But how do you do that and engage competently with the media? Some people are suggesting that whatever Little says and does is going to get manipulated because of CT and because of the media approach.
That’s a given,yes – so you plan your framing and key messages thoroughly anticipating it, and do not get led off-message or go all lawyerly and prevaricating on it.
I just have no idea why Labour does not seem to grasp this most fundamental ingredient of organised politics after years of having their noses rubbed in it.
Go the Bus Drivers!
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/regional/299147/free-ride-for-some-auckland-bus-commuters
Excellent.
Thousands of passengers will not have to pay to travel on some Auckland buses today, as part of a series of driver strikes.
First Union represents bus drivers working for Howick & Eastern Buses, and said its members would be refusing to take cash or AT HOP card fares today.
Howick & Eastern Buses serves many of the routes in east Auckland.
The action is the latest in a series of industrial actions by bus drivers across Auckland, who remain locked in disputes with the region’s bus providers.
A union spokesperson said the Howick & Eastern Buses drivers were fed up with attempts to remove overtime and weekend rates.
Thing is, considering the way that bus services in Auckland are now set up, I doubt if it’s going to hurt the bus companies at all. They’re paid by Auckland Transport and the money that they’re not collecting goes directly to Auckland Transport and not to the bus companies.
However it is very good PR with the public who use the service.
It would also have one other positive effect.
It’ll show how much the buses are really in demand. Given such information AT and the council could very well draw up a plan to make buses free.
Unfortunately, that’s probably unlikely due to their sticking to the failed neo-liberal model.
Can AT review the contract if the money stops coming in?
I don’t know. There’s possibly something like that in the contracts.
When will Andrew Little realise that anything he says that is mildly controversial will immediately be twisted and spun by the right and used by the Henrys and Hoskings of the media and their enablers to attack him, Labour and left politics generally?
Don’t they have the media training to ensure they keep statements clear with a few repetitive bullet points that everyone repeats?
Labour never ever learn.
A much simpler short set of slogans that cant be twisted has been required for 8 years now…..fn amateurs.
Anything he says, full stop.
And it’s not just “the right” who make shit up about the most uncontroversial statements made by the Labour caucus.
“Media training” for the Labour party and anyone on the left is as useful as training on how to make friends with a rabid lion.
Then there are the people in the audience poking the gladitors with sticks, even the gladiators’ allies.
distinguishing a lion from a tabby is a good start.
every reporter is a lion.
some are more rabid than others
He’ll get attacked by the MSM and misreported even if he says that the sky is blue.
Commentators here going on about Andrew Little not being able to get across in concise language what we need to hear and that Labour need media training. At least he looks and attempts to get it across in an honest manner, although he does speak quietly. He also has a pair of honest eyes. Our leader cannot articulate the English language at all, sounds like he is drunk all the time and lies so openly even a half wit would read through them. He also owns a pair of dead eyes which give me the creeps. Give Andrew a break, its National running scared and a MSM which is in the pay of the right. Labour has to dig deep and sock it to the government, anyone who lives in Auckland knows he is telling it as it is, something has to happen to this country and curbing immigration in the interim until we can get housing, employment and our traffic problem sorted is so sensible it beggars belief anyone would question otherwise.
+ 1
+1+1
+1
Well said.
My goodness – the trolls are out in force this morning. Can’t they find anything better to do.
Meanwhile, in the UK they’re slapping a big sugar tax on fizzy drinks – a huge change in attitude – and hugely worrying for those multi-nationals like Coca-Cola, but really good for the people’s future health.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11606810
and they also just voted to remove Tax Credits for 800.000 people (mainly on lower income) and to remove 30quid from disabled people who will sign up for a disability benefit from 2017 onwards.
fuck the sugar tax is just hogwash, like the cigarette tax. Peoples future health would be better if they could afford decent food at decent prices.
Removing GST from food would be a decent way to go about that.
This is interesting, I hope the Kurds just do this.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/03/16/kurds-are-planning-a-breakaway-region-in-syria-and-it-wont-go-down-well/
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-federalism-idUSKCN0WI0ZT
And on the local front, Christchurch get’s the short shift again.
What the…
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/77971099/thousands-of-sheets-of-steel-mesh-sold-with-wrong-certification
More likely to see Syria re-formed as a confederation. Something like Iraq has already.
Shrift.
Short shift is meaningless.
“Short shift is meaningless”.
No it’s not. It is what you are likely to get if you are currently on a zero hour contract. Luckily our Government is changing that.
The likes of Barry Soper seem perfectly happy for all the jobs to go to immigrants, and for thousands of New Zealanders to get nothing.
As long and he gets his nasi goering, who gives a shit about young people being chucked on the scrapheap.
I think you might be more comfortable here:
http://nzfirstparty.org.nz/join.html
And you here
http://www.heritage.org/
Judging by the unwillingness of the Herald to publish the comments section following opinion pieces critical of Labours’ stance on banks and immigration – I reckon Littles’ comments have struck a chord with voters.
Leaving National and its apologists (hi Claire,Audrey , Baz ,and Hosko) defending the Banks’ greed and uncontrolled immigration .
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11606612
Shock horror ! Someone called Hosking a “git”, “arrogant”, and told him to “grow up”.
Get a life Hosking !
I think it is referred to as karma for the git
It’s a pity to see them all misusing the word ‘troll’ too, which has quite specific definitions online and isn’t the same as calling someone names. But I guess Hoskings and the Herald journalist still don’t know how the internet works.
Glen Grenwald on “objective” journalism and Donald Trump
“Large corporations hate controversy (it alienates consumers) and really hate offending those who wield political power (bad for business). Imposing objectivity rules on the journalists who work for their media divisions was a means to avoid offending anyone by forcing journalists to conceal their perspectives, assumptions, and viewpoints, and, worse, forcing them to dishonestly pretend that they had none, that they float above all that.”
https://theintercept.com/2016/03/14/the-rise-of-trump-shows-the-danger-and-sham-of-compelled-journalistic-neutrality/
IF anything Trump has been exposing Media corruption and bias, this makes me question Glen Grenwald’s objectivity.
Rupert Murdoch,Koch Bros, George Soro, Kissenger, Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal,
partial list of people financing media campaigns against Trump,
Vilification of Trump on this site on a daily basis, sourcing their”information” from unknown bloggers, twitter and face-book journalists.
When media tries to shape my opinion, instead of provide me with facts so I can form an opinion of my own that is propaganda.
+100…Trumps enemies would make you want to support him
https://www.rt.com/shows/crosstalk/335214-trump-us-presidency-candidate/
‘People support Trump as politicians they hate, hate him’
https://www.rt.com/op-edge/335791-trump-clinton-us-primaries/
I’m sure he’s said worse things about others, e.g., Kim dotcom and hiw wee rant before the “moment of truth”..
argh shit, that was supposed to be in reply to North talking about all the rude words hosking gets called.
I was wondering what you were on about. But then it’s one of those days 😉
People up and arms and saying that Little’s comments weren’t targeting all immigrants, and that he was being carefully selective as to what he said, and it was all taken out of context… blah, blah, blah
It would be like National targeting specific groups that rort the benefit system, and wanting to take decisive action, but being accused by the left of bashing everyone on a benefit…
…oh wait.
I don’t think I can voter Labour anymore. They really don’t do anything for me, and are so stupid, they make announcements and give the whole media of New Zealand ammo to shoot them with. I’m talking immigration. Is Andrew a complete and utter dick or what. I mean did he think for a minute. A second on this.
In a climate where the press are looking to avenues to denigrate the opposition and have never written a pro piece since I can remember on any party Not National or right wing leaning, Andrew blathers on about immigration. When he does speak it’s a complete cock up and gets twisted all over the media with everyone laughing at him.
Seriously needs a slap to the head.
Between Labours multitude of own goal gaffs on and on stupidity of character and nationals piss poor performance on running the Nation you are wrecking the place.
If you cannot get it together and put up a decent publicity campaign, mindful of the press and attractive to voters on a professional level like Keys machine, fuck off.
If that sounds mean Labour needs it. Needs a bloody good kick up the arse, you send me multitudes of begging letters wanting money for this and that.. Money..
Do I have any Money.
Then you just do stupid things like bring up immigration when your opposition. Real popular subject, a favorite amongst the press of NZ who get a free kick labours leader and party card.
Am I wrong?
Fk fkfkfkfkfk MORONS!
Yes, you are wrong. He didn’t bring up immigration, a journalist did.
Join the winning side Richard and vote Blue.
yessss, come to the dark side. Feel the fear and anger coursing through you. Unleash the power of your hate, young jedi, and take Jason Ede’s place at my side…
http://mediacdn.snorgcontent.com/media/catalog/product/d/a/darkside_fullpic.png
Ha ha good stuff.
http://iforce.co.nz/i/ofgodrrc.ziv.jpg
Some of us have real aspirations for our society, not just greed.
“I don’t think I can voter Labour anymore. …” Did you ever?
Is Jim Mora the nadir of what is commonly called the chattering class?
yes
The absolute nadir of the chattering class is Mike “Contra” Hosking, with Mora just a tad better than he is. Mora is clearly more educated, smarter and sharper. He has a pleasant manner, only occasionally letting the mask slip and speaking curtly to guests who irritate him for whatever reason. Unlike Hosking or the equally dire Paul Henry, Mora is capable of speaking thoughtfully about most subjects.
Despite the massive advantage he has over the likes of Hosking, Henry and Larry “Lackwit” Williams, there is precious little difference in the quality of their programmes. Mora almost entirely eschews serious discussion, instead choosing to dwell on insultingly puerile topics straight off teenage-level Facebook pages, and employing dog-whistle appeals to bigotry as shamelessly as any Crosby Textor-driven National Party politician.
So, yes, Mora is the epitome of chattering class vacuity and vanity, but his superficial charm and (sadly under-used) intellect lift him just above the horror shows on the commercial stations.
I second that.
They all qualify to be lifetime members of Kipling’s Bandalog.
Just in case you’re on the verge of throwing a rope over one of the rafters and ending it all due to the dire nature of the MSM in New Zealand…
Rejoice! Because it’s just as spirit-crushingly awful in Australia.
Watch, and laugh in a sick, sad “I’m only laughing because the alternative is too depressing to contemplate” kind of way…
New Zealand really needs a Jordan Shanks.
good stuff, i’ll put the rope back around the neighbour, they like Nact”s
They should be in prison of course, but at least these
two scoundrels have been forcefully repudiated by the voters
In the same week that President Hopey Changey presumes to lecture Cuba about human rights, and as two of the most loathsome people in the United States look to be heading for victory in the Republican and Democratic races, here’s something that makes you realize there’s still some decency in at least some voters over there….
Black Lives Matter Voters Oust Tamir Rice Prosecutor
About time.
“Police will have to smash a cloned hard drive and memory card seized during an “unlawful” search of the home of investigative journalist Nicky Hager before returning seized computer equipment and files tomorrow.
Hager and his lawyer Steven Price will be at the High Court at Auckland to witness the destruction of the hard drive and memory card, which contain copies of files made by detectives during the 2014 raid, according to a press release this afternoon.”
Ian, please please add the link to the article you’re quoting. Makes it much more powerful when shared in other forums. Thanks.
Oops.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11607327
Thanks.