Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step right up to the mike…
Meanwhile, the real news is that ShonKey doesnt see any conflict of interest in keeping Banks in Parliament for that crucial one vote on the SkyCity bill:
“The woman at the centre of the Len Brown sex scandal says she felt pressured to reveal the affair by a member of his right-wing rival John Palino’s election team – and is now sorry she went public.”
The way this has been manipulated by members of Palino’s group does not make this a good look for such low life who use people to benefit their own political position.
So John Palino’s henchman Luigi Wewege is revealed as a common, lowly coward and a dishonorable cad who doesn’t even have the guts to admit his relationship with Bevan Chuang.
It is funny how suddenly the two Johns – Slater and Palino – have no knowledge of the sex life of Bevan Chuang when it suits them. We’ve seen this sort of right wing selective memory just yesterday with another John – John Banks – in the Auckland High Court and we now know what the judicial system thinks of that.
I think we can take these examples of the cavalier wide-boy approach to the memory and the truth as symptomatic of the poisonous cess pit that is the political culture of the right in Auckland. The Slaters. John Banks. John Palino. Luigi Wewege. Cameron Brewer. Denise Krum. Sounds like Halloween has come early this year in Auckland. What a vile and appalling bunch!
But I am inclined to think that Auckland mayor Len Brown has a strong case if he wants to sue Cameron Slater, Stephen Cook, and perhaps even Bevan Chuang, for invasion of his privacy in their reporting about his affair with Chuang.
I’m not saying that he should sue, or that he’s likely to. Just that the elements of a claim are probably made out.
“Baby I have everything set up people are just waiting for you.”
People ?
Wonder whom ?
The Mad Right really are filth are they not ?
Particularly SlaterPorn. Whose facility to fuck around is a matter of public knowledge – judgment of Judge David Harvey in the Harrassment Act appplication made against Sperling – former connection of Mad Michael Laws.
Hey…….ShonKey Python…….sure love the “higher standards” in your Flying Circus.
Very disturbed. Lenny Boy runs Auckland very well for them, so I’m not surprised. What Brown basically does is keep a lid on the left, while actually helping them with the wharf and GI.
Len is the cad – he is the one who has had an affair. Do not forget that. If his political opponents seek to take advantage of that, they cannot be criticised for making the most of the ammunition that Len has given them. He knew before the election that his affair was about to be exposed. He knew that he could not be sure that people would vote for him if they were aware of his affair. He decision to say nothing was dishonourable and political suicide.
Len is the cad – he is the one who has had an affair. Do not forget that. If his political opponents seek to take advantage of that, they cannot be criticised for making the most of the ammunition that Len has given them.
Hey John.
Did you just say that we should hold Len publicly accountable for actions he took in his private life, but the people now attacking Len with sleazy political ammunition, we should give the attackers a complete pass, free of criticism?
1.Brown cheated on his wife
2.Brown instigated this affair
3.This woman is a total bunny boiler and Brown demonstrated that he thinks with his dick not his head.
4. Of course they’d want her to come out, Brown the good Christian man was rooting around behind his wifes back while trading on a happy family, good Christian morals platform.
If this had come out before the election, Brown would have been fucked.
Can we just park the usual tendency to misogyny at least on this site please?
It looks like she’s been ruthlessly exploited by the right, and her opinion of Len Brown according to Cameron Slater is a tissue of lies. Just when I thought my opinion of Cameron Slater could not possibly go lower, it does.
Now as Russell Brown says follow the money – who paid Stephen Cook to write the story?
Ruthlessly exploited, yeah right
Oh that poor simple woman, how could those mean men be so nasty.
She knew what she was doing, she’s only decided to flip flop around because she isn’t liking the way it’s all gone and has got cold feet.
Too late for that, she let all the gory details out in that signed affidavit, did she honestly think it was going to blow over in a day or two and then it’s back to normal, maybe even a job in the media trading on that new found fame.
Just when I thought my opinion of Cameron Slater could not possibly go lower, it does.
Why so surprised? Whale (to quote James Stewart in Shenandoah) “is the only person I know who started at the bottom and went downhill”.
follow the money – who paid Stephen Cook to write the story. True but who made the whole story possible? Why Len of course. If he was silly enough to hang his balls out on the block some passing cetacean was bound to cut the off. Silly prick (quite literally).
So to Len, a safe pair of hands for the “Left”? If he could keep his own hands around his own privates maybe.
Lolz, BM, and the involvement, proved in today’s Herald, of the Palino camp in the belated outing of this affair between Brown and Chuang, plus the ongoing pressure put on Chuang to out the affair befor the election will do what for any future Palino challenge,
Lover boy Luigi’s denial of ever having shared the bed with Chuang, ‘He hardly in His words knew the woman’, does what to Palino’s denial of knowing anything of what was being attempted to drop Len in His own mess right in the middle of the campaign,
For any damage done to Len Brown by the exposure of what is essentially His private life, you can expect, as the real story continues to unfold, an equal, if not greater amount of damage to be inflicted upon the Citizens and Ratpayers ticket….
As hard as you lefties try to shoot the messenger, Brown is fucked, once this term is over he’s gone.
And in the mean time, he’s a dead duck, he won’t achieve anything, all those great lefty dreams for Auckland, down the toilet where they belong.
Lolz BM, your latest is what i term dragging defeat out of the jaws of victory, it’s a long long road to the next Council elections and it will be my pleasure to read your whinging, whining and wailing about this issue for the next 3 years,
Hate to further burst your bubble, but, you seem to forget that we have a General Election next year, right now i would say it’s 60/40 that after that, unless Lolz, National can score 50% of the vote, David Cunliffe will be the next Prime Minister of the first Labour/Green Government,
While that little scenario obviously fills ‘wing-nuts’ like you with terror it simply adds laughter to what you say about Len Brown being unable to achieve ‘anything’ in His current term as Mayor,
i would say that the incoming Labour/Green Government will be only to happy to either fund Brown’s Auckland transport plans OR through Legislation, provide Browns Council with the tools necessary to gather the necessary capital to have such capital works well under way,
Suck it up BM, across the political spectrum ‘the right’ have lost all traction, Losers in other words, a descriptive, on the odd occasion i have cause to think about you, which is easily able to be fitted to your dog collar…
What the fuck is a bunny boiler? And what does it have to do with the price of fish?
Among the people who have a right to comment on Len’s peccadilloes are his family. Some of them have come out to support him, so you and the rest of the fake moralistic right should just get back to your porn and shut up.
What is happening at NBR. I have heard a rumour from an impeccable source that long time reporter Jock Anderson has been fired for writing a pro Len Brown editorial.
Hmm I was getting an access denied message and now I get a 404 page not found message. Someone must have hit the delete button. Wonder what they are trying to hide?
Come on Matthew. If this is true then an issue arises as to the independence of the fourth estate. Surely it is in the public interest for there to be disclosure of what has happened and discussion on this?
Do opinion writers with the NBR have a degree of freedom around the line they take, or is it quite locked down in your contracts to stick to the editorial lines of the publisher? Or are they freelance articles that the NBR can take or leave?
Auckland, like all cities around the globe is tightly controlled.
From time to time, we get to see into the filth that allows the criminal elements to control the resources, and in NZ we are really scraping the bottom levels.
Wewege and Chuang are from a “future leaders” style of group, which brings into question what exactly that group is designed for!
Cameron Brewer has slipped off rader for the time being, very quiet cameron – fill his inbox people, his council email is public record, do is the contact via his blog site.
Chuang, the Dragon Baby Mamma, is calculating and conniving, just like those she is involved with!
how sad and how terrible to think that just exposing someone to advance their own career is the right moved. Especially that person is your own girlfriend. let this be the lesson to him, and how sad, because this guy, Luigi Wewege will never learned and found true love. He was even regard as the future leader, serious, what the exposure and creating a future leader turn up to creating a future monster….disguising. By the way, you are still young, and one day when you have your own daughter, seriously……best luck….
Well, at least some good news today with the climate change skeptics bailing on their appeal against NIWA. Seems they don’t even understand their own court case.
The dispute centred on readings from the seven-station series – stations in Auckland, Masterton, Wellington, Nelson, Hokitika, Lincoln and Dunedin – used by Niwa for temperature records.
The trust claimed unscientific methods used created an unrealistic indication of climate warming.
But last year, High Court Justice Geoffrey Venning ruled against the group and ordered it to repay court costs. The group decided to challenge the ruling in the Court of Appeal, but this week withdrew the appeal.
Barry Brill, who acted as solicitor for the trust, said his clients could not see a way forward after coming upon a procedural issue. The judges had noted two scientists involved in the reports were not cross-examined – something his clients were unaware could be done during the earlier court process.
Congratulations to Eleanor Catton on her Man Booker win – must read the book, covering a topic of close personal interest, history and locale.
However, her comments on nat radio yesterday were a little disturbing in trying to use gold in pakeha society and pounamu in maori society as metaphors for their respective features. Seriously lacking imo. So many New Zealanders have lost a sense of their history and cultural and societal mores from pre-WWII. There is little understanding of many parts of society from before that time. Perhaps she should stick to writing. But then, maybe I should read the book first (which most certainly will) and then re-assess what she was trying to say yesterday.
Drones, the Media and Malala’s Message
by PETER HART, Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting, 15 October 2013
Pakistani teenager Malala Yousafzai’s visit to the United States was widely covered in the media, including interviews with ABC’s Diane Sawyer (10/11/13), CNN’s Christiane Amanpour (10/14/13) and Jon Stewart of the Daily Show (10/8/13). She was selected as ABC’s “Person of the Week” on October 11, and was considered a serious contender for the Nobel Peace Prize.
And for good reason; just one year ago, Malala was attacked by the Taliban for her outspoken advocacy on behalf of educational equality, surviving a an attack where she was shot in the head.
But one part of her message didn’t seem to penetrate the corporate media.
During her October 11 visit to the White House, Yousafzai told Barack Obama that his administration’s drone strikes were fueling terrorism. As McClatchy’s Lesley Clark (10/11/13) reported:
In a statement released after the meeting, Malala said she was honored to meet with Obama, but that she told him she’s worried about the effect of US drone strikes. (The White House statement didn’t mention that part.) “I thanked President Obama for the United States’ work in supporting education in Pakistan and Afghanistan and for Syrian refugees,” she said in the statement. “I also expressed my concerns that drone attacks are fueling terrorism. Innocent victims are killed in these acts, and they lead to resentment among the Pakistani people. If we refocus efforts on education, it will make a big impact.”
This exchange, for some reason, didn’t register ….
On another matter the all whites now face mexico home and away to reach WC 2014.
This will not be easy as mexico are going for 6 straight WC’s and have been hot/cold through their qualification so lets hope we get the cold ‘El Tri’ as the hot one is a class above us.
Yes CONCACAF is alot tougher than facing an asian team. This team boasts Rafael Marquez (ex barca centre half), Manyoo’s hernandez up front and technically gifted players that can do the unexpected
We may find out the hard way what an awesome on field leader and defender the retired Ryan Nelson was. Hope we don’t but 2 WC’s in a row is long odds for us now.
Qatar is getting interesting with the major clubs (via the leagues/associations) waking up to the fact they’ll be shipping their employees off to the oven for that summer.
Maggots, despite our current cultural view on them, play a vital role in the cycle of life. Can’t say the same about Slater. I think the cartoon is an insult to insects everywhere and is inherently accurate. The cartoonist implies that despite our abhorrence for Slater, we really need him. He’s wrong.
Interesting interview with local entrepreneur Selwyn Pellet on Nights on National Radio last night (Wednesday 16 Oct) – purportedly about “How curiosity helps to build better business” but in fact more interesting in the way Selwyn talks through experience about how well New Zealand IT businesses do under the present environment. Particularly interesting is how he says the IT industry has in the short term the ability to actually provide greater net wealth for New Zealand than the dairying industry, but our reliance on the commodity market (especially dairy) actually influences interest rates and the value of the New Zealand dollar to the detriment of our IT exports
Well I’m thinking they might have opened themselves up to questioning, which I sincerely hope they don’t. Keep the humour going with Two minute noodle Len as long as possible but the kids shouldn’t be involved…
Journalists can ask anyone questions. It’s what they do. Can’t see what questions his kids would have to answer, and I doubt any serious journalist would either.
Your sick boy mate whose lines you keep trotting out is having a crack at them, but that’s cause he’s a fuckwit, not cause he’s a journalist.
I guess thats why hes got a popular website, gets interviewed on radio and TV more then anyone else on here put together
But who cares about getting your message across to the widest audience eh 🙂
[lprent: Perhaps you should reread the about. We’re unconcerned with getting the widest audience. Basically we’re also not a narcissistic egotistical failures like Cameron Slater who appears to have failed at everything in his life apart from titillating the lowest common denominator on the net.
The reason that we don’t get interviewed is mostly because we don’t want to be talking heads. It isn’t what we do for a living. For instance I’m a c++ programmer working on our exporting bleeding edges. r0b is a professor at a major university. Mike Smith is semi-retired, but used to run the Labour party. The people under pseudonyms past and present are pretty damn successful at whatever they can do. This is one of the reasons why many of the authors here write using a pseudonym – we don’t want the shallowness of the media to interfere with what we really value.
Personally, I’ve turned down all except one or two of the dozens of interview requests I’ve had over the last six years including those from the left media like Bomber. Generally I only get a couple per year these days. You also can’t find images of me on the net.
Offhand I think that the only other person from here who has been on the media was Clinton Smith before he went to work for politicians, and Jenny has been on The Nation once when she was working on Cunliffe’s election team. Currently we have no-one volunteering to be a talking head.
Basically your comment reveals far more about your lack of knowledge about this site than it does about us. However if you wish to continue in this vein, then I will be happy handing out a long ban in accordance with our policies on people trying to tell us how we should run this site.
You have a weeks ban now so you have time to read these links. ]
His puppeteers (like Daddy, Lusk, Collins etc.) must have been successful in getting that Tea Party money to fund their backfiring engine, pity (judging by the abode he was filmed in on Tuesday) he’s not getting any ‘trickledown’.
But it’s great he’s happy floating around with turds.
Sam writes beautifully: I have been critical but she hit us right between the eyes with the “first stone”. Thanks Sam, over and out, no more comments. So some wisdom from Francis (abridged):
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be understood, as to understand;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
New allegations are that Len Brown wrote references for Bevan Chaung for a job she was applying for.
How is that different from John Key giving a GCSB job to his mate? Who says they haven’t been having sex?
Chuang has also said brown was one of 5 referees on her CV for the job, and she didn’t think he got the job because of Brown. Although, I guess she wants to show she got the job fairly.
Just a reminder about a lecture on a topic close to our hearts- for Wednesday 30th.
2013 Bruce Jesson Lecture:
Sir Edmund Thomas –
Reducing Inequality: A Strategy for a Cause
The speaker, a Distinguished Fellow at the Law School at The University of Auckland, argues that the gross inequality in income and wealth which besets New Zealand is the outcome of the neo-liberal economic measures of the mid-1980s and early 1990s and the culture of liberal individualism and unfettered free market ideology which it spawned.
A breakdown in social cohesion and a sense of community is the result. Reforms to counter this inequality are widely mooted. But increasing focus and discussion on the topic is confronted by a plethora of mantras and myths purveyed by the rich and powerful. The stimulus for change is deadened.
The speaker advances a strategy designed to provide a coherent impetus to reduce the rank inequality that now prevails. The Rt Hon Sir Edmund Thomas will deliver the 2013 lecture on Wednesday 30 October, 6.30pm, at the Maidment Theatre (bar opens at 5.30pm).
I’ll try to remember to publicise it during the weekend by which time there may be some room left on the site for something other than scurrilous gossip.
To fix the issues facing New Zealand’s economy, the public sector needs to call on the expertise of the private financial sector, Finance Minister Bill English says.
The private financial sector caused the GFC, The Great Depression, increasing poverty and looks to be increasingly corrupt. About the only thing we should be doing is telling them to fuck off while jailing a large proportion of them.
IPCA says the cops can’t even investigate themselves properly
Party broken up, allegations of excessive force, complaints laid, a three year internal investigation that exonerates all officers involved, and – guess what? The IPCA says the investigation took too long, reached the wrong conclusions, and the only reason individual officers haven’t been charged is that the ones who swung the batons couldn’t be identified (gotta love the riot gear and tiny badge numbers – if they haven’t been removed).
Who knows, RT. For instance, the worst case scenario, a re-election, might actually favour the left now Palino’s and Brewer’s team have been shown to be somewhat murky as well.
personally, while this whole drama is regrettable, and sad, I’m not for pressuring the man out, however, he’s chosen a hard road to hoe, (and with a little benefit-of-hindsight, not an unexpected one). Some of these ‘powerful’ folks appear to get a little carried away with themselves, and foolishness follows.
ironically, this proverb, or one similar, was on WOBH one day (in the not-too-distant past)
“Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares;” 1:20
later, (in the same book)
“For the lips of an adulteress (-er) drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword…” 5:3, and plenty more follows in the same vein. Another day perhaps, anyway, the St Francis prayer that Ennui notes covers all the Remedy (Black Crows circling, yet they keep the Vultures at bay).
Whilst lesser “lites” like Len and Whale have been centre stage here on our biggest (and perhaps the worlds smallest) stage…other things of greater import have been happening out in the big wide world.
Tucked in the side columns of todays Dom……In Rome Pope Francis has dismissed Cardinal Bertone, the man who acted as Richelieu for Pope Benedict. During his watch the scandals involving children went unanswered, there were Papal bank fraud issues go unchallenged, and the appointment of a Holocaust denying British bishop. Vatileaks scandal followed.
The Pope thanked Bertone for confronting his setbacks with courage and patience. “There were so many,” he added, damning him with faint praise. Francis appears to be the real deal.
LOL at Blinglish in attempting to attack the Greens during the debate on Banks right now, claims Cunliffe is getting some of their support and doing better than his predecessor…. then changes tack realising he’s praising Labour too much for improving it’s support!
Another scoop from whale: he’s caught out some Herald staff blatantly colluding together in a plan to write a ‘series’ of ‘stories’ in their ‘newspaper’.
No uptick for Key either which you might have expected while he was gallivanting around on the world stage. That must be a concern for National. Dunne and UFP have dropped to 0%, Banks and ACT can’t be far behind.
Oh dear Labour and the Greens still going UP, this time the bump is in the Green Party vote, Better start composing my dear John note for Slippery,
In all honesty at the 2008 election i would have picked Slippery to lead National to 3 terms, hasn’t ‘the fall from grace’ been hard and fast tho, and, i wonder when Collins will make Her move, has to be soon, if She goes into the 2014 election not being the Prime Minister the best She can hope for is a couple of terms as Opposition Leader befor they rid themselves of Her,
Yes i am being mischievous, whichever way it’s looked at there’s another 9 in the sin bin coming for National, perhaps Collins sees a point in letting Bill from Dipton lead the team in the first 3 years of Opposition and then rolling Him a year out from the second term ending…
Watched a bit of the TICS committee stage 4. Government ministers not standing to defend it. Curran, Goff & Robertson say there’s not enough checks and balances to protect people’s rights, and the Human Rights Commission have criticisms that the government should heed.
Lucky for some, other families in NZ only have the green-fee figure to survive on every week. But he will fix that….one of these years…..just vote for him….and guarantee your seat on the brighter future train….
Not good timing for an article that shows the stark contrast between Key and the majority of NZ.
Mr Key said he avoided the new Nevis bungy jump… He said his political staff did not think an image of him “diving off a bridge screaming” would be great footage in case he ever had a big dip in the polls.
Queenstown and Omaha – full of average Kiwis, sure. Good places for him to be quarantined with his diplomatic protection squad and leave the rest of the country for the rest of us.
A senior National Business Review journalist has lost his job in the wake of the Len Brown sex scandal.
National Business Review publisher Todd Scott in a brief statement today said: “We do not comment on internal employment issues but I can confirm Mr Jock Anderson was dismissed yesterday for failing to comply with specific instructions to treat coverage of the Len Brown affair in an impartial and unbiased manner.”
Mr Anderson had filed copy on NBR ONLINE yesterday morning purporting to be the NBR’s stance on the controversy. His copy was headed “Editorial” and called for Mr Brown to stay on as mayor. His copy was removed shortly after it was posted.
Mr Scott said NBR’s news coverage of the ongoing scandal would remain strictly neutral. There would be no restriction on NBR’s regular columnists to analyse events as they unfolded.
Don’t the NBR do ‘warnings’ or was Jock Anderson’s filing of ‘copy on NBR ONLINE yesterday morning purporting to be the NBR’s stance on the controversy. (his copy was headed “Editorial” and called for Mr Brown to stay on as mayor)’ – SERIOUS MISCONDUCT?
Who remembers Dove Myer Robinson’s trysts – he was apparently quite legendary and it didn’t harm his mayoral job at all. Mostly heard it from my parents and their friends – I was a bit too young to really take it in, but my partner heard it resurface on the radio today.
I knew a bit about other mayors as well, but I’m not even going to name them. It had nothing to do with how they ran or misran the city.
I heard a lot of stories about Banks which had nothing to do with sex, but can’t produce evidence. I’m just ecstatic that he might finally be crashing and burning.
I made the mistake of watching Citizen A tonight with guests Colin Craig and Matthew Hooton. So Hoots reckons if we had a better police force, Helen Clark would have been prosecuted for her many criminal activities (election spending etc), and would never have lasted 3 terms.
David Cunliffe is further left than any social democrat country int he world (or is it Europe) – he’s gone VERY far left. People in the National Party thought Simon Brudges was excellent on Campbell Live and he’s a potential leader of Nats.
I watched Citizen A too and was commenting out loud how restrained Matthew Hooten was, but then he let fly at the end about the Police and their lack of prosecutions re Helen Clark and how terrible it will be if we elect a Mana/Green/Labour [his order], he then said Labour/Green/Mana. I also wanted to wreck our TV when he carried on about Simon Bridges on Campbell Live – sheesh a potential leader of the Nats, spare me. I suppose he was being serious, but he had that bloody smirk on his dial which tells me he’s just stirring. Oh, and for David Cunliffe and Labour espousing far left policies – yep he’s just stirring.
a switcheroo from the “once he’s in he’ll drag the party to the centre / right” narrative the tory scribes and talking heads ran with following his election as party leader; Yes , you, RW lurkers, are so transparent it’s a wonder you spend as much time grooming as you do.
The best thing about 3D printing in high density materials is that it’s going to be very cheap to set up which means that any country will be able to manufacture anything they choose and with that you can kiss goodbye to long distance trade.
We (NZ) really, really, really need to get on the R&D with this and that means government funding. We will not get it any other way.
The real inefficiency in foundries is energy, excluding materials the loss of other inputs is particularly high – casting sand losses were at 20% and more, being around half of total losses.
…everything is recycled and reused in any decent foundry.
Apart from a bit of skim with the burnt off refractories, oxides and the like. Even those are usually blocked and sent back to the scrap metal people..
I can’t find the reply button, but I feel terribly slighted*:
“r0b is a professor at a major university. Mike Smith is semi-retired, but used to run the Labour party. The people under pseudonyms past and present are pretty damn successful at whatever they can do. This is one of the reasons why many of the authors here write using a pseudonym – we don’t want the shallowness of the media to interfere with what we really value.”
I’m a senior research fellow at the university rated 90th in the world. I received an Outstanding Referee Award from the American Physical Society. I saw one metric that put me in the top 4% of active physicists in the world. I think that’s reasonably successful. I’m all over google. Not bad for someone who has been accused of not understanding Newton’s Laws 🙂
I don’t use a pseudonym because I’m terminally ill and don’t give a fuck. What can anyone do to me that I haven’t done to myself? I make no judgement either way about people who do.
“Offhand I think that the only other person from here who has been on the media was Clinton Smith before he went to work for politicians, and Jenny has been on The Nation once when she was working on Cunliffe’s election team. Currently we have no-one volunteering to be a talking head.”
I’ve been interviewed by New Scientist Magazine, newspapers in Australia, and radio stations on both sides of the Tasman. I am not volunteering to be a talking head.
*Not actually slighted at all, just saying this to ram down the illiterate right wingers’ throats that there’s more talent to be found around here than in all the RWNJ hate blogs of the world combined.
[lprent: The reply button disappears when the comments are indented 10.
I was just confining it to some of the outed authors. Even then I forgot a lawyer (hi Mickey!), Jenny – PR, and probably many others..
Don’t get me started on the commenters who seem to range over everything… ]
Watching Joyce speak in the house reminds me of the penguin in Batman movies. Left hand thrusting up and down like an energy charged banker..or something rhyming. They are so ridiculous. I despair at where my taxes are going.
So Eleanor Catton, Man Booker prize winner (well done), says on the one hand …” I don’t see that my age has anything to do with what is between the covers of my book, any more than the fact that I am right-handed. It’s a fact of my biography, but it’s uninteresting.”
And then with a straight face and the other hand claims some of her reviewers are themselves driven by factors of gender and age…
“People whose negative reaction has been most vehement have all been men over about 45.”
.
Sheesh, some people.
Will have to hunt down a few more of her gems for daytime giggles (like the one she punched out yesterday about gold and pounamu, maori and pakeha).
It seems age is a major determinant in her verbal ravings, given the level of naivety shown.
“People whose negative reaction has been most vehement have all been men over about 45” is a fact about their biographies. It’s uninteresting. Where does she say they’re driven by factors of gender and age?
no defence whatsoever weka, you can do better than that.
Not having a dig at her talents or good works, merely highlighting a common trait in some highly talented and well know people who think their talents extend beyond what they are recognised for. Other examples include Sam Neil and Bono.
Seems strange that National don’t want to drug-test the police, nor does the police association despite often calling for a gun on every hip. They should have tested the overly angry officer who broke the neck of Jakob Christie with a batton in 2009, and be thankful he wasn’t carrying the much lauded gun on every hip.
Police and poaka are both words that start with P. Funny that, because it drives people into uncontrollable rages as well. In São Paulo, a lot of the police sell and/or use cocaine, especially right in the centre of the city. It does wonders for their emotional stability and they are heavily armed. People die.
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Eric Crampton writes – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand desperately wants to find reasons to have workstreams in climate change. It makes little sense. They’ve run another stress test on the banks looking to see if they could find a prudential regulation case. They couldn’t. They ...
Rob MacCullough writes – Pundits from the left and the right are arguing that National’s Fast Track Bill that is designed to speed up infrastructure decisions could end up becoming mired in a cesspool of corruption. Political commentator ...
Looking at the headlines this morning it’s hard to feel anything other than pessimistic about the future of humanity.Note that I’m not speaking about the future of mankind, but the survival of our humanity. The values that we believe in seem to be ebbing away, by the day.Perhaps every generation ...
Swabbing mixed breed baby chicks to test for avian influenzaUh oh. Bird flu – often deadly to humans – is not only being transmitted from infected birds to dairy cows, but is now travelling between dairy cows. As of last Friday, Bloomberg News reports, there were 32 American dairy herds ...
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
“You talking about me?”The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
Roger Partridge writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
The Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
While Anzac Day has experienced a resurgence in recent years, our other day of remembrance has slowly faded from view.The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. Original illustrations by Hope McConnell.First published in 2022.The high school’s head girl and ...
Australian and New Zealand volunteers fought together in the Waikato War, yet still its place in the Anzac tradition is unacknowledged by our defence forces or Returned Services Association.First published in 2018.When I was a boy cub I attended Anzac Day services in the South Auckland suburb of ...
A poem by Wellington writer Tayi Tibble.Hoki Mai She kisses him goodbye with her eyes still wet and alight from their last swim in the Awatere river. At the train station celebration, she leads the Kapa Haka but her voice keeps breaking under and over itself like waves. ...
A poem from Bill Manhire’s 2017 book of verse Some Things to Place in a Coffin.My World War I Poem Inside each trench, the sound of prayer. Inside each prayer, the sound of digging. Image courtesy of Auckland War Memorial Museum. ...
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Well well well, the plot thickens:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11141316
Meanwhile, the real news is that ShonKey doesnt see any conflict of interest in keeping Banks in Parliament for that crucial one vote on the SkyCity bill:
http://www.3news.co.nz/Key-sure-of-numbers-despite-Banks-blow/tabid/1607/articleID/317532/Default.aspx
Which bring us to a conclusion that it is absolutely vital to vote the fuckers out.
The Plot Stews
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11141735
(looking further into the Onion, the Gristle, Peas and Q’s)
From the Herald today
“The woman at the centre of the Len Brown sex scandal says she felt pressured to reveal the affair by a member of his right-wing rival John Palino’s election team – and is now sorry she went public.”
The way this has been manipulated by members of Palino’s group does not make this a good look for such low life who use people to benefit their own political position.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11141316
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11141316
So John Palino’s henchman Luigi Wewege is revealed as a common, lowly coward and a dishonorable cad who doesn’t even have the guts to admit his relationship with Bevan Chuang.
It is funny how suddenly the two Johns – Slater and Palino – have no knowledge of the sex life of Bevan Chuang when it suits them. We’ve seen this sort of right wing selective memory just yesterday with another John – John Banks – in the Auckland High Court and we now know what the judicial system thinks of that.
I think we can take these examples of the cavalier wide-boy approach to the memory and the truth as symptomatic of the poisonous cess pit that is the political culture of the right in Auckland. The Slaters. John Banks. John Palino. Luigi Wewege. Cameron Brewer. Denise Krum. Sounds like Halloween has come early this year in Auckland. What a vile and appalling bunch!
Yep.
Whale is a piece of shit who will say or do anything, and the fact that people work with him is a scandal in and of itself.
Can Len Brown sue for invasion of privacy?
I’m of the opinion that he should.
Probably won;t for the same reasons you don’t sue Wishart. It’s expensive, very public, and there’s little to gain.
Probably but I think it’s important as it would help set boundaries.
Oh I know, isn’t it exciting! Wonder what the next plot twist will be…like cheap john grisham knock-off 🙂
Who says local body politics is boring 🙂
Text message Wewege to Chuang 31/8/13 –
“Baby I have everything set up people are just waiting for you.”
People ?
Wonder whom ?
The Mad Right really are filth are they not ?
Particularly SlaterPorn. Whose facility to fuck around is a matter of public knowledge – judgment of Judge David Harvey in the Harrassment Act appplication made against Sperling – former connection of Mad Michael Laws.
Hey…….ShonKey Python…….sure love the “higher standards” in your Flying Circus.
is anyone else mildly disturbed how the likes of key/lee-ross have so swung in behind their ‘len’..?
..just saying..!
phillip ure..
Very disturbed. Lenny Boy runs Auckland very well for them, so I’m not surprised. What Brown basically does is keep a lid on the left, while actually helping them with the wharf and GI.
Len is the cad – he is the one who has had an affair. Do not forget that. If his political opponents seek to take advantage of that, they cannot be criticised for making the most of the ammunition that Len has given them. He knew before the election that his affair was about to be exposed. He knew that he could not be sure that people would vote for him if they were aware of his affair. He decision to say nothing was dishonourable and political suicide.
I reckon they can be criticised for apparently bullying someone into revealing intimate details which were then pasted all over the internet.
Especially when one of them should know better, having already lost one job over similar behaviour..
Hey John.
Did you just say that we should hold Len publicly accountable for actions he took in his private life, but the people now attacking Len with sleazy political ammunition, we should give the attackers a complete pass, free of criticism?
The facts of the matter are still.
1.Brown cheated on his wife
2.Brown instigated this affair
3.This woman is a total bunny boiler and Brown demonstrated that he thinks with his dick not his head.
4. Of course they’d want her to come out, Brown the good Christian man was rooting around behind his wifes back while trading on a happy family, good Christian morals platform.
If this had come out before the election, Brown would have been fucked.
“…This woman is a total bunny boiler…”
Can we just park the usual tendency to misogyny at least on this site please?
It looks like she’s been ruthlessly exploited by the right, and her opinion of Len Brown according to Cameron Slater is a tissue of lies. Just when I thought my opinion of Cameron Slater could not possibly go lower, it does.
Now as Russell Brown says follow the money – who paid Stephen Cook to write the story?
Ruthlessly exploited, yeah right
Oh that poor simple woman, how could those mean men be so nasty.
She knew what she was doing, she’s only decided to flip flop around because she isn’t liking the way it’s all gone and has got cold feet.
Too late for that, she let all the gory details out in that signed affidavit, did she honestly think it was going to blow over in a day or two and then it’s back to normal, maybe even a job in the media trading on that new found fame.
Just when I thought my opinion of Cameron Slater could not possibly go lower, it does.
Why so surprised? Whale (to quote James Stewart in Shenandoah) “is the only person I know who started at the bottom and went downhill”.
follow the money – who paid Stephen Cook to write the story. True but who made the whole story possible? Why Len of course. If he was silly enough to hang his balls out on the block some passing cetacean was bound to cut the off. Silly prick (quite literally).
So to Len, a safe pair of hands for the “Left”? If he could keep his own hands around his own privates maybe.
1. None of your business.
2. None of your business.
3. Oh look, right-wing mysogynist scum are turning on their own.
4. And yet you chose to release the info after the election.
1. She used him as a reference
2. He hasn’t ruled out other affairs
3. Theres still the issue of the threatening text
4. I can’t wait for the next bombshell
5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAS4CSLAiyY
5. See Felix’s 3.
Take it back to the sewer, will you?
Hi Chris.
My bullet points were each a direct response to BM’s bullet points. I have no idea what yours are.
(except an attempt to discredit this site by spreading sexist, misogynist shit all over it)
ps you mean the “threatening texts” that Slater sent from a burner phone?
re: 4: pull your pants up, your tumescent anticipation wouldn’t intimidate a gnat.
There is no way known to science to tell if a right winger is stricken by priapism.
Kiaora Murray
There is no way known to science to tell if a right winger is stricken by priapism.
Science may not provide an answer but common sense says ‘they leak to the right’
Lolz, BM, and the involvement, proved in today’s Herald, of the Palino camp in the belated outing of this affair between Brown and Chuang, plus the ongoing pressure put on Chuang to out the affair befor the election will do what for any future Palino challenge,
Lover boy Luigi’s denial of ever having shared the bed with Chuang, ‘He hardly in His words knew the woman’, does what to Palino’s denial of knowing anything of what was being attempted to drop Len in His own mess right in the middle of the campaign,
For any damage done to Len Brown by the exposure of what is essentially His private life, you can expect, as the real story continues to unfold, an equal, if not greater amount of damage to be inflicted upon the Citizens and Ratpayers ticket….
Not a chance.
As hard as you lefties try to shoot the messenger, Brown is fucked, once this term is over he’s gone.
And in the mean time, he’s a dead duck, he won’t achieve anything, all those great lefty dreams for Auckland, down the toilet where they belong.
😈 😈 😈
Weird, I thought your concerns were for the sanctity of marriage and public office.
Quelle surprise.
whenever a tory expresses concern or moral outrage, always do a quick check to see if there’s a tent in their pants
Lolz BM, your latest is what i term dragging defeat out of the jaws of victory, it’s a long long road to the next Council elections and it will be my pleasure to read your whinging, whining and wailing about this issue for the next 3 years,
Hate to further burst your bubble, but, you seem to forget that we have a General Election next year, right now i would say it’s 60/40 that after that, unless Lolz, National can score 50% of the vote, David Cunliffe will be the next Prime Minister of the first Labour/Green Government,
While that little scenario obviously fills ‘wing-nuts’ like you with terror it simply adds laughter to what you say about Len Brown being unable to achieve ‘anything’ in His current term as Mayor,
i would say that the incoming Labour/Green Government will be only to happy to either fund Brown’s Auckland transport plans OR through Legislation, provide Browns Council with the tools necessary to gather the necessary capital to have such capital works well under way,
Suck it up BM, across the political spectrum ‘the right’ have lost all traction, Losers in other words, a descriptive, on the odd occasion i have cause to think about you, which is easily able to be fitted to your dog collar…
Lolz, after the latest Roy Morgan out today i wish to change my odds of the next Government being a Labour/Green one to 70/30 in favor…
Palino doesn’t look set to have much of a future, nor does anyone who WO supports.
WO should be made to wear a sign around his neck that says, “Trust me at your Peril!”
What the fuck is a bunny boiler? And what does it have to do with the price of fish?
Among the people who have a right to comment on Len’s peccadilloes are his family. Some of them have come out to support him, so you and the rest of the fake moralistic right should just get back to your porn and shut up.
A Close Up Fatal
Attraction
Wewege, palino, chuang.
Welcome to nz, thanks for your contribution to making it better for everyone!
To say nothing of the local handlers!
Who are all these people, really!
You forgot Norman 😉
exactly what are you trying to say?
im sure its some moronic barb about him being an commie or something, but do please put in the extra effort to actually make sense
Not so much the commie bit (not that it helps) but being another foreigner coming over and making the country all the worse for it
What is happening at NBR. I have heard a rumour from an impeccable source that long time reporter Jock Anderson has been fired for writing a pro Len Brown editorial.
The page is still there at http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/editorial-len-brown-needs-stay-job-ja-p-147196 but access has been denied. Someone with greater skill with Google Cache may be able to retrieve it.
Can this be true? And if so what happened to freedom of the press? Perhaps regular contributor Matthew Hooton would like to comment.
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache%3Awww.nbr.co.nz%2Farticle%2Feditorial-len-brown-needs-stay-job-ja-p-147196
Behind the paywall.
Not sure what the point is of inviting Hooten to lie about it though.
Hmm I was getting an access denied message and now I get a 404 page not found message. Someone must have hit the delete button. Wonder what they are trying to hide?
Not anymore it isn’t, anyone got a cached version they can publish here? Ah! Thanks!
Where Sanctuary?
No comment.
Come on Matthew. If this is true then an issue arises as to the independence of the fourth estate. Surely it is in the public interest for there to be disclosure of what has happened and discussion on this?
No comment.
Can you confirm Matthew that the editorial was initially hidden but then deleted?
No comment.
The man with an opinion on everything suddenly has nothing to say.
NZ Power didn’t crash the share-market, it’s sHootons voice-box that’s crashed…
Do opinion writers with the NBR have a degree of freedom around the line they take, or is it quite locked down in your contracts to stick to the editorial lines of the publisher? Or are they freelance articles that the NBR can take or leave?
Nobody at NBR or Metro has ever told me what to write, or what angle to take.
As if they’d ever have to.
What about telling Jock Anderson what to write or disciplining him for something he wrote?
From Martyn Bradbury:
And that’s the Right Wing control of the MSM and all its journos in action, as a warning to all.
Time for the CEO to explain the NBRs anti-journalistic practices.
Herald 4:33 apparently confirms it …
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11141779
Question is whether we’ll hear his ramblings on “The Panel” – what say you now Gentleman Jim?
Distant Drums calling, He’ll Have To Go
eww fat slug Slater is on breakfast….
Hell I heaved my brekkie n then some
fat slug is rattling on about morals
Are they asking him about his own affairs?
Nope
Not a word
Rawdumb was nearly salivating..
Slater Seniors actual nickname – “Slug”.
Auckland, like all cities around the globe is tightly controlled.
From time to time, we get to see into the filth that allows the criminal elements to control the resources, and in NZ we are really scraping the bottom levels.
Wewege and Chuang are from a “future leaders” style of group, which brings into question what exactly that group is designed for!
Cameron Brewer has slipped off rader for the time being, very quiet cameron – fill his inbox people, his council email is public record, do is the contact via his blog site.
Chuang, the Dragon Baby Mamma, is calculating and conniving, just like those she is involved with!
Future leaders, piffle!
(can i just note that/how questiontime has become a total farce/abrogation of democracy..)
http://whoar.co.nz/2013/john-armstrong-a-question-of-when-an-answer-is-really-an-answer-comment-as-one-who-does-commentaries-on-questiontime-i-totally-agree-with-the-concerns-voiced-by-armstrong-essentially/
phillip ure..
how sad and how terrible to think that just exposing someone to advance their own career is the right moved. Especially that person is your own girlfriend. let this be the lesson to him, and how sad, because this guy, Luigi Wewege will never learned and found true love. He was even regard as the future leader, serious, what the exposure and creating a future leader turn up to creating a future monster….disguising. By the way, you are still young, and one day when you have your own daughter, seriously……best luck….
Well, at least some good news today with the climate change skeptics bailing on their appeal against NIWA. Seems they don’t even understand their own court case.
They were always going to lose this one.
Isn’t that something their solicitor should have told them about at the time?
Maybe they just decided “withdrawing on a technicality” is better for their snake oil sales than “arses handed to them on a plate”
Yep
Congratulations to Eleanor Catton on her Man Booker win – must read the book, covering a topic of close personal interest, history and locale.
However, her comments on nat radio yesterday were a little disturbing in trying to use gold in pakeha society and pounamu in maori society as metaphors for their respective features. Seriously lacking imo. So many New Zealanders have lost a sense of their history and cultural and societal mores from pre-WWII. There is little understanding of many parts of society from before that time. Perhaps she should stick to writing. But then, maybe I should read the book first (which most certainly will) and then re-assess what she was trying to say yesterday.
Bit rich of Slater to be so moralistic is it not?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10813552
It’s absurd. Only the truly delusional can exist in such a position.
Drones, the Media and Malala’s Message
by PETER HART, Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting, 15 October 2013
Pakistani teenager Malala Yousafzai’s visit to the United States was widely covered in the media, including interviews with ABC’s Diane Sawyer (10/11/13), CNN’s Christiane Amanpour (10/14/13) and Jon Stewart of the Daily Show (10/8/13). She was selected as ABC’s “Person of the Week” on October 11, and was considered a serious contender for the Nobel Peace Prize.
And for good reason; just one year ago, Malala was attacked by the Taliban for her outspoken advocacy on behalf of educational equality, surviving a an attack where she was shot in the head.
But one part of her message didn’t seem to penetrate the corporate media.
During her October 11 visit to the White House, Yousafzai told Barack Obama that his administration’s drone strikes were fueling terrorism. As McClatchy’s Lesley Clark (10/11/13) reported:
In a statement released after the meeting, Malala said she was honored to meet with Obama, but that she told him she’s worried about the effect of US drone strikes. (The White House statement didn’t mention that part.) “I thanked President Obama for the United States’ work in supporting education in Pakistan and Afghanistan and for Syrian refugees,” she said in the statement. “I also expressed my concerns that drone attacks are fueling terrorism. Innocent victims are killed in these acts, and they lead to resentment among the Pakistani people. If we refocus efforts on education, it will make a big impact.”
This exchange, for some reason, didn’t register ….
http://www.fair.org/blog/2013/10/15/drones-the-media-and-malalas-message/
Are you really surprised? The US and it’s empire doesn’t allow criticism.
She’s probably a Taliban – Al’Qaeda – Iranian – Wahabi plant, you see.
On another matter the all whites now face mexico home and away to reach WC 2014.
This will not be easy as mexico are going for 6 straight WC’s and have been hot/cold through their qualification so lets hope we get the cold ‘El Tri’ as the hot one is a class above us.
New Zealand 4, Mexico 0.
Wednesday July 20, 1980.
We might as well not bother showing up now. Mexico will take us apart. Its like Argentina playing the All Blacks.
Yes CONCACAF is alot tougher than facing an asian team. This team boasts Rafael Marquez (ex barca centre half), Manyoo’s hernandez up front and technically gifted players that can do the unexpected
We may find out the hard way what an awesome on field leader and defender the retired Ryan Nelson was. Hope we don’t but 2 WC’s in a row is long odds for us now.
Mexico soccer commentator cheers for the usa, after they score the equalizer, thus keeping Mexico in the world cup.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz1XhaBT45I
For the good of the game here, NZ should follow Australia into the Asian confederation.
Can someone please tell Qatar to stop stadium workers from being over worked and dying.
And fifa from awarding competitions dependant on the size of the backhanders on offer.
Agree Allen on going through Asia.
Qatar is getting interesting with the major clubs (via the leagues/associations) waking up to the fact they’ll be shipping their employees off to the oven for that summer.
The bill payers V those who get their bills paid.
the allen
But if that happens though, our age groups teams would never qualify for their world cups.
Auckland mayor leading the way.
A bit harsh on Whaleoil don’t you think?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11141285
Ummmm…. thinking ….. No.
Maggots, despite our current cultural view on them, play a vital role in the cycle of life. Can’t say the same about Slater. I think the cartoon is an insult to insects everywhere and is inherently accurate. The cartoonist implies that despite our abhorrence for Slater, we really need him. He’s wrong.
Hell no!
Not harsh at all. Flattering in my opinion.
Interesting interview with local entrepreneur Selwyn Pellet on Nights on National Radio last night (Wednesday 16 Oct) – purportedly about “How curiosity helps to build better business” but in fact more interesting in the way Selwyn talks through experience about how well New Zealand IT businesses do under the present environment. Particularly interesting is how he says the IT industry has in the short term the ability to actually provide greater net wealth for New Zealand than the dairying industry, but our reliance on the commodity market (especially dairy) actually influences interest rates and the value of the New Zealand dollar to the detriment of our IT exports
http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/2573058
yey hey well all very groovy dude.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11141320
– I don’t think thats a good idea, they’ve brought themselves into the spotlight…but then 4/10 Len does need to keep up the family man image I suppose
Written on behalf of Sam, Olivia and Victoria
How nasty is that, did they even know about this article?
Dragging his family back into this turd heap to try and save his job, what a weasel.
Fuck. you’re dense, BM. It was written by Sam on behalf of all three. The words at the top of the article kinda give that away:
By Sam Brown, daughter of Auckland mayor Len Brown.
Well I’m thinking they might have opened themselves up to questioning, which I sincerely hope they don’t. Keep the humour going with Two minute noodle Len as long as possible but the kids shouldn’t be involved…
How does it “open them up to questioning”?
Is this more of the trade marked right wing personal responsibility theory that says whatever right wingers do, it’s the fault of those they do it to?
Naah more like they’ve stated some opinions so now some journalists could now ask them some questions…
Journalists can ask anyone questions. It’s what they do. Can’t see what questions his kids would have to answer, and I doubt any serious journalist would either.
Your sick boy mate whose lines you keep trotting out is having a crack at them, but that’s cause he’s a fuckwit, not cause he’s a journalist.
He never said hes a journalist
nor did I.
Fuck racism, PR. You can do better than that. Probably.
Hows thats racist?
I take back the ‘probably’. You obviously can’t do better than that.
LOL
Hey BM and Puckish Rogue….look at your leader!
No such thing as bad publicity 🙂
He’s got to be happy with that.
Go the Whale.
I’m sure aspiring National party candidates will be lining up around the block to pay for Lusk’s thoughts on how to run political campaigns yep.
Glad you are honest and don’t deny he’s your leader.
When the bad publicity can’t get any worse, beggars can’t be choosers eh 😀
I guess thats why hes got a popular website, gets interviewed on radio and TV more then anyone else on here put together
But who cares about getting your message across to the widest audience eh 🙂
[lprent: Perhaps you should reread the about. We’re unconcerned with getting the widest audience. Basically we’re also not a narcissistic egotistical failures like Cameron Slater who appears to have failed at everything in his life apart from titillating the lowest common denominator on the net.
The reason that we don’t get interviewed is mostly because we don’t want to be talking heads. It isn’t what we do for a living. For instance I’m a c++ programmer working on our exporting bleeding edges. r0b is a professor at a major university. Mike Smith is semi-retired, but used to run the Labour party. The people under pseudonyms past and present are pretty damn successful at whatever they can do. This is one of the reasons why many of the authors here write using a pseudonym – we don’t want the shallowness of the media to interfere with what we really value.
Personally, I’ve turned down all except one or two of the dozens of interview requests I’ve had over the last six years including those from the left media like Bomber. Generally I only get a couple per year these days. You also can’t find images of me on the net.
Offhand I think that the only other person from here who has been on the media was Clinton Smith before he went to work for politicians, and Jenny has been on The Nation once when she was working on Cunliffe’s election team. Currently we have no-one volunteering to be a talking head.
Basically your comment reveals far more about your lack of knowledge about this site than it does about us. However if you wish to continue in this vein, then I will be happy handing out a long ban in accordance with our policies on people trying to tell us how we should run this site.
You have a weeks ban now so you have time to read these links. ]
His puppeteers (like Daddy, Lusk, Collins etc.) must have been successful in getting that Tea Party money to fund their backfiring engine, pity (judging by the abode he was filmed in on Tuesday) he’s not getting any ‘trickledown’.
But it’s great he’s happy floating around with turds.
Sorry LPrent but you do have a ‘wise’ audience, but I know you meant ‘widest’ 😀
[lprent: typo fixed…. Thx. ]
Sam writes beautifully: I have been critical but she hit us right between the eyes with the “first stone”. Thanks Sam, over and out, no more comments. So some wisdom from Francis (abridged):
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be understood, as to understand;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
LOOKING AT POLL RESULTS IT LOOKS LIKE NO ONE IS FOOLED BY FISH OILS PLOY:
http://www.seek.co.nz/job/25325726
You looking for a job?
the question is was she a good r**t or was it just a sporting f*ck?
Stick to gardening or seafaring hook.
How would you know in 2 minutes?
New allegations are that Len Brown wrote references for Bevan Chaung for a job she was applying for.
How is that different from John Key giving a GCSB job to his mate? Who says they haven’t been having sex?
Of course, Brown was a referee and not the employer, which makes it rather less messy than Key giving his dinner buddy our top spy job…
amirite, it’s different because Len wasn’t in a position to appoint anyone and didn’t appoint anyone.
Are you being serial?
Chuang has also said brown was one of 5 referees on her CV for the job, and she didn’t think he got the job because of Brown. Although, I guess she wants to show she got the job fairly.
Having thought about this, I should add to what I wrote above that I agree that he shouldn’t have provided a reference for her.
It’s a far cry from what amirite compares it to, but it’s still wrong.
Please! I do not want to picture Key having sex. Brown is bad enough!
C’mon we had to endure the image of Rortney so you should be immune by now.
Even that immunity is challenged by the equivalent image of SlaterPorn. Yuk !
Just a reminder about a lecture on a topic close to our hearts- for Wednesday 30th.
2013 Bruce Jesson Lecture:
Sir Edmund Thomas –
Reducing Inequality: A Strategy for a Cause
The speaker, a Distinguished Fellow at the Law School at The University of Auckland, argues that the gross inequality in income and wealth which besets New Zealand is the outcome of the neo-liberal economic measures of the mid-1980s and early 1990s and the culture of liberal individualism and unfettered free market ideology which it spawned.
A breakdown in social cohesion and a sense of community is the result. Reforms to counter this inequality are widely mooted. But increasing focus and discussion on the topic is confronted by a plethora of mantras and myths purveyed by the rich and powerful. The stimulus for change is deadened.
The speaker advances a strategy designed to provide a coherent impetus to reduce the rank inequality that now prevails.
The Rt Hon Sir Edmund Thomas will deliver the 2013 lecture on Wednesday 30 October, 6.30pm, at the Maidment Theatre (bar opens at 5.30pm).
I’ll try to remember to publicise it during the weekend by which time there may be some room left on the site for something other than scurrilous gossip.
“We Need A Plan” from Dipshit
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/9294007/NZ-must-stick-to-economic-plan-English
FML
The private financial sector caused the GFC, The Great Depression, increasing poverty and looks to be increasingly corrupt. About the only thing we should be doing is telling them to fuck off while jailing a large proportion of them.
ha ha, exactly DtB. Fancy calling on the biggest leaches in our system as if they somehow know anything other than self-enrichment by any means.
English is a sick joke in suggesting this.
Amazing amount of good satire around at the moment.
IPCA says the cops can’t even investigate themselves properly
Party broken up, allegations of excessive force, complaints laid, a three year internal investigation that exonerates all officers involved, and – guess what? The IPCA says the investigation took too long, reached the wrong conclusions, and the only reason individual officers haven’t been charged is that the ones who swung the batons couldn’t be identified (gotta love the riot gear and tiny badge numbers – if they haven’t been removed).
What a crock.
Police are as scary as the military and not to be trusted in these types of common circumstances
oooh, Doug McKay to announce a Brown inquiry
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11141735
(still not ending well, breakin’ up is so hard to do). 😀
Who knows, RT. For instance, the worst case scenario, a re-election, might actually favour the left now Palino’s and Brewer’s team have been shown to be somewhat murky as well.
personally, while this whole drama is regrettable, and sad, I’m not for pressuring the man out, however, he’s chosen a hard road to hoe, (and with a little benefit-of-hindsight, not an unexpected one). Some of these ‘powerful’ folks appear to get a little carried away with themselves, and foolishness follows.
ironically, this proverb, or one similar, was on WOBH one day (in the not-too-distant past)
“Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares;” 1:20
later, (in the same book)
“For the lips of an adulteress (-er) drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword…” 5:3, and plenty more follows in the same vein. Another day perhaps, anyway, the St Francis prayer that Ennui notes covers all the Remedy (Black Crows circling, yet they keep the Vultures at bay).
First Campbell, then Rudman. Now for the heavy guns…..
Whilst lesser “lites” like Len and Whale have been centre stage here on our biggest (and perhaps the worlds smallest) stage…other things of greater import have been happening out in the big wide world.
Tucked in the side columns of todays Dom……In Rome Pope Francis has dismissed Cardinal Bertone, the man who acted as Richelieu for Pope Benedict. During his watch the scandals involving children went unanswered, there were Papal bank fraud issues go unchallenged, and the appointment of a Holocaust denying British bishop. Vatileaks scandal followed.
The Pope thanked Bertone for confronting his setbacks with courage and patience. “There were so many,” he added, damning him with faint praise. Francis appears to be the real deal.
“(Parata’s) faux consultation narrative and her inherent inability to listen to the community were always going to end in tears” (also)
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/christchurch-earthquake/news/article.cfm?c_id=1502981&objectid=11138222
Why are the Right getting ever nastier? What on earth could have caused this lurch to the desperate and dirty? Here’s a clue …
http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/5243-new-zealand-voting-intention-october-17-2013-201310170151
That’s half a dozen polls in over a month, all telling the same story.
Tick tock, tick tock …
They will start lashing out like cornered feral cats now, not caring who they damage in their fear and anger.
+1
They really don’t like it when they’re out of power or heading that way.
LOL at Blinglish in attempting to attack the Greens during the debate on Banks right now, claims Cunliffe is getting some of their support and doing better than his predecessor…. then changes tack realising he’s praising Labour too much for improving it’s support!
Spilt Milk (powder) cost Danone 500M
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11141683
-which they are seeking to recover
Suck On This!
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11141262
suggests the government’s NZ Trade and Enterprise
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11141262
Another scoop from whale: he’s caught out some Herald staff blatantly colluding together in a plan to write a ‘series’ of ‘stories’ in their ‘newspaper’.
as True as an Aesop Fable , Frogs Who Desire a King.
Morgan, all.
‘Piers to have faltered at the third hand-made rail.
+8
I quite like the headline in the latest Roy Morgan: A Labour/Green alliance would easily win election.
http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/5243-new-zealand-voting-intention-october-17-2013-201310170151
ps Confidence dropping like a stone.
No uptick for Key either which you might have expected while he was gallivanting around on the world stage. That must be a concern for National. Dunne and UFP have dropped to 0%, Banks and ACT can’t be far behind.
Oh dear Labour and the Greens still going UP, this time the bump is in the Green Party vote, Better start composing my dear John note for Slippery,
In all honesty at the 2008 election i would have picked Slippery to lead National to 3 terms, hasn’t ‘the fall from grace’ been hard and fast tho, and, i wonder when Collins will make Her move, has to be soon, if She goes into the 2014 election not being the Prime Minister the best She can hope for is a couple of terms as Opposition Leader befor they rid themselves of Her,
Yes i am being mischievous, whichever way it’s looked at there’s another 9 in the sin bin coming for National, perhaps Collins sees a point in letting Bill from Dipton lead the team in the first 3 years of Opposition and then rolling Him a year out from the second term ending…
Watched a bit of the TICS committee stage 4. Government ministers not standing to defend it. Curran, Goff & Robertson say there’s not enough checks and balances to protect people’s rights, and the Human Rights Commission have criticisms that the government should heed.
Slater has just been grilled by Mary Wilson on Checkpoint. She made him squirm. He tried to blame other people.
Apparently Jock Anderson has been fired from the NBR for publishing an editorial supporting Len Brown,.
Bizarre or what?
John key – just an average Kiwi guy – like one you’d meet at the local pub or BBQ.
Lucky for some, other families in NZ only have the green-fee figure to survive on every week. But he will fix that….one of these years…..just vote for him….and guarantee your seat on the brighter future train….
Not good timing for an article that shows the stark contrast between Key and the majority of NZ.
Queenstown and Omaha – full of average Kiwis, sure. Good places for him to be quarantined with his diplomatic protection squad and leave the rest of the country for the rest of us.
Jock Anderson dismissed from NBR over ‘Lengate’!
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/nbr-journalist-dismissed-147312
NBR journalist dismissed
NBR Staff | Thursday October 17, 2013
A senior National Business Review journalist has lost his job in the wake of the Len Brown sex scandal.
National Business Review publisher Todd Scott in a brief statement today said: “We do not comment on internal employment issues but I can confirm Mr Jock Anderson was dismissed yesterday for failing to comply with specific instructions to treat coverage of the Len Brown affair in an impartial and unbiased manner.”
Mr Anderson had filed copy on NBR ONLINE yesterday morning purporting to be the NBR’s stance on the controversy. His copy was headed “Editorial” and called for Mr Brown to stay on as mayor. His copy was removed shortly after it was posted.
Mr Scott said NBR’s news coverage of the ongoing scandal would remain strictly neutral. There would be no restriction on NBR’s regular columnists to analyse events as they unfolded.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Far out!
Sounds a bit harsh?
Don’t the NBR do ‘warnings’ or was Jock Anderson’s filing of ‘copy on NBR ONLINE yesterday morning purporting to be the NBR’s stance on the controversy. (his copy was headed “Editorial” and called for Mr Brown to stay on as mayor)’ – SERIOUS MISCONDUCT?
What do others think?
Kind regards,
Penny Bright
Who remembers Dove Myer Robinson’s trysts – he was apparently quite legendary and it didn’t harm his mayoral job at all. Mostly heard it from my parents and their friends – I was a bit too young to really take it in, but my partner heard it resurface on the radio today.
I knew a bit about other mayors as well, but I’m not even going to name them. It had nothing to do with how they ran or misran the city.
I heard a lot of stories about Banks which had nothing to do with sex, but can’t produce evidence. I’m just ecstatic that he might finally be crashing and burning.
I made the mistake of watching Citizen A tonight with guests Colin Craig and Matthew Hooton. So Hoots reckons if we had a better police force, Helen Clark would have been prosecuted for her many criminal activities (election spending etc), and would never have lasted 3 terms.
David Cunliffe is further left than any social democrat country int he world (or is it Europe) – he’s gone VERY far left. People in the National Party thought Simon Brudges was excellent on Campbell Live and he’s a potential leader of Nats.
Alternative universe really.
I watched Citizen A too and was commenting out loud how restrained Matthew Hooten was, but then he let fly at the end about the Police and their lack of prosecutions re Helen Clark and how terrible it will be if we elect a Mana/Green/Labour [his order], he then said Labour/Green/Mana. I also wanted to wreck our TV when he carried on about Simon Bridges on Campbell Live – sheesh a potential leader of the Nats, spare me. I suppose he was being serious, but he had that bloody smirk on his dial which tells me he’s just stirring. Oh, and for David Cunliffe and Labour espousing far left policies – yep he’s just stirring.
“David Cunliffe is further left than any social democrat country int he world (or is it Europe)”
No. He’s not.
In Hooten and Colin Craig’s little universe he is.
That’ll be where Planet Key is then
a switcheroo from the “once he’s in he’ll drag the party to the centre / right” narrative the tory scribes and talking heads ran with following his election as party leader; Yes , you, RW lurkers, are so transparent it’s a wonder you spend as much time grooming as you do.
it’s a Marvel universe karol
3D printophiles rejoice.
Amaze is a loose acronym for Additive Manufacturing Aiming Towards Zero Waste and Efficient Production of High-Tech Metal Products.
[…]
Amaze researchers have already begun printing metal jet engine parts and aeroplane wing sections up to 2m in size.
These high-strength components are typically built from expensive, exotic metals such as titanium, tantalum and vanadium.
Using traditional casting techniques often wastes precious source material.
Additive manufacturing – building parts up layer-on-layer from 3D digital data – produces almost “zero waste”.
“To produce one kilo of metal, you use one kilo of metal – not 20 kilos,” says Esa’s Franco Ongaro.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24528306
The best thing about 3D printing in high density materials is that it’s going to be very cheap to set up which means that any country will be able to manufacture anything they choose and with that you can kiss goodbye to long distance trade.
We (NZ) really, really, really need to get on the R&D with this and that means government funding. We will not get it any other way.
Which is BS of course – everything is recycled and reused in any decent foundry.
Not in the one I worked in CV where barring spills and mishaps a materials loss at 3.0% to 10% was tolerable because of the inefficiency of recovery.
Fair nuff
The real inefficiency in foundries is energy, excluding materials the loss of other inputs is particularly high – casting sand losses were at 20% and more, being around half of total losses.
Apart from a bit of skim with the burnt off refractories, oxides and the like. Even those are usually blocked and sent back to the scrap metal people..
I can’t find the reply button, but I feel terribly slighted*:
“r0b is a professor at a major university. Mike Smith is semi-retired, but used to run the Labour party. The people under pseudonyms past and present are pretty damn successful at whatever they can do. This is one of the reasons why many of the authors here write using a pseudonym – we don’t want the shallowness of the media to interfere with what we really value.”
I’m a senior research fellow at the university rated 90th in the world. I received an Outstanding Referee Award from the American Physical Society. I saw one metric that put me in the top 4% of active physicists in the world. I think that’s reasonably successful. I’m all over google. Not bad for someone who has been accused of not understanding Newton’s Laws 🙂
I don’t use a pseudonym because I’m terminally ill and don’t give a fuck. What can anyone do to me that I haven’t done to myself? I make no judgement either way about people who do.
“Offhand I think that the only other person from here who has been on the media was Clinton Smith before he went to work for politicians, and Jenny has been on The Nation once when she was working on Cunliffe’s election team. Currently we have no-one volunteering to be a talking head.”
I’ve been interviewed by New Scientist Magazine, newspapers in Australia, and radio stations on both sides of the Tasman. I am not volunteering to be a talking head.
*Not actually slighted at all, just saying this to ram down the illiterate right wingers’ throats that there’s more talent to be found around here than in all the RWNJ hate blogs of the world combined.
[lprent: The reply button disappears when the comments are indented 10.
I was just confining it to some of the outed authors. Even then I forgot a lawyer (hi Mickey!), Jenny – PR, and probably many others..
Don’t get me started on the commenters who seem to range over everything… ]
Wow, Murray, and it’s an honour to be engaging with your wit.
PR, you say Lynn…
Watching Joyce speak in the house reminds me of the penguin in Batman movies. Left hand thrusting up and down like an energy charged banker..or something rhyming. They are so ridiculous. I despair at where my taxes are going.
So Eleanor Catton, Man Booker prize winner (well done), says on the one hand …” I don’t see that my age has anything to do with what is between the covers of my book, any more than the fact that I am right-handed. It’s a fact of my biography, but it’s uninteresting.”
And then with a straight face and the other hand claims some of her reviewers are themselves driven by factors of gender and age…
“People whose negative reaction has been most vehement have all been men over about 45.”
.
Sheesh, some people.
Will have to hunt down a few more of her gems for daytime giggles (like the one she punched out yesterday about gold and pounamu, maori and pakeha).
It seems age is a major determinant in her verbal ravings, given the level of naivety shown.
“People whose negative reaction has been most vehement have all been men over about 45” is a fact about their biographies. It’s uninteresting. Where does she say they’re driven by factors of gender and age?
why mention gender or age?
Because everyone else was?
no defence whatsoever weka, you can do better than that.
Not having a dig at her talents or good works, merely highlighting a common trait in some highly talented and well know people who think their talents extend beyond what they are recognised for. Other examples include Sam Neil and Bono.
Seems strange that National don’t want to drug-test the police, nor does the police association despite often calling for a gun on every hip. They should have tested the overly angry officer who broke the neck of Jakob Christie with a batton in 2009, and be thankful he wasn’t carrying the much lauded gun on every hip.
Police and poaka are both words that start with P. Funny that, because it drives people into uncontrollable rages as well. In São Paulo, a lot of the police sell and/or use cocaine, especially right in the centre of the city. It does wonders for their emotional stability and they are heavily armed. People die.