The Government’s housing accords legislation needs some intense scrutiny. Already Len Brown has come out and suggested very gently that the legislation does not comply with the accord.
The Herald reports:
Auckland Mayor Len Brown welcomed the introduction of the legislation to formalise last Friday’s housing accord aimed at tackling issues of land supply and housing affordability in the city.
But he said there were a number of clauses in the bill that appeared to be inconsistent with the Auckland Housing Accord, which sets a target of 39,000 new homes through a fast-track planning process.
Mr Brown said he would be seeking clarification on a number of inconsistencies that relate to people having a say on new developments, rules applying to new houses, who runs the process and the extent of appeals.
Interestingly the Accord states that publicity about it was to be agreed to by the Mayor and Nick Smith prior to its release. Looks like Len does not believe that this occurred.
The bill itself is a disaster. It will ensure greenfield urban sprawl over brownfield regeneration development because brownfield development will have a height limitation and will be too expensive. One way or the other this Government wanted urban sprawl to happen.
Under the accord the Council recommends and the Government approves. The Government cannot recommend itself. This continues until the accord is finished under clause 17 of the accord.
under section 16(4)(a)(ii) of the Bill the Minister can propose if he gives notice of the government’s intention to withdraw from the accord. This is 6 months before the accord finishes and contradicts the accord.
Ah, while the standard was offline I was doing a post on this. Penny Hulse was more blunt on RNZ this morning about the Bill breaching the agreement. Thanks for the other links, micky. I didn’t see you post before I added mine below, then the site went offline. I’ll add links to your comments on my post.
That was quite quite irritating. Third time for the same platform reasons. Finally found out why no-one ever acted on my problem tickets – they apparently went to the wrong place (grr – yeah right). It was only after I called their answering service that fixed whatever the problem was.
I’ll be warming up a new server tomorrow despite them refunding the costs for the month. I can’t afford the time and the uncertainty of their not monitoring their own systems is unacceptable…
From this budget one can only deduce the fact that this government supports the private provision of services rather than public provision. This is reflected most in the extension of HNZ rent subsidies to the community sector (but not councils), and its funding freeze for public tertiary providers.
And we all have every reason to worry about fixed term tenancies for state houses. At first I thought that this would benefit private landlords, because of the effect that dumping 4000 people into the private market would have on (already crippling) rent levels. But no. Those who benefit will be those who own boarding houses and motor camps, because you can bet your life on the fact that those 4000 tenants, who lose their secure home because of some arbitary tenancy review, will end up in a boarding house or in a motor camp, because a private landlord simply will not house them, or they cannot afford the rent, or both.
That is, from what I can make out, what National want as forcing people into poverty generally means that they will be willing to work for less which means that profits for the few go up. It is, quite simply, in everything that they do as government.
Sheesh. Did I just hear Penny Hulse say the government’s urgency Bill on the local council-government “housing accord” could mean the Auckland Council-government accord is dead in the water if the Bill is not changed?
More lies from bullshitting Bill, announcing in the budget that beneficiaries will be able to buy fridges and washing machines via a recoverable WINZ grant,
Beneficiaries have been able to purchase these items of whiteware by this means for quite a few years, WINZ offices can even download photos of what is available (second hand) from their provider and delivery is arranged on the spot,
Clever Bill from Dipton announcing what was put in place by the previous Labour Government as some ‘new’ spending on welfare…
“Beneficiaries have been able to purchase these items of whiteware by this means for quite a few years,”
Since the 1980’s as a matter of fact. It is a long standing process that reflected the ‘social need’ part of our Social Welfare system. Unfortunately like all generous aspects of the system, some have seen fit to abuse it and various checks and balances were introduced. Nowadays it is only available through a few approved vendors and these items are usually more expensive than some whiteware people might be able to source elsewhere, but the fraud component has certainly been curtailed.
On a plus side the expectation is these vendors have better service and repair guarantees so the overall benefit to the consumer no doubt makes up for the increased cost.
Aha, i am highlighting the system that WINZ has had in place for at least the last 6 years where the whole purchase of whiteware, (fridges, washing machines), is completed through the WINZ office via their approved providers,
As you point out, honest beneficiaries are paying a higher price for these second hand appliances than they might if the items were sourced through the likes of Trademe to curtail the small frauds of a few beneficiaries and the secondhand dealers who in the past have happily also indulged,
On the plus side for beneficiaries is the guarantee, unspecified at the time of purchase but inherent in the consumer guarantee Act, repayment to WINZ of as little as $5 a week on the purchase and the delivery costs included in the price of the items bought, it would seem a reasonable system for providing for beneficiary needs which curtails fraudulent misbehavior and my opinion is that this should be extended to include other ‘large ticket’ items and even small loans to beneficiaries,
Having said all that, it is total bullshit, outright lies from the Minister of Finance to stand in the Parliament of New Zealand and claim this scheme as a ‘new’ Government initiative from the present Government when it has been the common practice of WINZ for at least the last 6 years, to do this is not only to mislead the people of New Zealand, (who in most cases wouldn’t have a clue), it is also misleading the Parliament with an outright lie with which the opposition party’s should flay the Minister…
” it is also misleading the Parliament with an outright lie with which the opposition party’s should flay the Minister…”
I understand the emotive phrase that history is a foreign country
and there are times it certainly feels like it happened somewhere else
but what really grates, is apparently everyone was looking in the opposite direction.
Good on ya. Minor mistake but make no difference. The problem would seem to arise between us weka because I only heard the words, whereas you heard the words and all of this …
“it’s not an issue of not being allowed to raise the points. It’s how it is done. Also, it’s not about the ‘race’ of the person asking the questions, it’s about their mana and their politics”
We clearly see things differently.
I generally try to weed out those sorts of elementes whereas you want them to lead the way. vto
(nah, what you quote of me there is before I listened to the panel discussion, and was a general comment on discussing racism in NZ).
Leaving aside that it’s not a minor mistake, and that you obviously misled readers on what actually happened in the panel (albeit unintentionally), here is the question that you consider to be important outside of its context.
Given that polls tell us that 80% of New Zealanders are distressed at seeing their country being slowly surrendered to the part descendants of the minority of Maori who breached the Treaty by rebelling against the Crown in the 1860s, could we use a republican referendum process to entrench racial equality?
weka, I have answered the question around the identity of the questioner, twice. Not going to re-hash. You’ve set out your position I’ve set out mine and they are different for the reasons outlined. What you see as important and what I see as important are different. You look at things one way and I look at things another way and they are different.
As to that piece marty mars has pulled out if you read through the whole lot, including previous threads, you would realise the context and the highly selective quoting (selectiveness admitted to). As to the particular issue in that though, the extreme sensitivity that is shown by you and marty interestingly matches the divisiveness witnessed on the ground. It seems far from settled. You are as feverish about it as they.
As to the 80% question above, what do you think? I was not so much interested in the actual question, more in the interaction of peoples and the allowing of the question followed by the refusal to answer and the wider implications surrounding that.
As to a marty list, the issues have all been raised over time – governance without representation, privilege based on birthright and race, the place of indigeneity, ….. on it goes. They will continue to arise and no doubt be commented on. And I expect you will be right there to pounce if you can.
Yes vto i couldn’t fit all of your quotes in there. I’ll leave it up to weka to debate the finer points of your response. For me it is more of the same – mistruth, misrepresentation and misinformation from you to push your barrow which you can’t move from – your attitude is part of the problem and until that changes there is hardly any point engaging with you unless you come up with a list but oh no that’s too hard you’d rather snipe and hurt from a distance – so be it.
my list again
1 the Treaty is historical and a new one needs to be drafted to take into consideration the multicultural aspect of NZ society.
2 too much emphasis (money) is on tangata whenua and that they have received enough emphasis (money)
3 Māori were the first here and that could be called indigenous but it is irrelevant in today’s world
4 Māori are inherently violent and warlike
5 No one represents the ‘white man’ who gets abuse and derision when they say something that others perceive as racist
6 Non-Māori who talk about race get accused of being racist
7 Māori are racist to ‘white people’
8 Celts were here before Māori and taught them everything of what they know until Māori killed them all
9 The chinese bought slave-wives here to breed with Māori
10 Barry Brailsford doesn’t talk shit
losing it again – you always do that when you are cornered. I never abused or insulted you, that is your imagination AGAIN
but if you want to go the insult way to distract from the series of posts about your misunderstandings we can do that – I’ll let those ones go and see if you can control yourself with your replies
That list has been posted a few times in the past few days. If you don’t like it, or disagree with it, then why not post another one that better matches your views? We are waiting to hear what you specifically think vto.
Despite what you might think I believe that Pakeha do need to have this conversation in order to move on.
hey be fair it was the first cut – point out the ones that are correct and I’ll amend it – seriously I thought they were mostly correct and not that bad really
That’s not really personal vto. It’s marty making observations about your behaviour. You may not like them, and you may disagree, but it’s not personal. Personal would be calling someone a racist fuckwit, something neither of us are doing (although I will happily call Ansell that). Or personal would be taking things known about your personal life and using them against you or to put you down.
I note that in marty’s analysis of your behaviour, he gives you a way out. Did you see that?
It is about the person and not the issue. You even admit it here “It’s marty making observations about your behaviour” That is personal. Your reference to “fucking racist” is nasty personal. Where is discussion about the issue?
I am a little astounded at the idea that I dont want to talk specifics. I posted on the issue of accusations of racism when speaking of race. That was what started the thread. That was specific. I have posted on it before. I posted on it again here, with reference to the radio show. There was an error in this piece of backup which we have now thrashed to death. The thread has since been made all personal and lost its way. I started the thread with a particular issue. Answered. You may notice another further downthread.
The call for specifics is specific to the convo from the last few days. Getting past the hooha about the RNZ reference, what is left? I don’t know and you won’t say. I guess that’s the end of the discussion for now.
“As to the 80% question above, what do you think? I was not so much interested in the actual question, more in the interaction of peoples and the allowing of the question followed by the refusal to answer and the wider implications surrounding that.”
Right, I’ve really misunderstood then, because I thought you were interested in the question itself.
Ok, fair enough, it’s not the question, it’s the interaction of the people and the refusal to answer. There is no way to look at that unless we put those things in their original context. As has been stated clearly, you misunderstood entirely what happened. The panelists didn’t want to answer teh questions because Ansell’s questions was (a) loaded and (b) an attempt to hijack the discussion (even the presenter noted that).
You want to draw the conclusion that they didn’t want to answer because of fear of talking about racism, but by your own admission you didn’t listen to the thing properly and missed the context and the person asking the question (and don’t pretend now that the identity of the person answering doesn’t matter). There were in fact some other references in the talk to Maori and the implications of constitutional change (not alot but they were there), which belies the idea that people were avoiding talking about race.
Sorry mate, you’ve dug a pretty big hole here. If you quit now we’ll give you hand up and out 🙂
“And I expect you will be right there to pounce if you can.”
“You are as feverish about it as they.”
“extremely sensitive”
That’s just nasty, and an attempt at marginalisation. It’s beneath you. Play the ball not the wo/man. If you don’t want robust debate, than say so, and ask for different terms. There is nothing wrong with me focussing on the things in your arguments that stand out to me. Your views on Kai Tahu and Southern Maori women are hugely offensive and simply add to the Pakeha distorted narrative that we know more about Maori than they do. That does immeasurable damage. I’m not feverish or extremely sensitive, I’m really fucking angry that someone like you would do that shit in a place like this.
Like marty, I am disappointed that you won’t engage on the actual issues at this point in time. But I can also see that it would be hard to defend your points of view.
Well weka, when it comes to that particualar issue that you are super-sensitive about don’t point the finger at me. I merely describe what I have witnessed on the ground and seen on here. It is feverish. Sorry if that offends you but that is what is seen.
As for not wanting to engage on the actual issues, sorry, not accepted. Always engage on the issue but when it turns to the personal, nup.
I think genuinely that you just need to ease up when someone says, for example, “the treaty is flawed” because at the moment when words like that are posted you can hear the sound of the soldiers turning to face the ‘threat’ instead of listening and thinking about what is being posted first. Marty rushes straight to arms hup two three four
vto, please, please say “the treaty is flawed”. Then we can talk.
But you didn’t say that. You referenced something on Natrad, and completely misrepresented it, and unfortunately for you the thing you referenced was presented by a racist fuckwit. You just made a mistake, and had it been another person making such a mistake on a different topic, someone here would have taken them to task for it. It’s about intellectual rigour or truthfullness.
“I merely describe what I have witnessed on the ground and seen on here.”
What do you mean by ‘witnessed on teh ground’? Can you please be specific about which part of this issue you are referring to as well?
weka I have said the treaty is flawed (for certain purposes) on countless other occasions and swapped posts with others on it. It will come up again there is no doubt.
on the ground generally refers to real-life encounters. And detailed specifics are not possible unfortunately due to our small population and possible ramifications.
Seems to me that a lot of the spin National had around the last Labour government, which keeps coming up all the time in comments on stuff etc by people who obviously believe it, is that Labour got us into a horrible economic situation and borrowed and wasted all that money, because of the ridiculous “decade of deficits” report by the Treasury that National jumped on a parroted wide and far.
Well, turn abouts fair play, I think. Now that the commentary around this budget is that a $75m surplus in 2014-2015 is margin of error and unimportant, it seems like Labour need to say something like this:
“National want a $75m rounding-error surplus in 2014-2015. When we were in government between 1999 and 2008, we ran a surplus of $$$$ every single year. We got our borrowing down to 8% of GDP while reducing unemployment down to record lows, National are promising we’ll be at 20% debt of GDP by 2020. National has squandered the good work done by the Labour party.”
If you can stomach it, watch Hoots once again missing his medication and doing Tory Bullshit Bingo. It’s actually quite hilarious: “liberal elite” “lunatic left” and so on and so on – and then he tries to say that the Tories are, um, kinda liberal, because Muldoon’s father had syphilis.
He must be expecting a huge paycheque for that. Under all that grease, there’s only slime.
Dunno Rhino. I always find it worthwhile to hear what the other side is thinking. Of course as Mathew says he is in the Reagan, Douglas, Richardson mould. OK so how does he view stuff? Of course he is anti left but often what he says is the repeat of what the right want us too hear and even hope we might believe. Ha! But the risk is that the discussion also exposes the weakness of that rightist position and therefore good stuff.
Matthew does get excited about his often shaky positions but so does Martyn. Well worth a watch. Thanks for the link.
Yes, I do agree that Hoots has one use, and that’s to let us know what the Tories want us to believe. If he gets pleasure out of winding people up, then that sad act of masturbation shows just what an empty shell he is.
Watched it this morning. Bomber was surprisingly polite in the circumstances. The bombastic Hoots did his usual…. wouldn’t let Keith Locke get a word in edge-wise.
I think Hooton’s over the top language is a deliberate ploy to rile us. He knows the majority of people who hit the Daily Blog are – to varying degrees- on the Left of the political spectrum. He gets perverse pleasure winding them up.
We should ignore him and then the enjoyment will go out of the game.
Just watching the committees today and I am left wondering: Why is it that the maori party have only 2 votes but 3 MP’s? Is Te Ururoa Flavell already crossed the floor to Mana?
“Who can vote?
Only members who have been sworn in can vote. Members can vote even if they are absent, by the use of proxies. A formula is used which determines how many votes each party can have when a number of its members are absent from the parliamentary precincts. Thus a party may not always be able to cast the same number of votes as the party has members in the House.”
Oh I see, there was my conspiracy forming mind that jumped to all sorts of conclusions. I do believe that Mr Flavell is made of better stuff than his co-leaders however. Pita Sharples is an embarrassment and I’m sorry for ever thinking he would be any different. Turia is poison too.
In Christchurch Ngai Tahu is now exercising a form of governance over all the residents by way of decision-making in the RMA process in the central city rebuild. However, all of the residents do not get representation in Ngai Tahu, that is the preserve of those of Ngai Tahu descent.
Governance without representation.
Flawed in the extreme and unsustainable in every society.
Personal, denigrating mockery like the bully boy you are, again.
Irrelevant.
The issue (which you have demanded in a list like some dumb cock, then mocked me for not responding to your demand).
“In Christchurch Ngai Tahu is now exercising a form of governance over all the residents by way of decision-making in the RMA process in the central city rebuild. However, all of the residents do not get representation in Ngai Tahu, that is the preserve of those of Ngai Tahu descent.
Governance without representation.
Flawed in the extreme and unsustainable in every society”
… if you imagine this has gone unnoticed in Christchurch then you are not just a bully boy but a fool too. It has been commented on a surprising number of times by people in significant positions in the city.
To date you have had no answer to this issue cunt.
a cock and two cunts now – your insults are degrading yourself and your people and showing you for the cluck cluck cluck you are – lucky adele isn’t here eh?
“In Christchurch Ngai Tahu is now exercising a form of governance over all the residents by way of decision-making in the RMA process in the central city rebuild. However, all of the residents do not get representation in Ngai Tahu, that is the preserve of those of Ngai Tahu descent.
lol look at a silly wee man using swearwords – what a joke you are vto – hardmanfail. Try a different one – you know the one you really want to use but are too scared to
“In Christchurch Ngai Tahu is now exercising a form of governance over all the residents by way of decision-making in the RMA process in the central city rebuild. However, all of the residents do not get representation in Ngai Tahu, that is the preserve of those of Ngai Tahu descent.
bit worked up this morning eh vto why is that I wonder – maybe your undies are too tight – have you checked recently I think they may be riding up a bit I’m certainly sensing skidmarks – time for a check – it’s okay I’ll wait.
the dumb cunt has no answer to the issue, just personal…
“In Christchurch Ngai Tahu is now exercising a form of governance over all the residents by way of decision-making in the RMA process in the central city rebuild. However, all of the residents do not get representation in Ngai Tahu, that is the preserve of those of Ngai Tahu descent.
Governance without representation.
Flawed in the extreme and unsustainable in every society”
1 the Treaty is historical and a new one needs to be drafted to take into consideration the multicultural aspect of NZ society.
2 too much emphasis (money) is on tangata whenua and that they have received enough emphasis (money)
3 Māori were the first here and that could be called indigenous but it is irrelevant in today’s world
4 Māori are inherently violent and warlike
5 No one represents the ‘white man’ who gets abuse and derision when they say something that others perceive as racist
6 Non-Māori who talk about race get accused of being racist
7 Māori are racist to ‘white people’
8 Celts were here before Māori and taught them everything of what they know until Māori killed them all
9 The chinese bought slave-wives here to breed with Māori
10 Barry Brailsford doesn’t talk shit
11 chicken and can’t answer a question without swearing like a fool
Got to go to work for an hour but I’ll come back soon to help you through your anger and abuse issues.
“In Christchurch Ngai Tahu is now exercising a form of governance over all the residents by way of decision-making in the RMA process in the central city rebuild. However, all of the residents do not get representation in Ngai Tahu, that is the preserve of those of Ngai Tahu descent.
in through the nose out through the mouth breathe deep it’s okay I forgive your outrageous abuse but try and forgive yourself while I’m away it will make the session go better after lunch.
Ngai Tahu may make a healthy check and balance to the ChCh oldboys who have long made decisions of governance with no accountability at all, to anyone.
At least Ngai Tahu are accountable to their iwi members for the money they intend to spend in the rebuild.
That gives them certain “rights” to effect decisions…does it not ?
Ngai Tahu may make a healthy check and balance to the ChCh oldboys who have long made decisions of governance with no accountability at all, to anyone.
At least Ngai Tahu are accountable to their iwi members for the money they intend to spend in the rebuild.
That gives them certain “rights” to effect decisions…does it not ?”
Of course what has gone in in the oldboy etc past that you mention had very similar flawed and unsustainable pratices and policies. That had certain results which were not good for maori or society as a whole. It is not that which is referred to however, although it is acknowledged. It should be similarly acknowledged that what was flawed in the past is flawed now and will be in the future.
There can be no governance without represention.
Your point about Ngai Tahu being a healthy check and balance is of course correct, but neither is that the point.
Your point about Ngai Tahu being accountable to their iwi members is also correct, but slides off the side of the issue. If Ngai Tahu wishes to exercise governance over others then they must be accountable in the same way to those others, no to just their iwi members.
This of course is a relatively minor development in the practical scheme of day to day things, but the principle is crucial. There must not be governance without representation. It applies to every socety. It is bad for Ngai Tahu – such a system gets no respect.
vto – it’s up to the City of Christchurch to take into account all views in the RMA process. I’m not sure why you are focussing on Ngai Tahu when they haven’t been delegated consenting powers by the City Council (unless I missed something?).
Consent decisions are still made by the City Council and not by Ngai Tahu. You want representation? Go to the Council that’s what they are there for.
colonial viper – “vto – it’s up to the City of Christchurch to take into account all views in the RMA process. I’m not sure why you are focussing on Ngai Tahu when they haven’t been delegated consenting powers by the City Council (unless I missed something?).
Consent decisions are still made by the City Council and not by Ngai Tahu. You want representation? Go to the Council that’s what they are there for.”
Consent decisions are now made by Ngai Tahu (and Council and cera). This is the problem.
Here are some facts, as explained by Mark Solomon on the Ngai Tahu website. Ngai Tahu is not just having input, or consultation etc, it is making the decisions. This is the governance…. “He says the tribal representative body, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, along with its statutory partners, the Christchurch City Council and CERA, each appoint a member to panel hearings to consider resource consent applications ”
We have representation through Council, good. We have representation through cera, good. We have no representation through Ngai Tahu, bad. This is the point. The principle is crucial to a healthy society. I’m sure you understand the principle of no governance without representation. Well, these are the facts pointing the principle being ignored. That is the problem.
In addtion, the point you intimate re conflicts of interest has been front page here too. As mentioned way up thread somewhere I mentioned that this crops up in dicussion with people in various positions in the rebuild and the city generally. It has been noticed and is news. It needs to be dealt with – both the conflict of interest (chinese walls, yeah right), but much much much more importantly the governance without representation.
It is wrong and unsustainable. A couple of links (more concentrated on the lesser though still important issue of conflict of interest)…
your beef is with central or local government numbnuts not the iwi – sheesh talk about myopic.
on another point your excessive use of the word cunt – it reminds me that there are no demeaning terms for ‘woman’ in the Māori language, and that the first human was a woman – Hine-ahu-one, and that as all come from women at birth, at death the same occurs through Hine-nui-te-pō, and that Papa-tū-ā-nuku is our earth mother and sustainer of life and that women are mediators of tapu. Thanks for reminding me of these things vto even though you were trying to insult.
The superb investigative journalist Jeremy Scagill is being interviewed by Kim Hill on National Radio tomorrow morning. His specialty is the American government being allowed to assassinate anyone it wants to, even Americans. It should be fascinating if you haven’t followed this before.
That’s a must-listen. Scahill is a brilliant and uncompromising speaker. I’ve seen him transform the Letterman and John Stewart shows from shallow laugh-fests into serious discussions, simply by the moral force of his message, backed up by his compelling personal style. That rarely happens on American television, and it’s even rarer on British television.
Laughingly reproaching the pizza-guzzling sybarites of Gaza The Panel, Radio NZ National, Friday 17 May 2013
Finlay Macdonald, Denise L’estrange-Corbet, Simon Pound
That brief resurgence in quality on this programme that I noted a couple of weeks ago is well and truly over and done with. The situation reached its nadir on Tuesday when Jim Mora’s guests were the brutal right wing “pundit” John Bishop and the right wing beer writer and self-styled “wit” Neil Miller, but today’s guests, while they are clearly more humane and decent individuals than Bishop and Miller, are not much better when it comes to discussing serious issues. Look at how they trivialize and scoff at the situation of the besieged residents of Gaza…..
FINLAY MACDONALD: That was David Bowie with “Lady Grinning Soul” from 1973. All right, it’s 3:45; time for Susan Baldacci with what the wooooooorld’s talking about!
SUSAN BALDACCI: News today of the kind of thing being smuggled through the tunnels from Egypt into Gaza! Of course there are many of these tunnels.
FINLAY MACDONALD: These tunnels are from Sinai, aren’t they.
SUSAN BALDACCI: Yes. They smuggle all SORTS of items through them, and you know what? You can order a pizza for thirty dollars!
SIMON POUND: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
SUSAN BALDACCI: When you think of what they are needing, and THAT is what they want!?!?!?!?!!!???
SIMON POUND: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
FINLAY MACDONALD: The pizza would be cold, by the time it got to them, wouldn’t it?
DENISE L’ESTRANGE-CORBET:[sniffily] I wouldn’t order a pizza if I was in Gaza.
SUSAN BALDACCI: Yeah, well, that’s what they want. When you think of what they SHOULD be ordering….
4:25 p.m. As I write this, I am listening to that mealy-mouthed twit Simon Pound trying to defend John Key’s latest offensive remarks. This time Key has described the situation of Christchurch people as “some hard-luck stories at a micro level.”
Pound is an intelligent and perceptive fellow, but he is quite clearly afraid to voice his real feelings.
Thought of your rage Morrissey as I listened to this but could swear I heard not “pizza” but “Kentucky Fried”. A bucket of the same delivered via the tunnels in 4 hours – $US30. Anyway, the tone I detected was a little mockingly amused, especially from Baldacci as I recall. I exclude Macdonald from that.
Put me in mind of transiting in Manila in 1977, a National Youth Council group of 20 “Young Workers” bound for China. I guess few of them have maintained their then much vaunted “leftiness”. But then there are a number of horrid examples of that – Rob Campbell (Ports of Auckland) for example.
As the aircraft taxied to the terminal we observed the meanest shacks dotted in the banana palms not 100 metres from the runway – TV aerials poking up into the air.
Several of my fellows expressed judgment thus – “Look at that, they’re as poor as hell and they’ve got televisions !” (“Tut Tut Tut !” sort of thing). No walking in the mocassins there.
Sadly, I was not terribly well supported when I aggressively expressed my disgust with that tone. Some might say there’s still little maturity in Mr North nearly 40 years on but I’d like to think I was capable even then of appreciating that when people are grindingly poor and deprived we should not reflexively clutch our pearls when a little succour is taken wherever it can be found. At least try to walk in the mocassins maybe.
Perhaps clever wee laughies radio-girl Baldaccci would benefit from a spell in Gaza when the Zionists fly over dropping death on children.
1.) Thought of your rage Morrissey as I listened to this but could swear I heard not “pizza” but “Kentucky Fried”.
You are of course correct, my friend. In mitigation, I must say that I was driving and therefore could not scribble down any transcript in my usual manner, and so I was forced to rely on my (imperfect) recall.
2.) A bucket of the same delivered via the tunnels in 4 hours – $US30. Anyway, the tone I detected was a little mockingly amused, especially from Baldacci as I recall. I exclude Macdonald from that.
You’ve got that exactly right. Last year Susan Baldacci sneered at Sean Penn for “cuddling up to the likes of Hugo Chávez”; twenty years ago I am sure she was condemning other celebrities for cuddling up to Nelson Mandela. Balducci is very similar to another American on Radio NZ, Marty Duda: superficially affable, but just below the surface there is a vat of completely unexamined prejudices bubbling away. Duda’s right wing rancour boiled over hilariously late last year when he launched into an ignorant and disconnected radio rant against my Lancastrian namesake (the singer).
3.) Put me in mind of transiting in Manila in 1977, a National Youth Council group of 20 “Young Workers” bound for China. I guess few of them have maintained their then much vaunted “leftiness”. But then there are a number of horrid examples of that – Rob Campbell (Ports of Auckland) for example.
I have a book with a picture of this glib scumbag in his PYM days, posing with a rifle. Campbell the revolutionary foot-soldier-cum-Guinness Peat director.
4.) As the aircraft taxied to the terminal we observed the meanest shacks dotted in the banana palms not 100 metres from the runway – TV aerials poking up into the air.
Several of my fellows expressed judgment thus – “Look at that, they’re as poor as hell and they’ve got televisions !” (“Tut Tut Tut !” sort of thing). No walking in the mocassins there.
Sadly, I was not terribly well supported when I aggressively expressed my disgust with that tone.
I hear those sentiments every time I listen to squawk radio, which I haven’t done for a long time now. The withdrawal programme is working. (I’m pretending, for the sake of argument, that Radio NZ’s Panel is qualitatively different to the commercial chat. Really, though, there’s little to separate them.)
5.) Perhaps clever wee laughies radio-girl Baldaccci would benefit from a spell in Gaza when the Zionists fly over dropping death on children.
I’m sure she’d still find something whimsical, like KFC deliveries via tunnels, to distract her audience in the usual manner.
True. The “superiority” of RNZ is marked only by the absence of fulsomely excited, breathless exhortations to make our lives fabulous by “popping on down to wherever to get whatever – open 7 days…….”. And discordant jingles.
The saving grace to that carry-on, infuriating as it is, is that at least it doesn’t make light of appalling inhumanity, as is Gaza.
nobody here or anywhere else in nz will bother, and will not know for a start, as today, starting 11 am outside vector arena in auckland city, off quay st, there was a massive and vocal protest by aaap, by various unions (unite, first union, sfu and so), same as some community groups, to protest against the budget by the nat government not delivering much or anything to the poor and unemployed. there was a lot of media presence, all leading tv stations had sent cameras, there was a lot of upheaval, with some protestors trying to push their way into a convention or meeting hearing pm john key, to speak to the hundreds of attending cross tasman and pacific business people. most business people turned up in taxis, expensive vehicles and with suits and ties, and they faced a barrage of challenging chants and so forth. one person got arrested for dubious reasons, and was later released from the watchhouse at auckland central police station at 2 pm, with no charge laid. supporters were there to welcome him. there was no mention at all in the media, be this radio nz’s checkpoint, the leading tv stations or so about this. it seems the business lobby run and control the media in nz solidly. it is clear that they frown on protestors and dissenters, and the arrogance and demeanour of those that went to this meeting at vector arena spoke volumes. so we have a society here in nz, that is oligopolist, monopolits in some areas, and where an elite run and rule, they even determine government by financial and other support. they have control over the media, so they refrain from reporting what people do and say, and protest about. this is practically a dictatorship here in nz, but most are ignorant and complacent, relying on a fool’s belief that they still have some say in what they want.
so that is it, the truth, but i am only a stupid migrant, always have been treated wit h some contempt by locals, so why should i care a shit about a shit country like nz.
Sorry, Murray, I get my bad moments, and I have not had an easy lot, still trying to get some major issues addressed by “Commissioners” of sorts, holding office, most appointed by Nat governments.
Apart from that I thank you for your tolerance towards my “rant”.
I am working on a number of issues, personal and not so personal. So I am at times also joining forces at the frontline, and the Vector Arena protest or pickets was one good experience. Sad to see and hear the MSM have little time for the ordinary folk here, born and bred Kiwis or migrants.
We will keep up the struggle, as that is a moral mission kind of. I would hate to be on the side of the mercenaries and foot soldiers of this system, rewarding a few, that frown on the rest, no matter where it happens in the world.
Listening to Annette King give attempting to give the government a dressing down over the way its dealing with the issue of paying parents who care for their disabled adult children was truly sickening. The initial claim was made when Labour were the government and they rejected it outright. And now Annette King thinks she can take the moral high ground on the issue. Well, Annette, you need to just shut the fuck up on this matter. You and your mates have no right to call foul on this whatsoever. Ryall simply continued with the dirty work that you began, and now you think you can bag him for that? Total hypocrisy. Just sickening. Apologise for what you did, or keep your mouth shut.
See and learn about the true history and course of events in the Chilean dictatorship, overthrowing Salvador Allende, if anybody in rather indifferent nz bothers to care. oh, sorry the first letter of chilean was misspelled in caps again. sorry lprent, i am working on it:
The Standard may well be losing the credit it deserves, to be independent and strong on that on the left, but I fear (sorry the caps) it is becoming another mainstream media turnout. I wish it won’t but we will have to see.
Food for thought for the supporters of the Green/Labour plans for electricity prices.
I especially like this bit ‘But socialist President Nicolás Maduro (who was hand-picked by Chavez to succeed him) blamed the toilet paper shortage on “anti-government forces,”’
He’s right. If they imprisoned all the traitors, RWNJs, and media barons, there’d be far less shit floating about. We must learn from them that kindness to your enemy might win points in heaven, but if you want a clean bum, get rid of the right wingers. Of course, if Key decided to take a trip to Venezuela, he could always take you and Slater along and he’d never even notice the shortage.
Back in 2016, the Portuguese government announced plans to stop burning coal by 2030. But progress has come much quicker, and they're now scheduled to close their last coal plant by the end of this year: The Sines coal plant in Portugal went offline at midnight yesterday evening (14 ...
The Sincerest Form Of Flattery: As anybody with the intestinal fortitude to brave the commentary threads of local news-sites, large and small, will attest, the number of Trump-supporting New Zealanders is really quite astounding. IT’S SO DIFFICULT to resist the temptation to be smug. From the distant perspective of New Zealand, ...
RNZ reports on continued arbitrariness on decisions at the border. British comedian Russell Howard is about to tour New Zealand and other acts allowed in through managed isolation this summer include drag queen RuPaul and musicians at Northern Bass in Mangawhai and the Bay Dreams festival. The vice-president of the ...
As families around the world mourn more than two million people dead from Covid-19, the Plan B academics and their PR industry collaborator continue to argue that the New Zealand government should stop focusing on our managed isolation and quarantine system and instead protect the elderly so that they can ...
A chronological listing of news articles linked to on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Jan 10, 2021 through Sat, Jan 16, 2021Editor's ChoiceNASA says 2020 tied for hottest year on record — here’s what you can do to helpPhoto by Michael Held on Unsplash ...
Health authorities in Norway are reporting some concerns about deaths in frail elderly after receiving their COVID-19 vaccine. Is this causally related to the vaccine? Probably not but here are the things to consider. According to the news there have been 23 deaths in Norway shortly after vaccine administration and ...
Happy New Year! No, experts are not concerned that “…one of New Zealand’s COIVD-1( vaccines will fail to protect the country” Here is why. But first I wish to issue an expletive about this journalism (First in Australia and then in NZ). It exhibits utter failure to actually truly consult ...
All nations have shadows; some acknowledge them. For others they shape their image in uncomfortable ways.The staunch Labour supporter was in despair at what her Rogernomics Government was doing. But she finished ‘at least, we got rid of Muldoon’, a response which tells us that then, and today, one’s views ...
Grigori GuitchountsIn November, Springer Nature, one of the world’s largest publishers of scientific journals, made an attention-grabbing announcement: More than 30 of its most prestigious journals, including the flagship Nature, will now allow authors to pay a fee of US$11,390 to make their papers freely available for anyone to read ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Gary Yohe, Henry Jacoby, Richard Richels, and Benjamin Santer Imagine a major climate change law passing the U.S. Congress unanimously? Don’t bother. It turns out that you don’t need to imagine it. Get this: The Global Change Research Act of 1990 was passed ...
“They’re here already! You’re next! You’re next! You’re next!”WHO CAN FORGET the penultimate scene of the 1956 movie classic, Invasion of the Body Snatchers? The wild-eyed doctor, stumbling down the highway, trying desperately to warn his fellow citizens: “They’re here already! You’re next! You’re next! You’re next!”Ostensibly science-fiction, the movie ...
TheOneRing.Net has got its paws on the official synopsis of the upcoming Amazon Tolkien TV series. It’s a development that brings to mind the line about Sauron deliberately releasing Gollum from the dungeons of Barad-dûr. Amazon knew exactly what they were doing here, in terms of drumming up publicity: ...
Since Dwight Eisenhower’s inauguration in 1953, US presidents have joined an informal club intended to provide support - and occasionally rivalry - between those few who have been ‘leaders of the free world’. Donald Trump, elected on a promise to ‘drain the swamp’ and a constant mocker of his predecessors, ...
For over a decade commentators have noted the rise of a new brand of explicitly ideological politics throughout the world. By this they usually refer to the re-emergence of national populism and avowedly illiberal approaches to governance throughout the “advanced” democratic community, but they also extend the thought to the ...
The US House of Representatives has just impeached Donald Trump, giving him the dubious honour of being the only US President to be impeached twice. Ten Republicans voted for impeachement, making it the most bipartisan impeachment ever. The question now is whether the Senate will rise to the occasion, and ...
Kieren Mitchell; Alice Mouton, Université de Liège; Angela Perri, Durham University, and Laurent Frantz, Ludwig Maximilian University of MunichThanks to the hit television series Game of Thrones, the dire wolf has gained a near-mythical status. But it was a real animal that roamed the Americas for at least 250,000 ...
Tide of tidal data rises Having cast our own fate to include rising sea level, there's a degree of urgency in learning the history of mean sea level in any given spot, beyond idle curiosity. Sea level rise (SLR) isn't equal from one place to another and even at a particular ...
Well, some of those chickens sure came home bigly, didn’t they… and proceeded to shit all over the nice carpet in the Capitol. What we were seeing here are societal forces that have long had difficulty trying to reconcile people to the “idea” of America and the reality of ...
In the wake of Donald Trump's incitement of an assault on the US capitol, Twitter finally enforced its terms of service and suspended his account. They've since followed that up with action against prominent QAnon accounts and Trumpers, including in New Zealand. I'm not unhappy with this: Trump regularly violated ...
Peter S. Ross, University of British ColumbiaThe Arctic has long proven to be a barometer of the health of our planet. This remote part of the world faces unprecedented environmental assaults, as climate change and industrial chemicals threaten a way of life for Inuit and other Indigenous and northern ...
Susan St John makes the case for taxing a deemed rate of return on excessive real estate holdings (after a family home exemption), to redirect scarce housing resources to where they are needed most. Read the full article here ...
I’m less than convinced by arguments that platforms like Twitter should be subject to common carrier regulation preventing them from being able to decide who to keep on as clients of their free services, and who they would not like to serve. It’s much easier to create competition for the ...
The hypocritical actions of political leaders throughout the global Covid pandemic have damaged public faith in institutions and governance. Liam Hehir chronicles the way in which contemporary politicians have let down the public, and explains how real leadership means walking the talk. During the Blitz, when German bombs were ...
Over the years, we've published many rebuttals, blog posts and graphics which came about due to direct interactions with the scientists actually carrying out the underlying research or being knowledgable about a topic in general. We'll highlight some of these interactions in this blog post. We'll start with two memorable ...
Yesterday we had the unseemly sight of a landleech threatening to keep his houses empty in response to better tenancy laws. Meanwhile in Catalonia they have a solution for that: nationalisation: Barcelona is deploying a new weapon in its quest to increase the city’s available rental housing: the power ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Jeff Masters, PhD The 2020 global wildfire season brought extreme fire activity to the western U.S., Australia, the Arctic, and Brazil, making it the fifth most expensive year for wildfire losses on record. The year began with an unprecedented fire event ...
NOTE: This is an excerpt from a digital story – read the full story here.Tess TuxfordKo te Kauri Ko Au, Ko te Au ko Kauri I am the kauri, the kauri is me Te Roroa proverb In Waipoua Forest, at the top of the North Island, New ...
Story of the Week... Toon of the Week... Coming Soon on SkS... Poster of the Week... SkS Week in Review... Story of the Week... Coming attraction: IPCC's upcoming major climate assessmentLook for more emphasis on 'solutions,' efforts by cities, climate equity ... and outlook for emissions cuts in ...
Ringing A Clear Historical Bell: The extraordinary images captured in and around the US Capitol Building on 6 January 2021 mirror some of the worst images of America's past.THERE IS A SCENE in the 1982 movie Missing which has remained with me for nearly 40 years. Directed by the Greek-French ...
To impact or not to impeach? I understand why some of those who are justifiably aghast at Trump’s behaviour over recent days might still counsel against impeaching him for a second time. To impeach him, they argue, would run the risk of making him a martyr in the eyes of ...
The Capitol Building, Washington DC, Wednesday, 6 January 2021. Oh come, my little one, come.The day is almost done.Be at my side, behold the sightOf evening on the land.The life, my love, is hardAnd heavy is my heart.How should I live if you should leaveAnd we should be apart?Come, let me ...
A chronological listing of news articles linked to on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Jan 3, 2021 through Sat, Jan 9, 2021Editor's ChoiceAfter the Insurrection: Accountability, Reform, and the Science of Democracy The poisonous lies and enablers of sedition--including Senator Hawley, pictured ...
This article, guest authored by Prof. Angela Gallego-Sala & Dr. Julie Loisel, was originally published on the Carbon Brief website on Dec 21, 2020. It is reposted below in its entirety. Click here to access the original article and comments. Peatlands Peatlands are ecosystems unlike any other. Perpetually saturated, their ...
The assault on the US Capitol and constitutional crisis that it has caused was telegraphed, predictable and yet unexpected and confusing. There are several subplots involved: whether the occupation of the Michigan State House in May was a trial run for the attacks on Congress; whether people involved in the ...
On Christmas Eve, child number 1 spotted a crack in a window. It’s a double-glazed window, and inspection showed that the small, horizontal crack was in the outermost pane. It was perpendicular to the frame, about three-quarters of the way up one side. The origins are a mystery. It MIGHT ...
Anne-Marie Broudehoux, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)Will the COVID-19 pandemic prompt a shift to healthier cities that focus on wellness rather than functional and economic concerns? This is a hypothesis that seems to be supported by several researchers around the world. In many ways, containment and physical distancing ...
Does the US need to strike a grand bargain with like-minded countries to pool their efforts? What does this tell us about today’s global politics? Perhaps the most remarkable editorial of last year was the cover leader of the London Economist on 19 November 2020. Shortly after Joe Biden was ...
Alexander Gillespie, University of Waikato and Valmaine Toki, University of WaikatoAotearoa New Zealand likes to think it punches above its weight internationally, but there is one area where we are conspicuously falling behind — the number of sites recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Globally, there are 1,121 ...
An event organised by the Auckland PhilippinesSolidarity group Have a three-course lunch at Nanam Eatery with us! Help support the organic farming of our Lumad communities through the Mindanao Community School Agricultural Foundation. Each ticket is $50. Food will be served on shared plates. To purchase, please email phsolidarity@gmail.com or ...
"Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here." Prisons are places of unceasing emotional and physical violence, unrelieved despair and unforgivable human waste.IT WAS NATIONAL’S Bill English who accurately described New Zealand’s prisons as “fiscal and moral failures”. On the same subject, Labour’s Dr Martyn Findlay memorably suggested that no prison ...
This is a re-post from Inside Climate News by Ilana Cohen. Inside Climate News is a nonprofit, independent news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for the ICN newsletter here. Whether or not people accept the science on Covid-19 and climate change, both global crises will have lasting impacts on health and ...
. . American Burlesque As I write this (Wednesday evening, 6 January), the US Presidential election is all but resolved, confirming Joe Biden as the next President of the (Dis-)United State of America. Trump’s turbulent political career has lasted just four years – one of the few single-term US presidents ...
The session started off so well. Annalax – suitably chastised – spent a pleasant morning with his new girlfriend (he would say paramour, of course, but for our purposes, girlfriend is easier*). He told her about Waking World Drow, and their worship of Her Ladyship. And he started ...
In a recent column I wrote for local newspapers, I ventured to suggest that Donald Trump – in addition to being a liar and a cheat, and sexist and racist – was a fascist in the making and would probably try, if he were to lose the election, to defy ...
When I was preparing for my School C English exam I knew I needed some quotes to splash through my essays. But remembering lines was never my strong point, so I tended to look for the low-hanging fruit. We’d studied Shakespeare’s King Lear that year and perhaps the lowest hanging ...
When I went to bed last night, I was expecting today to be eventful. A lot of pouting in Congress as last-ditch Trumpers staged bad-faith "objections" to a democratic election, maybe some rioting on the streets of Washington DC from angry Trump supporters. But I wasn't expecting anything like an ...
Melted ice of the past answers question today? Kate Ashley and a large crew of coauthors wind back the clock to look at Antarctic sea ice behavior in times gone by, in Mid-Holocene Antarctic sea-ice increase driven by marine ice sheet retreat. For armchair scientists following the Antarctic sea ice situation, something jumps out in ...
Christina SzalinskiWhen Martha Field became pregnant in 2005, a singular fear weighed on her mind. Not long before, as a Cornell University graduate student researching how genes and nutrients interact to cause disease, she had seen images of unborn mouse pups smaller than her pinkie nail, some with ...
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidates for President and Vice President respectively for the US 2020 Election, may have dispensed with the erstwhile nemesis, Trump the candidate – but there are numerous critical openings through which much, much worse many out there may yet see fit to ...
I don’t know Taupō well. Even though I stop off there from time to time, I’m always on the way to somewhere else. Usually Taupō means making a hot water puddle in the gritty sand followed by a swim in the lake, noticing with bemusement and resignation the traffic, the ...
Frances Williams, King’s College LondonFor most people, infection with SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes COVID-19 – leads to mild, short-term symptoms, acute respiratory illness, or possibly no symptoms at all. But some people have long-lasting symptoms after their infection – this has been dubbed “long COVID”. Scientists are ...
Last night, a British court ruled that Julian Assange cannot be extradited to the US. Unfortunately, its not because all he is "guilty" of is journalism, or because the offence the US wants to charge him with - espionage - is of an inherently political nature; instead the judge accepted ...
Is the Gender Identity Movement a movement for human liberation, or is it a regressive movement which undermines women’s liberation and promotes sexist stereotypes? Should biological males be allowed to play in women’s sport, use women-only spaces (public toilets, changing rooms, other facilities), be able to have access to everything ...
Ian Whittaker, Nottingham Trent University and Gareth Dorrian, University of BirminghamSpace exploration achieved several notable firsts in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic, including commercial human spaceflight and returning samples of an asteroid to Earth. The coming year is shaping up to be just as interesting. Here are some of ...
Michael Head, University of SouthamptonThe UK has become the first country to authorise the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for public use, with roll-out to start in the first week of 2021. This vaccine is the second to be authorised in the UK – following the Pfizer vaccine. The British government ...
So, Boris Johnson has been footering about in hospitals again. We should be grateful, perhaps, that on this occasion the Clown-in-Chief is only (probably) getting in the way and causing distractions, rather than taking up a bed, vital equipment and resources and adding more strain and danger to exhausted staff.Look at ...
Story of the Week... Toon of the Week... SkS in the News... Coming Soon on SkS... Poster of the Week... SkS Week in Review... Story of the Week... Many Scientists Now Say Global Warming Could Stop Relatively Quickly After Emissions Go to ZeroThat’s one of several recent ...
The situation in the UK is looking catastrophic.Cases: over *70,000* people who were tested in England on 29th December tested positive. This is *not* because there were more tests on that day. It *is* 4 days after Christmas though, around when people who caught Covid on Christmas Day might start ...
by Don Franks For five days over New Year weekend, sixteen prisoners in the archaic pre WW1 block of Waikeria Prison defied authorities by setting fires and occupying the building’s roof. They eventually agreed to surrender after intervention from Maori party co-leader Rawiri Waititi. A message from the protesting men had stated: ...
Lost Opportunity: The powerful political metaphor of the Maori Party leading the despised and marginalised from danger to safety, is one Labour could have pre-empted by taking the uprising at Waikeria Prison much more seriously. AS WORD OF Rawiri Waititi’s successful intervention in the Waikeria Prison stand-off spreads, the Maori ...
As we welcome in the new year, our focus is on continuing to keep New Zealanders safe and moving forward with our economic recovery. There’s a lot to get on with, but before we say a final goodbye to 2020, here’s a quick look back at some of the milestones ...
Bay Conservation Cadets launched with first intake Supported with $3.5 million grant Part of $1.245b Jobs for Nature programme to accelerate recover from Covid Cadets will learn skills to protect and enhance environment Environment Minister David Parker today welcomed the first intake of cadets at the launch of the Bay ...
The Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern and the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Mark Brown have announced passengers from the Cook Islands can resume quarantine-free travel into New Zealand from 21 January, enabling access to essential services such as health. “Following confirmation of the Cook Islands’ COVID ...
Jobs for Nature funding is being made available to conservation groups and landowners to employ staff and contractors in a move aimed at boosting local biodiversity-focused projects, Conservation Minister Kiritapu Allan has announced. It is estimated some 400-plus jobs will be created with employment opportunities in ecology, restoration, trapping, ...
The Government has approved an exception class for 1000 international tertiary students, degree level and above, who began their study in New Zealand but were caught offshore when border restrictions began. The exception will allow students to return to New Zealand in stages from April 2021. “Our top priority continues ...
Today’s deal between Meridian and Rio Tinto for the Tiwai smelter to remain open another four years provides time for a managed transition for Southland. “The deal provides welcome certainty to the Southland community by protecting jobs and incomes as the region plans for the future. The Government is committed ...
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has appointed Anna Curzon to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). The leader of each APEC economy appoints three private sector representatives to ABAC. ABAC provides advice to leaders annually on business priorities. “ABAC helps ensure that APEC’s work programme is informed by business community perspectives ...
The Government’s prudent fiscal management and strong policy programme in the face of the COVID-19 global pandemic have been acknowledged by the credit rating agency Fitch. Fitch has today affirmed New Zealand’s local currency rating at AA+ with a stable outlook and foreign currency rating at AA with a positive ...
The Government is putting in place a suite of additional actions to protect New Zealand from COVID-19, including new emerging variants, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said today. “Given the high rates of infection in many countries and evidence of the global spread of more transmissible variants, it’s clear that ...
$36 million of Government funding alongside councils and others for 19 projects Investment will clean up and protect waterways and create local jobs Boots on the ground expected in Q2 of 2021 Funding part of the Jobs for Nature policy package A package of 19 projects will help clean up ...
The commemoration of the 175th anniversary of the Battle of Ruapekapeka represents an opportunity for all New Zealanders to reflect on the role these conflicts have had in creating our modern nation, says Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Kiri Allan. “The Battle at Te Ruapekapeka Pā, which took ...
Babies born with tongue-tie will be assessed and treated consistently under new guidelines released by the Ministry of Health, Associate Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. Around 5% to 10% of babies are born with a tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, in New Zealand each year. At least half can ...
The prisoner disorder event at Waikeria Prison is over, with all remaining prisoners now safely and securely detained, Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis says. The majority of those involved in the event are members of the Mongols and Comancheros. Five of the men are deportees from Australia, with three subject to ...
Travellers from the United Kingdom or the United States bound for New Zealand will be required to get a negative test result for COVID-19 before departing, and work is underway to extend the requirement to other long haul flights to New Zealand, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed today. “The new PCR test requirement, foreshadowed last ...
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has added her warm congratulations to the New Zealanders recognised for their contributions to their communities and the country in the New Year 2021 Honours List. “The past year has been one that few of us could have imagined. In spite of all the things that ...
Attorney-General and Minister for the Environment David Parker has congratulated two retired judges who have had their contributions to the country and their communities recognised in the New Year 2021 Honours list. The Hon Tony Randerson QC has been appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for ...
Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio says the New Year’s Honours List 2021 highlights again the outstanding contribution made by Pacific people across Aotearoa. “We are acknowledging the work of 13 Pacific leaders in the New Year’s Honours, representing a number of sectors including health, education, community, sports, the ...
The Government’s investment in digital literacy training for seniors has led to more than 250 people participating so far, helping them stay connected. “COVID-19 has meant older New Zealanders are showing more interest in learning how to use technology like Zoom and Skype so they can to keep in touch ...
Dairy prices increased by 3.9% across the board at the latest Fonterra global auction. The lift followed rises of 1.3% and 4.3% in the December auctions which took dairy prices to their highest level in 11 months, defying those analysts who believed Covid-19 had disrupted dairy markets. In the latest ...
America's Cup team American Magic has spoken publicly after their boat Patriot capsized when on its way to their first win of the Challenger Selection Series yesterday. Patriot dramatically capsized yesterday, becoming temporarily airborne before crashing back into the water and tipping. The boat, helmed by New Zealander Dean Barker, could not be ...
It’s a seemingly age old question: why do Auckland’s beaches become unswimmable after every single downpour? Stewart Sowman-Lund investigates.Ah, the beach. A staple of the New Zealand summer. Unless, of course, you’re based in Auckland and it’s raining. The start of 2021 has been a lot like every other New ...
We have opened a book, among members of the Point of Order team, on how long it will be before the PM offers to sort out the land dispute at Wellington’s Shelly Bay and (to win the double) how much the settlement will cost taxpayers. Just a few weeks ago ...
Breakfast TV news is back for 2021, and Tara Ward got up early to watch. “Thank god it’s almost Christmas,” John Campbell said during the opening minutes of Breakfast’s premiere episode of the year. “2021’s been rough so far. I’m buggered”. We’re all buggered, to be fair, but I’m worried that ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Pearson, Professor of Journalism and Social Media, Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research, Griffith University, Griffith University The blame for the recent assault on the US Capitol and President Donald Trump’s broader dismantling of democratic institutions and norms can be ...
Despite a popular and unifying leader of the governing party, divisions both in policy and culture will test the progressive movement, writes Peter McKenzie.‘I think we’re confused.” Marlon Drake is an organiser for the Living Wage Movement. His job takes him all over Wellington, trying to convince businesses to increase ...
Covid-19 Recovery Minister Chris Hipkins says vaccinations should be available to the public by the middle of the year, but other countries are prioritised. ...
It’s as true now as it ever has been: nowhere else offers an education experience like that of Dunedin. But rather than resting on their laurels, the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic have plans to make the city an even more inspiring place for students.From high in the summit ...
Haggis, neeps and tatties and whisky may not be a traditional spread for a summer gathering in NZ, but trust Auckland city councillor and Kiwi-Scot Cathy Casey on this one. Gie it laldy! Rule one: Hold it on (or near) January 25Robert Burns was born on January 25, 1759. Since the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Tuffley, Senior Lecturer in Applied Ethics & CyberSecurity, Griffith University It could be argued artificial intelligence (AI) is already the indispensable tool of the 21st century. From helping doctors diagnose and treat patients to rapidly advancing new drug discoveries, it’s our ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Kenny, Professor, Australian Studies Institute, Australian National University Through recent natural disasters, global upheavals and a pandemic, Australia’s political centre has largely held. Australians may have disagreed at times, but they have also kept faith with governmental norms, eschewing the false ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Holly Seale, Associate professor, UNSW Health workers are at higher risk of COVID infection and illness. They can also act as extremely efficient transmitters of viruses to others in medical and aged care facilities. That’s why health workers have been prioritised to ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jim Orchard, Adjunct Lecturer, Monash University Last week, somewhat overshadowed by the events in Washington, the Democrats took control of the US Senate. The Democrats now hold a small majority in both the House and the Senate until 2022, giving President-elect Joe ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mittul Vahanvati, Lecturer, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University Heatwaves, floods, bushfires: disaster season is upon us again. We can’t prevent hazards or climate change-related extreme weather events but we can prepare for them — not just as individuals ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mandie Shean, Lecturer, School of Education, Edith Cowan University Starting school is an important event for children and a positive experience can set the tone for the rest of their school experience. Some children are excited to attend school for the first ...
Some families in emergency housing are reporting their children are becoming emotionally distressed because of their living conditions. Demand for emergency accommodation has escalated this past year with the number of emergency housing grants increasing by half. Data showed nearly 10,000 people were given an Emergency Housing Special Needs Grant between ...
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With few Covid-19 infections and negiligible natural immunity, New Zealand faces being a victim of its own success when it is left till last to get the vaccines, argues Dr Parmjeet Parmar. ...
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A simple but informative reflection on the Budgets implications for Education.
http://localbodies-bsprout.blogspot.co.nz/2013/05/education-vote-private-sector-win.html
more dec. lines; this government won’t “catch up”; just continue to drag the line down.
The Government’s housing accords legislation needs some intense scrutiny. Already Len Brown has come out and suggested very gently that the legislation does not comply with the accord.
The Herald reports:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10884202
Interestingly the Accord states that publicity about it was to be agreed to by the Mayor and Nick Smith prior to its release. Looks like Len does not believe that this occurred.
The bill itself is a disaster. It will ensure greenfield urban sprawl over brownfield regeneration development because brownfield development will have a height limitation and will be too expensive. One way or the other this Government wanted urban sprawl to happen.
Sorry for replying to myself …
Under the accord the Council recommends and the Government approves. The Government cannot recommend itself. This continues until the accord is finished under clause 17 of the accord.
http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/SiteCollectionDocuments/aboutcouncil/planspoliciespublications/aucklandhousingaccord.pdf
BUT
under section 16(4)(a)(ii) of the Bill the Minister can propose if he gives notice of the government’s intention to withdraw from the accord. This is 6 months before the accord finishes and contradicts the accord.
http://legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2013/0117/latest/whole.html#DLM5204771
It is a big stick the Government has handed itself and it smacks of bad faith bargaining.
Are you really surprised by that from this government?
Ah, while the standard was offline I was doing a post on this. Penny Hulse was more blunt on RNZ this morning about the Bill breaching the agreement. Thanks for the other links, micky. I didn’t see you post before I added mine below, then the site went offline. I’ll add links to your comments on my post.
That was quite quite irritating. Third time for the same platform reasons. Finally found out why no-one ever acted on my problem tickets – they apparently went to the wrong place (grr – yeah right). It was only after I called their answering service that fixed whatever the problem was.
I’ll be warming up a new server tomorrow despite them refunding the costs for the month. I can’t afford the time and the uncertainty of their not monitoring their own systems is unacceptable…
And if the Nats force this thru then “Lenny it Will Be a disaster of biblical proportions”
From this budget one can only deduce the fact that this government supports the private provision of services rather than public provision. This is reflected most in the extension of HNZ rent subsidies to the community sector (but not councils), and its funding freeze for public tertiary providers.
And we all have every reason to worry about fixed term tenancies for state houses. At first I thought that this would benefit private landlords, because of the effect that dumping 4000 people into the private market would have on (already crippling) rent levels. But no. Those who benefit will be those who own boarding houses and motor camps, because you can bet your life on the fact that those 4000 tenants, who lose their secure home because of some arbitary tenancy review, will end up in a boarding house or in a motor camp, because a private landlord simply will not house them, or they cannot afford the rent, or both.
This is going to be ugly. You can count on it.
That is, from what I can make out, what National want as forcing people into poverty generally means that they will be willing to work for less which means that profits for the few go up. It is, quite simply, in everything that they do as government.
good thoughts millsy; welcome to sub-prime US of A
Sheesh. Did I just hear Penny Hulse say the government’s urgency Bill on the local council-government “housing accord” could mean the Auckland Council-government accord is dead in the water if the Bill is not changed?
More lies from bullshitting Bill, announcing in the budget that beneficiaries will be able to buy fridges and washing machines via a recoverable WINZ grant,
Beneficiaries have been able to purchase these items of whiteware by this means for quite a few years, WINZ offices can even download photos of what is available (second hand) from their provider and delivery is arranged on the spot,
Clever Bill from Dipton announcing what was put in place by the previous Labour Government as some ‘new’ spending on welfare…
“Beneficiaries have been able to purchase these items of whiteware by this means for quite a few years,”
Since the 1980’s as a matter of fact. It is a long standing process that reflected the ‘social need’ part of our Social Welfare system. Unfortunately like all generous aspects of the system, some have seen fit to abuse it and various checks and balances were introduced. Nowadays it is only available through a few approved vendors and these items are usually more expensive than some whiteware people might be able to source elsewhere, but the fraud component has certainly been curtailed.
On a plus side the expectation is these vendors have better service and repair guarantees so the overall benefit to the consumer no doubt makes up for the increased cost.
Aha, i am highlighting the system that WINZ has had in place for at least the last 6 years where the whole purchase of whiteware, (fridges, washing machines), is completed through the WINZ office via their approved providers,
As you point out, honest beneficiaries are paying a higher price for these second hand appliances than they might if the items were sourced through the likes of Trademe to curtail the small frauds of a few beneficiaries and the secondhand dealers who in the past have happily also indulged,
On the plus side for beneficiaries is the guarantee, unspecified at the time of purchase but inherent in the consumer guarantee Act, repayment to WINZ of as little as $5 a week on the purchase and the delivery costs included in the price of the items bought, it would seem a reasonable system for providing for beneficiary needs which curtails fraudulent misbehavior and my opinion is that this should be extended to include other ‘large ticket’ items and even small loans to beneficiaries,
Having said all that, it is total bullshit, outright lies from the Minister of Finance to stand in the Parliament of New Zealand and claim this scheme as a ‘new’ Government initiative from the present Government when it has been the common practice of WINZ for at least the last 6 years, to do this is not only to mislead the people of New Zealand, (who in most cases wouldn’t have a clue), it is also misleading the Parliament with an outright lie with which the opposition party’s should flay the Minister…
” it is also misleading the Parliament with an outright lie with which the opposition party’s should flay the Minister…”
I understand the emotive phrase that history is a foreign country
and there are times it certainly feels like it happened somewhere else
but what really grates, is apparently everyone was looking in the opposite direction.
Continuing from the other day. Background is here and here –
Good on ya. Minor mistake but make no difference. The problem would seem to arise between us weka because I only heard the words, whereas you heard the words and all of this …
“it’s not an issue of not being allowed to raise the points. It’s how it is done. Also, it’s not about the ‘race’ of the person asking the questions, it’s about their mana and their politics”
We clearly see things differently.
I generally try to weed out those sorts of elementes whereas you want them to lead the way. vto
(nah, what you quote of me there is before I listened to the panel discussion, and was a general comment on discussing racism in NZ).
Leaving aside that it’s not a minor mistake, and that you obviously misled readers on what actually happened in the panel (albeit unintentionally), here is the question that you consider to be important outside of its context.
Given that polls tell us that 80% of New Zealanders are distressed at seeing their country being slowly surrendered to the part descendants of the minority of Maori who breached the Treaty by rebelling against the Crown in the 1860s, could we use a republican referendum process to entrench racial equality?
How about we discuss that as it stands?
It’s a bit like trying to pick up that last sliver of wet soap 🙂
But it is good to see that question – bloody hell only 80% I thought it was at least 140% by now.
Lol.
weka, I have answered the question around the identity of the questioner, twice. Not going to re-hash. You’ve set out your position I’ve set out mine and they are different for the reasons outlined. What you see as important and what I see as important are different. You look at things one way and I look at things another way and they are different.
As to that piece marty mars has pulled out if you read through the whole lot, including previous threads, you would realise the context and the highly selective quoting (selectiveness admitted to). As to the particular issue in that though, the extreme sensitivity that is shown by you and marty interestingly matches the divisiveness witnessed on the ground. It seems far from settled. You are as feverish about it as they.
As to the 80% question above, what do you think? I was not so much interested in the actual question, more in the interaction of peoples and the allowing of the question followed by the refusal to answer and the wider implications surrounding that.
As to a marty list, the issues have all been raised over time – governance without representation, privilege based on birthright and race, the place of indigeneity, ….. on it goes. They will continue to arise and no doubt be commented on. And I expect you will be right there to pounce if you can.
Yes vto i couldn’t fit all of your quotes in there. I’ll leave it up to weka to debate the finer points of your response. For me it is more of the same – mistruth, misrepresentation and misinformation from you to push your barrow which you can’t move from – your attitude is part of the problem and until that changes there is hardly any point engaging with you unless you come up with a list but oh no that’s too hard you’d rather snipe and hurt from a distance – so be it.
my list again
1 the Treaty is historical and a new one needs to be drafted to take into consideration the multicultural aspect of NZ society.
2 too much emphasis (money) is on tangata whenua and that they have received enough emphasis (money)
3 Māori were the first here and that could be called indigenous but it is irrelevant in today’s world
4 Māori are inherently violent and warlike
5 No one represents the ‘white man’ who gets abuse and derision when they say something that others perceive as racist
6 Non-Māori who talk about race get accused of being racist
7 Māori are racist to ‘white people’
8 Celts were here before Māori and taught them everything of what they know until Māori killed them all
9 The chinese bought slave-wives here to breed with Māori
10 Barry Brailsford doesn’t talk shit
bugger missed the cutoff
my list about what you think around these issues vto
Making it personal again i see. And plain stupid. You can’t help yourself can you.
Don’t bother engaging arsehole. Go stick your head back in the sand.
losing it again – you always do that when you are cornered. I never abused or insulted you, that is your imagination AGAIN
but if you want to go the insult way to distract from the series of posts about your misunderstandings we can do that – I’ll let those ones go and see if you can control yourself with your replies
imagination? look at your fucked list
That list has been posted a few times in the past few days. If you don’t like it, or disagree with it, then why not post another one that better matches your views? We are waiting to hear what you specifically think vto.
Despite what you might think I believe that Pakeha do need to have this conversation in order to move on.
hey be fair it was the first cut – point out the ones that are correct and I’ll amend it – seriously I thought they were mostly correct and not that bad really
That’s not really personal vto. It’s marty making observations about your behaviour. You may not like them, and you may disagree, but it’s not personal. Personal would be calling someone a racist fuckwit, something neither of us are doing (although I will happily call Ansell that). Or personal would be taking things known about your personal life and using them against you or to put you down.
I note that in marty’s analysis of your behaviour, he gives you a way out. Did you see that?
It is about the person and not the issue. You even admit it here “It’s marty making observations about your behaviour” That is personal. Your reference to “fucking racist” is nasty personal. Where is discussion about the issue?
We’re waiting for you to be specific about what you want to talk about. Honestly, I’d like to know.
All I can say is that I don’t think of you as a racist fuckwit at all. Ansell on the other hand… Do you see the difference?
Noted ta. Of course there is a difference.
I am a little astounded at the idea that I dont want to talk specifics. I posted on the issue of accusations of racism when speaking of race. That was what started the thread. That was specific. I have posted on it before. I posted on it again here, with reference to the radio show. There was an error in this piece of backup which we have now thrashed to death. The thread has since been made all personal and lost its way. I started the thread with a particular issue. Answered. You may notice another further downthread.
The call for specifics is specific to the convo from the last few days. Getting past the hooha about the RNZ reference, what is left? I don’t know and you won’t say. I guess that’s the end of the discussion for now.
weka, you haven’t commented on the post at 10 below.
1, 3 (minus could be and irrelevant), 5 (first bit of sentence), 6 (including the word often) seem about right.
And 8 is probably rubbish, but we’re here now and lovely
“As to the 80% question above, what do you think? I was not so much interested in the actual question, more in the interaction of peoples and the allowing of the question followed by the refusal to answer and the wider implications surrounding that.”
Right, I’ve really misunderstood then, because I thought you were interested in the question itself.
Ok, fair enough, it’s not the question, it’s the interaction of the people and the refusal to answer. There is no way to look at that unless we put those things in their original context. As has been stated clearly, you misunderstood entirely what happened. The panelists didn’t want to answer teh questions because Ansell’s questions was (a) loaded and (b) an attempt to hijack the discussion (even the presenter noted that).
You want to draw the conclusion that they didn’t want to answer because of fear of talking about racism, but by your own admission you didn’t listen to the thing properly and missed the context and the person asking the question (and don’t pretend now that the identity of the person answering doesn’t matter). There were in fact some other references in the talk to Maori and the implications of constitutional change (not alot but they were there), which belies the idea that people were avoiding talking about race.
Sorry mate, you’ve dug a pretty big hole here. If you quit now we’ll give you hand up and out 🙂
“And I expect you will be right there to pounce if you can.”
“You are as feverish about it as they.”
“extremely sensitive”
That’s just nasty, and an attempt at marginalisation. It’s beneath you. Play the ball not the wo/man. If you don’t want robust debate, than say so, and ask for different terms. There is nothing wrong with me focussing on the things in your arguments that stand out to me. Your views on Kai Tahu and Southern Maori women are hugely offensive and simply add to the Pakeha distorted narrative that we know more about Maori than they do. That does immeasurable damage. I’m not feverish or extremely sensitive, I’m really fucking angry that someone like you would do that shit in a place like this.
Like marty, I am disappointed that you won’t engage on the actual issues at this point in time. But I can also see that it would be hard to defend your points of view.
Well weka, when it comes to that particualar issue that you are super-sensitive about don’t point the finger at me. I merely describe what I have witnessed on the ground and seen on here. It is feverish. Sorry if that offends you but that is what is seen.
As for not wanting to engage on the actual issues, sorry, not accepted. Always engage on the issue but when it turns to the personal, nup.
I think genuinely that you just need to ease up when someone says, for example, “the treaty is flawed” because at the moment when words like that are posted you can hear the sound of the soldiers turning to face the ‘threat’ instead of listening and thinking about what is being posted first. Marty rushes straight to arms hup two three four
vto, please, please say “the treaty is flawed”. Then we can talk.
But you didn’t say that. You referenced something on Natrad, and completely misrepresented it, and unfortunately for you the thing you referenced was presented by a racist fuckwit. You just made a mistake, and had it been another person making such a mistake on a different topic, someone here would have taken them to task for it. It’s about intellectual rigour or truthfullness.
“I merely describe what I have witnessed on the ground and seen on here.”
What do you mean by ‘witnessed on teh ground’? Can you please be specific about which part of this issue you are referring to as well?
weka I have said the treaty is flawed (for certain purposes) on countless other occasions and swapped posts with others on it. It will come up again there is no doubt.
on the ground generally refers to real-life encounters. And detailed specifics are not possible unfortunately due to our small population and possible ramifications.
imo, you do let yourself down on this topic vto; sorry to say, when you display such comprehension of other natural areas of discussion.
well that is telling isn’t it……. if you think about it………. where does the lack of comprehension therefore really lie?
worldviews; as The Al1en “suggested”; the future’s shaded brown.
Free download
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The race down – Free dl
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Seems to me that a lot of the spin National had around the last Labour government, which keeps coming up all the time in comments on stuff etc by people who obviously believe it, is that Labour got us into a horrible economic situation and borrowed and wasted all that money, because of the ridiculous “decade of deficits” report by the Treasury that National jumped on a parroted wide and far.
Well, turn abouts fair play, I think. Now that the commentary around this budget is that a $75m surplus in 2014-2015 is margin of error and unimportant, it seems like Labour need to say something like this:
“National want a $75m rounding-error surplus in 2014-2015. When we were in government between 1999 and 2008, we ran a surplus of $$$$ every single year. We got our borrowing down to 8% of GDP while reducing unemployment down to record lows, National are promising we’ll be at 20% debt of GDP by 2020. National has squandered the good work done by the Labour party.”
etc etc.
Check out Citizen A
http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/05/16/citizen-a-with-martyn-bradbury-keith-locke-matthew-hooton-on-budget-keys-deal-gilmore-wrap/
If you can stomach it, watch Hoots once again missing his medication and doing Tory Bullshit Bingo. It’s actually quite hilarious: “liberal elite” “lunatic left” and so on and so on – and then he tries to say that the Tories are, um, kinda liberal, because Muldoon’s father had syphilis.
He must be expecting a huge paycheque for that. Under all that grease, there’s only slime.
Dunno Rhino. I always find it worthwhile to hear what the other side is thinking. Of course as Mathew says he is in the Reagan, Douglas, Richardson mould. OK so how does he view stuff? Of course he is anti left but often what he says is the repeat of what the right want us too hear and even hope we might believe. Ha! But the risk is that the discussion also exposes the weakness of that rightist position and therefore good stuff.
Matthew does get excited about his often shaky positions but so does Martyn. Well worth a watch. Thanks for the link.
Yes, I do agree that Hoots has one use, and that’s to let us know what the Tories want us to believe. If he gets pleasure out of winding people up, then that sad act of masturbation shows just what an empty shell he is.
Watched it this morning. Bomber was surprisingly polite in the circumstances. The bombastic Hoots did his usual…. wouldn’t let Keith Locke get a word in edge-wise.
I think Hooton’s over the top language is a deliberate ploy to rile us. He knows the majority of people who hit the Daily Blog are – to varying degrees- on the Left of the political spectrum. He gets perverse pleasure winding them up.
We should ignore him and then the enjoyment will go out of the game.
I’m all for not replying to anything he posts. All he is is a freshly showered and perfumed WhaleSpew.
Just watching the committees today and I am left wondering: Why is it that the maori party have only 2 votes but 3 MP’s? Is Te Ururoa Flavell already crossed the floor to Mana?
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/Features/b/0/0/00NZPHomeNews061120091-Voting-in-the-House-of-Representatives.htm
“Who can vote?
Only members who have been sworn in can vote. Members can vote even if they are absent, by the use of proxies. A formula is used which determines how many votes each party can have when a number of its members are absent from the parliamentary precincts. Thus a party may not always be able to cast the same number of votes as the party has members in the House.”
Oh I see, there was my conspiracy forming mind that jumped to all sorts of conclusions. I do believe that Mr Flavell is made of better stuff than his co-leaders however. Pita Sharples is an embarrassment and I’m sorry for ever thinking he would be any different. Turia is poison too.
In Christchurch Ngai Tahu is now exercising a form of governance over all the residents by way of decision-making in the RMA process in the central city rebuild. However, all of the residents do not get representation in Ngai Tahu, that is the preserve of those of Ngai Tahu descent.
Governance without representation.
Flawed in the extreme and unsustainable in every society.
add that to the list lol
Democracy under attack!
Adding mockery to your quiver now too. It does you and your people only ill.
lol You love putting the boot in and when asked for a list of what you want to moan about you run for cover – keep hiding mate it suits you.
Go fuck yourself
You ask for specifics, I give you one, you simply mock and get personal and avoid the issue. As you always do.
Answer the issue cunt.
tell me noddy what came first – were you a chicken or an egg?
Personal, denigrating mockery like the bully boy you are, again.
Irrelevant.
The issue (which you have demanded in a list like some dumb cock, then mocked me for not responding to your demand).
“In Christchurch Ngai Tahu is now exercising a form of governance over all the residents by way of decision-making in the RMA process in the central city rebuild. However, all of the residents do not get representation in Ngai Tahu, that is the preserve of those of Ngai Tahu descent.
Governance without representation.
Flawed in the extreme and unsustainable in every society”
… if you imagine this has gone unnoticed in Christchurch then you are not just a bully boy but a fool too. It has been commented on a surprising number of times by people in significant positions in the city.
To date you have had no answer to this issue cunt.
a cock and two cunts now – your insults are degrading yourself and your people and showing you for the cluck cluck cluck you are – lucky adele isn’t here eh?
Still no answer. Just personal.
“In Christchurch Ngai Tahu is now exercising a form of governance over all the residents by way of decision-making in the RMA process in the central city rebuild. However, all of the residents do not get representation in Ngai Tahu, that is the preserve of those of Ngai Tahu descent.
Governance without representation.
Flawed and unsustainable in every society”
Cunt.
lol look at a silly wee man using swearwords – what a joke you are vto – hardmanfail. Try a different one – you know the one you really want to use but are too scared to
answer the issue cunt
you demanded it so now answer it
“In Christchurch Ngai Tahu is now exercising a form of governance over all the residents by way of decision-making in the RMA process in the central city rebuild. However, all of the residents do not get representation in Ngai Tahu, that is the preserve of those of Ngai Tahu descent.
Governance without representation.
Flawed and unsustainable in every society”
bit worked up this morning eh vto why is that I wonder – maybe your undies are too tight – have you checked recently I think they may be riding up a bit I’m certainly sensing skidmarks – time for a check – it’s okay I’ll wait.
the dumb cunt has no answer to the issue, just personal…
“In Christchurch Ngai Tahu is now exercising a form of governance over all the residents by way of decision-making in the RMA process in the central city rebuild. However, all of the residents do not get representation in Ngai Tahu, that is the preserve of those of Ngai Tahu descent.
Governance without representation.
Flawed in the extreme and unsustainable in every society”
You demanded an issue, answer it.
I’ll make a list
there we go – what vto thinks
1 the Treaty is historical and a new one needs to be drafted to take into consideration the multicultural aspect of NZ society.
2 too much emphasis (money) is on tangata whenua and that they have received enough emphasis (money)
3 Māori were the first here and that could be called indigenous but it is irrelevant in today’s world
4 Māori are inherently violent and warlike
5 No one represents the ‘white man’ who gets abuse and derision when they say something that others perceive as racist
6 Non-Māori who talk about race get accused of being racist
7 Māori are racist to ‘white people’
8 Celts were here before Māori and taught them everything of what they know until Māori killed them all
9 The chinese bought slave-wives here to breed with Māori
10 Barry Brailsford doesn’t talk shit
11 chicken and can’t answer a question without swearing like a fool
Got to go to work for an hour but I’ll come back soon to help you through your anger and abuse issues.
Answer the fucking issue cunt
“In Christchurch Ngai Tahu is now exercising a form of governance over all the residents by way of decision-making in the RMA process in the central city rebuild. However, all of the residents do not get representation in Ngai Tahu, that is the preserve of those of Ngai Tahu descent.
Governance without representation.
Flawed and unsustainable in every society”
in through the nose out through the mouth breathe deep it’s okay I forgive your outrageous abuse but try and forgive yourself while I’m away it will make the session go better after lunch.
Whats good for the goose is…
Ngai Tahu may make a healthy check and balance to the ChCh oldboys who have long made decisions of governance with no accountability at all, to anyone.
At least Ngai Tahu are accountable to their iwi members for the money they intend to spend in the rebuild.
That gives them certain “rights” to effect decisions…does it not ?
answer the fucking issue that you demanded fuckwit
answer it
Excellent, thanks pw, some sanity at last..
“Whats good for the goose is…
Ngai Tahu may make a healthy check and balance to the ChCh oldboys who have long made decisions of governance with no accountability at all, to anyone.
At least Ngai Tahu are accountable to their iwi members for the money they intend to spend in the rebuild.
That gives them certain “rights” to effect decisions…does it not ?”
Of course what has gone in in the oldboy etc past that you mention had very similar flawed and unsustainable pratices and policies. That had certain results which were not good for maori or society as a whole. It is not that which is referred to however, although it is acknowledged. It should be similarly acknowledged that what was flawed in the past is flawed now and will be in the future.
There can be no governance without represention.
Your point about Ngai Tahu being a healthy check and balance is of course correct, but neither is that the point.
Your point about Ngai Tahu being accountable to their iwi members is also correct, but slides off the side of the issue. If Ngai Tahu wishes to exercise governance over others then they must be accountable in the same way to those others, no to just their iwi members.
This of course is a relatively minor development in the practical scheme of day to day things, but the principle is crucial. There must not be governance without representation. It applies to every socety. It is bad for Ngai Tahu – such a system gets no respect.
vto – it’s up to the City of Christchurch to take into account all views in the RMA process. I’m not sure why you are focussing on Ngai Tahu when they haven’t been delegated consenting powers by the City Council (unless I missed something?).
Consent decisions are still made by the City Council and not by Ngai Tahu. You want representation? Go to the Council that’s what they are there for.
colonial viper – “vto – it’s up to the City of Christchurch to take into account all views in the RMA process. I’m not sure why you are focussing on Ngai Tahu when they haven’t been delegated consenting powers by the City Council (unless I missed something?).
Consent decisions are still made by the City Council and not by Ngai Tahu. You want representation? Go to the Council that’s what they are there for.”
Consent decisions are now made by Ngai Tahu (and Council and cera). This is the problem.
Here are some facts, as explained by Mark Solomon on the Ngai Tahu website. Ngai Tahu is not just having input, or consultation etc, it is making the decisions. This is the governance…. “He says the tribal representative body, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, along with its statutory partners, the Christchurch City Council and CERA, each appoint a member to panel hearings to consider resource consent applications ”
We have representation through Council, good. We have representation through cera, good. We have no representation through Ngai Tahu, bad. This is the point. The principle is crucial to a healthy society. I’m sure you understand the principle of no governance without representation. Well, these are the facts pointing the principle being ignored. That is the problem.
Do you see it?
OK, I see that arrangement as being problematic. Is it Ngai Tahu’s corporate arm which is represented or their tribal arm?
Yes it is problematic.
In addtion, the point you intimate re conflicts of interest has been front page here too. As mentioned way up thread somewhere I mentioned that this crops up in dicussion with people in various positions in the rebuild and the city generally. It has been noticed and is news. It needs to be dealt with – both the conflict of interest (chinese walls, yeah right), but much much much more importantly the governance without representation.
It is wrong and unsustainable. A couple of links (more concentrated on the lesser though still important issue of conflict of interest)…
http://www.ngaitahu.iwi.nz/News/Media/Media-Releases/2013/Leadership-Recovery-and-Rebuild.php
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/business/the-rebuild/8588335/Ngai-Tahu-to-meet-CBD-property-owners
your beef is with central or local government numbnuts not the iwi – sheesh talk about myopic.
on another point your excessive use of the word cunt – it reminds me that there are no demeaning terms for ‘woman’ in the Māori language, and that the first human was a woman – Hine-ahu-one, and that as all come from women at birth, at death the same occurs through Hine-nui-te-pō, and that Papa-tū-ā-nuku is our earth mother and sustainer of life and that women are mediators of tapu. Thanks for reminding me of these things vto even though you were trying to insult.
Is that it? Is that your answer? That my beef is with Council and Government? You haven’t even addressed the issue.
As I said way to you back at the very start – go stick your head back in the sand dumbfuck.
lol
umm it answers your question doesn’t it? That is what you wanted isn’t it?
Maybe you could go on another rant like this one to get your point across
lol, issue number 1 dealt with.
next issue coming soon to a standard screen near you (perhaps the fundamental flaws in the treaty?)….
but that’s it for now, I’m off to better spend my energy. See ya rude prick.
lol bye bye ‘sob’ ‘sob’
another one for my list I think
For those who wish to understand a little context around vto and his insults
http://mars2earth.blogspot.co.nz/2013/05/i-dont-tolerate-race-baiters.html
“aged care, dementia, diabetes and heart disease”; the future’s so bright, we gotta wear shades. http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/news/budgets-focus-on-key-issues-pleases-dhb/1871837/
The superb investigative journalist Jeremy Scagill is being interviewed by Kim Hill on National Radio tomorrow morning. His specialty is the American government being allowed to assassinate anyone it wants to, even Americans. It should be fascinating if you haven’t followed this before.
That’s a must-listen. Scahill is a brilliant and uncompromising speaker. I’ve seen him transform the Letterman and John Stewart shows from shallow laugh-fests into serious discussions, simply by the moral force of his message, backed up by his compelling personal style. That rarely happens on American television, and it’s even rarer on British television.
Laughingly reproaching the pizza-guzzling sybarites of Gaza
The Panel, Radio NZ National, Friday 17 May 2013
Finlay Macdonald, Denise L’estrange-Corbet, Simon Pound
That brief resurgence in quality on this programme that I noted a couple of weeks ago is well and truly over and done with. The situation reached its nadir on Tuesday when Jim Mora’s guests were the brutal right wing “pundit” John Bishop and the right wing beer writer and self-styled “wit” Neil Miller, but today’s guests, while they are clearly more humane and decent individuals than Bishop and Miller, are not much better when it comes to discussing serious issues. Look at how they trivialize and scoff at the situation of the besieged residents of Gaza…..
FINLAY MACDONALD: That was David Bowie with “Lady Grinning Soul” from 1973. All right, it’s 3:45; time for Susan Baldacci with what the wooooooorld’s talking about!
SUSAN BALDACCI: News today of the kind of thing being smuggled through the tunnels from Egypt into Gaza! Of course there are many of these tunnels.
FINLAY MACDONALD: These tunnels are from Sinai, aren’t they.
SUSAN BALDACCI: Yes. They smuggle all SORTS of items through them, and you know what? You can order a pizza for thirty dollars!
SIMON POUND: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
SUSAN BALDACCI: When you think of what they are needing, and THAT is what they want!?!?!?!?!!!???
SIMON POUND: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
FINLAY MACDONALD: The pizza would be cold, by the time it got to them, wouldn’t it?
DENISE L’ESTRANGE-CORBET: [sniffily] I wouldn’t order a pizza if I was in Gaza.
SUSAN BALDACCI: Yeah, well, that’s what they want. When you think of what they SHOULD be ordering….
4:25 p.m. As I write this, I am listening to that mealy-mouthed twit Simon Pound trying to defend John Key’s latest offensive remarks. This time Key has described the situation of Christchurch people as “some hard-luck stories at a micro level.”
Pound is an intelligent and perceptive fellow, but he is quite clearly afraid to voice his real feelings.
Thought of your rage Morrissey as I listened to this but could swear I heard not “pizza” but “Kentucky Fried”. A bucket of the same delivered via the tunnels in 4 hours – $US30. Anyway, the tone I detected was a little mockingly amused, especially from Baldacci as I recall. I exclude Macdonald from that.
Put me in mind of transiting in Manila in 1977, a National Youth Council group of 20 “Young Workers” bound for China. I guess few of them have maintained their then much vaunted “leftiness”. But then there are a number of horrid examples of that – Rob Campbell (Ports of Auckland) for example.
As the aircraft taxied to the terminal we observed the meanest shacks dotted in the banana palms not 100 metres from the runway – TV aerials poking up into the air.
Several of my fellows expressed judgment thus – “Look at that, they’re as poor as hell and they’ve got televisions !” (“Tut Tut Tut !” sort of thing). No walking in the mocassins there.
Sadly, I was not terribly well supported when I aggressively expressed my disgust with that tone. Some might say there’s still little maturity in Mr North nearly 40 years on but I’d like to think I was capable even then of appreciating that when people are grindingly poor and deprived we should not reflexively clutch our pearls when a little succour is taken wherever it can be found. At least try to walk in the mocassins maybe.
Perhaps clever wee laughies radio-girl Baldaccci would benefit from a spell in Gaza when the Zionists fly over dropping death on children.
1.) Thought of your rage Morrissey as I listened to this but could swear I heard not “pizza” but “Kentucky Fried”.
You are of course correct, my friend. In mitigation, I must say that I was driving and therefore could not scribble down any transcript in my usual manner, and so I was forced to rely on my (imperfect) recall.
2.) A bucket of the same delivered via the tunnels in 4 hours – $US30. Anyway, the tone I detected was a little mockingly amused, especially from Baldacci as I recall. I exclude Macdonald from that.
You’ve got that exactly right. Last year Susan Baldacci sneered at Sean Penn for “cuddling up to the likes of Hugo Chávez”; twenty years ago I am sure she was condemning other celebrities for cuddling up to Nelson Mandela. Balducci is very similar to another American on Radio NZ, Marty Duda: superficially affable, but just below the surface there is a vat of completely unexamined prejudices bubbling away. Duda’s right wing rancour boiled over hilariously late last year when he launched into an ignorant and disconnected radio rant against my Lancastrian namesake (the singer).
3.) Put me in mind of transiting in Manila in 1977, a National Youth Council group of 20 “Young Workers” bound for China. I guess few of them have maintained their then much vaunted “leftiness”. But then there are a number of horrid examples of that – Rob Campbell (Ports of Auckland) for example.
This prick?…
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/lunch-boardroom-rob-campbell-gb-123023
I have a book with a picture of this glib scumbag in his PYM days, posing with a rifle. Campbell the revolutionary foot-soldier-cum-Guinness Peat director.
4.) As the aircraft taxied to the terminal we observed the meanest shacks dotted in the banana palms not 100 metres from the runway – TV aerials poking up into the air.
Several of my fellows expressed judgment thus – “Look at that, they’re as poor as hell and they’ve got televisions !” (“Tut Tut Tut !” sort of thing). No walking in the mocassins there.
Sadly, I was not terribly well supported when I aggressively expressed my disgust with that tone.
I hear those sentiments every time I listen to squawk radio, which I haven’t done for a long time now. The withdrawal programme is working. (I’m pretending, for the sake of argument, that Radio NZ’s Panel is qualitatively different to the commercial chat. Really, though, there’s little to separate them.)
5.) Perhaps clever wee laughies radio-girl Baldaccci would benefit from a spell in Gaza when the Zionists fly over dropping death on children.
I’m sure she’d still find something whimsical, like KFC deliveries via tunnels, to distract her audience in the usual manner.
True. The “superiority” of RNZ is marked only by the absence of fulsomely excited, breathless exhortations to make our lives fabulous by “popping on down to wherever to get whatever – open 7 days…….”. And discordant jingles.
The saving grace to that carry-on, infuriating as it is, is that at least it doesn’t make light of appalling inhumanity, as is Gaza.
Your Lancastrian namesake deserves any amount of crap that’s thrown at him.
Reports of UFO activity over Hamilton last night.
Wasn’t me, I don’t fly any more.
Sorry, my bad. Didn’t think anyone would notice in the rain.
nobody here or anywhere else in nz will bother, and will not know for a start, as today, starting 11 am outside vector arena in auckland city, off quay st, there was a massive and vocal protest by aaap, by various unions (unite, first union, sfu and so), same as some community groups, to protest against the budget by the nat government not delivering much or anything to the poor and unemployed. there was a lot of media presence, all leading tv stations had sent cameras, there was a lot of upheaval, with some protestors trying to push their way into a convention or meeting hearing pm john key, to speak to the hundreds of attending cross tasman and pacific business people. most business people turned up in taxis, expensive vehicles and with suits and ties, and they faced a barrage of challenging chants and so forth. one person got arrested for dubious reasons, and was later released from the watchhouse at auckland central police station at 2 pm, with no charge laid. supporters were there to welcome him. there was no mention at all in the media, be this radio nz’s checkpoint, the leading tv stations or so about this. it seems the business lobby run and control the media in nz solidly. it is clear that they frown on protestors and dissenters, and the arrogance and demeanour of those that went to this meeting at vector arena spoke volumes. so we have a society here in nz, that is oligopolist, monopolits in some areas, and where an elite run and rule, they even determine government by financial and other support. they have control over the media, so they refrain from reporting what people do and say, and protest about. this is practically a dictatorship here in nz, but most are ignorant and complacent, relying on a fool’s belief that they still have some say in what they want.
so that is it, the truth, but i am only a stupid migrant, always have been treated wit h some contempt by locals, so why should i care a shit about a shit country like nz.
Some of my best friends are stupid migrants. I’d probably treat you OK.
Sorry, Murray, I get my bad moments, and I have not had an easy lot, still trying to get some major issues addressed by “Commissioners” of sorts, holding office, most appointed by Nat governments.
Apart from that I thank you for your tolerance towards my “rant”.
I am working on a number of issues, personal and not so personal. So I am at times also joining forces at the frontline, and the Vector Arena protest or pickets was one good experience. Sad to see and hear the MSM have little time for the ordinary folk here, born and bred Kiwis or migrants.
We will keep up the struggle, as that is a moral mission kind of. I would hate to be on the side of the mercenaries and foot soldiers of this system, rewarding a few, that frown on the rest, no matter where it happens in the world.
No apologies required. We would be less than human if we didn’t feel a bit down now and then.
Listening to Annette King give attempting to give the government a dressing down over the way its dealing with the issue of paying parents who care for their disabled adult children was truly sickening. The initial claim was made when Labour were the government and they rejected it outright. And now Annette King thinks she can take the moral high ground on the issue. Well, Annette, you need to just shut the fuck up on this matter. You and your mates have no right to call foul on this whatsoever. Ryall simply continued with the dirty work that you began, and now you think you can bag him for that? Total hypocrisy. Just sickening. Apologise for what you did, or keep your mouth shut.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2555505/government-accused-of-shonky-process-over-family-carers-bill.asx
“Was Aaron Gilmore an inside job.”
Check out the Daily Blog.
If this is true it is pretty nasty stuff and a disaster for Democracy.
http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/05/17/was-aaron-gilmore-an-inside-political-hit-job/
Yes. I saw that. The first question in my mind was, why did Hooton drop that information into the public arena?
Now that’s thinking.
I suspect the answer is that he’s with (being paid by) a different faction than the one which set up Gilmore.
Because he’s a Steven Joyce supporter? Now if CV has it right, then that really makes it interesting doesn’t it.
Perhaps rub this under your Kiwi noses also, maybe not quite mainstream as you like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-1P68DlVZo
Many a movements not necessarily recognised.
a dead body taken apart, that is of a revolutionary, and they would do the same in cowardly nz, rest assured:
Well well well.
So the Keyster’s “tentacles” comment is forgotten, and the TPPA is not anti-China – despite what Obama explicitly stated.
And yet.
Kiwi mutton rotting on Chinese wharves.
Thanks tories.
Our self-appointed master-class strikes again.
The rule of Hone Nice-but-Dim, in the forgotten land of Shonkey Python.
See and learn about the true history and course of events in the Chilean dictatorship, overthrowing Salvador Allende, if anybody in rather indifferent nz bothers to care. oh, sorry the first letter of chilean was misspelled in caps again. sorry lprent, i am working on it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMt7gHOtYX8
Viva, el pueblo, not in stupid cowardly and brainwashed NZ, a crap country with too many cowards living here!!!
Por el pueblo en latin america y international, fuerca …
international workers songs, perhaps de chile:
history lesson, must learn material, especially for NZ workers and engaged!
Vina del mar de chile another great concert, only dreamt about for such events in nz:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhwHgsUmZWw
The Standard may well be losing the credit it deserves, to be independent and strong on that on the left, but I fear (sorry the caps) it is becoming another mainstream media turnout. I wish it won’t but we will have to see.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhwHgsUmZWw
enjoy or not
http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/05/17/bathroom-blues-venezuelas-toilet-paper-crisis/
Food for thought for the supporters of the Green/Labour plans for electricity prices.
I especially like this bit ‘But socialist President Nicolás Maduro (who was hand-picked by Chavez to succeed him) blamed the toilet paper shortage on “anti-government forces,”’
He’s right. If they imprisoned all the traitors, RWNJs, and media barons, there’d be far less shit floating about. We must learn from them that kindness to your enemy might win points in heaven, but if you want a clean bum, get rid of the right wingers. Of course, if Key decided to take a trip to Venezuela, he could always take you and Slater along and he’d never even notice the shortage.
That would be telling, Murray. 😀