19 September was a good choice of day for an election until Covid arrived.
Covid is not abating in Europe. A second wave is about to strike. I will need to wait and see the outcome. Flu season is going to be hectic and exhausting for medical workers in heavily affected countries.
I expected Natonal to be doing better in the polls. NZF has not improved. Act seems to be making headway. The Greens are hanging in there. Labour is secure and the party of trust and stamina.
Robertson's cynical dig at voters who support a democracy that pays his salary. I will be taking his "great quip" and the tax cuts into account when I decide who gets my vote.
Regenerative farmer Michael Kay, who’ll be standing under the Attica banner in Ōtaki, said control from the executives of the Outdoors Party and wider disorganisation had made it impossible for the party to get movement on policy development.
“We wanted to change it so that we could have policy subcommittees so there was structure and it wasn’t like herding cats. [But] every time we’d go to do that, they’d say ‘oh don’t be authoritarian’.” He said when he suggested the idea of having something akin to party whips, the reaction from the party was one of horror.
“I realised there was no experience or knowledge of being able to settle the fact that this is how parliament works. If you don’t know what standing orders are or don’t know these processes, what are you going to do when you get there?”
Formal procedures of democracy aren't part of normal lifestyles. Restless natives can't be expected to be disciplined into conformity. On the fringe, random is good.
There’s an increasing amount of common ideological ground between those parties and others outside of parliament like the New Conservatives and the One Party, particularly around a generalised sense of ordinary people losing control over their lives. Flutey said he’s seen debates on the fringes in which “they largely agree with everything they have to say.”
I largely agree with everything I have to say too, so I get where they're coming from. However I ain't ordinary, and have a comfortable degree of control over my life, so I'm not their target market.
For Brown and many others in this area of politics, the upcoming election has an almost epochal, last-chance feel to it that necessitates hard political choices.
Last chance to decide which bunch of nutters to go with! Choose fast! On the shelf at Fringe Supermart we have Out There, Off the Wall, Zany, Fruitcakes United, plus there's Nutters Unlimited, Nutball Supreme and one or two others…
Mike Iles, standing for Attica in Mana, chipped in with his frustration about how the internal processes of the Outdoors Party worked. “There was no control. You’d have a meeting and one person would talk for half an hour, and then the meeting would be over so you wouldn’t achieve anything.”
Out of control is good. That way narcissists can dominate by uttering slogans forever, which is how aspiring leaders run the show, but it does rather presume narcissists in the audience won't compete, eh? Good luck with that.
There was particular frustration from the pair over the issue of writing policy, which never went anywhere when presented to the leadership, nor was there transparency from the leadership about the state of the organisation.
Sounds like an infestation of experienced politicos – refugees from the Nat/Lab duopoly. Tyros would struggle to combat their proven control techniques. Closet stalinism works even better than closet fascism. "What agreements? What documents? They never existed. You're hallucinating."
By definition, a pandemic can't be fringe. Pan means all when used as a prefix (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan). So the active agent causing it can infect all…
Building consensus amongst splitters seems an impossible task. An heroic endeavour, requiring a hero.
A rival meeting aiming to build minor party consensus has been put together by Brad Flutey, a former Outdoors Party political strategist and candidate, who’ll now be standing for Social Credit. Flutey said it was organised in direct competition to Advance NZ, necessitated partly because of a lack of trust in Te Kahika.
Guru aversion. A sensible stance in politics.
The Outdoors Party sprang out of recreational hunting and fishing groups, before moving onto more hot-button policy issues like opposition to 5G technology, 1080, vaccines and Covid-19 restrictions. They define themselves as being in favour of people power and localised decision making.
The last two points they do share with the Greens – but the Greens, being cool, favour cool-button policy issues. Hot-heads hitting on hot-buttons would have to cool down to build consensus with them.
In response to their experience of the Outdoors Party, Kay and Iles intend to run the Attica Project as a largely leaderless movement. Kay said he wasn’t swayed by Advance NZ’s approach, likening their recent anti-lockdown protests to “howling at the moon”.
Readers will be wondering how effective howling at the moon actually is. Humans are predators & so are wolves, but biological determinism may only work on the fringe.
chorus howls involve members of a pack singing in unison at multiple pitches. Together, the chorus may include up to 12 related harmonies. Group howling can protect packs since the combination of harmonies tricks listeners into thinking there are more wolves present. Or sometimes, they'll howl just for the fun of it.
"People from mainland China make up the bulk of those who have purchased honorary citizenship, at the average price of around $US130,000, entitling them to a Vanuatu passport."
And….
"The leader of the country's parliamentary opposition, Ralph Regenvanu said he was concerned that international criminals and people stripped of citizenship in other countries for nefarious activities could more easily become citizens of Vanuatu."
Don't be mean. They want post-Covid holidays in Umbria and a new VW e-Golf (amazingly affordable at $61,990 and looks nice in blue) because they want to do the right thing. And they would, if only the Greens were a 'real environmental Party'.
Reading comprehension fail? Chloe did not say it was expensive in absolute terms – she said it was the most expensive thing she owns. It cost bugger-all, probably, but if she does not own a car or house, maybe it cost more than anything else she owns.
Judging by your attitude, Grafton Gully, it probably cost less than your dinner-dress suit.
a good investment, sofas generally last a long time and thus its good money spend, however, i know no one who has spend 3 grand on a sofa. But its a nice looking sofa and why not, she earns somewhere around 200.000NZD per annum so its not as if she could not afford it.
No reason to be so upset.
The thing that had me chuckle was her tweet about the 'wildcard' race between the three contenders in Auckland Central.
"For the new poll, Reid Research interviewed 532 people in the Auckland Central electorate via landline, mobile, online and on the street in the first and second weeks of September. The results were weighted to match the electorate's demographics. The margin of error is 4.2 percent."
"With 20.7 percent of voters still undecided, there's only a slim chance Mellow can pull off an upset and keep the seat for National"
Right o, so extrapolate this out over the country and what does it mean for current National list MPs. Wouldn't they be close to having an overhang from too many 'safe' electorates and no MPs coming in off their list.
Will make for an interesting dynamic within the National caucus.
.
If we assumed, for argument's sake, that the Poll was both accurate & reflected the swing across the Country as a whole (a somewhat dodgy assumption but, for the love of Christ, humour me just this once !) … then:
That poll was taken when the Greens were being pounded over the (minor issue-turns out to be a grant) green school. Their policy releases since have been strong so 5 per cent is very much on the cards, especially if Labour tactical voters realise they will need the Greens in 2020.
I'd rather have more ACT than more National simply because ACT aren't conservatives. ACT may have silly economic ideas but at least they support personal freedoms like euthanasia, drug policy and free speech etc.
Candidates in the tighter senate races (five thirty eight suggests there are quite a few) are now caught in a political hard place? Maybe not as keen as Mitch.
Senator Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and – in 2018 when he was chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee – Chuck Grassley, however, have previouslyannounced that they were opposed to confirming a new Supreme Court justice in 2020. “Fair is fair,” Murkowski said. Mitt Romney is also reportedlycommitted to not confirming a Supreme Court nominee until after Inauguration Day 2021.
It’s a popular sentiment on the left: Don’t mourn, organize. But with the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, that won’t be enough. Ginsburg, a hero of female empowerment and of the Supreme Court, deserves much mourning. But Democrats and progressives can waste no time prepping for the battle royal that lies ahead. After all, it took Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell mere minutes after the news of RBG’s passing to declare that the GOP-controlled Senate will vote on whoever Donald Trump sends its way to fill the Supreme Court vacancy—a direct eff-you to the Democrats after McConnell in 2016refused to consider President Barack Obama’s SCOTUS nominee Merrick Garland with the phony-baloney argument that the Senate should not consider new justices during an election year. So yes, Dems will have to organize, but they must do more: They have to get ready to rumble.
The win-over-reasonable-Republicans-with-reason strategy is weak sauce. That leaves the Democrats with one other choice: total political warfare. The Senate’s Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer—with the backing of Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi—needs to threaten massive retaliation. Should McConnell try to ram a Trump nominee through, Schumer ought to vow that the Democrats, if they win back the Senate and Biden is elected president, will demolish the filibuster, which will allow the Senate to proceed to make Washington, DC, a state (two more senators, who are likely to be Democrats!) and that they will move to add two or four more seats to the Supreme Court. (There is nothing in the Constitution that limits the court’s size to the current nine justices.) In other words: They will implement a Republican nightmare (which, as it happens, can be justified on arguments of equity and fairness).
Sad that a once in a century pandemic should have come along before the government had a clearly thought out plan for rescuing all the firms and saving all the jobs in the tourism sector. Sad that the government now looks like it was making up the criteria for support as it went along. But guess what? To some extent, they were. Possibly because in the modern era, a pandemic had never before caused international travel to evaporate almost overnight.
I think the bit about Iran was far more important:
Iran, China’s new captive
In effect, Trump has pushed Iran into the arms of China. The result is blood chilling. Reportedly, ordinary Iranians face being turned into the Uighurs of the Middle East:
The next phase of the 25-year deal between China and Iran will focus on a large-scale roll-out of electronic espionage and warfare capabilities focussed around the port of Chabahar and extending for a nearly 5,000 kilometer (3,000 mile) radius, and the concomitant build-out of mass surveillance and monitoring of the Iranian population, in line with the standard operating procedure across China, senior sources close to the Iranian government told OilPrice.com last week.
[The plan] dovetail into Beijing’s strategic vision for Iran as a fully-functioning client state of China by the end of the 25-year period. By that time, Iran will be an irreplaceable geographical and geopolitical foundation stone in Beijing’s ‘One Belt, One Road’ project, as well as providing a large pool of young, well-educated, relatively cheap labor for Chinese industry.
For our lowest paid workers, they can also often feel pressured into going to work when they shouldn’t. It is estimated around 35 percent of people typically come into work despite being sick.
…
Our extension to 10 sick days a year will help to maintain a long term culture of staying home when you are unwell, and doing our bit to keep communities healthy and safe.
Continuing to limit sick days will continue to put pressure on low paid workers to go into work when sick. The increase may decrease the prevalence but we're still going to see poor people going into work when they shouldn't.
Most people don't go to the doc when they are sick however I think if you are off for 3 or more days at a stretch then an employer is justified in asking for a doc note. Not simply because they are suspicious the person is lying and more because you might want to know if your employee is A) OK and B) not going to make anyone else sick by coming in
10 instead of 5 days is halving the pressure, IMO.
It still leaves them with the question of if they should take the sick leave now or save it for when they're feeling worse. Especially for those of the working poor.
After all, there's no guarantee that they're going to require less than 10 days in a year.
What problem do you have with doctor’s certificates?
Because they're usually a waste of time. Get a cold, take a couple of days off and get stuck with
Having to increase the time that your sick due to not being able to stay home to look after yourself
Get stuck with an unnecessary doctors bill
As it is if a person gets sick on Thursday, takes Friday off and needs to get a doctors cert.
Good for privatised doctors I suppose. Boosts their profits. Just no good for the poor who have to pay.
If an employee is sick or injured, or cannot attend work because their spouse, partner or dependant is sick or injured, for:
less than three days, and an employer asks for proof of sickness or injury, they must ask as soon as possible and pay the employee back for the cost of getting the proof, eg a visit to the doctor.
three or more days in a row, even if these three days are not all days the employee would have otherwise worked on (otherwise working day) and the employer asks for proof, then the employee needs to meet the cost.
Since we really want people to not pass covid around I wondered about some sort of pooling plus a subsidy if the pool was exceeded annually.
So if you have 5 employees by 10 days that' s 50 for the company per year. Without interfering with any individual right if people stay home, get covid tests etc then a rebate, subsidy via the IRD kicks in if the pool for the year is exceeded by covid related sick leave. All the usual stuff about medical certificates etc can apply.
Small firms can be hard hit by extra sick leave – larger firms would cover their covid related stuff themselves pretty much. Don't forget we have virtually no other winter flu cases so a lot of firms are doing well out of it. Also I've known companies in the past who had no formal sick leave policies jjust handed out as needed and loved it as overall sick leave was so much lower.
Maybe not a perfect idea but there must be some way to sort this
Yeah, overall sick leave is lower because people are getting less sick? Or maybe because they don't want to look like the one who isn't a "team player"?
Assuming 5 employees, that's something like 950 workdays a year (not including hols). Down to 900. Not quite as crippling.
The problem for smaller units and businesses is twofold: a sick day or two can stuff a workload schedule (especially if you need two for safety); and basic "who covers the other person's lunch break" issues.
but a year at 365 day, – 30 days holiday leave, – 10 day sick leave leaves 325 days working if full time.
950 days divided by 5 would come to 190 work days per person.
the worst abuse of 'not taking sick leave' was in offices. Well paid office people who don't want to upset upper management or ruin their career path. If they get everyone sick, who cares, at least they show up.
As for the poor – most of them don't work full time, that is part of them being poor. So if anything, again this rule will only benefit those that are waged and salaried and often times not poor.
i have not taken these into account – only the guaranteed 4 weeks annual leave and the potential 10 days off.
True that, and no i have not heard of weekends in a long time as i am self employed and i don't have 'weekends'. I have 'Sunday' off, when i don't work Sundays, and the last holiday i had was the four weeks of lockdown before that i had three days of after christmas las year. Go figure. 🙂 And the last time my partner had a weekend off that he did not have to take 'anual leave for ' was just before lockdown, since then he has been on call 24/7 and he and his workmates are not going to educate his employer about the work laws of this country lest they lose their jobs. Not that anyone here gives a flying fuck about people losing their jobs. 🙂 And another friend and his work mates just took a considerable pay cut in order to protect their jobs and i am sure they are thrilled to know that they will get an extra 5 days sick leave under Labour, if they still have a job.
But the point that i was making stands, unless you are working full time or on a annual part time contract the rules are written as such that if i don't want to provide paid sick leave there are plenty of ways around, and non of these ways were addressed by Labour.
But it sure sounds like a nice 'feel good' policy for those that like a good feel good policy that does not apply to the majority of the working public in this country.
True that, and no i have not heard of weekends in a long time as i am self employed and i don't have 'weekends'.
Yes, I've always wondered what would happen if the self-employed had to abide by the same employment rules as everyone else such as paying themselves the minimum wage, minimum holidays etcetera because, from what I've seen, their business wouldn't survive.
Which means, interestingly enough, that their business is non-viable.
And the last time my partner had a weekend off that he did not have to take 'anual leave for ' was just before lockdown, since then he has been on call 24/7 and he and his workmates are not going to educate his employer about the work laws of this country lest they lose their jobs.
Yes, because allowing an employer to break the laws of the nation is such a good idea.
But the point that i was making stands, unless you are working full time or on a annual part time contract the rules are written as such that if i don't want to provide paid sick leave there are plenty of ways around, and non of these ways were addressed by Labour.
Apparently so as your example of your own business not keeping to the minimums required by law shows.
Yes, I've always wondered what would happen if the self-employed had to abide by the same employment rules as everyone else such as paying themselves the minimum wage, minimum holidays etcetera because, from what I've seen, their business wouldn't survive.
true that, but in saying that, so as long as i can pay myself a wage that is still better then getting fuck all from Winz. And if we had to pay ourselfs all these wages and costs, no small business woud start up and thus don't grow to big businesses. But then the main reason for people like me – women – to have their own little businesses is that the job situation in NZ for women is fucked – last time 4% unemployment for women was in 2008 (by the governments own numbers) so we find a niche and hope to make enough money to pay for our lifes, lest we depend on Winz or the generosity of a partner.
And this includes, all cost of running a business, all compliance costs, all supplier bills, acc levy, and so on.
And the last time my partner had a weekend off that he did not have to take 'anual leave for ' was just before lockdown, since then he has been on call 24/7 and he and his workmates are not going to educate his employer about the work laws of this country lest they lose their jobs.
i keep telling him, but he truly believes that paying the bills is a good thing and besides there are no jobs to which he could just switch over to show it to his boss. Go figure.
Apparently so as your example of your own business not keeping to the minimums required by law shows.
please show me where exactly i am breaking the law currently and frankly you should if you accuse someone of breaking the law.
as in my business, i am now the only person working. I have let go of my staff who was employed for 21 weekly fixed hours with full benefits as entitled to by the law at the beginning of march due to loss of business thanks to covid.
Really if you throw out these accusations you better have something to back it up lest you come across as a bit of a wanker.
please show me where exactly i am breaking the law
I didn't say that you were breaking the law. I said that you weren't keeping to the minimums required by law. You do that legally because the law is broken in not requiring self-employed people to provide themselves with the legal minimums.
As I say, a market system can only work if costs are properly accounted for and your example shows that they're not.
And if we had to pay ourselfs all these wages and costs, no small business woud start up and thus don't grow to big businesses.
Which is probably the reasoning that the government uses to keep the broken law in place that gives small businesses a competitive advantage – despite the fact that small businesses almost never grow into big businesses.
I think it would be better if small businesses also covered the full costs of actually providing all those minimums that are considered so important that they're written into law. My solution for encouraging a small business is a UBI.
It's aimed at expanding the rights of employees. I think you'll find the wealthier employees are in a position to negotiate additional benefits like time off, flexible schedules, all that. This is merely a minimum requirement for everyone employed for more than ten hours a week.
I suggest that any employer who feels compelled to avoid paying sick leave by structuring their employment agreements so that no employees works for six months is running their business in an incompetent manner and if they don't go bust from that, they'll end up breaking employment law somehow and going bust from that.
Employment agreements? What is this that you speak of? Oh , contracts right, for waged and salaried workers? Right? lol. Sorry McFlock, but you have no idea what goes on in NZ employments, specially on the low to very low end. But bless your cotton socks.
No one in this country has gone bust from breaking employment laws 'somehow' see Talley, see various Temp agencies, see various people that illegally employ foreign students etc. They don't go bust, they make good bank, and what ever fine they get is less then what they made.
With 200.000 + unemployed (majority of them women for whom no one creates shovel ready jobs or increases the benefits ) with another round of job loses to come, the ones that have one will consider it a blessing and they will not do anything to jeopordize this.
All employees (including part-time and casual employees) are entitled to 5 days' sick leave if:
they have six months’ current continuous employment with the same employer, or
they have worked for the employer for six months for:
an average of 10 hours per week, and
at least one hour in every week or 40 hours in every month.
Two examples here that i have come across in my time working for others in NZ:
so most seasonal workers are already excluded as most will not have six month with the same employer.
retail, one full time manager, one part timer 4 hours a week, one part timer 6 hours a week, one part timer 5 hours a week.
(the two 4 hours and 6 hours are lunch relief, the other is sunday work) only the full time manager will benefit
coffee shop ( a big franchise) barista has a 8 hours a week with the franchise in down town, and another 8 hours with the franchise in up town, these are not the same employer, thus barista will get fuck all.
these are just three examples of people who will not benefit legally in current and normal 'working agreements' from this law, due to the current legislation. They already don't get the 5 days.
Sorry McFlock, but that is going to be a nice thing for the few remaining people that still have jobs and still dare to complain. The rest is gonna shut up, lemsip up and go to work, as they need the pay, and Winz is not gonna help pay the bills.
Never mind all those that already don't work in the 'polite societies economy' but work under the table in order to pay for food and rent, considering that Covid is not enough of a mess for the Labour government actually to do anything of substance for those that have no jobs, no income, and no chance of finding anything soon, or for those that currently would do everything – including giving up pay – in order to keep their jobs.
as for breaking employment laws, how many people have died in forestry and the company is still going? how many laws has talley broken? Are they bust?
now if Labour would get rid of the giant loopholes and say everyone working is entitled to sick leave irrespective of hours worked or length of employment, and that is then paid for via ACC – similar to maternity leave you would have something, but they did not do that.
Thanks for that info and perspective Siobhan – we don't know how lucky we are not to be squeezed by all these problems on low wages and any hours the boss likes to set.
Oh, piss off with that holier than though crap. You think because you've had shit work nobody else has?
There are a fuckload of workers – workers, not managers or bureaucrats – who will appreciate being able to take another paid day if they or a kid are sick. But because they're lucky enough to hold down a job for six months and work ten hours a week there, you don't give a shit about them.
Sure, Talley's can afford to piss away money breaking employment law. Does the retail outlet with only a few staff have the same wiggle room in their budget?
Were you complaining that the covid grants were giving money to employers who didn't need it? Or were you complaining that the government wasn't doing enough to help businesses?
There are a fuckload of workers – workers, not managers or bureaucrats – who will appreciate being able to take another paid day if they or a kid are sick. But because they're lucky enough to hold down a job for six months and work ten hours a week there, you don't give a shit about them.
dude i don't know how you come to that, all i say is that the law change is meaningless if labour at the same time don't remove the loop holes that allows people / bosses/ hr departments to avoid paying the CURRENT 5 DAY sickness benefit. So keep the accusations away.
Sure, Talley's can afford to piss away money breaking employment law. Does the retail outlet with only a few staff have the same wiggle room in their budget?
yes, if they employ people so that they don't get over the min hours, they can legally get away with these rules. Say – i need someone full time, but don't want to pay any benefits other then the wage. I c could hire 5 people – Mon – Fri – each working one day – all of them WINZ beneficiaries – and it would be a win win. They all get the one day they can work without loosing money on their benefits and i would have the week covered. Its actually so fucking easy to get around these rules, because they Loopholes are so big.
Were you complaining that the covid grants were giving money to employers who didn't need it? Or were you complaining that the government wasn't doing enough to help businesses?
Yes, i did. The day it was announced i was here on the standard and called bullshit. I advocated for a full bill holiday – for everyone, inclusive businesses, i advocated for IRD to send a stipend to each household for the duration of the lockdown level that would prevent people from going to work. You can search that. I said very much that this would not help the small businesses as it would not cover the cost of having business closed and it would not cover the bills at home. And you know what, i got called hysteric, whingy and all sorts of other things. So yeah, i knew that that shit would be abused, and i knew it would be abused by the big companies. Everyone in their right mind did.
this is what i said to McFlock at the end of my comment:
Now if Labour would get rid of the giant loopholes and say everyone working is entitled to sick leave irrespective of hours worked or length of employment, and that is then paid for via ACC – similar to maternity leave you would have something, but they did not do that.
This is no more and no less a lolly scramble as the bullshit tax cuts advocated by National.
There is one thing that i know as someone who actually has to work for money, if the people in this country have no money , i have no business. So its not in my interest at all to have a poor populace. You might want to keep that in mind when screaming abuse at me. I am not the one that advocates for feel good bull, i advocate for no income taxes for the first 20 grand – cost of housing, i advocate for a serious increase in well fare benefits, i advocate for rental caps and i have done this since the years of John Key.
And lastly, i am closer to poverty then i ever will be to riches. And i for one know this.
Do you think that there are new groups of people who feel pressured to go into work e.g health workers when they are not well?
It is not just physical illness which requires time off. I did not realise that a student on a work placement is not covered for wages if they have an accident e.g. student nurse injuring their back. They can take some limited sick days so they do not fail their placement.
That has always been the case and currently is the case.
The retail job in my post above – the 'manager' was me. After about three month of working there i got blood poisioning. Pretty bad up the leg, felt interesting to say the least.
I got lots of antibiotics, a note for the white cross clinic that i should be in bedrest for a few days etc. I go to work to my manager, and i was told that i had no rights to 'sick leave' and if i wanted to take off i would have to do so without pay. Which of course does not help to pay the bills.
I went to work. Every day. Drugged to the hilt, white as death, and sick as.
If you have cancer treatment the five days are not gonna get you through. So you go to work.
And everyone i knew in the last office that i worked before redundancy having a cold or the flu was no reason to stay home. they went to work, and everyone got sick, and everyone went to work. Reason? Most hoped to accumulate enough sick days for something 'real' like cancer, or a serious injury, or a serious illness of a family member.
yes, and that is what i learned is what quite a few people do so as to have a bit of a cushion if they have something bad.
a friend underwent a masectomy this year with all the treatments that come with cancer. People in her office 'donated' some of their sick days to her for the treatment so she could stay home.
She got the last treatment just before shutdown and is working from home fulltime.
A side issue, but I heard Bonus Bonds have 3.2 billion to pay out over the next yet as they are folding. It couldn’t come at a better time for the economy imho
I personally am fascinated about this. I bought a single dollar bond in 1969 when it started. I will be so delighted to get it back. I think I will crack a bottle of Champers when I get it. It was actually a paper note back then.
(It never won a prize, but any chance was better than none at all. Moderation in gambling!)
Hold onto it, get it signed and you might increase the value.
Who would you want to sign it?
About 15 years ago I got as change a $5 note and it had on it to Kevin (not sure if it had sir in the signature) but it was signed by Edmund Hillary.
I did not keep the $5 note as the name Kevin had many unhappy memories for me.
A few years later on the radio I heard Kevin Milne talking about loosing a $5 note which Sir Edmund Hillary had signed. I think he tucked it into a picture frame and it fell out.
So had I kept the $5 note signed by Edmund Hillary would I have been the owner?
Yes definitely, especially with a combined 68% left/centre-left party vote – or 70% for the current governing parties if we add in NZF’s paltry contribution.
20 bucks for the minimum wage, good counter to the poxy tax cut for those workers. Also good signal to move us away from a low wage economy with a trickle up flow.
Right to be fairly treated and have free speech – only works when it is a two-way thing. This man was said to 'collect injustices.' Why can't people be held in prison as mentally unfit to be in society? It will have to come if people can't control themselves. Why should women be killed by vicious partners, their children be killed to get at the parent, a nutter go loose because some people care more about their rights than the vulnerable people they verbally and later physically, attack.
I was looking up Carl Hiaasen, author, and saw this about his brother's murder.
It feels this way. Many years ago, my husband and i were 'preferred contractors to the AKL Council' – we did a lot of graffity prevention works in schools etc. Good fun, but gosh arguing for funds was tedious to say the least.
One of the people that we worked with – an ex cop – told me that its always the lowest bidder that wins. And sometimes it just feels that way.
Despite anecdotal evidence and feels, it is not generally true. In reality, the successful bid is usually somewhere in-between the cheapest no-frills one and the most expensive all bells & whistles gold-plated top of the shelf one. True, it is a grey area and depends on available budget and many subjective factors. Think of it like a house sale; the highest bid is not always accepted (the ‘winner’) because of conditions & clauses that make it less attractive or unfavourable even. The ‘game’ is a little (!) different when it is not your own money that is spent but the rules for accountability, transparency, and fairness, for example, are therefore quite stringent, as it should be. The tender process is confidential so it is hard, bordering on impossible, for outsiders or even bidding parties to form a proper judgement of the decision and the decision-making process; the rules are clear and known to all.
Fair enough. Generally i always only hope that the money is well spend and that the things that are being build are well build. That is all i hope for, that the bridge that i am travelling on is not gonna fall down.
Some good moves there – but they are incremental – the real test will be this new wave of "skilled immigration" that's going to get 1000 places in isolation. They are to be for where there is a:
But those were always the criteria, it's just that corruption meant that was allowed to include fruit pickers, exploitable Bottle-O staff, Chorus employees and of course the prototype for this visa scam, the slave fishermen.
It will be a fair litmus test of the government, whether they resume the disastrous mass low-wage immigration policies that gave us the fastest growing inequality in the OECD, or whether they have learned – at last – that migration is not an unmixed blessing.
The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8. The universe was ...
Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
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 is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
Peter Dunne writes – The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious: we live in a troubled ...
1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
…it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisitionNOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes – The High Court ...
Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same?Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
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 ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
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. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
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 ...
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Women's Suffrage Day breakfast.
Get up people.
Turnout of 50 for breakfast this morning.
17 last year.
Mood is very good for Labour into governmen here.
Great to hear that Ad.
19 September was a good choice of day for an election until Covid arrived.
Covid is not abating in Europe. A second wave is about to strike. I will need to wait and see the outcome. Flu season is going to be hectic and exhausting for medical workers in heavily affected countries.
Was it french toast or rice bubbles?
Was breakfast around at your place?
Murmurings on Twitter that Nats are down to 26%. And Newshub have polled Auckland Central.
@ScottGn – who's saying that on Twitter, Scott?
I'm wondering too ScottGN – could you follow with details so we have information?
NATs on 26.6% greens about24% LAB about 48%
That's candidate vote in Auckland Central I presume?
Great quip from Grant Robertson, “their tax cuts are less about stimulating the economy and more about stimulating their dire polling…”
Good to see the PM making a push into Wairarapa for McAnulty too.
I expected Natonal to be doing better in the polls. NZF has not improved. Act seems to be making headway. The Greens are hanging in there. Labour is secure and the party of trust and stamina.
Robertson's cynical dig at voters who support a democracy that pays his salary. I will be taking his "great quip" and the tax cuts into account when I decide who gets my vote.
There is a piece at propublica.com about US postal workers catching Covid-19 in large numbers, raising problems with postal voting in the election.
Out on the fringe, shit's flying all over the place: https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/18-09-2020/candidates-defect-in-all-directions-in-ugly-minor-party-battle/
Formal procedures of democracy aren't part of normal lifestyles. Restless natives can't be expected to be disciplined into conformity. On the fringe, random is good.
I largely agree with everything I have to say too, so I get where they're coming from. However I ain't ordinary, and have a comfortable degree of control over my life, so I'm not their target market.
Last chance to decide which bunch of nutters to go with! Choose fast! On the shelf at Fringe Supermart we have Out There, Off the Wall, Zany, Fruitcakes United, plus there's Nutters Unlimited, Nutball Supreme and one or two others…
Out of control is good. That way narcissists can dominate by uttering slogans forever, which is how aspiring leaders run the show, but it does rather presume narcissists in the audience won't compete, eh? Good luck with that.
Sounds like an infestation of experienced politicos – refugees from the Nat/Lab duopoly. Tyros would struggle to combat their proven control techniques. Closet stalinism works even better than closet fascism. "What agreements? What documents? They never existed. You're hallucinating."
Excellent volume of splitter votes off National there to redistribute.
Dennis, is Covid-19 "fringe"?
By definition, a pandemic can't be fringe. Pan means all when used as a prefix (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan). So the active agent causing it can infect all…
heh.
Building consensus amongst splitters seems an impossible task. An heroic endeavour, requiring a hero.
Guru aversion. A sensible stance in politics.
The last two points they do share with the Greens – but the Greens, being cool, favour cool-button policy issues. Hot-heads hitting on hot-buttons would have to cool down to build consensus with them.
Readers will be wondering how effective howling at the moon actually is. Humans are predators & so are wolves, but biological determinism may only work on the fringe.
https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/wolves-howling-at-moon.htm
So yeah, quite similar to minor party psychodynamics, when you think about it…
2 weeks and you can vote
Yeah. Can’t wait (more exciting than Christmas 🙂
"citizenship-for-sale"
Wow this doesnt seem dodgy at all…..
"People from mainland China make up the bulk of those who have purchased honorary citizenship, at the average price of around $US130,000, entitling them to a Vanuatu passport."
And….
"The leader of the country's parliamentary opposition, Ralph Regenvanu said he was concerned that international criminals and people stripped of citizenship in other countries for nefarious activities could more easily become citizens of Vanuatu."
That Smile on Ronald Warsal's dial…
https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/426414/vanuatu-warned-about-citizenship-sale-flaw
You mean they don't even need to pick up a one-year postgraduate Diploma in something or other on the way through? Radical.
Newshub Poll
The Greens are in trouble no one wants to make the sacrifices needed to stop climate catastrophe
Don't be mean. They want post-Covid holidays in Umbria and a new VW e-Golf (amazingly affordable at $61,990 and looks nice in blue) because they want to do the right thing. And they would, if only the Greens were a 'real environmental Party'.
Nats aren't up for it, Labour – Greens .
Mellow Yellow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQNBQI3UDag
And Chloe's expensive leather sofa with the skin of a vegetarian animal and unacknowledged animal rights.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/renting/122410717/the-most-expensive-thing-green-mp-chle-swarbrick-owns-is-her-couch
Reading comprehension fail? Chloe did not say it was expensive in absolute terms – she said it was the most expensive thing she owns. It cost bugger-all, probably, but if she does not own a car or house, maybe it cost more than anything else she owns.
Judging by your attitude, Grafton Gully, it probably cost less than your dinner-dress suit.
just shy of 3 grand as per the article linked.
a good investment, sofas generally last a long time and thus its good money spend, however, i know no one who has spend 3 grand on a sofa. But its a nice looking sofa and why not, she earns somewhere around 200.000NZD per annum so its not as if she could not afford it.
No reason to be so upset.
The thing that had me chuckle was her tweet about the 'wildcard' race between the three contenders in Auckland Central.
I'm not even being negative about this species extincting with a full bank of footnotes.
Hay bales are a fire risk and create such a mess on the floor.
"For the new poll, Reid Research interviewed 532 people in the Auckland Central electorate via landline, mobile, online and on the street in the first and second weeks of September. The results were weighted to match the electorate's demographics. The margin of error is 4.2 percent."
"With 20.7 percent of voters still undecided, there's only a slim chance Mellow can pull off an upset and keep the seat for National"
Right o, so extrapolate this out over the country and what does it mean for current National list MPs. Wouldn't they be close to having an overhang from too many 'safe' electorates and no MPs coming in off their list.
Will make for an interesting dynamic within the National caucus.
.
If we assumed, for argument's sake, that the Poll was both accurate & reflected the swing across the Country as a whole (a somewhat dodgy assumption but, for the love of Christ, humour me just this once !) … then:
2017 ………. 2020
Lab 36.9 ….. 55.3
Nat 44.4 ….. 28.3
NZF 7.2 …….. 4.9
Green 6.3 …. 4.5
ACT 0.5 ……… 3.3
… Which I happen to find quite amusing.
.
That poll was taken when the Greens were being pounded over the (minor issue-turns out to be a grant) green school. Their policy releases since have been strong so 5 per cent is very much on the cards, especially if Labour tactical voters realise they will need the Greens in 2020.
I'd rather have more ACT than more National simply because ACT aren't conservatives. ACT may have silly economic ideas but at least they support personal freedoms like euthanasia, drug policy and free speech etc.
I like your assumption.
bugger
https://twitter.com/gbrumfiel/status/1307100272502673408
Double bugger
The mentions of Cotton and Cruz weren't out of the blue.
https://twitter.com/nataliewsj/status/1307119429231284226
https://www.npr.org/2020/09/09/911194201/trump-adds-ted-cruz-tom-cotton-to-list-of-potential-scotus-picks
Candidates in the tighter senate races (five thirty eight suggests there are quite a few) are now caught in a political hard place? Maybe not as keen as Mitch.
Hopefully they are true to their word:
https://whatthefuckjusthappenedtoday.com/
Hopefully. I'm pretty sure that some Republicans will vote against the appointment but I'm also sure that some democrats will vote for.
So, IMO, chances are that we'll see Trumps appointment in place before the election.
I'm hoping that the Dems will not take this lying down and a great rallying cry here on Mother Jones.
Gordon Campbell on Scoop being slightly sarcastic.
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2009/S00090/on-tourisms-endless-sense-of-grievance.htm
Sad that a once in a century pandemic should have come along before the government had a clearly thought out plan for rescuing all the firms and saving all the jobs in the tourism sector. Sad that the government now looks like it was making up the criteria for support as it went along. But guess what? To some extent, they were. Possibly because in the modern era, a pandemic had never before caused international travel to evaporate almost overnight.
Oh dear it's – The End of the Golden Weather (which was the name of a NZ play. I think it had a sad end too.) https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/the-end-of-the-golden-weather-1991
(By the way there did used-to-be bikini-width beach patrols in NZ.)
I think the bit about Iran was far more important:
Why do we still have a FTA with China?
https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/nzlabour/pages/18655/attachments/original/1600459380/FINAL_Workplace_Relations_fact_sheet.pdf
Continuing to limit sick days will continue to put pressure on low paid workers to go into work when sick. The increase may decrease the prevalence but we're still going to see poor people going into work when they shouldn't.
It is the legal minimum requirement for employers.
Yes, so if employers so choose they can increase it. Most don't which is why the government is looking at increasing it from 5 days to 10.
Which means that, for the majority of people, they're still going to be limited and the pressure to go to work sick still there.
And that's before we get into doctors certificates.
10 instead of 5 days is halving the pressure, IMO.
What problem do you have with doctor’s certificates?
Most people don't go to the doc when they are sick however I think if you are off for 3 or more days at a stretch then an employer is justified in asking for a doc note. Not simply because they are suspicious the person is lying and more because you might want to know if your employee is A) OK and B) not going to make anyone else sick by coming in
It still leaves them with the question of if they should take the sick leave now or save it for when they're feeling worse. Especially for those of the working poor.
After all, there's no guarantee that they're going to require less than 10 days in a year.
Because they're usually a waste of time. Get a cold, take a couple of days off and get stuck with
As it is if a person gets sick on Thursday, takes Friday off and needs to get a doctors cert.
Good for privatised doctors I suppose. Boosts their profits. Just no good for the poor who have to pay.
https://www.employment.govt.nz/leave-and-holidays/sick-leave/requirement-for-medical-examination/
Since we really want people to not pass covid around I wondered about some sort of pooling plus a subsidy if the pool was exceeded annually.
So if you have 5 employees by 10 days that' s 50 for the company per year. Without interfering with any individual right if people stay home, get covid tests etc then a rebate, subsidy via the IRD kicks in if the pool for the year is exceeded by covid related sick leave. All the usual stuff about medical certificates etc can apply.
Small firms can be hard hit by extra sick leave – larger firms would cover their covid related stuff themselves pretty much. Don't forget we have virtually no other winter flu cases so a lot of firms are doing well out of it. Also I've known companies in the past who had no formal sick leave policies jjust handed out as needed and loved it as overall sick leave was so much lower.
Maybe not a perfect idea but there must be some way to sort this
Yeah, overall sick leave is lower because people are getting less sick? Or maybe because they don't want to look like the one who isn't a "team player"?
Assuming 5 employees, that's something like 950 workdays a year (not including hols). Down to 900. Not quite as crippling.
The problem for smaller units and businesses is twofold: a sick day or two can stuff a workload schedule (especially if you need two for safety); and basic "who covers the other person's lunch break" issues.
not sure about your math,
but a year at 365 day, – 30 days holiday leave, – 10 day sick leave leaves 325 days working if full time.
950 days divided by 5 would come to 190 work days per person.
the worst abuse of 'not taking sick leave' was in offices. Well paid office people who don't want to upset upper management or ruin their career path. If they get everyone sick, who cares, at least they show up.
As for the poor – most of them don't work full time, that is part of them being poor. So if anything, again this rule will only benefit those that are waged and salaried and often times not poor.
Have you heard of public holidays?
Have you heard of weekends?
i have not taken these into account – only the guaranteed 4 weeks annual leave and the potential 10 days off.
True that, and no i have not heard of weekends in a long time as i am self employed and i don't have 'weekends'. I have 'Sunday' off, when i don't work Sundays, and the last holiday i had was the four weeks of lockdown before that i had three days of after christmas las year. Go figure. 🙂 And the last time my partner had a weekend off that he did not have to take 'anual leave for ' was just before lockdown, since then he has been on call 24/7 and he and his workmates are not going to educate his employer about the work laws of this country lest they lose their jobs. Not that anyone here gives a flying fuck about people losing their jobs. 🙂 And another friend and his work mates just took a considerable pay cut in order to protect their jobs and i am sure they are thrilled to know that they will get an extra 5 days sick leave under Labour, if they still have a job.
But the point that i was making stands, unless you are working full time or on a annual part time contract the rules are written as such that if i don't want to provide paid sick leave there are plenty of ways around, and non of these ways were addressed by Labour.
But it sure sounds like a nice 'feel good' policy for those that like a good feel good policy that does not apply to the majority of the working public in this country.
Yes, I've always wondered what would happen if the self-employed had to abide by the same employment rules as everyone else such as paying themselves the minimum wage, minimum holidays etcetera because, from what I've seen, their business wouldn't survive.
Which means, interestingly enough, that their business is non-viable.
Yes, because allowing an employer to break the laws of the nation is such a good idea.
Apparently so as your example of your own business not keeping to the minimums required by law shows.
true that, but in saying that, so as long as i can pay myself a wage that is still better then getting fuck all from Winz. And if we had to pay ourselfs all these wages and costs, no small business woud start up and thus don't grow to big businesses. But then the main reason for people like me – women – to have their own little businesses is that the job situation in NZ for women is fucked – last time 4% unemployment for women was in 2008 (by the governments own numbers) so we find a niche and hope to make enough money to pay for our lifes, lest we depend on Winz or the generosity of a partner.
And this includes, all cost of running a business, all compliance costs, all supplier bills, acc levy, and so on.
i keep telling him, but he truly believes that paying the bills is a good thing and besides there are no jobs to which he could just switch over to show it to his boss. Go figure.
please show me where exactly i am breaking the law currently and frankly you should if you accuse someone of breaking the law.
as in my business, i am now the only person working. I have let go of my staff who was employed for 21 weekly fixed hours with full benefits as entitled to by the law at the beginning of march due to loss of business thanks to covid.
Really if you throw out these accusations you better have something to back it up lest you come across as a bit of a wanker.
I didn't say that you were breaking the law. I said that you weren't keeping to the minimums required by law. You do that legally because the law is broken in not requiring self-employed people to provide themselves with the legal minimums.
As I say, a market system can only work if costs are properly accounted for and your example shows that they're not.
Which is probably the reasoning that the government uses to keep the broken law in place that gives small businesses a competitive advantage – despite the fact that small businesses almost never grow into big businesses.
I think it would be better if small businesses also covered the full costs of actually providing all those minimums that are considered so important that they're written into law. My solution for encouraging a small business is a UBI.
Yeah you're probably right about the math. It's a weekend.
Part-time workers and casual workers also qualify for paid sick leave, as long as it's >10hrs a week.
It's aimed at expanding the rights of employees. I think you'll find the wealthier employees are in a position to negotiate additional benefits like time off, flexible schedules, all that. This is merely a minimum requirement for everyone employed for more than ten hours a week.
and min of six month on the job 🙂
I suggest that any employer who feels compelled to avoid paying sick leave by structuring their employment agreements so that no employees works for six months is running their business in an incompetent manner and if they don't go bust from that, they'll end up breaking employment law somehow and going bust from that.
Lol. 🙂
Employment agreements? What is this that you speak of? Oh , contracts right, for waged and salaried workers? Right? lol. Sorry McFlock, but you have no idea what goes on in NZ employments, specially on the low to very low end. But bless your cotton socks.
No one in this country has gone bust from breaking employment laws 'somehow' see Talley, see various Temp agencies, see various people that illegally employ foreign students etc. They don't go bust, they make good bank, and what ever fine they get is less then what they made.
With 200.000 + unemployed (majority of them women for whom no one creates shovel ready jobs or increases the benefits ) with another round of job loses to come, the ones that have one will consider it a blessing and they will not do anything to jeopordize this.
Two examples here that i have come across in my time working for others in NZ:
(the two 4 hours and 6 hours are lunch relief, the other is sunday work) only the full time manager will benefit
these are just three examples of people who will not benefit legally in current and normal 'working agreements' from this law, due to the current legislation. They already don't get the 5 days.
Sorry McFlock, but that is going to be a nice thing for the few remaining people that still have jobs and still dare to complain. The rest is gonna shut up, lemsip up and go to work, as they need the pay, and Winz is not gonna help pay the bills.
Never mind all those that already don't work in the 'polite societies economy' but work under the table in order to pay for food and rent, considering that Covid is not enough of a mess for the Labour government actually to do anything of substance for those that have no jobs, no income, and no chance of finding anything soon, or for those that currently would do everything – including giving up pay – in order to keep their jobs.
as for breaking employment laws, how many people have died in forestry and the company is still going? how many laws has talley broken? Are they bust?
now if Labour would get rid of the giant loopholes and say everyone working is entitled to sick leave irrespective of hours worked or length of employment, and that is then paid for via ACC – similar to maternity leave you would have something, but they did not do that.
Thanks for that info and perspective Siobhan – we don't know how lucky we are not to be squeezed by all these problems on low wages and any hours the boss likes to set.
Oh, piss off with that holier than though crap. You think because you've had shit work nobody else has?
There are a fuckload of workers – workers, not managers or bureaucrats – who will appreciate being able to take another paid day if they or a kid are sick. But because they're lucky enough to hold down a job for six months and work ten hours a week there, you don't give a shit about them.
Sure, Talley's can afford to piss away money breaking employment law. Does the retail outlet with only a few staff have the same wiggle room in their budget?
Were you complaining that the covid grants were giving money to employers who didn't need it? Or were you complaining that the government wasn't doing enough to help businesses?
dude i don't know how you come to that, all i say is that the law change is meaningless if labour at the same time don't remove the loop holes that allows people / bosses/ hr departments to avoid paying the CURRENT 5 DAY sickness benefit. So keep the accusations away.
yes, if they employ people so that they don't get over the min hours, they can legally get away with these rules. Say – i need someone full time, but don't want to pay any benefits other then the wage. I c could hire 5 people – Mon – Fri – each working one day – all of them WINZ beneficiaries – and it would be a win win. They all get the one day they can work without loosing money on their benefits and i would have the week covered. Its actually so fucking easy to get around these rules, because they Loopholes are so big.
Yes, i did. The day it was announced i was here on the standard and called bullshit. I advocated for a full bill holiday – for everyone, inclusive businesses, i advocated for IRD to send a stipend to each household for the duration of the lockdown level that would prevent people from going to work. You can search that. I said very much that this would not help the small businesses as it would not cover the cost of having business closed and it would not cover the bills at home. And you know what, i got called hysteric, whingy and all sorts of other things. So yeah, i knew that that shit would be abused, and i knew it would be abused by the big companies. Everyone in their right mind did.
this is what i said to McFlock at the end of my comment:
Now if Labour would get rid of the giant loopholes and say everyone working is entitled to sick leave irrespective of hours worked or length of employment, and that is then paid for via ACC – similar to maternity leave you would have something, but they did not do that.
This is no more and no less a lolly scramble as the bullshit tax cuts advocated by National.
There is one thing that i know as someone who actually has to work for money, if the people in this country have no money , i have no business. So its not in my interest at all to have a poor populace. You might want to keep that in mind when screaming abuse at me. I am not the one that advocates for feel good bull, i advocate for no income taxes for the first 20 grand – cost of housing, i advocate for a serious increase in well fare benefits, i advocate for rental caps and i have done this since the years of John Key.
And lastly, i am closer to poverty then i ever will be to riches. And i for one know this.
Yeah, whatevs.
Meanwhile, in the real world, real workers just got a moderate improvement to their conditions.
The recession won't last forever, and thanks to the government you're outraged at you might even keep your business.
Do you think that there are new groups of people who feel pressured to go into work e.g health workers when they are not well?
It is not just physical illness which requires time off. I did not realise that a student on a work placement is not covered for wages if they have an accident e.g. student nurse injuring their back. They can take some limited sick days so they do not fail their placement.
That has always been the case and currently is the case.
The retail job in my post above – the 'manager' was me. After about three month of working there i got blood poisioning. Pretty bad up the leg, felt interesting to say the least.
I got lots of antibiotics, a note for the white cross clinic that i should be in bedrest for a few days etc. I go to work to my manager, and i was told that i had no rights to 'sick leave' and if i wanted to take off i would have to do so without pay. Which of course does not help to pay the bills.
I went to work. Every day. Drugged to the hilt, white as death, and sick as.
If you have cancer treatment the five days are not gonna get you through. So you go to work.
And everyone i knew in the last office that i worked before redundancy having a cold or the flu was no reason to stay home. they went to work, and everyone got sick, and everyone went to work. Reason? Most hoped to accumulate enough sick days for something 'real' like cancer, or a serious injury, or a serious illness of a family member.
Employees can accumulate up to 20 sick days over four years.
yes, and that is what i learned is what quite a few people do so as to have a bit of a cushion if they have something bad.
a friend underwent a masectomy this year with all the treatments that come with cancer. People in her office 'donated' some of their sick days to her for the treatment so she could stay home.
She got the last treatment just before shutdown and is working from home fulltime.
That’s cool!
Yes, i am so happy for her. She is the most loveliest person you could imagine. So far so good.
A side issue, but I heard Bonus Bonds have 3.2 billion to pay out over the next yet as they are folding. It couldn’t come at a better time for the economy imho
I personally am fascinated about this. I bought a single dollar bond in 1969 when it started. I will be so delighted to get it back. I think I will crack a bottle of Champers when I get it. It was actually a paper note back then.
(It never won a prize, but any chance was better than none at all. Moderation in gambling!)
Yep will be getting $20 back, but have a friend who will get $3000.00. 3.2 billon a lot to be coming back into circulation.
Hold onto it, get it signed and you might increase the value.
Who would you want to sign it?
About 15 years ago I got as change a $5 note and it had on it to Kevin (not sure if it had sir in the signature) but it was signed by Edmund Hillary.
I did not keep the $5 note as the name Kevin had many unhappy memories for me.
A few years later on the radio I heard Kevin Milne talking about loosing a $5 note which Sir Edmund Hillary had signed. I think he tucked it into a picture frame and it fell out.
So had I kept the $5 note signed by Edmund Hillary would I have been the owner?
I know the $5 note would be worth a lot now.
so you are saying the bottle of whiskey that i auctioned of Jacinda Ardern before the last election and that is signed by her is worth money? Yei!
That party vote for National in the Auckland Central poll must be giving Nats head office the heebiejeebies!
Yes definitely, especially with a combined 68% left/centre-left party vote – or 70% for the current governing parties if we add in NZF’s paltry contribution.
20 bucks for the minimum wage, good counter to the poxy tax cut for those workers. Also good signal to move us away from a low wage economy with a trickle up flow.
October 17 cannot come soon enough.
Right to be fairly treated and have free speech – only works when it is a two-way thing. This man was said to 'collect injustices.' Why can't people be held in prison as mentally unfit to be in society? It will have to come if people can't control themselves. Why should women be killed by vicious partners, their children be killed to get at the parent, a nutter go loose because some people care more about their rights than the vulnerable people they verbally and later physically, attack.
I was looking up Carl Hiaasen, author, and saw this about his brother's murder.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_Gazette_shooting
Auckland Harbour Bridge was built at a time when integrity was queen. Any repairs must be with guaranteed okay steel not from China.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/426479/no-guarantee-engineers-target-temporary-fix-for-harbour-bridge
Like pretty much all the infrastructure we build in NZ the harbour bridge was a cheapskate job from start to finish.
lowest bidder always wins, never best design or best engineering.
That’s way too simplistic. Procurement is much more than just chasing the lowest bid(der), which would be a very simple task/exercise.
You seem to have time on your hands: https://www.procurement.govt.nz/
It feels this way. Many years ago, my husband and i were 'preferred contractors to the AKL Council' – we did a lot of graffity prevention works in schools etc. Good fun, but gosh arguing for funds was tedious to say the least.
One of the people that we worked with – an ex cop – told me that its always the lowest bidder that wins. And sometimes it just feels that way.
Despite anecdotal evidence and feels, it is not generally true. In reality, the successful bid is usually somewhere in-between the cheapest no-frills one and the most expensive all bells & whistles gold-plated top of the shelf one. True, it is a grey area and depends on available budget and many subjective factors. Think of it like a house sale; the highest bid is not always accepted (the ‘winner’) because of conditions & clauses that make it less attractive or unfavourable even. The ‘game’ is a little (!) different when it is not your own money that is spent but the rules for accountability, transparency, and fairness, for example, are therefore quite stringent, as it should be. The tender process is confidential so it is hard, bordering on impossible, for outsiders or even bidding parties to form a proper judgement of the decision and the decision-making process; the rules are clear and known to all.
Fair enough. Generally i always only hope that the money is well spend and that the things that are being build are well build. That is all i hope for, that the bridge that i am travelling on is not gonna fall down.
Well, shit happens, but life has many beautiful moments too.
Some good moves there – but they are incremental – the real test will be this new wave of "skilled immigration" that's going to get 1000 places in isolation. They are to be for where there is a:
genuine and justified need for critical and skilled workers
But those were always the criteria, it's just that corruption meant that was allowed to include fruit pickers, exploitable Bottle-O staff, Chorus employees and of course the prototype for this visa scam, the slave fishermen.
It will be a fair litmus test of the government, whether they resume the disastrous mass low-wage immigration policies that gave us the fastest growing inequality in the OECD, or whether they have learned – at last – that migration is not an unmixed blessing.
If they are desperate, then they'll accept my promise to vote for them if they increase benefits by 50 %.
Wrong column, but I'm referring to National.
Disappointed at the surface politics above. Iceing and not enough cake.