This (leaving aside all the horrors inflicted since) is why all the plans that have Assad’s regime staying in power will simply not work. It would be like trying to restore the Baathists in Iraq.
It is really up to the people of Syria to decide who they want as leader of their country ( not USA or Israel) ….and the people of Syria voted for Assad overwhelmingly…
So that’s as far as that mandate extends, such as it’s worth.
But you may have noticed that a sizable number of Syrians don’t want him as leader; to the extent they have taken up arms and shit. You may have also noticed that he has completely failed to put their revolt down; to the extent that he has had to invite the Russians, hezbollah, Iraqi shia militia, and the Iranians in to assist. You may have even noticed that millions have fled.
I’m actually delighted that business woman Victoria Crone is standing in the 2016 Auckland Mayoralty.
That takes the pro-Supercity / pro-corporate 2016 Auckland Mayoral candidates to four:
Stephen Berry
Mark Thomas
Phil Goff
Victoria Crone
Surely all those highly-paid corporate spin-doctors haven’t forgotten ‘Electoral Politics 101’?
DON’T SPLIT THE VOTE?
How DUMB is that?
Hate to remind you – but in 2013 – only 36% of Auckland voters bothered?
So – here’s the thing.
Nearly two thirds of Auckland voters didn’t in 2013 – which is a rather large number of potential voters?
What if significant numbers of previous non-voters feel inspired to vote for a Mayoral candidate – who clearly doesn’t represent corporate interests?
And the third of Auckland voters who did vote in 2013, are now ‘spoiled for choice’ with the ever-growing numbers of pro- corporate / pro- ‘Supercity’ candidates – ie: the vote is potentially significantly split.
Actually – I think you will find increasing numbers of Auckland voters are starting to realise that a Mayoral candidate who is campaigning for Auckland Council and CCOs to be held accountable to the ‘rule of law’ regarding citizens and ratepayers’ LAWFUL rights to ‘open, transparent and democratically accountable’ local government – is an increasingly attractive proposition.
(That’s what I’ve been finding out in the Eastern suburbs ….:)
My ‘vision’ Tracey, is to ensure that Auckland Council and Auckland Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) are held accountable to the ‘Rule of Law’ regarding citizens LAWFUL rights to ‘open, transparent and democratically accountable’ local government.
The Auckland Mayor has a dedicated budget to help ensure the implementation of the Mayoral vision.
(In the 2014 – 2015 financial year, the Auckland Mayoral Office budget was $4.15 million.)
So – in order to achieve this – I shall employ a small team of professional, highly competent forensic accountants / auditors, who will ‘go through the books with a fine tooth comb’, in order to find out exactly where public monies in the Auckland region are being spent, invested and borrowed.
I shall then make that information available for public scrutiny.
How can you carry out ‘cost benefit’ analyses for ‘cost-effectiveness’ in the spending of public monies, if you don’t know exactly where the costs fall?
How can you exercise ‘prudent stewardship’ / ‘fiscal responsibility’ – if you don’t know exactly where the ‘costs’ fall?
When I am elected Mayor of Auckland, and the Public Records Act 2005 (in particular), is implemented and enforced in a proper, lawful way, transparency, in my view, will be transformed.
My vision is also that the public majority of Auckland citizens, not a private corporate minority, should benefit from public monies.
That Auckland ‘local government’ – should focus on being citizen and local community ‘friendly’ – not multi-national ‘business friendly’.
My vision is that unless rigorous ‘cost-benefit’ analysis supports the contracting out (privatisation) of Auckland Council services and regulatory functions, then they should be brought back ‘in house’, under the public service model.
My vision includes replacing the CCO model for infrastructure and trading functions, and bringing these back under direct Council control.
The corporate ‘Rogernomics’ vision has been ‘commercialise, corporatise – PRIVATISE’.
First CCOs (Council ‘CORPORATE’ Controlled Organisations) – then PPPs (Public Private Partnerships).
Beware the ‘weasel words’!
Does Phil Goff support or oppose CCOs?
Does Phil Goff support or oppose PPPs?
Yes, as has been explained to madame candidate many times now. If someone wants to change the supercity structure then they need to be in government, not in council.
“My vision includes replacing the CCO model for infrastructure and trading functions, and bringing these back under direct Council control.”
Hi Penny,
I am interested in your vision. If you were elected would you not be hamstrung by the legislation – The Local Government Auckland Council Act of 2010?
Are you campaigning on an issue that you would have no control over, after you became Mayor?
I think Rodney Hide stitched the Auckland Council up tightly, in his corporate/privatization reforms, and the Mayor does not have any power to change that.
Eastern suburbs consult with Auckland Transport on new bus network
11 December 2015
Concerned bus users in Auckland’s eastern suburbs were pleased with the outcome of a recent public meeting.
Activist Penny Bright facilitated a meeting between residents and Auckland Transport officials as they discussed the new bus network proposal.
St Heliers-Glendowie Residents Association member Robert Johnston was pleased with AT’s willingness to listen to suggestions.
“With public transport, if you’re going to make it work you’ve got to make it attractive to people to use,” he says.
He says that one of the main concerns the residents had was AT’s intention to direct some bus routes to the Orakei and Meadowbank train stations.
Resident John Coutts agrees that some of the routes need improvement over what was initially suggested.
“We want to maintain a direct link to the city and not feed the trains,” he says.
Coutts says that the Orakei area in particular is so close to the city that it would make more sense to have Britomart as their “hub” station, instead of extending their journey by 20 to 30 minutes by forcing a transfer at Orakei Station.
Public consultation on the new network was extended to December 14.
Public transport network manager Anthony Cross says that AT will take all of the feedback into consideration as they refine the new network design.
They do have a point about Orakei, but they are otherwise bucking the overall regional integrated network design by opposing short bus spokes to train hubs. That is how AT propose to get twice as many passenger trips from the same number of buses and drivers, all over the region. It’s also why the CRL is crucial, to double the rail network’s capacity so it can handle all those extra tranferring passengers. In short, sorry Easties but you are not special.
“The potential for school closure is a strength, not a weakness, of the Partnership Schools model.” – These bastards forget that these are kids lives we are talking about, so what if they spend a year or 2 at a substandard fucked up experimental school, no worries, try again next year. These are the parents making “poor choices” IMO.
Other OECD countries – we tend to be in the middle of most measures (taxes, spread of wealth, social spending, etc)
Social agenda – New Zealand has gay marriage, no smacking – the PM voted for both.
International deployments – NZ has trainers in Iraq , but no combat role, like about 50 other countries in the coalition.
Previous New Zealand governments – most commentators put National with Key a bit to the right of Labour under Helen Clark – but in both cases they are near to the centre. National has kept interest free loans for students, Working for Families, kept the ERA, not changed ACC. It even got Labour to vote for the latest RMA reforms.
To justify your claim you need to be able to substantiate it with actual examples. And TPP does not count, unless you think Canada, Chile and Vietnam are also extreme right wing countries.
hi wayne, i will bite.
“To justify your claim you need to be able to substantiate it with actual examples”
selling to us something we already own, our power companies.
getting a multi national corporation to run our prisons.
(without researching it i am picking sercos parent company has a bigger balance sheet than aoteroa)
bail out scf.
running a school experiment that doesnt work, cost heaps and and mucks up childrens education.
all of it hard right ideology
and this is just some of the stuff we know about.
what are the pandas hiding?
is it a court case for a high profile person?
Chile had its leftish government overthrown with publicly exposed USA intervention, and was under an awful regime of RW for many years, probably never has got over that. Vietnam another country that was attacked by the USA and has been left with a large amount of illness caused by Agent Orange.
These countries have had decades of trying to restabilise themselves after being broken by USA intervention.
Canada – has been sued by USA interests, and had its ability to handle its own resources and economy undermined by treating with the USA – now with a less RW leader who knows what will happen? A Chile right on the USA’s doorstep might be a bit smelly. But there are other ways of bringing them to heel. A country’s political orientation can be fairly easily subverted – look at our own.
Our very own esteemed Labour Party was taken over by subversives trained probably at Harvard as easily as a local community group can be overwhelmed and subsumed by a rigged membership voting for their own hostile, financially predatory candidates.
Cutting taxes for the rich and raising taxes for the poor and justifying it with “broader economic growth” that has 0 scientific rigour behind it, only to then be surprised when the economy doesn’t do as well as predicted.
Running up the largest debt this country has ever seen, after it was paid down to a net-0 position by the previous government. Largely this was a result of the tax cuts.
Refusing any sort of proper market intervention in the Auckland housing crisis, until eventually being forced to put in a weak version of CGT (2 year bright line test). Maintaining the existing “accommodation supplement” payments which just end up in the pockets of the landlords which only fuels the Auckland housing crisis, an extreme version of middle and upper-class welfare (far far worse than interest free student loans).
Economic policy is well to the right of what is reasonable – I know managed decline is your de facto strategy but a lot of kiwis want that growth and jobs you lied about. Cheap farm labourers is a false economy while there are out of work New Zealanders.
It’s the dishonesty and the incompetence we don’t like – if you actually had a working plan instead of a disinformation machine you’d get more respect – but you run up Grecian levels of debt and try to pretend you’re geniuses.
Iceland jailed a more honest and competent government than yours.
Extreme economic ideologues, Wayne. I’m not talking about social policies, but plain old neo-liberalism.
You have heard of the extreme philosophies of Ayn Rand and Milton Friedman, haven’t you? We have been guinea pigs for their ideology since 1984.
Canada, under Harper was an extreme right wing country,dedicated to tar sands, ultra support of Israel and attacks on civil rights. But you knew that, didn’t you?
And the TPP is an attempt by corporates to control the legislative powers of democratic countries.
Why are you so subservient to corporate interests? Do they pay you well?
Either you are being willfully ignorant on all of this or you are being duplicitous for your corporate masters.
Our disgusting PM makes jokes about rape in prison and pulls young girls pony tails.
And a contemptible number of middle class property owning New Zealanders like him because their house prices keep going up.
They deserve the consequences.
Unfortunately others don’t.
His ordinary Kiwi bloke image is exactly that. An image. And those that still believe that PR construct are either willfully ignorant or suckers for advertising. Others, including some of the RWNJs who troll this site, who repeat the statement that John is just like an average NZers, are part of the lie.
They know very well that he is far more comfortable playing golf with his buddies from Merrrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs on the golf courses of Hawaii than frequenting his local RSA.
People who vote for Key deserve the consequences of supporting his extreme neo-liberal government.
….but it seems USA politicians are a law unto themselves and dont listen to their own CIA and military intelligence advisers…and are dominated by short term electoral results and certain funding /lobby groups in USA
…ask yourself…who has most to benefit from the destabilisation of the Middle East?
Headline says, “Little now backs SAS in Isis war”
But of course there has to be provisos.
“Labour leader Andrew Little said Labour would support sending SAS troops to fight Isis if the right conditions were met.
Those conditions were having a clear and realistic objective, that it would have to be part of a multinational mission mandated by the United Nations and that the level of risk needed to be acceptable.”
Multilateralism and the UN have always been a core part of Labour policy, but I wonder if resolution 2249 would be construed as explicit UN authorisation which:
Calls upon Member States that have the capacity to do so to take all necessary measures, in compliance with international law, in particular with the United Nations Charter, as well as international human rights, refugee and
humanitarian law, on the territory under the control of ISIL also known as Da’esh, in Syria and Iraq, to redouble and coordinate their efforts to prevent and suppress terrorist acts committed specifically by ISIL also known as Da’esh as well as ANF, and all other individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities associated with
Al Qaeda…
‘John Key frequently over steps the mark and even embarrasses himself, like he did when he regularly pulled a waitress’ ponytail, clearly not intending to cause offence but apologising for overstepping the behavioural boundary.’
Yes. I shall repeat his words.
‘when he regularly pulled a waitress’ ponytail, clearly not intending to cause offence’….
What a disgraceful apology for journalism, Mr Soper. Are you expecting favour from the court of John Key?
I wonder what Heather du Plessis-Allan thinks of Key’s abuse of young women in this way?
These media lackeys, courtesans and courtiers need to be held to account.
Heather is saying nothing is important because whatever it is they’re saying there is more important stuff that trumps it. She would say that the 29 in Pike River is not important because hundreds died in Chineses mines. Or something.
This morning Morning Report discussed the latest Key singing and soap story. The verdict pointed out that Key avoids the harder interviews and concentrates on soft radio programs where listeners don’t care about the politics and want just the entertaining. So no harm done?
Put me in mind the lashing that Colin Craig got for being interviewed in a sauna. Disgraceful said the media. But the response to Key’s unbecoming behaviour? Michelle Boag gives it gentle approval. So that’s OK.
A new monthly newsleter has ‘hit the stands’ which promises ” a practical, dispassionate analysis of politics”. At $35 per month you too can read the premium analytical journal in the land. Danyl McLauchlan has kindly critiqued the first edition:
“Philip Zimbardo is the American psychologist whose 1971 study on prison mentality exposed the ease at which participants playing the role of guards, began psychologically torturing their prisoners.The Stanford Prison Experiment centred on a group of college students who were deemed prisoners or guards at the flip of a coin and showed that within 24 hours those with power, used it mercilessly – and the group who were prisoners succumbed to submission just as easily.
In recent years he has turned his attention to the disconnect between males and the real world because of online pornography, and a lack of role models and positive interactions. Professor Zimbardo is also behind a new initiative Heroic Imagination Project, which stems from his work on what makes people do bad things – and instead focuses on what qualities make people act in heroic ways.”
Echoes of that reaction were in the “Blue eyes v Brown eyes” experiment where those in a classroom with brown eyes were persecuted by the rest of the class to demonstrate just how cruel discrimination is. The “good” ones became so involved with their roles that they scared themselves.
I saw a programme on that experiment. Part of the process involved role reversal as the brown eyes got their time as being superior. The learnings by the students lasted for decades as their testimony showed. Great process and great teaching.
Here’s a news item from America where young non-Muslim female students have adopted wearing Muslim head scarves in solidarity with their Muslim fellows.
The article mentions what treatment they are likely to receive in Trumphant (sic, my words) America.- a real life experiment in walking in someone else’s shoes.
Yep. Know that one too CR. Some revelled in the shock giving. Most didn’t.
An historian said that in mortal combat most drafted soldiers would avoid killing anyone if they could. But in every unit were a few who went out of their way to kill others and laughed while doing so. Even killing those who were no longer a threat. Bit disturbing that amongst us there are such people. Me. I help insects to escape outside.
National has shown surprising contempt for schools in some of its most blue South Island electorates since it took office. It has closed the Prime Minister’s old school (about 400 metres down the road from me)and rezoned it for developers to build on. No rhyme or reason for it since Ilam electorate schools thanks to Labour, were already nearly full, having had roll expansions anywhere between 50-100%.
Recently Hekia Parata said she was going to close Redcliffs School and that she had been fair and given the school the opportunity to make a stand. Hekia was always going to close the school. She has ignored the fact that the school can be made nearly completely safe from rock fall, and that the small bit that could not be, the school was prepared to surrender. Not only that, but a contractor was prepared to do the remedial work for free.
Would love to see the back of this Government, but not wholly convinced Labour can deliver the goods.
Just gone off to read Kelvin’s site thanks rapateet. His report on the Ministry misdeeds to steal $18million off the Rangiora College community is breathtaking. The Ministry removed the BOT and the Principal so that they could use a Commissioner to strip the assets as had been for decades legally in the control of BOT and Principal on behalf of the Community. The grounds for sacking included “financial mismanagement” but the books have been audited and were always were totally clear. Ministry Mischief?
The Principal had gone to a course which the Ministry said was unauthorised and they removed her. The course was authorised by the BOT and correctly came out of the Principal’s Professional Development budget. Mischief?
Thank goodness someone is raising these issues like Phillipstown School forcefully merged and now the new site is overcrowded. Redcliff School forcefully closed with no justification. Parata and her Ministry are working against the interests of children.
As repateet wrote visit https://networkonnet.wordpress.com
Fomenting Happy Mischief since Monday;
My recent excursions on to David Farrar’s Kiwiblog.
Thursday 17 December 2015
It is an irrefutable fact that The Standard has far superior, more intelligent and liberal contributors than either Kiwiblog or Whaleoil. That’s why I spend most of my spare time here. Now and again, however, I like to stir things up in Dullsburgh and Stupidville, and pay our extreme right wing friends a visit.
Since being banned for life over on Whaleoil, I have had to turn to David Farrar’s Kiwiblog for my occasional fix of boor-baiting. I had made a couple of comments there over the years, but usually forgot to go back and check up on the responses. On Monday, however, I re-registered and sent my first little missive into the chickenhawks’ cage. Since then, I’ve earned myself close to one hundred down votes on a variety of posts….
Kiwiblog has a system whereby very popular posts are highlighted in yellow. Very unpopular posts, on the other hand, are highlighted in pink. Consider, for instance, this message that I posted there yesterday….
I also posted that message on this forum, where it attracted only approving comments. On Kiwiblog, however, it has so far attracted 29 down votes, as well as, encouragingly, 2 up votes. (Thank you, whoever you are!)
A couple of hours after that, someone called “kowtow” wrote, hilariously….
I see we have a new racist here called morrissey
“Simon Pound reminded us that Los Angeles children are under far more danger from white home-grown Christian terrorists than they are from any Islamic terrorists.”
I suspect Los Angeles children are in more danger from blacks and browns than from whites.
A bit later, “Longknives” delivered the following zinger….
Viz Magazine used to sell ‘Morrissey is a Twat’ T-Shirts.
Just thought that was timely..
(That garnered 11 up votes.)
Still, it’s gotta be said, despite the alarming complacency and the militant ignorance of so many of the commenters—imagine a board full of Gosmans—that Farrar’s blog, which does permit dissent and argument, is immensely more civilised and intelligent than Whaleoil’s boor-fest.
From Bewilderment Valley, this is Morrissey Breen reporting for Daisycutter Sports Television.
Thanks for the encouraging words, Sans Cle. Actually, there are quite a few dissenting voices on Kiwiblog, and a good level of debate there. It’s well worth a visit.
Although, as is almost immediately clear to anyone who spends some time there, the intellectual tone of Kiwiblog is far below that of the Standard.
Morrissey…I confess to wandering over there occasionally, and find myself only reading the comments that attract the most down votes.
And reading replies to the comments that attract the most down votes.
“Boor baiting”…spot on.
(I nearly, nearly signed up myself the other day, incensed by the post as well as some of the comments….(get your facts right for gods sakes!!!)…but I resisted…I would have to shower after, and we’re conserving water…
The whole “John Key is a really cool jokey blokey type” narrative…rips my undies….yuuuck.
Chocolate fish to you Sir, for boldly going and all that…
I used to comment on Kiwiblog before world+dog went there and it became a haven for the worst rednecks racists and violent idiots. Anyone with a semblance of sanity gets voted down hard. It does make one sad about the state of kiwi blokedom (it’s 99% dudes commenting there) and the ability of my fellow humans to think logically or have any charity
The action relates to the way the agencies dealt with changes to property advertising on the Trade Me website, the commission said.
It has filed proceedings in the Auckland High Court for alleged price fixing and anti-competitive behaviour by 13 national and regional real estate agencies, three individuals, as well as a company owned by a number of national real estate agencies.
Adam Smith said:
We rarely hear, it has been said, of the combinations of masters, though frequently of those of the workman. But whoever imagines, upon this account, that masters rarely combine, is as ignorant of the world as of the subject.
I’ve had a bit of a read of this one and I’m struggling a bit. As far as I can see real estate agencys decided they didn’t want to absorb/consume Trade me’s offering at the increased prices.
One reaction was for clients to have the trade me cost charged through to them (which is done with a number of other marketing techniques).
The other was to drive more business the way of the real estate industry’s dedicated site.
These reactions were discussed between agencies.
Clients of agencies could presumably still negotiate their marketing package & costs with any agents they wished to use and there is no evidence as far as I can see that this did not happen.
So effectively agencies decided to boycott(or pass on increased costs) to some extent the Trade me costs.
So my question is that if a group of people decide not to consume or use a service,
is that not their right ?
If the neighbourhood got together and decided to boycott the local supermarkets in favour of getting their own veggie truck from Pukekohe isn’t that similar?
I’ve had a bit of a read of this one and I’m struggling a bit. As far as I can see real estate agencys decided they didn’t want to absorb/consume Trademe’s offering at the increased prices.
One reaction was for clients to have the trade me cost charged through to them which is done with a number of other marketing techniques).
The other was to drive more business the way of the real estate industry’s dedicated site. These reactions were discussed between agencies.
The discussion between agencies would be the problem – it’s cartel behaviour.
So my question is that if a group of people decide not to consume or use a service, is that not their right ?
That is their right but that doesn’t bring about charges of price fixing and High Court cases.
If the neighbourhood got together and decided to boycott the local supermarkets in favour of getting their own veggie truck from Pukekohe isn’t that similar?
That would be dependent upon if people in the neighbourhood were free to go elsewhere.
She is pleased that her mates in Serco are making a few million $$$ more out of the taxpayer due to increased rates of incarceration. She is also pleased that the cops are skewing their crime reporting stats to make NatCorp™ look good.
Nobody gives a f*ck about actual crime rates or victims thereof, in fact their ACC is being cut off
Police did though find a .22 rifle and some other items that could be related to drug use, though this was yet to be confirmed.
Can’t say that I’ve ever used a rifle in my drug use. I’m pretty sure that the oils on it would give the whiskey a funny flavour and it would also be incredibly difficult to drink out of.
It was earlier reported two CYF social workers had visited the property earlier in the day and became ill later in the afternoon.
CYF released a statement saying the workers were treated for “possible exposure to dangerous chemicals”.
Yes, but were they actually tested for “possible exposure to dangerous chemicals” which I think would probably be a better idea before applying the wrong treatment and assuming that the right one was applied. Also, was the house itself tested for the dangerous chemicals?
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave de Lange said police got information from “various sources” that led them to believe there was a meth lab inside the Elliot St, Taradale house.
Residents of houses on the quiet street said the family living in the house had been renting it for about a year and they tended to keep to themselves.
Why do I get the feeling that the ‘various sources’ are the neighbours who are simply suspicious of people who keep to themselves?
Wellington High Court judge Justice Clifford issued his judgement today on the legality of the police search of Nicky Hager’s home on 2 October 2014.
The judge found that the search was illegal. He said that the Police had failed to disclose relevant information to the Judge who issued the warrant. As a result, he formally declared that the warrant was “fundamentally unlawful”. He also found that the search was therefore unlawful. Justice Clifford also expressed concerns about other aspects of the Police’s actions.
More to go but I’m not expecting any real difference in the court findings.
Now we need for the people who conducted this illegal search to be held accountable. Unfortunately, we can probably expect urgent legislation from this government making it legal.
Great result for Nicky and his team. A true Kiwi standing up against a sick establishment. I hope he wins some kind of compensation after this saga. Were the cops attempting to stifle his next book about Police malfeasance?
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Open access notablesIce acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment:In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
Mr Bombastic:Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder.In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére SosouMarket gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
Buzz from the Beehive Melissa Lee – as may be discerned from the screenshot above – has not been demoted for doing something seriously wrong as Minister of ...
Morning in London Mother hugs beloved daughter outside the converted shoe factory in which she is living.Afternoon in London Travelling writer takes himself and his wrist down to A&E, just to be sure. Read more ...
Mike Grimshaw writes – The recent announcement of the University Advisory Group, chaired by Sir Peter Gluckman, makes very clear where the Government’s focus and priorities lie. The remit of the Advisory Group is that Group members will consider challenges and opportunities for improvement in the university sector including: ...
Eric Crampton writes – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand desperately wants to find reasons to have workstreams in climate change. It makes little sense. They’ve run another stress test on the banks looking to see if they could find a prudential regulation case. They couldn’t. They ...
Rob MacCullough writes – Pundits from the left and the right are arguing that National’s Fast Track Bill that is designed to speed up infrastructure decisions could end up becoming mired in a cesspool of corruption. Political commentator ...
Looking at the headlines this morning it’s hard to feel anything other than pessimistic about the future of humanity.Note that I’m not speaking about the future of mankind, but the survival of our humanity. The values that we believe in seem to be ebbing away, by the day.Perhaps every generation ...
Swabbing mixed breed baby chicks to test for avian influenzaUh oh. Bird flu – often deadly to humans – is not only being transmitted from infected birds to dairy cows, but is now travelling between dairy cows. As of last Friday, Bloomberg News reports, there were 32 American dairy herds ...
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
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 ...
The protest outside the White House correspondents’ dinner hotel. Image: Anatolu video screenshot APR More than two dozen Palestinian journalists had called for a boycott of the dinner, writing an open letter urging their American colleagues not to attend. “You have a unique responsibility to speak truth to power and ...
“Our exporters should, therefore, be deeply concerned that the Fast-track Approvals Bill was not assessed for consistency with any of our free trade commitments prior to being introduced to the House,” says Gary Taylor, Chief Executive of the Environmental ...
NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff is calling on all political parties to support the new Member’s Bill from Labour’s workplace relations and safety spokesperson Camilla Belich MP that would ensure negligent companies are held accountable when their employees ...
A historian with a track record of predicting US election winners tells RNZ's Sunday Morning that President Biden looks to be on track for another term, but things could still go wrong for him. ...
A historian with an uncanny track record of predicting US election winners tells RNZ's Sunday Morning that President Biden looks to be on track for another term, but things could still go very wrong for him. ...
Ngaio Marsh House is one of Christchurch’s best kept secrets – and contains more than a few mysteries of its own.Trust Ngaio Marsh to leave more than a few mysteries scattered through her house long after her departure. For a start, there’s the curious concrete portal in the garden, ...
Appointment viewing has been lost to the mists of time, but memories of Montana Sunday Theatre can still be conjured by hitting play on a particular piece of classical music. “You’re not going to be able to sell it.” Over 30 years on, Karen Bieleski still recalls how the task ...
Performance Review King Luxon sat behind His massive polished oak desk. It is Performance Review time. There is a knock on the door. “Enter!” says the King. In steps Minister of Disabilities and Carer Pedicures, Penny Simmonds. “I can explain everything …” she begins. “Fine,” says King Luxon, pressing the ...
The pair opened their first fully collaborative exhibition, Nina for Flowers, last Saturday. Gabi Lardies visited their studio to find out who Nina is and what working together was like.‘It didn’t start out like, ‘This is a show about Nina,’” says Josephine Jelicich, gripping a thermos of peppermint tea. ...
Thank you, Dr Maximilian Oskar Bircher-Benner, for your brilliant invention. I’m another mid-20s Kiwi who had an OE last year. I hopped on my bicycle where France meets the Atlantic and cycled east. I pedalled through the Loire Valley, down rivers lined with willows and ancient wisteria-draped chateaus. I relished ...
Asia Pacific Report From France to Australia, university pro-Palestine protests in the United States have now spread to several countries with students pitching on-campus camps. And students at Columbia and other US universities remain defiant as campuses have witnessed the biggest protests since the anti-Vietnam war and anti-apartheid eras in ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards, Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)New Zealand Government’s Fast Track legislation. Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government ...
Tara Ward talks to presenter Naomi Toilalo about the new TV show that turns food waste into a three course feast. Naomi Toilalo is standing in the warehouse at Good Neighbour Tauranga, helping unpack the two-and-a-half tonnes of rejected food that will arrive at the community support hub that day. ...
Scout is our latest Dog of the Month. This feature was offered as a reward during our What’s Eating Aotearoa PledgeMe campaign. Thank you to Scout’s human, Avril, for her support. Dog name: Scout (named after the little girl in To Kill a Mockingbird – she inherited the independent spirit ...
Megan Alatini takes us through her life in TV, including ‘terrible’ daytime TV, the class of Carol Hirschfeld and her most embarrassing TrueBliss moment. When she responded to a vague newspaper ad asking “do you have what it takes to be a popstar?” 25 years ago, Megan Alatini never guessed ...
A new exhibition in Wellington showcases the faces behind your local goods and services. Back in 1977, when I was a fine arts student at the University of Canterbury, I took a series of photographs of Christchurch shopkeepers. The photos were for a calendar – a project for my end ...
Toomaj and his resistance to tyranny through his songs have become an icon for the youth of Iran, so his sentence has hit the nation hard. Toomaj Salehi is not the first artist to pay the price for standing with the people. ...
My cousin Dylan and I spotted these big eels under the bridge that summer. We watched them lounging under the dark weed, facing into the flow of water, their mouths frozen open. Dylan and I couldn’t stop thinking about those eels. The night we went down to the creek, we ...
Newsroom, home of satire. My long-running weekly satirical series The Secret Diary has moved to Newsroom and will appear every Saturday, with Victor Billot’s wildly popular satirical Odes continuing to appear every Sunday. Diaries, Odes – while serious political columnists toil at meaningful opinions and stroke their chins to an ...
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http://www.buzzfeed.com/franciswhittaker/syrian-prisoners-executed-and-tortured?utm_term=.ldQXZyQwQ#.grK80N6b6
This (leaving aside all the horrors inflicted since) is why all the plans that have Assad’s regime staying in power will simply not work. It would be like trying to restore the Baathists in Iraq.
It is really up to the people of Syria to decide who they want as leader of their country ( not USA or Israel) ….and the people of Syria voted for Assad overwhelmingly…
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/04/bashar-al-assad-winds-reelection-in-landslide-victory
https://www.rt.com/news/163696-assad-win-president-syria/
“polling only held in government-held areas ”
So that’s as far as that mandate extends, such as it’s worth.
But you may have noticed that a sizable number of Syrians don’t want him as leader; to the extent they have taken up arms and shit. You may have also noticed that he has completely failed to put their revolt down; to the extent that he has had to invite the Russians, hezbollah, Iraqi shia militia, and the Iranians in to assist. You may have even noticed that millions have fled.
But sure, he had a shitty little ballot.
I’m actually delighted that business woman Victoria Crone is standing in the 2016 Auckland Mayoralty.
That takes the pro-Supercity / pro-corporate 2016 Auckland Mayoral candidates to four:
Stephen Berry
Mark Thomas
Phil Goff
Victoria Crone
Surely all those highly-paid corporate spin-doctors haven’t forgotten ‘Electoral Politics 101’?
DON’T SPLIT THE VOTE?
How DUMB is that?
Hate to remind you – but in 2013 – only 36% of Auckland voters bothered?
So – here’s the thing.
Nearly two thirds of Auckland voters didn’t in 2013 – which is a rather large number of potential voters?
What if significant numbers of previous non-voters feel inspired to vote for a Mayoral candidate – who clearly doesn’t represent corporate interests?
And the third of Auckland voters who did vote in 2013, are now ‘spoiled for choice’ with the ever-growing numbers of pro- corporate / pro- ‘Supercity’ candidates – ie: the vote is potentially significantly split.
Actually – I think you will find increasing numbers of Auckland voters are starting to realise that a Mayoral candidate who is campaigning for Auckland Council and CCOs to be held accountable to the ‘rule of law’ regarding citizens and ratepayers’ LAWFUL rights to ‘open, transparent and democratically accountable’ local government – is an increasingly attractive proposition.
(That’s what I’ve been finding out in the Eastern suburbs ….:)
Penny Bright
2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.
Can you outline your top 5 priorities once elected?
My ‘vision’ Tracey, is to ensure that Auckland Council and Auckland Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) are held accountable to the ‘Rule of Law’ regarding citizens LAWFUL rights to ‘open, transparent and democratically accountable’ local government.
The Auckland Mayor has a dedicated budget to help ensure the implementation of the Mayoral vision.
(In the 2014 – 2015 financial year, the Auckland Mayoral Office budget was $4.15 million.)
So – in order to achieve this – I shall employ a small team of professional, highly competent forensic accountants / auditors, who will ‘go through the books with a fine tooth comb’, in order to find out exactly where public monies in the Auckland region are being spent, invested and borrowed.
I shall then make that information available for public scrutiny.
How can you carry out ‘cost benefit’ analyses for ‘cost-effectiveness’ in the spending of public monies, if you don’t know exactly where the costs fall?
How can you exercise ‘prudent stewardship’ / ‘fiscal responsibility’ – if you don’t know exactly where the ‘costs’ fall?
When I am elected Mayor of Auckland, and the Public Records Act 2005 (in particular), is implemented and enforced in a proper, lawful way, transparency, in my view, will be transformed.
My vision is also that the public majority of Auckland citizens, not a private corporate minority, should benefit from public monies.
That Auckland ‘local government’ – should focus on being citizen and local community ‘friendly’ – not multi-national ‘business friendly’.
My vision is that unless rigorous ‘cost-benefit’ analysis supports the contracting out (privatisation) of Auckland Council services and regulatory functions, then they should be brought back ‘in house’, under the public service model.
My vision includes replacing the CCO model for infrastructure and trading functions, and bringing these back under direct Council control.
The corporate ‘Rogernomics’ vision has been ‘commercialise, corporatise – PRIVATISE’.
First CCOs (Council ‘CORPORATE’ Controlled Organisations) – then PPPs (Public Private Partnerships).
Beware the ‘weasel words’!
Does Phil Goff support or oppose CCOs?
Does Phil Goff support or oppose PPPs?
Hope this helps.
Kind regards
Penny Bright
2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.
“replacing the CCO model for infrastructure and trading functions, and bringing these back under direct Council control…”
Would that require Legislative change?
Yes, as has been explained to madame candidate many times now. If someone wants to change the supercity structure then they need to be in government, not in council.
“My vision includes replacing the CCO model for infrastructure and trading functions, and bringing these back under direct Council control.”
Hi Penny,
I am interested in your vision. If you were elected would you not be hamstrung by the legislation – The Local Government Auckland Council Act of 2010?
Are you campaigning on an issue that you would have no control over, after you became Mayor?
I think Rodney Hide stitched the Auckland Council up tightly, in his corporate/privatization reforms, and the Mayor does not have any power to change that.
Once elected as Mayor, she’ll picket outside the Beehive until they change the law as she demands.
That is the flaw in Pennys “vision” as laid out. She needs to address that.
She’ll hold her breath, that’ll learn those big meanies in the beehive.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11562015
I note that the Herald and Phil Quin do not reveal his prior ties to Labour in hus by-line.
See folks – despite the often bad press – ‘Activists’ get things done.
Seen this?
______________________________________________________________________________________
http://i.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/east-bays-courier/75003039/Eastern-suburbs-consult-with-Auckland-Transport-on-new-bus-network
Eastern suburbs consult with Auckland Transport on new bus network
11 December 2015
Concerned bus users in Auckland’s eastern suburbs were pleased with the outcome of a recent public meeting.
Activist Penny Bright facilitated a meeting between residents and Auckland Transport officials as they discussed the new bus network proposal.
St Heliers-Glendowie Residents Association member Robert Johnston was pleased with AT’s willingness to listen to suggestions.
“With public transport, if you’re going to make it work you’ve got to make it attractive to people to use,” he says.
He says that one of the main concerns the residents had was AT’s intention to direct some bus routes to the Orakei and Meadowbank train stations.
Resident John Coutts agrees that some of the routes need improvement over what was initially suggested.
“We want to maintain a direct link to the city and not feed the trains,” he says.
Coutts says that the Orakei area in particular is so close to the city that it would make more sense to have Britomart as their “hub” station, instead of extending their journey by 20 to 30 minutes by forcing a transfer at Orakei Station.
Public consultation on the new network was extended to December 14.
Public transport network manager Anthony Cross says that AT will take all of the feedback into consideration as they refine the new network design.
– Stuff
______________________________________________________________________________________
Penny Bright
2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate
This sounds precisely like Auckland Transport reforming, listening and doing a good job, and the NZHerald noticing exactly that.
BTW, since he’s named, Anthony Cross is an outstanding public servant.
Ah, so the residents complained about AT making public transport more efficient.
They do have a point about Orakei, but they are otherwise bucking the overall regional integrated network design by opposing short bus spokes to train hubs. That is how AT propose to get twice as many passenger trips from the same number of buses and drivers, all over the region. It’s also why the CRL is crucial, to double the rail network’s capacity so it can handle all those extra tranferring passengers. In short, sorry Easties but you are not special.
A direct link to the city – so more traffic on the Tamaki Drive.
https://youtu.be/R6KDoBSOXaA
Thoughts?
On a side note, this guy (above) reminds me of Russel Norman.
You source some interesting interviews.
Thank you.
Cool, thank you.
Another goodie. Thans TC
Exceptional pertinent point made by Loewenstein approx. 4mins. in:
“Media coverage of wars, disasters often ignores corporations profiting from them”
Thanks for interesting clip Chairman. Yes Loewenstein reminds me of Russel too.
“The potential for school closure is a strength, not a weakness, of the Partnership Schools model.” – These bastards forget that these are kids lives we are talking about, so what if they spend a year or 2 at a substandard fucked up experimental school, no worries, try again next year. These are the parents making “poor choices” IMO.
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11562044
Extreme ideologues are running the country.
‘Centre right.’
Just another media lie.
“Extreme ideologues are running the country”
Compared to what?
Other OECD countries – we tend to be in the middle of most measures (taxes, spread of wealth, social spending, etc)
Social agenda – New Zealand has gay marriage, no smacking – the PM voted for both.
International deployments – NZ has trainers in Iraq , but no combat role, like about 50 other countries in the coalition.
Previous New Zealand governments – most commentators put National with Key a bit to the right of Labour under Helen Clark – but in both cases they are near to the centre. National has kept interest free loans for students, Working for Families, kept the ERA, not changed ACC. It even got Labour to vote for the latest RMA reforms.
To justify your claim you need to be able to substantiate it with actual examples. And TPP does not count, unless you think Canada, Chile and Vietnam are also extreme right wing countries.
Reality.
hi wayne, i will bite.
“To justify your claim you need to be able to substantiate it with actual examples”
selling to us something we already own, our power companies.
getting a multi national corporation to run our prisons.
(without researching it i am picking sercos parent company has a bigger balance sheet than aoteroa)
bail out scf.
running a school experiment that doesnt work, cost heaps and and mucks up childrens education.
all of it hard right ideology
and this is just some of the stuff we know about.
what are the pandas hiding?
is it a court case for a high profile person?
“And TPP does not count, unless you think Canada, Chile and Vietnam are also extreme right wing countries.”
none which have ratified it….and one of which that just threw out the government that supported it.
Chile had its leftish government overthrown with publicly exposed USA intervention, and was under an awful regime of RW for many years, probably never has got over that. Vietnam another country that was attacked by the USA and has been left with a large amount of illness caused by Agent Orange.
These countries have had decades of trying to restabilise themselves after being broken by USA intervention.
Canada – has been sued by USA interests, and had its ability to handle its own resources and economy undermined by treating with the USA – now with a less RW leader who knows what will happen? A Chile right on the USA’s doorstep might be a bit smelly. But there are other ways of bringing them to heel. A country’s political orientation can be fairly easily subverted – look at our own.
Our very own esteemed Labour Party was taken over by subversives trained probably at Harvard as easily as a local community group can be overwhelmed and subsumed by a rigged membership voting for their own hostile, financially predatory candidates.
Cutting taxes for the rich and raising taxes for the poor and justifying it with “broader economic growth” that has 0 scientific rigour behind it, only to then be surprised when the economy doesn’t do as well as predicted.
Running up the largest debt this country has ever seen, after it was paid down to a net-0 position by the previous government. Largely this was a result of the tax cuts.
Refusing any sort of proper market intervention in the Auckland housing crisis, until eventually being forced to put in a weak version of CGT (2 year bright line test). Maintaining the existing “accommodation supplement” payments which just end up in the pockets of the landlords which only fuels the Auckland housing crisis, an extreme version of middle and upper-class welfare (far far worse than interest free student loans).
Applause
+1 BIG_FOOT
Bloody oath mate
Economic policy is well to the right of what is reasonable – I know managed decline is your de facto strategy but a lot of kiwis want that growth and jobs you lied about. Cheap farm labourers is a false economy while there are out of work New Zealanders.
It’s the dishonesty and the incompetence we don’t like – if you actually had a working plan instead of a disinformation machine you’d get more respect – but you run up Grecian levels of debt and try to pretend you’re geniuses.
Iceland jailed a more honest and competent government than yours.
Extreme economic ideologues, Wayne. I’m not talking about social policies, but plain old neo-liberalism.
You have heard of the extreme philosophies of Ayn Rand and Milton Friedman, haven’t you? We have been guinea pigs for their ideology since 1984.
Canada, under Harper was an extreme right wing country,dedicated to tar sands, ultra support of Israel and attacks on civil rights. But you knew that, didn’t you?
And the TPP is an attempt by corporates to control the legislative powers of democratic countries.
Why are you so subservient to corporate interests? Do they pay you well?
Either you are being willfully ignorant on all of this or you are being duplicitous for your corporate masters.
Our disgusting PM makes jokes about rape in prison and pulls young girls pony tails.
And a contemptible number of middle class property owning New Zealanders like him because their house prices keep going up.
They deserve the consequences.
Unfortunately others don’t.
His ordinary Kiwi bloke image is exactly that. An image. And those that still believe that PR construct are either willfully ignorant or suckers for advertising. Others, including some of the RWNJs who troll this site, who repeat the statement that John is just like an average NZers, are part of the lie.
They know very well that he is far more comfortable playing golf with his buddies from Merrrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs on the golf courses of Hawaii than frequenting his local RSA.
People who vote for Key deserve the consequences of supporting his extreme neo-liberal government.
Unfortunately others don’t.
This is a good one.
https://youtu.be/odR37GoXlaw
Thoughts?
thanks…interesting…scary…he always makes a lot of sense..he is warning of creeping fascism…and control of Europe by USA and friends
even the CIA is concerned about what is happening in Europe
https://www.rt.com/shows/sophieco/325829-syria-isis-us-allies/
https://www.rt.com/shows/sophieco/325569-strategy-isis-terrorism-attacks/
….but it seems USA politicians are a law unto themselves and dont listen to their own CIA and military intelligence advisers…and are dominated by short term electoral results and certain funding /lobby groups in USA
…ask yourself…who has most to benefit from the destabilisation of the Middle East?
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/03/world/middleeast/syria-civil-war-israel-golan-heights.html?_r=0
A Trump fan with a Reagan as masthead.
Fuck off.
???
What is the relationship of your comment to the RT piece on the Paris terrorist attacks?
+100 CV…doesn’t make sense as part of this thread …
Nothing*.
(Poster has form posting dishonest anti-choice propaganda so link to the source rather than an account containing RWNJ propaganda or fuck right off.)
*
China vows to aggressively falsify air pollution numbers
http://www.theonion.com/article/china-vows-to-begin-aggressively-falsifying-air-po-37429
They can get some software from VW
Headline says, “Little now backs SAS in Isis war”
But of course there has to be provisos.
“Labour leader Andrew Little said Labour would support sending SAS troops to fight Isis if the right conditions were met.
Those conditions were having a clear and realistic objective, that it would have to be part of a multinational mission mandated by the United Nations and that the level of risk needed to be acceptable.”
So not quite the impression that Audrey likes to suggest.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11562158
Just another media distortion.
The msm are owned by massive corporations.
They are courtesans to them.
Multilateralism and the UN have always been a core part of Labour policy, but I wonder if resolution 2249 would be construed as explicit UN authorisation which:
Little should simply say – as it stands today, there is no way that NZ troops should be in Iraq or Syria.
And Labour shifts further to the RWNJ side.
I think it was a Herald gotcha story – Labour claim no policy change. Might’ve flown a kite though.
I 100% agree with Mr Little ,on the ground targeted forces are miles ahead of the current methods.
Back once again with the ill behaviour.
https://youtu.be/-izn1i5MlBI
Barry Soper excuses John Key’s pony tail pulling.
‘John Key frequently over steps the mark and even embarrasses himself, like he did when he regularly pulled a waitress’ ponytail, clearly not intending to cause offence but apologising for overstepping the behavioural boundary.’
Yes. I shall repeat his words.
‘when he regularly pulled a waitress’ ponytail, clearly not intending to cause offence’….
What a disgraceful apology for journalism, Mr Soper. Are you expecting favour from the court of John Key?
I wonder what Heather du Plessis-Allan thinks of Key’s abuse of young women in this way?
These media lackeys, courtesans and courtiers need to be held to account.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11562360
Heather du Plessis-Allan would probably giggle, shes kinda lightweight.
You could be right.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/Heather-du%20Plessis-Allan/news/article.cfm?a_id=976&objectid=11438679
Heather is saying nothing is important because whatever it is they’re saying there is more important stuff that trumps it. She would say that the 29 in Pike River is not important because hundreds died in Chineses mines. Or something.
This morning Morning Report discussed the latest Key singing and soap story. The verdict pointed out that Key avoids the harder interviews and concentrates on soft radio programs where listeners don’t care about the politics and want just the entertaining. So no harm done?
Put me in mind the lashing that Colin Craig got for being interviewed in a sauna. Disgraceful said the media. But the response to Key’s unbecoming behaviour? Michelle Boag gives it gentle approval. So that’s OK.
A new monthly newsleter has ‘hit the stands’ which promises ” a practical, dispassionate analysis of politics”. At $35 per month you too can read the premium analytical journal in the land. Danyl McLauchlan has kindly critiqued the first edition:
http://thespinoff.co.nz/16-12-2015/politics-why-you-need-incite-in-your-life-a-review-of-cameron-slaters-35-monthly-e-newsletter/
Enjoy…
Read that Anne. Funny. Are they for real or are they attempting satire, or is Danyl just being mean.
I imagine a bit of all three. Worthy of posting by an author – humorous and refreshing during this bustling, stressful time of the year.
This is interview by Kathryn Ryan is very interesting:
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/201783038/us-psychologist-philip-zimbardo
‘US psychologist Philip Zimbardo’
“Philip Zimbardo is the American psychologist whose 1971 study on prison mentality exposed the ease at which participants playing the role of guards, began psychologically torturing their prisoners.The Stanford Prison Experiment centred on a group of college students who were deemed prisoners or guards at the flip of a coin and showed that within 24 hours those with power, used it mercilessly – and the group who were prisoners succumbed to submission just as easily.
In recent years he has turned his attention to the disconnect between males and the real world because of online pornography, and a lack of role models and positive interactions. Professor Zimbardo is also behind a new initiative Heroic Imagination Project, which stems from his work on what makes people do bad things – and instead focuses on what qualities make people act in heroic ways.”
Echoes of that reaction were in the “Blue eyes v Brown eyes” experiment where those in a classroom with brown eyes were persecuted by the rest of the class to demonstrate just how cruel discrimination is. The “good” ones became so involved with their roles that they scared themselves.
I saw a programme on that experiment. Part of the process involved role reversal as the brown eyes got their time as being superior. The learnings by the students lasted for decades as their testimony showed. Great process and great teaching.
Here’s a news item from America where young non-Muslim female students have adopted wearing Muslim head scarves in solidarity with their Muslim fellows.
The article mentions what treatment they are likely to receive in Trumphant (sic, my words) America.- a real life experiment in walking in someone else’s shoes.
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/non-islamic-chicago-schoolgirls-don-headscarves-in-show-of-support-for-muslim-classmates/
Experiential learning.
+1
http://www.simplypsychology.org/milgram.html
another famous and thought-provoking experiment
Yep. Know that one too CR. Some revelled in the shock giving. Most didn’t.
An historian said that in mortal combat most drafted soldiers would avoid killing anyone if they could. But in every unit were a few who went out of their way to kill others and laughed while doing so. Even killing those who were no longer a threat. Bit disturbing that amongst us there are such people. Me. I help insects to escape outside.
http://willnewzealandberight.com/2015/12/17/nationals-education-policy-part-i-christchurch/
National has shown surprising contempt for schools in some of its most blue South Island electorates since it took office. It has closed the Prime Minister’s old school (about 400 metres down the road from me)and rezoned it for developers to build on. No rhyme or reason for it since Ilam electorate schools thanks to Labour, were already nearly full, having had roll expansions anywhere between 50-100%.
Recently Hekia Parata said she was going to close Redcliffs School and that she had been fair and given the school the opportunity to make a stand. Hekia was always going to close the school. She has ignored the fact that the school can be made nearly completely safe from rock fall, and that the small bit that could not be, the school was prepared to surrender. Not only that, but a contractor was prepared to do the remedial work for free.
Would love to see the back of this Government, but not wholly convinced Labour can deliver the goods.
The contempt they show probably runs way deeper than you had thought.
If you are not familiar with this site you should look through it.
https://networkonnet.wordpress.com
Just gone off to read Kelvin’s site thanks rapateet. His report on the Ministry misdeeds to steal $18million off the Rangiora College community is breathtaking. The Ministry removed the BOT and the Principal so that they could use a Commissioner to strip the assets as had been for decades legally in the control of BOT and Principal on behalf of the Community. The grounds for sacking included “financial mismanagement” but the books have been audited and were always were totally clear. Ministry Mischief?
The Principal had gone to a course which the Ministry said was unauthorised and they removed her. The course was authorised by the BOT and correctly came out of the Principal’s Professional Development budget. Mischief?
Thank goodness someone is raising these issues like Phillipstown School forcefully merged and now the new site is overcrowded. Redcliff School forcefully closed with no justification. Parata and her Ministry are working against the interests of children.
As repateet wrote visit https://networkonnet.wordpress.com
Fomenting Happy Mischief since Monday;
My recent excursions on to David Farrar’s Kiwiblog.
Thursday 17 December 2015
It is an irrefutable fact that The Standard has far superior, more intelligent and liberal contributors than either Kiwiblog or Whaleoil. That’s why I spend most of my spare time here. Now and again, however, I like to stir things up in Dullsburgh and Stupidville, and pay our extreme right wing friends a visit.
Since being banned for life over on Whaleoil, I have had to turn to David Farrar’s Kiwiblog for my occasional fix of boor-baiting. I had made a couple of comments there over the years, but usually forgot to go back and check up on the responses. On Monday, however, I re-registered and sent my first little missive into the chickenhawks’ cage. Since then, I’ve earned myself close to one hundred down votes on a variety of posts….
http://img04.deviantart.net/2e04/i/2012/248/7/e/who_da_man__by_therese_b-d5dq2vs.jpg
Kiwiblog has a system whereby very popular posts are highlighted in yellow. Very unpopular posts, on the other hand, are highlighted in pink. Consider, for instance, this message that I posted there yesterday….
http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2015/12/general_debate_16_december_2015.html#comment-1636210
I also posted that message on this forum, where it attracted only approving comments. On Kiwiblog, however, it has so far attracted 29 down votes, as well as, encouragingly, 2 up votes. (Thank you, whoever you are!)
A couple of hours after that, someone called “kowtow” wrote, hilariously….
A bit later, “Longknives” delivered the following zinger….
Thanks and good on you! You go where many of us fear to tread!
Thanks for the encouraging words, Sans Cle. Actually, there are quite a few dissenting voices on Kiwiblog, and a good level of debate there. It’s well worth a visit.
Although, as is almost immediately clear to anyone who spends some time there, the intellectual tone of Kiwiblog is far below that of the Standard.
Morrissey…I confess to wandering over there occasionally, and find myself only reading the comments that attract the most down votes.
And reading replies to the comments that attract the most down votes.
“Boor baiting”…spot on.
(I nearly, nearly signed up myself the other day, incensed by the post as well as some of the comments….(get your facts right for gods sakes!!!)…but I resisted…I would have to shower after, and we’re conserving water…
The whole “John Key is a really cool jokey blokey type” narrative…rips my undies….yuuuck.
Chocolate fish to you Sir, for boldly going and all that…
I used to comment on Kiwiblog before world+dog went there and it became a haven for the worst rednecks racists and violent idiots. Anyone with a semblance of sanity gets voted down hard. It does make one sad about the state of kiwi blokedom (it’s 99% dudes commenting there) and the ability of my fellow humans to think logically or have any charity
lol..very good!…so pleased you weren’t Boared to Death…just got a bit bored with the piggies
I think a few more down votes are coming my way….
http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2015/12/little_says_okay_for_sas_to_fight_in_syria.html#comment-1637204
maybe you could hurl a real fire- cracker conversation starter in…and see what the piggies do…i mean it looks a wee bit tame over there in the pigsty
eg John Pilger
http://johnpilger.com/
Real estate agencies accused of price fixing
Adam Smith said:
So much for competition.
I’ve had a bit of a read of this one and I’m struggling a bit. As far as I can see real estate agencys decided they didn’t want to absorb/consume Trade me’s offering at the increased prices.
One reaction was for clients to have the trade me cost charged through to them (which is done with a number of other marketing techniques).
The other was to drive more business the way of the real estate industry’s dedicated site.
These reactions were discussed between agencies.
Clients of agencies could presumably still negotiate their marketing package & costs with any agents they wished to use and there is no evidence as far as I can see that this did not happen.
So effectively agencies decided to boycott(or pass on increased costs) to some extent the Trade me costs.
So my question is that if a group of people decide not to consume or use a service,
is that not their right ?
If the neighbourhood got together and decided to boycott the local supermarkets in favour of getting their own veggie truck from Pukekohe isn’t that similar?
The discussion between agencies would be the problem – it’s cartel behaviour.
That is their right but that doesn’t bring about charges of price fixing and High Court cases.
That would be dependent upon if people in the neighbourhood were free to go elsewhere.
How can she say this with a straight face?
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/292386/$17m-poured-into-under-fire-corrections
1. She is simply too stupid to realise what she’s saying
2. She’s a practised liar
Confused it with….
She is pleased that her mates in Serco are making a few million $$$ more out of the taxpayer due to increased rates of incarceration. She is also pleased that the cops are skewing their crime reporting stats to make NatCorp™ look good.
Nobody gives a f*ck about actual crime rates or victims thereof, in fact their ACC is being cut off
Such a great headline.
Can’t say that I’ve ever used a rifle in my drug use. I’m pretty sure that the oils on it would give the whiskey a funny flavour and it would also be incredibly difficult to drink out of.
Yes, but were they actually tested for “possible exposure to dangerous chemicals” which I think would probably be a better idea before applying the wrong treatment and assuming that the right one was applied. Also, was the house itself tested for the dangerous chemicals?
Why do I get the feeling that the ‘various sources’ are the neighbours who are simply suspicious of people who keep to themselves?
High Court finds police raid on Nicky Hager was illegal
More to go but I’m not expecting any real difference in the court findings.
Now we need for the people who conducted this illegal search to be held accountable. Unfortunately, we can probably expect urgent legislation from this government making it legal.
Great result for Nicky and his team. A true Kiwi standing up against a sick establishment. I hope he wins some kind of compensation after this saga. Were the cops attempting to stifle his next book about Police malfeasance?
Hmm.
If the officer in charge knowingly withheld the relevant information, does that make the search a home invasion?
‘
Read it and weep – http://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/cases/hager-v-attorney-general-1/at_download/fileDecision – just making my way through it now.
console yourself with the thought that the corruption doesn’t yet appear to have impacted the courts