Open mike 18/02/2010

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, February 18th, 2010 - 37 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

Open mike is your post.

It’s open for discussing topics of interest, making announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

Comment on whatever takes your fancy.

The usual good behaviour rules apply (see the link to Policy in the banner).

Step right up to the mike…

37 comments on “Open mike 18/02/2010 ”

  1. andy (the other one) 1

    Dear John Key

    Thanks for sending me the ‘information’ on the national party national standards. I had a quick browse of it all and was quite taken by the part where a movie should be watched with a child and then we should discuss the characters and plot together. I got the Bruce Lee box set for christmas so the wife won’t be able to complain know thanks.

    I am a little at a loss as to why you sent them to me in the first place, was it a hint to my missus or something? Because yes she is ready to have kids and we are trying. At present we don’t have any kids (probably can’t afford them as we had banked on a tax cut north of $50 and it never arrived) and the last school age kid living in this house was back in the 1970’s so someone got the address wrong, should I drop the letter back to you some time at your place in Parnell or your office in Helensville?

    Cheers
    andy (the other one)

  2. logie97 2

    Just a quick note. Has anyone else noticed how the MSM have accompanied their stories about Helen with happy and some even stunning photographs now that she is out of their political sights. Strange that?

    • blinded by the right 2.1

      Maybe it’s easier to find her in situations where she is happy now that she has left the cesspool of Parliament?

      • logie97 2.1.1

        Nah, I don’t wear that for an argument. She was proud of her role and was visibly disappointed at losing in 2008. The barons of the media circus just needed to portray her in an every-which-negative-way and will have instructed the editors to constantly use negative images. And for those of us who have had the privilege of meeting her, know this.

  3. Bill 3

    And compensating landowners for the presence of public infrastructures that deliver electricity to them? Know….if you or I fuck with pylons…interrupt supply… it’s terrorism. Always has been. But we’re not landowners I guess who, it seems can fuck with supply with impunity.

    And why after all these years is this piece of shit popping up anyway? A done deal being trundled out as a distraction to other matters perhaps?

    Meanwhile, will these generous landowners pay reverse compensation for fucking our water supplies or the general despoilment of our environment they bring about in the name of…. feeding us?…em, no that’s wrong…export, export, export…. in the name of private profit….which couldn’t be generated without those pylons and that electric which we are now going to pay them (retrospective?) compensation for the inconvenience of.

    • Armchair Critic 3.1

      Not satisfied with their welfare subsidies arranged through National’s terrible ETS, farmers have set their sights on gouging further subsidies. From Transpower, this time. Who is next?
      Bet these same farmers rant on about the injustices of treaty of waitangi settlements. I can hear them grumbling from here “those treaty settlements are never full and final…bloody maaries”. Pot, kettle?

      • BLiP 3.1.1

        Not sure who’s next but one previously New Zealand based but now foreign-owned genetic engineering outfit was handed a no-strings-attached $4 million government grant the other day. Priorities, eh?

        • Draco T Bastard 3.1.1.1

          Great for the shareholders, not so great for NZ as it watches all the wealth that it creates from its own investment be siphoned off shore.

        • ParkDrive 3.1.1.2

          I still blame the previous government for the loss of Living Cell Technologies.

          Needless to say, It’s still good that it’s based in NZ, and employs NZ scientists.

  4. BLiP 4

    Sport, individual civil liberties, truth, and freedom . . . . . . 0

    Multinational corporations and the “terrorists” . . . . . . . . . 21

    Game over.

  5. prism 5

    Why shouldn’t farmers receive something for giving up part of their land, for the pylon, then another piece for access road, then having to plan around pylon and be governed by requirements about what to grow under lines, so must be careful with trees planted presumably. It is fair that there should be compensation from the electricity supplier as part of their cost of supply, and the public should agree with such payment as long as it is kept to a reasonable level.

    • BLiP 5.1

      Federated Farmers are to blame for this mess. Negotiations have been going on for something like four weeks years but the Feds only got around to delivering a proposal for consideration last month. As someone else suggested, it looks like a beat up to distract the media from other, more important issue. $10 to the charity of your choice says a “break through” will be announced shortly.

    • Draco T Bastard 5.2

      The farmers didn’t have to buy the farm if they didn’t like the conditions and the conditions about the pylons have been there since the 1950s.

  6. prism 6

    How shortly be specific Blip – then you’re on.

    • BLiP 6.1

      No wriggle room, eh? Okay – there will be some sort of resolution to the current deadlock in relation to the farmers “locking out” Transpower announced on or before 1 March.

      This year 🙂

      • prism 6.1.1

        my captcha is assumption – presumably yours is immaculate.

        Right hold me to that Blip. It’s not far off – sure you have allowed enough time? – good decisions take time you know, so they can have the proper cheesy smell.

        • BLiP 6.1.1.1

          Heh! Good point, but I was silly enough to make the statement. How about you pick a date and we see who’s closest 🙂 Yeah, yeah, I know . . . too late.

          Just spotted a typo in my earlier comment – this thing has been going on for something like four YEARS, not weeks.

          • prism 6.1.1.1.1

            Think that it could go on till there is a crisis. It doesn’t matter though – at least they have got rid of the government running electricity and they would be doing it worse!!!

            Four years of negotiation with the farmers demanding too much and the power company considering the precedent and the demands from up and down the country once they come up with dough to these guys. I would say middle of winter?

            It is fair that they get something but it can’t be based on the assumed value of commercial loss, it has to be costs based.

  7. Tiger Mountain 7

    The slow strangulation of Radio NZ continues. The Nats cannot handle public radio from an ideological perspective as well as it being almost the last msm organisation that reports a few facts and prompts some accountability from politicians.

    Time for those that care to get organised. On Facebook there is a newish “Save Radio New Zealand’ group, and unlike many “Facebilge’ groups the calibre of people on this one so far is encouraging.

    • Lew 7.1

      Yeah, TM, this is the #1 story for me today. It’s a fucking travesty. That might well be the best $38m a year spent on anything at all in this country.

      L

    • prism 7.2

      Thanks Tiger M – it is time to watch over Radio New Zealand our little pearl of national information with informed, intelligent people who have wide, adult world views. Inanity is fun for a short period, preferably half hour on the Sunday comedy spot at 2pm. But let Nats at it and it will be like good bread lines taken over by a large commercial baker, ending up spongy, easily squashed and the quality wholegrains all sprinkled on the top for show.

      Remember Nats can not be trusted – they got rid of the broadcasting building in Wellington that had apparently the best recording studios in the country. It was a treasure house, but had no gold in it and that’s all these money morons know. And also it could try to hold them accountable. Anyone remember the lovely little summary of hints for handling the media which I think Stephen Price prepared. Another pearl.

  8. prism 8

    Auckland needs a logo so that people will recognise it in the streets. How about our great minds coming to their rescue, or providing some humour about it?

    Rangitoto with a golden shimmering circle over it – The one ring that rules them all.

    Auckland – the Hip Hop capital of NZ – all that young hip people could need.
    With reference to star Pauly Fuemana- NZ Hip Hop Pioneer for world hit How Bizarre (and little RIP note expressing sorrow at his passing).

    Skytower pointing hopefully upwards and onwards with people floating up on one side, arms outstretched to dollar bills just out of reach and people falling with arms flailing on the other side with dollar bills just out of reach.

    A big ribbbon bow, with Auckland and Newmarket CBD in the centre and all the streamers of roads marked with the suburbs snaking away around this hub.

    A giant with seven league boots stepping across the harbour carrying the Harbour Bridge full of happy commuters with lovely little sailboats between his legs and the slogan – We have water on the brain.

  9. prism 9

    Mickey is an important and revered name on this site, so definitely not taking that name in vain.
    Have a go Lew – fame and fortune? may be yours if them up in the Auckland glass towers like it.

    • Lew 9.1

      How about “Auckland — not as expensive as Sydney”?

      See, I’m no good at this sloganeering.

      L

      • Pascal's bookie 9.1.1

        “A volcanoe for every week”

        • prism 9.1.1.1

          Buy a dead volcano naming rights for a month! (Apply to tangata whenua).

          Auckland – drawn as A with a light bulb above (eco friendly?) then Open to planning ideas from overseas, suggestion box here, winner gets a dried pea (representing tiny brain) inscribed with ancient taniwha by inspired Maori artist. Wild eh! Crazy. Just thinking about Auckland takes one off in flights of fancy.

      • prism 9.1.2

        Like it Lew. Punchy, factual, offers something but not too definite and slags Sydney which needs it.

  10. BLiP 10

    Remarkable, isn’t it, that we can have acres of newsprint, gazillions of pixels, and hours of air time describing the ins and outs, the whys and wherefores of the current chapter in the War On Terror, and not one mention of Helmand’s location in relation to TAPI.

  11. Rodel 11

    Loved that interview on TV with the stroppy right wing business woman who is going to take her talents back overseas if she doesn’t get “more, more, more” from Nationals tax cuts.
    “When asked on TV what is one thing that John Key has done?”, she couldn’t answer and said insipidly,
    ” Well he seems like a nice person”
    The depth of it!

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    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. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    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, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-05T13:44:29+00:00