Open mike 19/09/2014

Written By: - Date published: 6:16 am, September 19th, 2014 - 180 comments
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openmikeOpen mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

180 comments on “Open mike 19/09/2014 ”

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  1. mickysavage 1
    19 September 2014 at 6:21 am

    Kia Ora Te Whanau.

    Tomorrow comments will be off as we have a discussion free day. Take the opportunity to go out and work for your particular left wing party. Then from 7 pm there will be general and strategic seat specific posts going up. Election night I will be at the New Lynn Labour HQ. It could be an interesting night …

    • Herodotus 1.1
      19 September 2014 at 7:06 am

      There is plenty that can be discussed tomorrow, re the 2 Scottish votes of yes (?) – Independence & the R&R letting in female members !! Or did I miss it and this site will be down until 7:00 pm
      As the Scottish vote (if yes) for many will have major ramifications world wide. E.g. The UN Security Council , and the UK’s place in world affairs, also the turnout % especially given that voting has taken place on a Thursday, think what the turnout in nz would be for a mid week vote?

      • weka 1.1.1
        19 September 2014 at 9:53 am

        If commments are enabled tomorrow someone will have to actively moderate to make sure there is no discussion about who to vote for (NZ). That would mean someone from the standard having to be online all day. I can understand why they don’t want to do that (although, yes, discussing Scotland would be good).

    • yeshe 1.2
      19 September 2014 at 7:33 am

      Kia kaha — may it bring all we wish for Micky … will be a long night I think !

      • JRT 1.2.1
        19 September 2014 at 3:07 pm

        Struck by how confident and happy David Cunliffe looks in the photos of him electioneering in Auckland today. Maybe Labour’s polling is giving them good news. I sure hope so!

    • Rosie 1.3
      19 September 2014 at 10:54 am

      Big ups to all Standardista’s for tomorrow night, where ever you may be. We’ll be at PPO command central glued to the telly.

      No doubt it’s going to be a busy night on The Standard after 7pm and the comments will be flying and all going well, the champagne flowing (or whatever your choice of non al).

      The time to reclaim our country is almost here!

    • phillip ure 1.4
      19 September 2014 at 3:42 pm

      whoar will be open tomorrow..

  2. Steve 2
    19 September 2014 at 6:29 am

    Audrey Young and NZ Herald shamelessly demonstrate their desperate bias with today’s headline that shouts “Last voter survey before election day shows jump in National’s rating.”

    Nice headline to run the day before an election for this Tory rag but sadly, for them, it’s a work of fiction.

    If you scroll down the page to look at the actual poll you will see that National’s support has dropped while Labour’s has risen.

    Somewhat poignant reminder of the regard Key and co. have for the truth. I smell desperation.

    • tc 2.1
      19 September 2014 at 6:41 am

      Colour me surprised, last day to spin the sheeple as directed.

    • Saarbo 2.2
      19 September 2014 at 6:52 am

      Agree, amazing! How did Young frame this as a bounce for Nats, they are DOWN. These results were actually available yesterday but the Herald with-held them to reduce the coverage of Labour UP and Nats DOWN. I guessed this result last night and so tweeted it, I knew if it was the opposite then Young/Herald would of shouted it from the rooftops. Young/NZH have really let themselves down here and shown their bias.

      • Peter 2.2.1
        19 September 2014 at 7:57 am

        C’mon, these reporters are of the same ilk as Mr Slater. They know that unsupported headlines make a far greater impact than facts and evidence hidden in the fine print.

        • Local Kiwi 2.2.1.1
          19 September 2014 at 8:39 am

          NZ polls are manipulated. Labour 30%+Greens 14%-NZ First 12.5% we predict.
          Post election this style of phony polling endemic globally must be outlawed.

          During Royal Commission into Dirty politics this type of corruption must be examined & a case to answer and a police investigation must be ordered by the new Government, here are some facts.

          A simple search of “Polls can be manipulated” – inside Google found about 1,400,000 results.

          Below leaves us all now with the knowledge of what in New Zealand is actually going on, it is more corruption of our MSM conducting manipulated polling results.

          The new Government must call this as it is, corruption of the MSM and manipulation of all polls.

          Historical record, of Herald manipulation.

          We were contacted Friday 22nd of August at 4pm by Herald Digipoll by a lady who first said we are conducting a poll and could we participate?
          We said yes, then she said my supervisor is listening in, is that o/k?

          I hesitated but agreed and she went through a ten minute questioning, and then abruptly said we don’t need your input thanks, and hung up!

          This left us so disturbed we searched the web and found all 1.4 million cases of poll manipulations globally on Goggle, which include what is called “selective polling”

          We believe we were a victim of a Herald Digipoll selective polling strategy.

          NZ pols are corrupted, is this a crime?

          This is just one case of the 1.4 million sites on Goggle in India which may show what is happening here in NZ.
          quote;

          New Delhi: Public opinion gathered by leading opinion poll agencies is often tweaked to give misleading results, Operation Prime Minister, a sting operation by a private news network, News Express, has revealed Tuesday. Well-known faces from leading opinion poll agencies have been caught on hidden camera agreeing to such malpractices.

          Operation Prime Minister shows how opinion polls are conducted and manipulated at the instance of political parties, their results traded to show a particular party in a favourable position, for a price. Presenting snippets from the sting operation at a press conference, Editor-in-chief of News Express, Vinod Kapri said, “Our motivation behind conducting the sting operation was a letter written by the Election Commission of India to all regional and national parties inviting their views on the publication of opinion polls.

          We wanted to investigate the concerns of the Commission.” In its letter dated 4 Oct, 2013, the Election Commission had said, “The Commission has been suggesting to the government that there should be a similar prohibition or restriction on opinion polls also as there could be several manipulated opinion polls which could impact the voting pattern.”

          Another motivation behind the sting operation was the mushrooming of opinion polls. “There used to be one or two opinion polls every election. But now, one sees an opinion poll almost every week. Which leads us to the question- how is the data generated so quickly and processed,” said Kapri.

          “Operation Prime Minister has exposed eleven opinion poll agencies, whose surveys are published in leading newspapers and magazines besides being broadcast by leading news channels”, it was claimed in the sting opertaion.

          It demonstrates how the 810 million voters of our country are duped into believing trends or waves that are manipulated. – See more at:

          “Opinion polls seem to have become the latest weapon in the poll campaign.

          For a price, the prediction of seats tally can be changed to suit the interests of political parties.

          The agencies have no qualms accepting even black money for this purpose”,

          News Express claimed. The influence of opinion poll agencies goes beyond mere opinion polls. In some cases, the poll agencies have claimed they can even prop up dummy candidates in the constituencies where the rival candidate is on a strong wicket.

          It has also been claimed that some leading editors are hand in glove with these poll agencies.

          This is just a few of the 1.4 million sites on Goggle. – See more at:

          http://www.ummid.com/news/2014/February/26.02.2014/opinion-poll-companies-exposed.html#sthash.wqSJ2ylu.dpuf

          http://www.sciences360.com/index.php/statistics-16350/

          http://www.ummid.com/news/2014/February/26.02.2014/opinion-poll-companies-exposed.html#sthash.h8rTzw8V.dpuf

          http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/471548/exit-polls-manipulated-modi-will-never-be-pm-samajwadi-party.html

          http://www.rediff.com/news/report/general-impression-that-opinion-polls-can-be-manipulated-sibal/20131109.htm

          http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Many-agencies-manipulating-opinion-poll-projections-claims-sting-operation/articleshow/31013534.cms

          http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/video/2764415112001

          http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misuse_of_statistics

          http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/mhp-furious-over-opinion-poll-manipulation-claims.aspx?pageID=238&nID=62184&NewsCatID=338

          • Chooky 2.2.1.1.1
            19 September 2014 at 8:48 am

            Local Kiwi +100…thanks for the reminder

            …and YES John Key goes tomorrow!….Winnie will be going with Labour and the Greens …with Hone, Laila, Annette and Johnny in support!…and maybe the next good guy on the list

            IPredict ( chooks survey from the perches)…Great win for INt Mana and Kim Dotcom …and the poorest and the youngest in new Zealand…and Democracy NOW!

    • Rodel 2.3
      19 September 2014 at 6:48 pm

      Audrey Young has just been adjudged (by a judge) as being in the same “professional category” as Slater. she must be so proud.
      What was the proverb about pigs in the gutter?

  3. joe90 3
    19 September 2014 at 6:34 am

    In 1707 there was no referendum, just an act of parliament mainly designed to protect the fortunes of the super-rich facing bankruptcy from the failed Darien Scheme. This time the people choose.

  4. CnrJoe 4
    19 September 2014 at 6:40 am

    not jason ede but we have brownie points. Ombudsman – http://m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11327328
    “…kiss democracy goodbye…..” from another angle. Ffs.

  5. ScottGN 5
    19 September 2014 at 6:48 am

    I just heard Key on Morning Report specifically trying to attack the viability of a Lab/Grns/NZF coalition government. Nats must be really worried.

    • tc 5.1
      19 September 2014 at 7:07 am

      The last tvnz debate spent most of the time letting him set that one up so the MSM could hammer it over the following days. Between that and how the campaign went it was another policy free zone.

  6. Tony Parker 6
    19 September 2014 at 6:51 am

    Neil Finn on stage last night in Napier….”Don’t vote for the Spies”.

  7. Te Reo Putake 7
    19 September 2014 at 7:11 am

    I am gonna make it through this year* if it kills me!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZEE_Ng1YKg

    *Ok, six years, but you know what I mean.

  8. AsleepWhileWalking 8
    19 September 2014 at 7:38 am

    This is an outrage, but explains a lot of the OIA request issues of late
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11327317

    “…I think the public of New Zealand should be taking very seriously because it attacks the whole integrity of the system of governance.”

    Dame Beverley said whistleblowers should make contact with the Office of the Ombudsman if they had evidence of such practices.

    • weka 8.1
      19 September 2014 at 10:56 am

      Wake up sleepy hobbits, democracy is more than ticking two boxes once every three years.

      • karol 8.1.1
        19 September 2014 at 11:03 am

        Yes. The day after tomorrow is the start of a new phase in the struggle. The mask is slipping from the Nats. We need to keep telling the story of how democracy, an increase in equality, an a sustainable society benefits us all.

  9. vto 9
    19 September 2014 at 7:39 am

    Discussion of our EQC dealings in Christchurch arose this early a.m. and saw blood pressure soar as we recalled the absolutely appalling manner in which EQC have acted, and continue to act. Fuck them – black marks against their names.

    A reminder of the way in which this government treated the people of east Christchurch especially. You know, the “scum” according to the fat slug slater.

    This government abandoned all and sundry in east Christchurch to the wilds of the free market and insurance company plundering, while in the CBD this government turned 180 degrees away from the free market and went 100% interventionist.

    This government’s actions in Christchurch are illustrative of its lies, deception and priorities. Its priorities do not lie with the people. Its priorities lie with the money.

    I loathe this government.

    Vote Them Out

    edit: and lets not forget Ecan dictatorship to allow irrigation water theft

    • ScottGN 9.1
      19 September 2014 at 7:53 am

      Christchurch will be one of the places to watch on election night vto. More than a few of the pundits reckoned that the swing from Labour to National at the last election was a big factor in Key’s win. Even if voters there just return to more normal voting habits could spell trouble for National.

      • Rodel 9.1.1
        19 September 2014 at 8:19 am

        I hope Cameron Slater’s Canterbury “scum, useless pricks” and his West Coast “Ferals ” remember what the Key corporation thinks of them and get out and vote.

      • Lanthanide 9.1.2
        19 September 2014 at 9:14 am

        Yip, that’s my belief for why Labour will win the election – Christhchurch is not only going to reverse the vote swing of 2011, but go further left.

        • Rodel 9.1.2.1
          19 September 2014 at 11:04 am

          Lan..Yip me too.
          Labour in Chch central needs just 48 votes more than last time + the party votes of course if you prefer Labour to Green
          Lots of electorates are on the cusp (no apologies to JK) of turning to Labour with just a few more votes. e.g. Paula Bennet won in 2011 by 9 votes was it?

    • Rosie 9.2
      19 September 2014 at 10:39 am

      Lying awake at 3am going through all the horrors of governance of the last 6 years, Christchurch was very much in mind, for the reasons you provide. Will be keeping a close eye on your electorates tomorrow night.

      All the best for a red tide.

  11. phillip ure 11
    19 September 2014 at 8:17 am

    f.y.i..

    ..for those desiring a musical-break from politics..

    ..this morn i have album-streams of the new leonard cohen album..

    ..and of the new aphex twin offering..(their first in 13 yrs..)

  12. Clemgeopin 12
    19 September 2014 at 8:25 am

    Internet -Mana, Hone Harawira :

    There is another type of dirty politics that is going on. We have Key of National party, Winston Peters of NZF, The Maori party, the Labour party, Cameron Slater and David Farrar, ….all ganging up together endorsing Labour’s Kelvin Davis to win in Te Tai Tokero in order to shaft Hone Harawira and eliminate the Internet Mana party. This kind of injustice shown here to Hone Harawira, Laila Harre, Annette Sykes, John Minto and indeed to Kim Dot Com is unfair. Personally, I think that these people in the IMP are good and honest people, far more so than many of the usual suspects in the other parties.

    After careful agonising thoughts, I have now sadly switched my party vote from Labour to Internet-Mana.

    • phillip ure 12.1
      19 September 2014 at 8:34 am

      “.. I think that these people in the IMP are good and honest people, far more so than many of the usual suspects in the other parties. .”

      ..+ 1..

      • Rodel 12.1.1
        19 September 2014 at 7:09 pm

        OK. Then enjoy another 3years of John Key.

        • Murray Olsen 12.1.1.1
          19 September 2014 at 9:34 pm

          I don’t see how that works. If Mana get a few seats because Hone wins an electorate, NAct is less likely to be able to out together a majority. The establishment filth against Internet Mana finally settled my vote for Mana.

    • Pasupial 12.2
      19 September 2014 at 8:51 am

      Clemgeopin

      If there’s one thing that will ensure Harawira’s victory in Te Tai Tokerau, it is; Key & the Dirty Politics crew endorsing Davis. But then again, hopefully every progressive voter in; Epsom, Ohariu & East-coast Bays, are holding their nose and electorate voting National.

      • marty mars 12.2.1
        19 September 2014 at 10:37 am

        Yep – I’m sad that the labour candidate is such a … – and as for the “it wasn’t him, it was the MP and the Gnats and NZF” – sorry that doesn’t cut it for me. Davis’s wish is coming true but it will be a poisoned challis that support he gains.

    • JAMESMAXTON 12.3
      19 September 2014 at 8:58 am

      How can Labour gang up with anyone, they have a candidate standing who according to the latest poll is neck and neck. Is Labour telling their voters to vote for another party.

      • Clemgeopin 12.3.1
        19 September 2014 at 9:03 am

        You are right. Labour’s position is clear in endorsing their own candidate.

        • Clemgeopin 12.3.1.1
          19 September 2014 at 9:25 am

          I am switching my vote to IMP for the reasons I gave before and also because they do have good policies which are good for the country. Besides at this time, I think IMP is the one that needs all the support and votes now.

          However, if you are not convinced, then do consider Labour because, Labour too needs to get a stronger representation. The link below from Tony Milne’s website gives a good list and brief details of some of the excellent policies of Labour. Do take a look if you are not voting IMP. Tony is the Labour candidate in Christchurch central.
          http://www.tonymilne.org.nz/labour

        • weka 12.3.1.2
          19 September 2014 at 10:21 am

          I was under the impression that Labour were going slow on Davis. Have they done something this week to undermine Harawira?

          “After careful agonising thoughts, I have now sadly switched my party vote from Labour to Internet-Mana.”

          Good on you Clem.

        • JanMeyer 12.3.1.3
          19 September 2014 at 1:10 pm

          A candidate that on current polling will not make it from the list

    • James Thrace 12.4
      19 September 2014 at 9:02 am

      Only problem with that aspect

      People on the Maori Roll are highly unlikely to read the news, listen to what is being said, and are more inclined to make their own minds up.

      Kelvin lives in Auckland.
      Hone lives in Awanui.

      Living in northland gives Hone the big advantage,

      I’m still calling TTT for Hone as he’s well respected and has done a shitload for people in the far north as their constituent MP. They’re smart enough to realise that being in Opposition, Hone can’t do much, but if he’s at least able to influence the Greens who can then influence Labour, well then, his feed the kids bill is likely to pass.

      • bad politics 12.4.1
        19 September 2014 at 9:46 am

        I heard a guy ring Radio Live yesterday & he said something interesting, he was in TTT & has in the past been voting Hone & Mana, but because he became disillusioned with IMP he’s decided he will vote Labour for party (cos he likes Davis), but Hone will his electorate vote (coz he likes Hone). So if there is more people thinking like him up north, then Hone might be sweet. I certainly hope so.

    • greywarbler 12.5
      19 September 2014 at 10:51 am

      @ Clem 12
      I noticed that too. Disgraceful. A real beat-up. Hone is doing his best – he needs to be a feisty guy to see off this sort of chicanery. Why it’s bad is that he is a sincere small contender not like the surfers in the Conservatives and Act riding the wave of dissatisfaction and scapegoating. And possibly NZF though talking to a relative who has known and had dealings with him from years ago – to him he was always straight and honest.

    • TE 12.6
      19 September 2014 at 2:18 pm

      We dont want National Parti Cameron Slater David Farrar and their manipulative lying in our country full stop.
      They all practice psychological manipulation, it is a type of social influence that aims to change the perception or behavior of others through underhanded, deceptive, or even abusive tactics.
      Internet Mana Hone Harawira

    • The Al1en 12.7
      19 September 2014 at 7:58 pm

      ” I have now sadly switched my party vote from Labour to Internet-Mana.”

      After all that relentless bull about greens stealing labour votes and then you give your vote to the 1.5% minnows that won’t be in government whatever happens tomorrow.

      Classic. 😆

      • marty mars 12.7.1
        19 September 2014 at 9:07 pm

        It is called democracy and anyone can vote for anyone that they want to or believe in allen – I’m surprised you haven’t worked that out yet.

        Onya Clem whatever happens you have contributed mate and for that I thank you.

        • The Al1en 12.7.1.1
          19 September 2014 at 9:20 pm

          Sure, goes without saying. I took that as granted,and thought everyone else did too.
          Vote for who you want, just like advert says.

          Still, I can’t help but have a smile at the change of heart though, all things considered. I wouldn’t let it spoil your election eve celebrations.

          • marty mars 12.7.1.1.1
            19 September 2014 at 9:35 pm

            Save your laughs for tomorrow night – I’m sure you’ll get sore guts from it. 🙂

          • Lanthanide 12.7.1.1.2
            19 September 2014 at 9:40 pm

            I agree, Clem’s doggedness and unwavering unquestioning loyalty to Labour was a sight to be seen, and now he abandons them at the 11th hour to vote for the newest kid on the block.

            • Clemgeopin 12.7.1.1.2.1
              19 September 2014 at 10:07 pm

              You obviously missed the very valid reasons I gave for my vote switch to IMP at this eleventh hour.
              Sometimes one has to make very difficult decisions as dictated by conscience and reason for suddenly changed circumstances as has happened in Te Tai Tokero with our political enemies and suspect friends endorsing Kevin Davies.

        • Clemgeopin 12.7.1.2
          19 September 2014 at 10:27 pm

          You are welcome. I know in my heart and mind that I am doing the correct thing under the circumstances. To me, fairness and doing the right thing is more important than blind loyalty.
          No vote is ever wasted. It is foolish to vote based on pre-election media polls, which are quite suspect anyway!
          Hopefully, the Labour coalition will end up needing the support of IMP by the end of tomorrow.
          Cheers and Good luck!

      • Clemgeopin 12.7.2
        19 September 2014 at 9:51 pm

        Hopefully my single well thought out humble vote will get them to a decent level of support. Every vote counts, doesn’t it……just like every drop of water is sure to help a person in dire need, won’t it?

        Right now, in my opinion, the two parties that need the most help in party votes in the left block are Labour and IMP, but due to the nasty tactics of some of the opposition big guns against IMP and Hone, I think a decent amount of party votes from around the country to IMP and majority votes to Hone in Te Tai Tokero will send out a good message to all of the political nasties around.

        Have a thought about it.

    • Awww 12.8
      19 September 2014 at 8:56 pm

      More than any other candidate I think Hone deserves his seat. Hope he crushes Davis in the end.

  13. Tautoko Viper 13
    19 September 2014 at 8:30 am

    This is another reason why the TPP must not proceed.

    USDA’s Greenlighting of ‘Agent Orange’ Crops Sparks Condemnation
    Following widespread outcry, Dow’s new genetically engineered corn and soybeans get approval. The crops are Dow AgroSciences’ Enlist corn and soybeans, engineered to be resistant to its Duo herbicide, which contains 2,4-D, a component of the notorious Agent Orange. 2,4-D has been linked to Parkinson’s, birth defects, reproductive problems, and endocrine disruption. Dow states that the new system will address the problem of weeds that have become resistant to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s widely-used Roundup.

    http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/09/18/usdas-greenlighting-agent-orange-crops-sparks-condemnation

    We do not want to have American Rules here.
    Remember a vote for National is a vote for the TPP which opens the door to corporations like Dow.

  14. philj 14
    19 September 2014 at 9:17 am

    xox
    Thanks Cnr Joe, I wouldn’t read the Herald otherwise. This is a very concerning trend we are witnessing in NZ. Nick Davies (Guardian journalist) on RNZ Afternoons, spoke of the Media and Political corruption and collusion in Britain. The story sounded too familiar for any comfort for New Zealanders given our biased and paid for MSM.

  15. marty mars 15
    19 September 2014 at 9:50 am

    Jeepers The Stuff website is infested with gnat advertising – wall to wall yuck.

  16. Enough is Enough 16
    19 September 2014 at 10:04 am

    What’s happened to Felix.

    Has she got a job?

  17. freedom 17
    19 September 2014 at 10:53 am

    if your landline rings be wary,
    you are forewarned,
    there are a growing number of reports on social media that landlines are being called by an automated system with a John Key voice message.

    awaiting confirmation as to whether the calls included an authorizing declaration.

    • CC 17.1
      19 September 2014 at 11:09 am

      Yep – got one of those but didn’t hold on long enough to see if there was an authorising declaration. Really pi**ed off when scam merchants feel they have a right to make calls to a telephone line they don’t pay for.

      • freedom 17.1.1
        19 September 2014 at 11:52 am

        seems no-one listened long enough to find out 🙂

        • BLiP 17.1.1.1
          19 September 2014 at 2:34 pm

          ‘

          By all means, don’t listen but do not hang up. Rather, put the receiver thingy aside and walk away – it stops the gizmo from making more calls until its time lsetting runs out. In some cases I have found robo-calls (lately from those dodgy tax claim outfits) which do not have a time limit set so I’ve been able to stop at least one line-out from making calls for hours ; )

    • freedom 17.2
      19 September 2014 at 2:44 pm

      heard back from a recipient who actually listened to the entire message. They said the John Key call did not contain any authorizing statement, so yet another item for the commission to investigate?

    • Awww 18.1
      19 September 2014 at 9:07 pm

      Anything that stops companies setting things up so their obligations are avoided at the expense of workers is a good step.

  19. brian 19
    19 September 2014 at 11:26 am

    Few people give Kim Dotcom credit for forming a party, that speaks volumes about it’s values, simply by selecting Laila Harre as it’s leader. Few people give wealthy Kim Dotcom credit for supporting an election coalition, which advocates greater taxes for the rich.

    He does follow a growing list of New Zealanders who think that being wealthy is justification for political ego gratification (Bob Jones, John Key, Colin Craig). Which I think is unhealthy to some extent, but inevitable?

    Personally I trust Kim Dotcom more than I trust John Key (and his friends David Farrar and Cameron Slater); Warner Brothers; the GCSB; the Five Evil Eyes Axis; the American NSA, and even the NZ Police.

    I’m not sure why he is hated as much as he is. Because of his historical hacking conviction? Or is it because he is wealthy? Or because he is obese? Or because America tells us to? Perhaps all of those, coupled with the great New Zealand tendency to treat allegations as fact, and brand the accused as guilty until proven innocent?

    Thank goodness, with regard to the extradition case, that we have our Courts sitting in between Kim Dotcom and the combined forces of the Minister of Dirty Tricks and the United States of Dirty Tricks.

    • phillip ure 19.1
      19 September 2014 at 11:52 am

      @..brian..

      ..+ 1..

      ..not to forget that it is down to him..

      ..that we now know we are under mass-surveillance by american spooks..

      ..this hate-dotcom meme is both hysterical and unhinged…

      ..people doing what the media tell them to do..

      ..he has put some money into a political party..(so what..?..)

      ..can we plse see a list of the millionaires who donate to national/act..

      ..w.t.f. is the difference..?

      ..especially when those millionaires really are buying legislation that favours them..from key/national…

      ..these are the pricks who are pointing at dotcom and going ‘ew!’..

      ..w.t.f..!

    • yeshe 19.2
      19 September 2014 at 3:00 pm

      Some of the biggest cons have been the attempts to annihilate Dotcom, aided by the crappy MSM bias. People have been taught to hate him, in the same way they have been taught to trust John Key. I think some here even have bought into the dirty politics around him.

      imho, Kim Dotcom is a genius innovator and specialist, and I want him helping our economy.

      For goodness sake, he was able to hack into NASA when he was 15 to see if they believed aliens existed. He didn’t damage anything or steal anything. Same when he altered the German Chancellor’s credit rating because he just didn’t like him — again, he hacked in to Deutchesbank ( I think it was) and once again didn’t steal or destroy anything.

      Also, there are emails being presented by Paul Davison QC in Dotcom’s extradition that Mega had agreed to remove anything breaching copyright, and thus there is no case for him to answer. These emails have been withheld by FBI etc.

      At least allow him to be innocent until proven guilty,

      Fwiw, I see no malevolence in this man. None.

      I trust Laila Harre; I trust Hone.

      I just voted party voted IMP.

      (and I saw it suggested somewhere Kim should change his name to Kim Dotcodotnz !)

      (have a feeling I’m going to be flamed for this — but hey, it’s Women’s Suffrage Day and I don’t care how hot it gets ! And thank you Kate Sheppard. And thanks to my dear great grandmother who collected dozens and dozens of signatures at the time to bring us the enduring freedom to vote freely, and so far, at least, with no armed guards around voting booths.

    • Undecided 19.3
      19 September 2014 at 3:12 pm

      I don’t trust John Key but that doesn’t mean I trust Dot Con either, best thing would be for Key to get the boot and Dot Con to get the boot as well

      Both as bad as each other

    • Tracey 19.4
      19 September 2014 at 3:27 pm

      Dont forget alan gibbs. He bought the ACT party, has presumably put in millions, trained up his puppet hide to get the types of policies he likes..:-):-)

      • yeshe 19.4.1
        19 September 2014 at 5:14 pm

        and many millions … add heatley, farmer and others .. and it kind of proves to me that no amount of money has been able to make Act work !! lol

    • Awww 19.5
      19 September 2014 at 9:11 pm

      I hate it when anyone is targeted because of their size. Probably the hate we see towards him is manufactured because I was thinking along the same lines in that I don’t see why anyone hates him (aside from Key et al).

    • Clemgeopin 19.6
      19 September 2014 at 11:37 pm

      Very well said. Thank goodness for thinkers of integrity and fairness like you. Bless you, mate.

  20. Potato 20
    19 September 2014 at 12:14 pm

    I have contacted the Electoral Commission to inform them that I did not receive an electoral pack and fast voting card.
    Luckily, I knew that I didn’t need it and have voted.
    The chap I spoke to said they’ve had a number of similar calls.
    Please speak to those you know. If they are not voting because they also didn’t receive one, tell them to go along to the booths still and …. might be a good idea to let the elections.org know.

  21. bearded git 21
    19 September 2014 at 12:40 pm

    Nats should lose simply for the reason that we still don’t know “WHERE IS JASON EDE?”

    • brian 21.1
      19 September 2014 at 1:29 pm

      I’ve got concerns for Jason Ede’s safety. Five evil eyes, each with at least five of their evil friends, are probably tracking him continuously. To ensure that he does not stray anywhere near the Chief Ombudsman, or Guyon Espiner.

      The last information I heard, and I hasten to add that it is almost certainly a rumour, is that he is living in a secret cupboard (the very same cupboard where John Key has deposited his Conscience and his Ethics), that leads to a secret escape tunnel at John Key’s mansion …. and surviving on whale meat.

      If Conscience does escape, there is the optimistic possibility of a John Key “Moment of Truth” event, where Jason is wheeled out to confess, and take responsibility for everything ….in exchange for a couple of days of chicken, cooked in anything but Whale Oil.

    • yeshe 21.2
      19 September 2014 at 5:21 pm

      Key speaks:

      No Colin, stop it. don’t be silly.
      Ekshully, I did not say the Garden of Eden is a problem.
      I said the guarding of Ede in my office is a problem.

      TGIF

  22. vto 22
    19 September 2014 at 12:53 pm

    this will be one of the highest turnouts for an election in a long long time …..

    you heard it here first

    • weka 22.1
      19 September 2014 at 1:06 pm

      it’s going to rain on the weekend too 😉

      How was your time away vto?

      • vto 22.1.1
        19 September 2014 at 1:16 pm

        It’s always good being remote and ensconsed in the wilds, thanks. Plenty of your namesake around for amusement though, plus this strange swimming pukeko …

        Aint nothing more grounding than the wilds. Such a contrast swinging from there to the inner depths of the Chch rebuild ….

        But yep – I reckon highest turnout for years thanks to the controversies, Dotcom, and a spying and lying PM. Everyone is talking it seems and methinks most everyone is keen to have their say. Gotta be a good situation for a change in this awful government.

    • yeshe 22.2
      19 September 2014 at 3:13 pm

      + 100% vto — remember 1984. Snow, rain, sleet could not deter the tide that sank Muldoon with a record turnout thirty years ago .. and here we come again.

      “The election was held on 14 July. There were 2,111,651 registered voters. Turnout was 93.7%, the highest turnout ever recorded in a New Zealand election. Most political scientists attribute the high turnout to a desire by voters for change.”

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_general_election,_1984

  23. Gosman 23
    19 September 2014 at 1:06 pm

    All the best for tomorrow guys. I will not be posting here or any other place from the end of the day till Sunday at the earliest. Regardless of the result I am sure democracy will be the winner.

    • weka 23.1
      19 September 2014 at 1:17 pm

      That’s very optimistic of you Gosman. See you on your return.

    • vto 23.2
      19 September 2014 at 1:27 pm

      That’s very gracious of you gosman. It always suprises me how wacky people can sometimes seem so very normal. I mean here you are being nice and pleasant and wishing your competition well, yet here you are also being one of the main bloggy proponents of the types of policies that wreak havoc on those less fortunate and screw various sectors of society all to hell in such a vicious manner …

      Reminds me of the craziness of religious types who believe in burning lakes of fire down below and glorious perfection in the clouds, yet seem to be quite normal when it comes to most everything else on the planet….

      bizarre..

      nonetheless I cannot wish your side all the best for tomorrow gosman as I don’t like them or their policies.

      • Undecided 23.2.1
        19 September 2014 at 3:20 pm

        Its similar to sports in that you play and go hard on the field, no quarter given but once the whistle blows its all good and off to the bar for a tipple of your choice

        Or at least thatts how it used to be

    • Colonial Viper 23.3
      19 September 2014 at 3:18 pm

      Cheers Gossie, keep warm and dry and enjoy your Saturday.

  24. Lanthanide 24
    19 September 2014 at 1:09 pm

    Lynn, have you lined up a chat application for Saturday night? Trying to comment on here will be crazy. I’d recommend using IRC, should be plenty of webapps for it and those who know how can connect using an IRC client, to avoid any problems if the web site were to go down.

  25. Molly 25
    19 September 2014 at 2:40 pm

    They just can’t help themselves at the Herald.

    New Election Diary: Countdown subheading – “Today’s election bus diary: While John Key was faced with protestors in Rotorua, Cunliffe was sticking to safe ground – New Lynn. “

    Implication – Brave John Key, timid Cunliffe.

    The text reads: “Mr Key continued smiling as the black and red-clad Mana crowd surrounded the National Party entourage, but he ended up cutting the visit short as the atmosphere became increasingly unsettled.

    He scuttled out of the mall with support from police, mall security and Diplomatic Protection Services.”

    Also included is a very strange look on the face of John Key while he is ” posing for a photos with supporters during his visit to the Rotorua Central Mall. “.

    Can’t decide on whether it is disdain, arrogance or fear. Perhaps a combination of the three.

    • freedom 25.1
      19 September 2014 at 2:58 pm

      “Mr Key continued smiling as the black and red-clad Mana crowd surrounded the National Party entourage” Once again the NZH brings us more great views of Planet Key, home of opposite land. A magical place where reality and reporting seldom share the same page.

      also this: “At a media conference in Cambridge” that was originally slated to be held in Rotorua 😉 amazing the little details Herald journos forget to include.

  26. Tautoko Viper 26
    19 September 2014 at 4:01 pm

    Just to give those who enjoyed the talented Jordan Reyne’s “Dear John” another chance to listen.
    Dear John is the tale of a Prime Minister invited to a feast where all the guests are mysteriously absent. A song about the impact of people who don’t recognise their own privilege on the lives of others.

    http://www.youtube.com/user/jordanreyne

    Jordan comes originally from West coast of the South Island.

  27. AsleepWhileWalking 27
    19 September 2014 at 4:08 pm

    Wow. Getting needlessly pointless out there as the strain of the campaign shows.

    Please refer to comment under Slave2 re TS
    http://www.3news.co.nz/politics/last-lap-for-party-leaders-2014091905

    • mickysavage 27.1
      19 September 2014 at 4:17 pm

      Gee a mythical 6 year old email and still not a shred of evidence that TS gets up to the same sort of stuff that Slater does.

  29. higherstandard 29
    19 September 2014 at 5:11 pm

    Prediction for tomorrow

    National 46.5%
    Labour 23.5%
    Greens 15.5%
    NZ First 8%.
    Conservatives 3.5%
    Maori Party 2% (Two electorates)
    Internet Mana 1.5% (TTT by a whisker)
    ACT <1% Epsom
    UF <1% Ohariu

  30. the pigman 30
    19 September 2014 at 5:21 pm

    Has anyone been to the NZ Herald website today?

    Turn your adblock off and prepare to be floored:

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz

    I thought I was going crazy for a minute… but at least they have pinned their colours to the mast and don’t even pretend to be doing balanced journalism.

  31. Ffloyd 31
    19 September 2014 at 5:44 pm

    Oh well. No need to bother tomorrow. Soper has just declared a win for national. Game over. Apparently. Prime news all Labour negative and lovely interview of key bemoaning all the dirty politics from the opposition. Time for another glass of wine methinks.

  32. Hami Shearlie 32
    19 September 2014 at 6:28 pm

    And now we have Dopey “Maestro” Jonathon Coleman, a Minister of the Crown in the Natz Govt caught “red” handed, defacing a Labour Party billboard – well that just about sums them up – there is nothing they won’t do to regain power!

  33. Pasupial 33
    19 September 2014 at 6:31 pm

    I was going to comment on the huge numbers of advance votes cast, but NRT has a fine post on that already:

    Whatever the result, the campaign has already been a tremendous success for democracy, with over 550,000 advance votes recorded. Add in today, and we’re looking at anywhere from 700 to 800 thousand – over 20% of the entire electorate. Its a tremendous level of engagement, and it shows the value of the New Zealand way of making voting easy.

    http://www.norightturn.blogspot.co.nz/2014/09/vote.html

    There was a queue out the door of the advance voting station when I went by today, on the way to hand out IMP leaflets in the middle of town. When I mentioned that it was the 121st anniversary of Woman’s Sufferage, some woman said they’d be off to cast an advance vote, instead of waiting till tomorrow.

    121 is 11 squared (ie to the power of 2: 11^2 = 121). Which may be an interesting numerical coincidence – or I might have just had too much time to muse while waiting for the next bunch of pedestrians to come within leafleting distance. The trick was to aim for optimal leaflet position, so that people could grab it without breaking stride; like a paper relay. The occasions when people would actually stop and discuss policies were welcome breaks that I was glad to be able to reward with badges.

    Only the scrutineering, and then the multi-party party tomorrow night, to and I can get back to all things I’ve let slide during this campaign. Looking forward to Sunday!

    • RedBaronCV 33.1
      19 September 2014 at 11:26 pm

      And unfortunately the elections organisation couldn’t be bothered sending out a few extra boxes of votes. Otag Uni booth closed about half an hour early when they ran out of paper and a central wellington booth down to its last few papers. why don’t they order more boxes when they open the last box, standard stock managemetn practice. Can’t see why they can’t deliver more boxes in an hour and a half.

  34. Clemgeopin 34
    19 September 2014 at 6:56 pm

    NOT THE SIX O’CLOCK NEWS from Laila Harre: [4 min]
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziM0v1Z9JEk

    A shout-out to all progressive voters : [1min]
    http://a.smartmailpro.com/webv/ngdx3luy6g

    IMP policies [1min]
    http://a.smartmailpro.com/webv/0oves0od7g

    Vote positive tomorrow!….Labour, Greens or IMP.

    Personally, my candidate vote (as I am not in Te Tai Tokero) will be for the Labour candidate in my electorate and my party vote will be for the Internet-MANA party as all the big guns are trying very hard to sabotage Hone Harawira and the fair success of IMP and therefore I think that IMP is in most need of party votes now. Besides, I like their truly leftist as well as forward looking ideas. They have amazingly committed honest admirable people of integrity and courage on their list. I feel that these are the type of MPs that we need to represent our country to make it a great, fair and happy nation once again.

  35. Anne 35
    19 September 2014 at 7:22 pm

    The lying arsehole rang me about 30 minutes ago – landline. Taped call of course. I so hate the sound of his nasally, cretinous voice I smashed the phone back on it’s cradle but not before advising him he was a “lying arsehole” which was a pointless exercise of course. Now I wish I’d held on so I could report what crap he is telling people. Perhaps something along the lines of… do you want to be governed by a five headed monster including Kim Dotcom?

    Anyone else been rung?

  36. Rodel 36
    19 September 2014 at 7:52 pm

    Labour’s final advertisement on TV very powerful. Cunliffe passionate and straight up.
    Natinal’s advertisement- Key insincere lying lizard. ‘We’re this plucky little country…..bull shit ….bull shit..”.snore!
    (My neutral analysis.)

  37. Hami Shearlie 37
    19 September 2014 at 7:53 pm

    I’m on the Shore too – got a call from the slimy lizard interrupting my dinner – I hung up after the Hello, this is John Key!

  38. McFlock 38
    19 September 2014 at 7:58 pm

    I had a call from a mate on behalf of the Greens – a human being, using his contacts.
    Human contact, like in the old days.

    I still probably won’t vote for them, but in the coin toss tomorrow it definitely pushed the greens ahead of IMP (who I also have mates supporting, but they tend to just FB me with slacktivism).

    So it’s greens or Labour – although to be honest, I still don’t like hippies and a colleague of mine is a Labour candidate, so it looks doubtful.

    But yeah – if someone supports a party, they should get on the phone to a mate or two tonight. Not heavy, just “do you know who you’re voting for? Have you considered X?”.
    Softens even the biggest prick of a heart 🙂

    • Awww 38.1
      19 September 2014 at 9:16 pm

      I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to people about voting. Left of course. I did this time and hope it can somehow compete with the slew of National ad cash.

    • Lanthanide 38.2
      19 September 2014 at 9:22 pm

      I voted Greens purely because of two of their policies:
      1. 40% taxrate on incomes over $140k. Labour’s 36% rate is just too timid.
      2. Promising to re-negotiate the cost-sharing arrangement with the CHCH council, so that we don’t have to sell assets.

      On political compass, I lined up very closely to Labour.

  39. phillip ure 39
    19 September 2014 at 8:20 pm

    staggering-stat..

    only 5% of national voters believe the edward snowden mass surveillance revelations..

    ..dumb as a sack of fucken doorknobs..

    ..and can’t see past the end of their self-interest..

    • Lanthanide 39.1
      19 September 2014 at 9:26 pm

      I was a bit surprised by that figure as well, given that a good 10% of National’s vote are centrists who are just voting for National because of Key and their rhetoric; a good chunk of the people who voted Labour in 1999-2005.

    • Murray Olsen 39.2
      19 September 2014 at 11:57 pm

      That figure really surprises me, because usually right wingers who comment on them say we need to be protected from terrorists, or if you’ve got nothing to hide…. So they believe Snowden, but don’t think it matters.

  40. millsy 40
    19 September 2014 at 9:15 pm

    Good luck for tomorrow everyone. Feels like Christmas Eve :).

    Regaredless of how Labour does, I think Cunliffe should stay on till 2017. Just like Kirk did in 1966. And 1969. And Bolger in 87, Nash in 51 and 54. Clark in 96.

    The thought of McVicar and Rankin in the executive should get the young, poor and brown out to vote. Becase it is they who they will come for. And if they do, we need to speak up. Before we are next.

  41. Potato 41
    19 September 2014 at 10:32 pm

    As we go into tomorrow, I would like to say thank you to everyone who has shared their thoughts, wisdom and humour in the lead up to this election.
    I hope the majority of you will be happy tomorrow night but no matter who wins, the topics discussed here will continue in to be relevant and the fight for a better world for all will continue.
    I hope you find a moment this weekend to laugh, hug your partner or a child, pat the cat … whatever brings you joy.
    Because, ackshully, at the end of the day, what the New Zealand people really care about is ….. each other

  43. gobsmacked 43
    19 September 2014 at 10:49 pm

    If you missed Phil Goff on “Jono and Ben at 10”, catch it on the TV3 website. He was incredible. Usually I can’t stand politicians trying to show us their “funny” side (like you-know-who, the Prime Comedian), but this was definitely an exception.

    Take a bow, Phil.

  44. Pete 44
    19 September 2014 at 10:59 pm

    Avast, ye scallywags. We totally forgot it’s International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Arrr!

  45. Clemgeopin 45
    19 September 2014 at 11:49 pm

    I think tomorrow night will be a big surprise for everyone, pleasant for the left block including IMP and the centrist, Winston, but a shock for Key, National, ACT, Dunne and the Cons.

    Yes, I am awake….

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